CAMIGUIN -- Looking for something new to do after basking on white sand beaches and visiting the sunken cemetery in Camiguin? How about going on an adventure hike up a volcano?

The Provincial Government of Camiguin in cooperation with the Department of Tourism Region 10 invited hikers from all over the country for the second year of their "Climb Camiguin" mountain tourism campaign.

Around 26 climbers participated in the day hike, which involved traversing to the summit of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Camiguin's most well-known volcano.

“Camiguin has seen increased tourist interest in mountain climbing and also bird watching,” noted Provincial Tourism Officer Candice Borromeo-Dael during the event opening.

• READ: Mountain Tourism Campaign launched in Camiguin

Mt. Hibok-Hibok’s new Itum trail, established only in 2019, starts in Barangay Baylao, Mambajao. The jump-off is at the foot of Mt. Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument, which has been declared by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Center for Biodiversity as an ASEAN Heritage Park.

The hike itself takes three to four hours going up to the summit, taking climbers through lowland and mossy forests, with a few clearings offering stunning views. Hikers have to navigate through thick forest cover and a canopy of trees instead of open trails, making the hike refreshing even during hot, summer months.

On clear days, the summit provides a panoramic view of the ocean and white island in the distance at 1,332 meters above sea level.

An extra hour is required for those who want to take a side trip to a view point overlooking the crater lake.

“The climb was challenging because it rained hard the past couple of days in the island, making the trail muddy and slippery especially on the way down. But the challenge was worth it as we were gifted with clear views in the summit and crater lake,” said expedition leader Nilo Lazarito.

What made the hike even more special was the high level of endemism of flora and fauna. Some climbers were able to spot the endemic Camiguin Ayum, Camiguin Hanging Parrot, the Camiguin White Eye and Philippine Forest Rats in the wild.

“We had guests this time, including first-timers from France and a mother and child tandem. A divemaster also participated in the hike giving him new perspective of the forests and its connection to the reefs,” added Lazarito.

Birdwatchers and photographers were also invited to help catalog birdlife in the foothills of the mountain.

While the trails were closed for a few months last year to protect the forest during El Nino, the trails are open once again for the 2020 climbing season from March 3 to May 31, 2020.

Volcano adventure climb packages starts at P600 per person for a group of four, which includes the environmental permit and services of a local mountain guide. Rates vary for smaller groups and solo hikers, costing P1,500 for 1 person; P900 for 2 persons, or P700 for 3 persons.

Mt. Hibok-Hibok’s Itum trail is recommended for more experienced hikers rather than beginners because of the trail difficulty and steep rope sections.

Aside from Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Camiguin is home to at least 14 identified volcanoes including Mt. Timpoong, Old Vulcan, Mt. Uhay, Mt. Ilihan, Mt. Guinsiliban, Mt. Mambajao and Mt. Tres Marias.

Interested hikers and birdwatchers can contact the Camiguin Tourism through their Facebook page or via email camiguin.tourism@gmail.com.