Sunken Cemetery: Underwater tourist spot

THIS simple yet beautiful island of Camiguin never fails to mesmerize its visitors with the abundance of postcard-perfect landscapes.

For my three-day stay in Camiguin late last year, I made sure that I could visit the different tourist spots of the place - the landmarks that indeed define its history.

In a research I did over the web, the pearl-shaped island is volcanic in origin.

This includes Mount Hibok-Hibok and Mount Vulcan, which are located at the northernmost part and the only active volcanic vents in the island. According to records, Mount Vulcan, also known as Old Volcano, is the youngest volcano in the island. It is located northwest of Mount Hibok-Hibok.

Both feature a stunning sight anytime of the day. It could be one of the reasons why Camiguin has become a tourist magnet in Mindanao.

Aside from the waterfalls, cold and hot springs, the island is also boasting of Sunken Cemetery, another known tourist spot there.

The old cemetery of the island was literally engulfed by the lava and ashes when Mt. Vulcan erupted in 1870.

Aside from the old cemetery, the volcanic eruption about 143 years ago claimed thousands of lives and properties damaged.

After continuously spewing out lava into the sea, it submerged areas of Catarman, including the former capitol's cemetery.

I learned as well that it was in the year 1980 that the big cross was erected as a marker where the Sunken Cemetery is.

If you want to get an up close view of the area, you can ride a motorized banca for only P20.

The sight of the big cross is a favorite subject for most photography enthusiasts, as it provides them a postcard-perfect output, especially during sunset.

For those who love diving, the place, boasting of astounding gravestones and corals underwater, is the best diving spot you can go to, not to mention the countless marine life that's there to give a visual delight.

While staring at a big cross from a distance, I felt the serenity and peacefulness of the place.

Emotions were a mix of excitement and curiosity when I got to see the Sunken Cemetery, maybe because it's quite unusual to visit a cemetery for a different purpose.

And maybe, it's just quite creepy that what used to be a cemetery is now a tourist spot after being steeped in water for the longest time.

Right now, efforts have been carried out by the local government of the Camiguin not only to protect but also to preserve the abundant marine life of the area. The island's tourism executives are also going great lengths to promote the tourism of Camiguin.

So, if you happen to visit Camiguin Island, your trip will never be complete without you experiencing this kind of thrill.