In the mystical island of Camiguin stands its most famous volcano, Mt. Hibok-Hibok. Not many people know that Camiguin is a literally a hot plate with no less than seven volcanoes in the small island. Mt. Timpoong, at 1450 MASL is actually higher than Hibok-Hibok, but the latter has risen to fame because of its explosive history. Five eruptions have been recorded since the 1827. The latest, in the early 1950s, killed 600 people.

Today, although Hibok-Hibok remains an active volcano, it has no signs of activity. In fact, the only signs of volcanism are the hot springs that count among Camiguin's tourist destinations. One of them, Ardent Hot Springs, is actually the jump-off point for a Hibok-Hibok climb. A rewarding dip at the 37 C pools is a great post-climb treat.

    Climbing Hibok-Hibok is quite challenging for a daytrip. It takes 3-5 hours to reach the peak depending on your pace. The altitude gain is quite rapid and sun cover is minimal.Yet the views are unique and spectacular. At the peak, on a clear day, you can see the mossy crater of the volcano. To your north is Bohol, and you can even see Surigao at the east, and Siquijor on the opposite side. Flanking the island of Camiguin is White island, which truly looks white from atop the mountain. Even more unique to Hibok-Hibok is the blade-sharp rocks at the peak area. The pitcher plants that grow on these rocks make the landscape a little bit eerie. All these elements make Hibok-Hibok a must-stop for hikers who are visiting Camiguin.

ITINERARY
0500 Take ferry to Camiguin from Balingoan port
0630 ETA Benoni; take FX to Mambajao (P50)
0715 ETA Mambajao. Drop by DENR office (P100). Buy supplies
0800 Take motorcycle to Ardent Hot Springs (P30)
0830 ETA Ardent; arrange for a guide, start trek (guide = P250)
1200 ETA summit. Explore the area. Lunch.
1300 Start descent.
1530 Back at Ardent Hot Spring; take a dip at the spring (P20)
1700 Take motorcycle back to your hotel or lodging place in Camiguin.

Officially, a permit is required from the DENR office to climb Hibok-Hibok. There is however no inspection for a permit at Ardent. Normally, they would only allow climbers to trek before 0800; they would say it is too late beyond that. However, a fast pace can manage a daytrip even as late as 1030. Wear sun protection because sun cover is really minimal throughout the trails. If you came late, it might be better to just stay in Ardent. There are private rooms and dormitory bedspaces there, for as low as P250-300 / night. The food is excellent too.

Volcanologists classify Hibok-Hibok as a stratovolcano and dome complex with an elevation of 1,332 metres (4,370 ft) and a base diameter of 10 kilometres (6.2 mi).

It has six hot springs (Ardent Spring, Tangob, Bugong, Tagdo, Naasag and Kiyab), three craters (Kanangkaan Crater, site of the 1948 eruption; Itum Crater, site of 1949 eruption, and Ilihan Crater, site of 1950 eruption).

         The first few kilometers was fairly flat and gradual inclines, you have to secure your footing since the terrain was slippery. There is no need to worry of being exposed to direct sunlight since the terrain is lushly covered with trees. You will also be covered with fogs and had a close encounter with a snake. So be cautious.

                                                            The Crater Lake