Sunken Cemetery: One of the Historical Tourist Attractions at Camiguin Island, Philippines

Another bucket list unlocked! I was 18 years old when I heard about Camiguin Island, the most northern part of Mindanao island in the Philippines, where our teachers had recollected the pilgrimage of this island and I never knew that I would have the chance to come here, live and visit so many tourist attractions.

This is one of the historical places and a well-known tourist attraction on the island, the sunken cemetery. Let me tell you a little story. During the 1800s, Mt. Vulcan erupted violently, causing the old city and nearby cemetery to sink below sea level. It has massive destruction and, up to the present day, it remains of volcanic stones and the lava flow is still very fresh, leaving trails from the mountain, towards the sea.

Even though it is low tide, the water is still high and the pavement towards the big cross is not visible and the tour guides there told us it had never been seen many years ago. The only way to go to the cross without getting wet is through small boat they locally call "banca". It doesn't have a machine, so they are just going to use paddles to reach the stairway for about 3–5 minutes. The place also offers snorkeling with complete equipment and an instructor, then you can see the rich saltwater with so many fishes, sea creatures, corals and some structures with moss beneath. Accordingly, traces of tombs are not very clear to the eyes from above, but if you deep dive there are still remains.

From left to right, you won't get bored because it gives a breathtaking view of free living mosses. Natural stone positions that feel manually arranged but only the sea waves dictates.

The place is preserved and protected. Fish and other marine creatures are not for hunting or fishing. I picked up some and took pictures and my husband warned me not to pick them up because it's prohibited.

The sea is open for everyone to swim and have picnic, but they are very strict when it comes to garbage. Going to the cross by boat has a fee and also snorkeling has a fee, but swimming here is free. The kids enjoyed the sea so much. Even though it's hot, it doesn't matter having fun in the fine sand and low tide.

I am very happy that finally I had able to come here. My husband worked here twice a week together with his commander, but that day, he went here alone, so he passed by our house and brought us here. It's a fulfilling moment, because before I only saw it on documentaries, and today I had stepped here. The sunken cemetery reminds me that if you feel broken, torn and destroyed, it's not the end of your life, but it's redirection. Before, this place was a sad place for our beloved one who passed away, but after a very big challenge, this place became our stepping stone to smile and to capture memorable moments of a new view carrying history, not a beautiful history but a beautiful transformation.