The Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin is one of the must-see attractions in the island, eerie as it may be to visit a place of death, with thousands of departed buried underneath. As you might have guessed, the cemetery was not submerged by waters in the past. When Mt. Vulcan was born, the eruptions lasted from 1871 to 1875, something that also caused some areas to sink down below sea level. Some parts of the town of Bonbon sank, along with the cemetery.
A Stunning Dive Site
Did you know that the waters around the Sunken Cemetery also make the perfect dive spot? If you don’t mind the eerie feel of knowing that you are, in fact, diving in a real burial site where the natives had been interred, then surely the dive would be exhilarating. The area is teeming with various species of tropical fishes, corals, plants, and other marine life. The scene is quite captivating so don’t forget to invest in an underwater camera! Remember, this is the only place where you can dive and enjoy the marine scenery while also admiring cemetery structures.
Admiring the Scene from Above the Ground
Not all people who visit the Sunken Cemetery dare to swim in its waters. Many are content with admiring the scene from above the ground, with local boatmen ferrying passengers to the view deck. Entry is not allowed after 4 pm for safety purposes, so make sure you scheduled your visit so that you can still have ample time to enjoy the scenery. Also, the best time to visit the area is at noon when the cemetery is illuminated by natural light and the surrounding waters are shallower, allowing for a more perfect viewing experience.
The view deck and cross marker were erected in the 1980s to mark the graveyard and to also allow tourists to enjoy the landmark. Aside from the sunken graveyard, you also get to admire the stunning scenery such as the jungle at the nearby land and Mt. Hibok-hibok which is actually the most active of all the island’s 7 volcanoes.
Today, the spot shows sign of age but more often than not, it only adds to the mystery and mystic of the place. You might even be thankful that the area closes off at dusk, especially with the many mysterious and folkloric tales that you can hear from the locals and the tour guides, if you dare ask.
How to Get There
Read the detailed Camiguin Province Travel Guide here.
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