The Story Behind Camiguin’s Sunken Cemetery
The name of the place itself lays a mystery that is left for you to unfold. I admit that the name; “Sunken Cemetery” sounds scary to me. However, positive feedback coming from people who have gone to such place inspired me to consider such visit
A sight of excitement and fascination enveloped me as we touched down the Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin Island which is believed as one of the best tourist destinations of Camiguin Island.
My friends told me before that when you're able to visit Camiguin Island, you shouldn't forget to include the Sunken Cemetery in your itineraries since the Sunken Cemetery plays a significant role of the history of Camiguin.
My first impression to this marvelous huge cross which imbued the volcanic holocaust of 1871 is that I will be experiencing goosebumps, skin-haired turning on, stuff like that since it is a cemetery sunk in the sea-bed but unfortunately, I was amazed. This is not an ordinary cross installed in the sea actually, there is an entire story of history about this tourist spot. It is absolutely fascinating to experience and see the reality of this attraction. It is a real attraction, indeed!
Approximately 16 kilometers from Catarman proper, a huge cross was built in 1982 which lies 20 feet underwater to commemorate the community cemetery which sunk during the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vulcan (known as the Old Volcano of Camiguin) on 1871. It is located at Barrio Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin Island.
The story about the Sunken Cemetery can be traced back during the 1871 volcanic eruption of the Old Volcano known as Mt. Vulcan and earthquake which destroyed the entire capital of the ancient Camiguin Island founded during the Spanish era.
History states that the Old Volcano of Camiguin had four historical eruptions. First of which was during the 1827 period. Second of this eruption was around the year of 1862 which killed hundreds of its people. The third eruption and most historically significant was in 1871 which made the entire capital of Camiguin Island with its Spanish Church (Known for today as the Century-old Gui-ob Church Ruins build by the Spanish) and even its cemetery sunk under the sea approximately 20-25 feet underwater.
In the year 1948, Mt. Vulcan once again erupted sinking the whole area deeper.
The Sunken Cemetery is actually 20-30 meters away from the shoreline. Visiting the area is free. However, if you wanted to experience, take a look closer, and be amazed with its glorious attraction, you can avail the bancas available in the shoreline which can take you to the site for only P20.00 per individual. Yes, that is indeed a minimal amount.
Today, the Sunken Cemetery is one of most visited tourist spot in the Island of Camiguin and is one of the most unique diving sites in the world. Fun of snorkeling, and diving can actually see the corals with tombstones populated by schools of fishes and other marine living organisms. You can even swim through the clear waters up to the site of the main cross approximately 100 meters from the huge cross for 5-10 minutes,
A fluvial parade during the month of November is held usually organized by the people of Barangay Bonbon to commemorate the tragedy of the sunken cemetery.
Now I can say with a smile, "I've been here and will be coming back again"