Location: Camiguin Island, located at the northwestern end of the Island
(9°12.2'N, 124°40.5’E)
In the mystical island of Camiguin in Northern Mindanao 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.
Climbing Hibok-Hibok is quite challenging for a daytrip. It takes 3-4 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.
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| Mt. Hibok-hibok |
Hibok-Hibok has erupted five times in modern history.
The first recorded eruption occurred in 1827 and a similar activity followed in 1862.February 16, 1871, earthquakes and subterranean rumblings began to be felt on the island, which increased in severity until April 30 when a volcanic fissure opened up 400 yards southwest of the village of Catarman, on the northwest flank of Hibok-hibok Volcano.Lava was continuously ejected and poured into the sea for four years destroying the town. At the same time, the vent started gaining in height and width thus forming Mt. Vulcan.In 1875, the mountain was described as a dome, about 1,950 feet (590 m) in height, without any crater, but still smoking and incandescent at the top.In 1897, Hibok-Hibok emitted white sulfurous vapors which damaged farms on the island. Solfataric activity continued up to 1902. From 1948 to 1951, Mt. Hibok-Hibok constantly rumbled and smoked. There were also landslides and earthquakes followed by dome building and nuee ardente. The Peléan eruption in 1948 from the Kanangkaan crater caused little damage and loss of life.