
If want to go to a place that best exemplifies combined passion for art and respect for mother nature, then you definitely would want to come to Enigmata. It is a superb experience for adventurous spirits out there especially those who would want a taste of the life of modern-day Swiss Family Robinson. But this is not your average tree house, mind you, as in every corner you look, you’ll find a masterpiece out of recycled materials. Used and painted bottles attached on the walls to give the room a different ambiance, Okkil (wood carved) stairs, murals and etc. No wonder, it has claimed one of the Top Ten Eco Hostels in the world.The tree house is basically built around the giant Acacia tree and it has three accommodating rooms (or should I say floors?). The ground floor is for the backpackers. This is where you can appreciate the tree itself. The second floor is the Shell Garden Suite. As the name implies, it showcases an extensive collection of shells (it also informs visitors which shells should not be exported). The third room is the Eagle's Nest, the highest and biggest i think. It has a kitchen place with a mini sala, dinning place (with a swing beside it), a bathroom (with a shower!) and a separate room. When you enter the room, you'll find a queen-size bed on your right and two more beds on the top (another floor here, like an attic). At first, you might get panicky as the room mildly swings every now and then (the trees swaying with the wind... and your friend walking on the other side of the room) but eventually, you'll get used to it. When you close your eyes, it feels like you are being lulled to sleep. And the best part is, chirping of the birds (not your neighbor's loud music) and great sunrise scenery would wake you up in the morning (great way to start your day!).
Food stuff?? Not a problem. You can cook in the kitchen if you like, or just order at the cafe. Enigmata offers sumptuous meals that fits your appetite. If you're a fan of pasta's,
there's a whole selection there for you (Alfredo's, Carbonara, etc.). Not to worry if you have a Filipino taste buds or a vegan (they have something in store for you). You should also try their smoothies and their famous Tanglad Tea (lemon grass tea)!
More sceneries for you: Sculpture Garden (by the known Kublai Millan!!!) was just sitting in front of the treehouse. Taong Tuko and Taong Bao seem to guard the entrance with Salima Labyrinth on the far right while Octoman greets you at the entrance.
How to get there:
If you are in Manila, you can get there by Philippine Airlines/Cebu Pacific plane to Cebu (though I didn’t use this route) or Cagayan De Oro. By the way, it’s a lot cheaper if you book early before your trip or you can wait for their promos. (Cebu Pacific usually has lots of promo tour: http://www.cebupacificair.com/). From Cebu, they have a plane going to Camiguin (I guess this is for those hydrophobics). From CDO, you take a bus (cheaper but it takes longer) or mini jeep (cost us P1,000, P100 each since we are 10) going to Balingoan Port. Then off you go to Camiguin Island, just take a ferry to Guinsilaban Pier or Balbagon Pier. I think it costs around P350 plus an P11.50 terminal fee (this was around May 25, 2008, prices may have increased by now). From there you can take a trike or jeep going to Enigmata. Or, you can call them so that they’ll make some arrangements to pick you up. (see below for their contact details)
Enigmata Treehouse Art Camp and Sculpture Garden
Maubog, Balibagon, Mambajao
Camiguin Island Philippines 9100
Telefax: +63-88-3870273
Mobile: +63-9182304184
Email: enigmatatreehouse@yahoo.com (yes! They have internet connection there! Though I think its for personal use. If you want, you can bring your lappy plus your 3G phone, its simply amazing how Smart made it accessible )
Learn more about them through: http://enigmata.mindanaoculture.com
For more photos click here:
http://lifebloggerista.multiply.com/photos/album/1/Enigmata_Treehouse
While you’re at Camiguin, don’t miss the following places:
-White island!
-ARDENT SPRING (hot spring the best!)
-Sto. Nino Falls (VERY cold spring)
-Sunken Cemetery
-Ostrich farm (if you’re a fan of giant birds)
1 comment:
Thank you
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