5KM Swimjunkie Open Water Challenge Camiguin 2026

Following a memorable 2KM open water swim in 2024 (post here), I returned to Camiguin last May to take on a longer route - a 5KM swim starting from White Island back to Somewhere Else resort on Agoho beach, a long stretch of black sand beach along the northern coast of Camiguin. 

Group photo at the starting line on White Island

I arrived two days before the event so I can have enough time to relax and do some light swims. From Manila, I took an early morning flight to Cebu, then another flight to Mambajao Airport in Camiguin.  From the airport, it was easy to get a tricycle to my accommodation, Bahandi Beach Lodge (booked thru Agoda).  It was only past 10:00 AM when I got to the resort. As check-in wasn't until 2PM,  I left my bag for brunch at a nearby cafe (Hayahay Cafe) and to shop for supplies downtown. 

my simple and very comfy home for 3 nights at Bahandi Beach Lodge. 

A quick stop to Mambajao public market revealed some interesting finds. Near the entrance, tables were filled with fish on skewers and octopus tentacles. Another stall sold some eye-catching delicacies which I don't normally see in Manila.  Pushing aside my glutinous cravings, I settled for 3 different types of kakanin and a pack of oranges.  Unfortunately, lanzones the fruit the province is known for was not  yet in season. 

Public market in Mambajao, Camiguin

I ended my first day in Camiguin with a relaxing beachfront dinner at Pygmy, the in-house restaurant at Balai sa Baibai and another pleasant discovery for its delicious, beautifully plated meals and congenial staff. 

Capped off my first day in Camiguin with a nice, romantic dinner for one at Pygmy.

The next day, I hired a boat to get to White Island (Boat rental was at 500 Pesos + Environmental fee). Getting there was easy and convenient. Though there were lots of people at the terminal, the system was fairly organized. That said, it could still be improved with better signage so visitors know where to go. It took me less than 30 minutes to pay the boat fees and board my boat. 

view from the boat as it approached White Island

The 15-minute ride to White Island was exciting. The waters were already choppy, and I knew these were the same conditions we'd be facing the next day. We were in for a tough swim!

After visiting White Island, I indulged in one of the things I love most about Camiguin, its food scene. There’s always something good to try. I visited Saga for the first time where I had their great coffee and a refreshing iced hibiscus tea. For lunch, I headed to my favorites - Daos Plant-based Kitchen, owned by my friend Potpot. Friendship aside, I would still come here for the food. It's really good!

Sage coffee

feast at Daos Plant-based Kitchen

The next day, I woke up at 4AM and ate my usual meal for a longer swim : a banana, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, and black coffee, followed by 500ml of Pocari Sweat and 500 ML of water. The previous day, I had also been hydrating with Gatorade and water. I wanted to have some coconut juice too, but unfortunately, I couldn't find any.

After body marking, I met up with Nina, an old friend I hadn't seen in years. Coincidentally, we were in the same category. In all my previous swims, I had always travelled with my family, but this time, I was doing it solo.  I was so happy to see a familiar face!

From the starting line at Agoho Beach, we boarded small boats for the short ride to White Island, where the swim would begin.

As the horn blew to mark the start of the swim, I walked into the water and began swimming. Fear started to creep in during the first 10 minutes. With everyone splashing around me, it was hard to breathe. This was my least favorite part of the swim and the moment when I felt like backing out. After those awful 10 minutes, I was able to manage my fears and focus on just swimming. 

The waves however, were relentless and scary. Just a few meters off White island, we reached very deep waters, a dark shade of blue that had me praying the entire time. 

Swimming against the current, it felt forever until I reached the first hydration pontoon at the 1.50 KM mark. After this section, the route became even more unbelievably challenging. The current became stronger, and it was only after repeatedly seeing the same building on my right side that I realized,  I wasn't moving forward at all. I had to swim closer to shore to get past the dreadful currents. 

swimming back to Agoho beach

By the time I reached the last hydration stop, I doubted whether I could finish the swim within the cut-off time. I felt very tired, but the orange slices and drinks gave me the mental and physical boost I needed to keep going.

Three and a half hours later, I finally reached the finish line! I was among the last few finishers, but I was filled with nothing but elation and painful shoulders. The hug from the organizer herself, Coach Betsy, was exactly what I needed after such a grueling swim.

That evening, we went back to Pygmy to celebrate. I joined Nina and her dad, along with new friends Betti and Wally, for hours of good food and conversation.