Camiguin is an island province in the Northern Mindanao. Known as the island “born of fire,” most of the island was formed from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There are seven small volcanoes on the island. Tourists visit Camiguin for its natural tourist attractions on land and underwater.

Marvel at the beauty that nature has to offer in Camiguin. Revisit the colonial past of the region when you visit old Spanish-era churches and old towns. Get ready to go on an adventure and prepare to feast your eyes (and your camera) for all the beautiful sceneries you’ll see.

How to Go

By plane

There are no direct flights to Camiguin Island. To get there, you can fly to Cagayan De Oro City from Manila by taking one of Philippine Airlines’ and Cebu Pacific Air’s daily flights. From the airport in Cagayan De Oro, take a shuttle to Agora Market where you can take a bus bound for Balingoan Terminal. From there, you can take a barge or ferry to Camiguin Island.

By boat/ferry

For a more scenic trip, take a ferry from Manila Port to Cagayan De Oro City, followed by a bus ride to Balingoan, then a ferry ride to Camiguin Island. Take note that the ferry ride from Manila to Cagayan De Oro takes 30 hours.

By land transportation

Take a Philtranco bus from Manila bound for Cagayan De Oro City. Make yourself as comfortable as possible because you’re in for a 42-hour bus ride, including the short RORO trip. From Cagayan De Oro terminal, take a shuttle to Agora Market to board a bus bound for Balingoan Terminal. Lastly, take a barge or ferry to Camiguin Island.

Getting Around

Camiguin is the second smallest island in the Philippines. To get around the island, you can go back riding on a habal-habal (motorcycle) that you either flag down or hire for a whole day if you’re on a solo trip. If you’re traveling with a group, you can hire a multicab for a day tour of the tourist destinations around the island.

Tourist Attractions

See a glimpse of the history of Camiguin when you visit the old Catarman Church Ruins and the Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery where the old cemetery of the island used to be. Tuasan Falls and Binangawan falls are popular places to cool off and relax with nature. There are smaller islands and sandbars around Camiguin Island where you can go snorkeling or scuba diving. The Lanzones Festival also draws crowds to the island.

Top Things to Do

Watch the sunrise at White Island, then soak up the sun and go snorkeling in the marine sanctuary at Mantigue Island. Go ‘flying; above the water when you go on the zip line at Mahinog, Camiguin. Let the hot waters of Ardent Hot Spring and Tangub Hot Spring soothe the aches in your muscles.

Cool off in the waters of Sto. Nino Cold Spring, and have fun splashing around at Katibawasan Falls and Tuasan Falls. If you’ve had enough of the beach, you can climb Mt. Hibok-hibok for a day. Whether you want to relax or get your heart pumping, there are many activities in Camiguin Island waiting for you.

Where to Eat

Camiguin is known for its lanzones and the pastel, a bun filled with dulce de leche. The original and most popular place that makes them is the Vjandep Bakeshoppe. For some Filipino dishes, Casa Roca Inn is a good choice for their serving size and great food. Luna Ristorante, they say, makes the “best pizza in Camiguin” so make sure to give it a try. On the exotic side, locals sell fresh sea urchin for you to eat on the spot by the beach. You can also buy the local delicacy called kiping at Katibawasan falls.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Camiguin is mostly in the bars of resorts, and the occasional karaoke places where you can belt out songs while drinking local beer. As a quiet rural place, there are really no bars to go partying in.

Where to Stay

There is a wide range of places to stay in in Camiguin. You can choose stay in accommodations near the town proper, or in resorts along the coastline of the island. For budget travelers there are homestay options at Camelia Homestay, and affordable hotels such as Jasmine by the Sea and Camiguin Action Geckos and Dive Resort. You can have a beachfront room at Turtles Nest Beach Cottage, or stay in a place with a pool available at Paras Beach Resort.

Travel Tips