Travel Guide: Camiguin

Camiguin is an island province in the coast of Southern Philippines. Dubbed “The Island Born of Fire,” the island’s volcanic origins and eruptions have brought forth an abundance of natural sites. It’s currently the second smallest province in the country after Batanes. But despite its compact size, this lovely island has a lot of natural sites to offer from sea to summit and all around the island.

Camiguin is the type of place you wouldn’t mind going back to again and again. Aside from the natural attractions, it’s the friendly vibe and local hospitality that will keep you coming back.

Where exactly is Camiguin?

The pear-shaped volcanic island is located 714 kms. South of Manila, 120 kms. Southeast of Cebu and 90 km North of Cagayan de Oro in the southern part of the Philippines. Camiguin used to be apart of Misamis Oriental until it became a separate province in 1966.

Camiguin is currently the second smallest province in the country after Batanes and has a peaceful laid-back island vibe. While Camiguin is geographically part of Region 10, Northern Mindanao, which includes Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental, it has the same vibe as other smaller islands in the Southern Visayas region like Bohol and Siquijor.

How to get to Camiguin

Starting May 2019, SkyJet will be launching direct flights from Manila to Camiguin. The island is also accessible by connecting flights from Cebu and sea travel from Cagayan de Oro and Bohol.

From Cagayan de Oro City, take a bus from Agora Market to Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental. Ferries from Balingoan bound for Camiguin make the one-hour crossing to Benoni Port in Mahinog, Camiguin. From Bohol, Super Shuttle caters the Bohol-Camiguin route, which docks at Balbagon Port, Camiguin and Jagna in Bohol. Fast crafts are also available from Jagna in Bohol to the Benoni Port in Camiguin.

Getting around Camiguin

Camiguin is a small island composed of 5 towns namely Mambajao (the capital town), Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The island measures just 29,197 hectares and has a well-paved 64 km-circumferential road that is very easy to navigate.

Most locals get around via the motorela, a local version of the tricycle that originated from Cagayan de Oro City, which contains an extended jeepney-like cabin at the back of the motorcycle that can seat from up to 10 passengers.

Motorcycles and mountain bikes are available for rent in various places around the island including Bahay-Bakasyunan sa Camiguin and Camiguin Rent a Scooter for visitors who want to explore the island on their own. Rates for bikes cost P200 a day, while it’s P350-P500+ for scooters and motorbikes depending on the make and model. Camiguin Rent Scooter: Contact 0966-9343300. 0975-0455951

Camiguin Mountain Bike Rentals offers mountain bikes for rent and guided trips. For inquiries, contact: 0917-3010338.

What to Do / Where to Go in Camiguin

Hike up Mt. Hibok-Hibok

Camiguin is gearing up its mountain tourism program. As of 2019, the local tourism office has identified at least 14 volcanoes in Camiguin, which offer challenging hikes for trekkers. The most popular is Mt. Hibok-Hibok while the tallest is Mt. Timpoong. Other popular volcanos include Old Vulcan, Mt. Uhay, Mt. Ilihan and Mt. Mambjao.

Scaling Mt. Hibok-Hibok involves a challenging but rewarding trail over loose rocks and boulders, densely forested areas and slippery slopes. The summit offers a view of the crater-like lake and stem outlets as well as a panoramic view of the island and Bohol Province.

The Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument is recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park and is the center of biodiversity on the island. The heritage park hosts an important watershed and serves as a sanctuary for endemic birds such as the Camiguin hanging parrot and Camiguin hawk-owl, rodents such as the Camiguin forest mouse, various amphibians and medicinal trees rattan and ferns.

Note: The mountains are currently closed for hiking due to El Nino

Mantigue Island Nature Park

Mantigue Island is a 4-hectare land declared as a marine sanctuary. This tiny island is home to a verdant forest and picturesque white sand beach.

The island contains a short, but scenic forest trail, picnic huts where you can enjoy meals on the beach and snorkeling areas nearby where you can see turtles in the wild. It also offers a great view of Mt. Timpoong, Camiguin’s highest peak.

Bask on the beach at White Island

White Island is a stunning white sandbar located about 1.4 km off the Northern Shore that offers a scenic place for swimming and picnics. Small outrigger boats from the shore can take you to and from this small strip of paradise.

Locals say it’s best to go in the morning because it can get very hot at noon since there’s no shade on the sand bar. It’s also very peaceful in the afternoon, though waves may be stronger getting there.

Learn to dive

Camigiun is also a world-class destination for divers, hosting a variety of aquatic life including beautiful corals and sea turtles. Beginner-friendly dive sites include Mantigue Island, the Sunken Cemetery and Tangub Springs. Experienced divers can enjoy exploring the areas around Burias Shoal, Jicduf Shoal, Old Volcano and Black Forest. For the best experience, consult internationally accredited dive shops. The island promotes Freediving and you can learn the basics within a week.

Loop the island by scooter or mountain bike

Camiguin is a compact island with a 64-km circumferential road, which visitors can easily loop in just over an hour by land. The best way to roam around and go sightseeing is by motorbike or bicycle. Scooter and bike rentals are available in Mambajao and various resorts.

Go on a sightseeing flight

One of the most unique attractions in Camiguin is their sightseeing flight adventures. Camiguin Aviation offers trips aboard small aircrafts where you can enjoy all the tranquil scenery Camiguin has to offer, from sea-level sandbars to the peaks of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and, with some gentle aerobatics.

Take a dip in natural springs

Camiguin has several natural springs, each with their own unique charm, where locals can enjoy swimming and picnics. 

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring is a hot spring with fresh and hot sulfuric waters heated by Hibok-Hibok Volcano ranging from 33°C to 38°C. In contrast, Sto. Nino Cold Springs in contrast is a large pool with 20°C waters.

You can also visit a Soda Water Park, a pool filled with natural streaming soda water, which is plentiful on the island. Visitors can also try drinking soda water from a drinking fountain nearby. 

Visit waterfalls

Camiguin has several waterfalls, the most popular of which are Katibawasan Waterfalls (75 meters), Tuasan Falls and Binangawan Falls.

The path to several waterfalls have been developed for tourists, including the 75-meter high Katibawasan Waterfalls and the smaller but lush Tuasan Falls.

Previously only passable by habal-habal, treks or horseback riding, the road going to Tuasan Falls is now 100% paved, making it easily accessible to visitors.

Visit the Sunken Cemetery & other heritage sites

Much of the island was formed through earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In 1871, the eruption of Mt. Vulcan submerged the old town of Catarman, pushing it below the sea, leaving behind ruins of a church and belltower (known as the Old Church Ruins) and of course the iconic Sunken Cemetery marked by a huge cross.

The most iconic landmark to visit while going around is the famous Sunken Cemetery, a large cross in the sea that memorializes the cemetery and town that was driven underwater when Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted in the 1870s. The area is actually a dive site where you can swim among tombstones encrusted by corals.

Other heritage sites of interest on the island include the Old Church Ruins in Guiob, Centennial Tree, Moro Watch Tower and the 1914 Marker. Ancestral homes from the Spanish and American periods can be seen all around Camiguin.

Where to Stay in Camiguin

There are numerous beach resorts, cottages and homestays available throughout the island of Camiguin. Here are just a few that I personally stayed in or visited.

Villa Paraiso Resort & Apartelle

Conveniently located in the capital town of Mambajao a few minutes away from the airport, Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle offers standard AC rooms with their own CR. They have a restaurant/bar on site and a large relaxing swimming pool. They have Wine Cellar though it’s only for members. Wifi is available at the Frontdesk and lobby area. Poblacion, Mambajao. 0917-3089296. villaparaisoresort@gmail.com

Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin

Bahay-Bakasyunan sa Camiguin is one of the most popular resorts on the island, with charming nature-inspired interiors, nipa hut style villas, a swimming pool and its own oceanside bar & grill that serves buffet breakfast.

Bahay-Bakasyunan sa Camiguin is located in Balbagon, Mambajao, Camiguin. Room rates range from P3,600 to P5,150/room (good for 2) with extra person P800-P1000 depending on type of room (premium, supreme, superior and deluxe). For inquiries and reservations, please call: Tel now (088) 387-1057, 387-0131. Mobile: 0917-77212798/0998-5599377. Website: www.bahaybakasyunan.com, Email: camiguinbbc@gmail.com

Paras Beach Resort

Set on the rocky shores of the Bohol Sea, this laid-back resort is a minute’s walk from White Island Ferry Terminal with access to the beaches of nearby White Island. It’s 5 km from both Camiguin Airport and Ardent Hot Spring. Amenities consist of an informal terrace restaurant/bar, an outdoor pool and a garden. Diving, water sports and a game room are available. Paras Beach Resort, Yumbing, Mambajao. 0917-7152285/284. parasbeachresort@gmail.com

More humble options and dorm rooms for groups are available in resorts like Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring and Resort and J & A Fishpen Resort & Apartelle starting at 1,000/night per room.

Where / what to eat in Camiguin

I love the fact that there are no fast food joints or malls in the island province because locals really want to preserve homegrown restaurants and cafes.

Hayahay Café is a rustic little café that offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly fare with a focus on using superfoods and organic ingredients. They serve delicious meals like Smoothie Bowls, Tofu Rice and Kamote fries.

La Dolce Vita offers high-quality Italian cuisine at affordable prices. They serve thin-crust pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven, homemade pasta and steak meals and ice-cold beer.

Another great place to dine is Guerrera’s, which offers Asian street food like Lemongrass skewers, Pad Thai and local specialty Hibok-Hibok Express.

Located in Payahan Hills, an elevated portion of the island, Camridge Restaurant offers “a taste of Camiguin” with their set lunch meals and bed and breakfast with a view. Luna Ristorante Italiano offers Italian specialties like pizza. 

J & A Fishpen Resort and Restaurant offers seafood and Filipino specialties like grilled tuna, crabs, pancit, squid adobo and sinigang.

Other top recommendations include La Isla Cocina, Checkpoint Food,The Beehive Café and Kurma, which is known for their coconut burger, that makes use of a coconut patty instead of meat.

Camiguin is best known for having the sweetest Lanzones, a tropical fruit that grows abundantly in the island. Camiguin lanzones is so sweet, that it will ruin all other varieties of lanzones for you.

There are a few other unique snacks made with local ingredients like coconut. Kiping is a thin, crispy wafer shaped like a plate that’s made from dried sweet potatoes, mixed with water then fried and drizzled with latik, a sweet caramelized coconut sauce. Nilabog is a local cooler made with coconut strips, milk, crushed biscuits & peanuts. 

Other local delicacies include Piniato (peanut brittle bars glazed with honey), Guinsiliban’s Coco Sugar, La Salud Turrones de Mani and Soling’s Ampao.

Koter is a concoction of coconut wine mixed with ground cacao, evaporated milk & beaten chicken eggs that is locally produced in Camiguin and can be ordered for special occasions.

Sinaging is a mixture of banana (saba), sugar, ground mixed rice, condensed milk and coconut wrapped in puso, packets made of woven coconut leaves. This makes a very filling snack with Maestrado Tablea, pure cocoa prepared in a traditional way.

While not only found in Camiguin, I enjoyed havinguni (sea urchin), which vendors were selling in White Island for P50 for 3 pieces.

Special mention goes to Lechon de Camiguin, which is one of the best varieties of lechon I have ever tasted in the Philippines. With perfectly crispy skin, soft tender meat with just the right amount of fat that has soaked up the flavors of the herbs and secret spices.

What to Buy

One of the most unique souvenirs you can buy from Camiguin is Seaglass Jewelry, necklaces and accessories that make use of discarded glass that has been molded by the ocean. The well-designed pieces are handcrafted by the women of Agoho.

Be sure to stop by Treasures Camiguin which showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen in Camiguin. Sustainable products here include handmade bags, traditional and modern weaving, sea pottery mosaics, and trash to treasure pieces.

A local specialty and pasalubong favorite, Pastel de Camiguin is a dessert or snack bun filled with yema, purple yam or macapuno. Sweet Island Pastil and Vjandep Pastel are the major producers of this delicacy, which is also widely sold in Cagayan de Oro.

Festivals

The Lanzones Festival is held during the 3rd week of October, as a thanksgiving celebration for the progress of Camiguin through the years and the abundant harvest of sweet and quality Lanzones which Camiguin is known for.

Panaad is a yearly devotional expression of penitence and spiritual enrichment during Holy Week, where people gather and walk around the island and trek up the Old Volcano.

San Juan sa Hibok-Hibok Festival is a celebration in honor of St. John the Baptist held every 24th of June characterized by a variety of water and ball games and fluvial parades.

This travel guide was compiled from two trips to Camiguin in 2014 and 2019 made possible by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 10 Northern Mindanao.