Camiguin, Philippines

🌋 Camiguin Travel Guide | Island Born of Fire and Full of Wonder

A Tiny Island with Towering Natural Marvels

Nicknamed the “Island Born of Fire,” Camiguin is the second smallest province in the Philippines, but it boasts a stunning concentration of volcanoes, waterfalls, hot and cold springs, white-sand islands, and Spanish-era ruins — all within a single island that can be circled in under two hours. Whether you're chasing adventure or soaking in serenity, Camiguin offers raw, unfiltered beauty and local charm.

📍 Where is Camiguin?

Located in Northern Mindanao, north of Cagayan de Oro
Accessible via ferry from Balingoan Port, Misamis Oriental
Surrounded by the Bohol Sea, with views of Bohol, Bukidnon, and Surigao

✈️ How to Get to Camiguin

By Air:
- Fly directly to Camiguin Airport (CGM) from Cebu (Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Sunlight Air)
- Or fly to Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan Airport) and take a 2–3 hour drive to Balingoan Port, then a 1-hour ferry to Camiguin
By Sea:
- Ferries run from Bohol (Jagna Port) to Balbagon Port, Camiguin

🌟 Top Things to Do in Camiguin

🏝️ White Island

A powdery white sandbar just 10 minutes by boat from Mambajao
Offers incredible views of Mt. Hibok-Hibok
Best visited early morning or sunset for photos

🏞️ Katibawasan Falls

250-foot tall waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest
Cool and refreshing plunge pool, perfect for a swim

🧖‍♀️ Ardent Hot Springs

Natural hot spring pools at the foot of Mt. Hibok-Hibok
Great for relaxing after a day of exploring

🌊 Mantigue Island

Marine sanctuary perfect for snorkeling and kayaking
Surrounded by white sand and clear, turquoise water

⛪ Sunken Cemetery

A large cross in the sea marking a submerged Spanish cemetery (due to a volcanic eruption in 1871)
Best viewed by boat or during sunset for hauntingly beautiful photos

🏛️ Old Church Ruins

Remains of a 16th-century Spanish church destroyed by Mt. Vulcan’s eruption
Overgrown walls with a serene, spiritual atmosphere

🥾 Hike Mt. Hibok-Hibok

For experienced hikers: a steep but rewarding climb with panoramic views and crater exploration
Requires a DENR permit and guide

🍽️ What to Eat in Camiguin

🥥 Kiping with Latik – A crispy wafer topped with sweet coconut syrup
🍢 Surol – Chicken stew in coconut milk with herbs
🍌 Camiguin’s sweet lanzones – Especially abundant during October Lanzones Festival
🐟 Grilled seafood, fresh daily from local fishermen

🏨 Where to Stay

🏝️ Paras Beach Resort – Mid-range beachfront with great White Island views
🌿 Balai sa Baibai – Eco-luxury resort with wellness spa and yoga
🛏️ Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat – Dive-friendly with volcanic stone designs
💸 Pabua’s Cottages – Budget-friendly option close to White Island jump-off

🎉 Best Time to Visit

March to May – Dry, sunny season perfect for island-hopping
October – For the Camiguin Lanzones Festival, celebrating the island’s most famous fruit
Avoid July–September due to heavy rains and potential rough seas

💡 Travel Tips

You can circle the island in under 2 hours by motorbike — a popular and scenic way to explore
No malls, but plenty of cozy cafes, local eateries, and souvenir shops
ATM access is limited — bring enough cash
Local SIM cards work well in town; signal may fade in remote areas

📸 Best Photo Spots

White Island with Mt. Hibok-Hibok in the background
The Sunken Cemetery cross at golden hour
Katibawasan Falls from below
Underwater shots in Mantigue Marine Sanctuary

🛍️ Souvenirs to Take Home

Lanzones wine or candy
Handcrafted shell jewelry
Local herbal soaps and balms
Wood carvings of the iconic Sunken Cemetery Cross