Camiguin is the second smallest island province in the Philippines, and it’s among the most picturesque places in Mindanao. There is no denying the pristine beauty of this island, making it a must-visit destination.

The island also goes by other names like the “Volcanic Island” or the “Island Born of Fire” due to its land area being home to seven volcanoes, including the famous Hibok-Hibok Volcano. This makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking adventure and excitement during their vacations.

The island boasts a unique and highly attractive natural beauty. While the primary language on the island is Cebuano, the locals also speak English and Tagalog. In this comprehensive travel guide to Camiguin, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about the island.

Camiguin is considered the smallest province in Northern Mindanao with a total land area of only 291.87 square kilometers. Despite its small size, the island is blessed with pristine and idyllic beaches, magnificent waterfalls, impressive volcanoes, rejuvenating hot springs, and diverse marine life. It truly is a paradise! Locals and tourists who have visited this island can attest that it is one of the most beautiful places in the country, which, considering the Philippines’ archipelago of 7,107 islands, says a lot.

Camiguin Island is not affected by the recurring typhoons that often hit the northern parts of the Philippines during the rainy seasons. The weather is excellent throughout the year, and the best time to visit Camiguin is during the island’s second festival, the Lanzones Festival, which usually takes place in the third week of October.

It is not recommended to visit the island during Holy Week for clear reasons. During Holy Week, many tourists flock to the island, leading to overcrowding and increased prices for accommodation, transportation, and other tourist services.

The hottest month in Camiguin is May when temperatures rise to 26.9 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The coldest month of the year is February, and temperatures are lower during this time.

The island doesn’t have a distinct seasonal temperature division. Temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year. Daytime temperatures are higher than nighttime temperatures. September is the month with the most sunny days in the year. The rainiest month is October, and February is the driest month of the year.

There are several ways to get to Camiguin:

1. Via Cebu: Every day at 06:10, Cebu Pacific Airlines has a flight from Camiguin to Cebu. If you decide to travel here from Manila, you should book the earliest flight from Manila to Cebu. This way, you can catch the flight from Cebu to Camiguin in time. (Please note that flight schedules may vary, so it’s essential to check the current flight times and availability).
2. Via Cagayan de Oro (CDO):
   • Major Philippine airlines operate daily flights from Manila to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) at Lagindingan Airport (CDO code). Take the shuttle from the airport to Agora Market Terminal in CDO. The shuttle costs 200 pesos, and the journey takes between 45 seconds to an hour.
   • Once you arrive at Agora Market Terminal, board the bus heading to Butuan. The ticket price is 150 pesos, and you’ll disembark at the Balingoan junction. The average travel time is about two hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
   • After arriving at the Balingoan junction, you’ll need to wait for the ferry departures to Benoni Port. The ferries depart approximately every 45 minutes from 05:45 to 18:00. The ticket price is 130 pesos.
   • Once you arrive at Benoni Port, you can take a local multicab, which follows a circular route around the island to reach your hotel. The cost of the ride is 1500 pesos per day for a group of 6 to 10 people. If you’re traveling alone, a more cost-effective option would be to rent a motorcycle locally known as “Habal-Habal.”

Please note that the route via Cagayan de Oro passes through the island of Mindanao, which has a travel advisory. It is advisable to use this route only in case of emergencies when there are no other alternatives.

You can also reach Camiguin via Bohol with a daily ferry at 13:00 for those staying in Bohol.

Camiguin is a small island with hidden natural wonders, and you can explore it in just one day using the circumferential road. You can rent a local motorcycle called “Habal-Habal” or a local taxi for a comfortable tour of the island’s tourist attractions.

1. Motorcycle with a driver: 800 pesos per day.
2. Motorcycle without a driver: 500 pesos per day.
3. Motorcycle without a driver for more than 3 days: 400 pesos per day.

Here are the top 5 attractions in Camiguin:

1. Hiking to Hibok-Hibok Volcano: Among the seven volcanoes on the island, Hibok-Hibok is the most popular. It has historical significance due to its eruption in the 1950s, which caused significant casualties. It remains an active volcano, and trekking to its summit is a challenging but rewarding experience.
2. Katibawasan Falls: These majestic waterfalls, cascading from a height of approximately 21 meters, are located at the base of Mount Timpoong, to the southeast of Mambajao. The cool, crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot to cool off during hot summer days.
3. White Island: A must-visit in Camiguin, White Island is a completely exposed sandbar featuring powdery white sand, with Mount Hibok-Hibok serving as a stunning backdrop. Snorkeling and other beach activities are popular here, making it an ideal destination for summer relaxation.
4. Sunken Cemetery: The Sunken Cemetery is a unique and somewhat eerie attraction where you can find gravestones and tombs submerged beneath the sea. It serves as a reminder of the island’s geological history and is often visited by snorkelers and divers.
5. Ardent Hot Springs: Located at the foot of Mount Hibok-Hibok, the Ardent Hot Springs offer a relaxing and therapeutic experience. These natural hot springs are perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. The water is heated by the volcanic activity of the island.

These attractions showcase the natural beauty and cultural uniqueness of Camiguin, making it a fantastic destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation in the Philippines.

5. Here are some attractions in Camiguin:

   1. Hot and Cold Springs: Camiguin is blessed with an abundance of both hot and cold springs. Visitors can enjoy the soothing temperature of the hot springs, which can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. These natural springs provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

   2. Ardent Hot Springs: Ardent Hot Springs is a popular natural hot spring located at the foot of Mount Hibok-Hibok. Surrounded by lush tropical trees, it offers comfortable facilities, including a restaurant, lodging rooms, and cottages for visitors to enjoy after a tiring day of adventure.

   3. Guiob Church Ruins: This attraction dates back to the 16th century and is one of the oldest structures on the island. The church ruins are made of coral stones and serve as a historical and architectural marvel. The structure was partially submerged in 1871 due to a volcanic eruption.

   4. Sto. Niño Cold Springs: For those seeking cooler waters, Sto. Niño Cold Springs is a natural cold spring in Camiguin. The crystal-clear waters flow from the slopes of Mount Mambajao, making it a refreshing spot to cool off. The water is naturally filtered, ensuring its purity.

   5. Mantigue Island: Mantigue Island is a small island that is registered as a natural park and protected area. It features a dense forest that borders a pristine white sand beach. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or dive in the clear waters surrounding the island. It is considered one of the best dive sites in the country, known for its rich marine life and stunning coral formations.

   These attractions offer a wide range of experiences, from relaxation in natural springs to exploring historical ruins and enjoying the underwater beauty of Mantigue Island. Camiguin has something to offer every type of traveler.

You can enjoy even more of your stay on the island if you try sea urchins, which cost between 15 to 20 pesos each. Kiping is a local delicacy made from cassava and coated with latik, considered a local treat. We recommend trying Kiping after refreshing yourself with a dip in the Katibawasan Falls. During the season, you should also try lanzones, the most beloved and popular fruit in Camiguin.

Beware of the following:

1. Mosquitoes! Make sure to bring insect repellent with you.
2. Nature hazards – Please ensure that you are wearing your life jacket properly to identify any tears.
3. Make sure you have waterproof bags to protect your valuables and gadgets in case you get wet during the journey. Always apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun rays.

In Camiguin, the main modes of transportation on the island are colorful motorbikes called “motorelas.” However, it is more convenient and straightforward to rent tricycles, which are available almost everywhere on the island around the clock. Prices, like many other things on the island, are quite affordable, ranging from 1800 to 2000 pesos for 8 hours and some additional pesos for each extra hour. It’s easier and more convenient to book a tricycle from your hotel, although I found myself at one point hitchhiking with a friendly couple in their small car, which saved me a few pesos – a good option as it turned out.

If you want to travel and enjoy yourselves around Camiguin, I recommend renting a double cabin. These vehicles have a well-known rate at the island’s port. You’ll pay around 1,500 pesos for the benefit of a trip that covers all the recommended tourist sites. Approximately 8-10 people can fit in a multicab.

You can also travel to explore the city of Cagayan de Oro by taking a bus from Balingoan Port. This is a safer way to travel than by van and takes about two hours. Air-conditioned buses charge 110 pesos per passenger, while non-air-conditioned buses are cheaper at 65 pesos. Buses regularly pick up and drop off passengers along the way. From Balingoan Port, you should head outside the port towards the expressway where the bus station is located.

Since I have already visited the place three times, I stayed in different places to stay, on a friendly budget. Here are some of my recommendations based on my personal experience. I recommended that you choose a place to stay in the Yumbing area of ​​Camiguin (about half an hour drive from Mambajao, central Camiguin). This area is the best of all because it is near the beach and its location is perfect for those who like to wander independently in their free time. A large number of recommended restaurants are within a short walking distance from here. The popular Para Beach Resort in Camiguin is also located here. Comfortable budget accommodations suitable for backpackers with a low budget are located opposite the resort.

Location: Rocky Village, Yumbing, Camiguin

Phone Numbers: (088) 387-9018, (+63) 9173107085 (for calls or text messages)

Email: roel.pagua@yahoo.com

Prices: 800-1000 pesos per night for a room for four people (around 200-250 pesos per person).

Location: Rocky Village, Yumbing, Camiguin

Address: Rocky Village, Camiguin Island, 9100, Camiguin, Philippines

Phone Numbers: +63 88 387 9033 / 09064152557

Property Owner: Mr. Puloy Pabua

Prices: 1000 to 2000 pesos per night for a bed in a room for four people (approximately 300 pesos per person).

Location: Rocky Village, Yumbing, Camiguin

Phone Number: 09186306672

You can also make reservations on Agoda (with an option for late payment).

Prices: 1200 pesos for a single bed in a room for four people. Good Wi-Fi connection.

For those looking for higher-end accommodations, you may want to check out the following resorts:

1. Balai sa Baibai
2. Paras Resort

Indeed, Camiguin is a charming tourist destination and highly recommended for a visit. Its popularity is growing, and it even competes for the top spot against more well-known islands in the Philippines like Boracay. Camiguin may be very small, but it offers a wide range of wonders, including swimming in cool and refreshing pool-like natural springs, outdoor adventures, and relaxation in hot springs – it has it all! It’s a simple and remote place yet diverse and welcoming to visitors. There’s no doubt that you will enjoy your stay in Camiguin, especially if you love nature. So, the next time you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, you already know where to go. To fully enjoy the experience, I recommend avoiding traveling to Camiguin during the Easter holiday, as the island gets crowded with tourists from the Philippines and around the world. During this time, hotel prices rise, and there’s significant congestion. The weather is generally pleasant throughout the year, allowing you to explore the island at any time you choose.