In this article:
Looking for a quick getaway just a short flight away? This Camiguin Island Travel Guide is your key to unlocking a weekend of adventure and relaxation. Picture yourself hiking up volcanoes, diving into crystal-clear waters, and unwinding on pristine beaches like White Island.
Camiguin, also known as the Island of Fire or the Island Born of Fire, is home to seven volcanoes. Only one volcano, Mount Hibok-Hibok, is currently active. Thousands of years of volcanic eruptions shaped the province’s landscape, helping develop fertile soil, relaxing springs, and picturesque rock formations.
Only 1.5 hours away by plane, it’s a practical choice if you’re looking for a quick escape. This guide covers must-do activities, local cuisine, accommodation options, and travel essentials, helping you make the most of your adventure.
Things to Do in Camiguin: Explore the Island
The island offers numerous activities year-round, but the best time to visit Camiguin is during the dry season, from March to May, making it ideal weather for exploring its natural wonders. Here are some of the must-visit spots.
1. Discover White Island.
Lounging on the beach is a must on any long weekend trip. Fortunately, Camiguin Island has a menu of sandy sights. White Island is by far the most popular. This sandbar is a long strip of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear waters and a panorama of Mount Hibok-Hibok and Old Volcano. If you're looking for other sunbathing spots, consider Agoho Beach and Yumbing Beach in Mambajao. They both feature powdery sand and ice-blue waters.
- How to get there: Take a short 10-minute boat ride from the White Island Ferry Terminal in Mambajao, located beside Paras Beach Resort.
- Fees: ₱50 entrance fee per person and ₱550 per boat (fits up to 6 passengers)
2. Drop by the Sunken Cemetery.
Another popular destination is the Sunken Cemetery, which you might have seen in the 2007 horror film Ouija. The eruption of Old Volcano in the 1870s sank a portion of a cemetery, leaving only a large cross above water. You can see the cross from a viewing deck in Barangay Bonbon, Catarman. Boat services are available to take you closer to the site. You can also snorkel over the debris for an even more intimate view.
- How to get there: Reach Barangay Bonbon by multicab or habal-habal from Mambajao, then take a short boat ride to the site
- Fees: Typically, ₱100 per boat (5-6 people) for a closer view, depending on arrangement
3. Cool down at the Santo Niño Cold Spring Beach.
Image Credit: Visit Camiguin
Camiguin Island, known for its abundance of hot springs, is home to the popular Santo Niño Cold Spring Beach. Loved by locals and tourists, this spot features a cold spring pool that can wash your woes away. It also has a beach nearby for double the relaxation.
If you want to spring-hop during your weekend trip, you can also visit Ardent Hot Spring and Tangub Hot Spring.
- How to get there: About 30 minutes from Mambajao in Catarman via habal-habal or tricycle
- Fees: ₱50 entrance fee per person
4. Marvel at Katibawasan Falls.
Who doesn’t love a good waterfall? Katibawasan Falls is a must for Camiguin first-timers. The water comes from the forests of Mount Timpoong and drops 70 feet into a small lagoon. Its picturesque cascades, enveloped by thriving greenery, are equally worthy of your attention.
If you’re a seasoned Camiguin traveler, check out Tuason Falls and Bingawan Falls.
- How to get there: Easily accessible by habal-habal or tricycle from Mambajao
- Fees: Varies depending on arrangement
5. Visit Bura Soda Water Park.
Image Credit: Visit Camiguin
While the combination of pools and natural springs already makes Bura Soda Water Park worth visiting, what really sets it apart is its carbon dioxide-rich water, which creates a fizzy effect. Located in Catarman, the park is 30 minutes away from the capital. It also offers picnic areas, so go ahead and spend the entire day here.
- How to get there: Head to Catarman, which is approximately a 35-minute drive from Mambajao, and enter the park area.
- Fees: At least ₱30, depending on mode of transportation chosen.
6. Conquer Mount Hibok-Hibok.
Image Credit: Camiguin Tourism Office Facebook
Love exploring nature on your getaways? Camiguin Island has trails designed for hikers and climbers of all levels. You can hike through the Old Volcano, trek over Mount Hibok-Hibok, and climb Tres Marias, which involves hurdling three peaks. For a more leisurely escapade, you can stick with the Junggo Trail, which leads to tranquil springs and waterfalls.
Make sure to book a reputable guide before going on a hike. Hotels and other accommodations in Camiguin usually include these in their offerings.
- How to get there: Start your hike from Ardent Hot Springs in Mambajao; a DENR permit is required from Mambajao DENR office
- Fees: Permit fees apply, currently at least ₱500/person
7. Don’t miss the Lanzones Festival.
Visiting Camiguin in October? Don't miss the Lanzones Festival in the third or fourth week. The celebration showcases Filipino culture and creativity with colorful costumes, exciting performances, and delicious dishes—all inspired by lanzones fruit.
- How to get there: Held in Mambajao—no travel needed if you're staying nearby.
8. Explore Mantigue Island Nature Park.
Image Credit: Visit Camiguin
If exploring a beautiful underwater world is part of your holiday plans, go island hopping in Camiguin, and make sure to include Mantigue Island Nature Park on your itinerary. This protected marine sanctuary is a haven for aquatic life, with colorful coral reefs and diverse fish species. It's one of the go-to spots for snorkeling in Camiguin.
For those who want to go deeper, diving in Camiguin offers incredible opportunities to explore unique dive sites. Discover vibrant coral gardens, schooling reef fish, and underwater volcanic formations.
- How to get there: From Mahinog, take a 20-30 minute boat ride from Barangays Benoni, San Roque, or Binaliwan.
- Fees: Environmental/sanctuary fees are typically required; the exact amount varies.
What to Eat in Camiguin: Savor the Flavors
Image Credit: VjANDEP Pastel de Camiguin Facebook
The island is also famous for pastel, a sweet pastry filled with custard, mung bean, or chocolate. These are the ideal pasalubong and can give your city-based friends and family a taste of the island. You can get some at VjANDEP, which has multiple branches across Camiguin:
- Rizal corner E.Neri Streets, Mambajao, Camiguin
- Purok Alugbati, Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin
- Ground Floor, VjANDEP Building 1, Zone 2, Bulua Highway, Cagayan de Oro
The best way to enjoy Camiguin’s cuisine is on the island itself! The fertile soil and nearby sea provide easy access to the freshest ingredients. Make Guerrera Restaurant and The Beehive Driftwood Café your pit stops in between adventures. You can find them at:
- Guerrera Restaurant: Pearl Street, Rocky Village, Yumbing, Mambajao, Philippines; 0970 444 1477
- The Beehive Driftwood Café: Pan-Philippine Highway, Catarman, 9104 Camiguin; 0951 654 6767
If you want a fusion of flavors, there’s Josh and Luke Restaurant by Bintana sa Paraiso. Try their Thai Basil and Mango Chicken alongside local favorites like kinilaw and Chicken with White Coconut Sauce. For authentic and delicious Italian pizza and pasta dishes, head to La Dolce Vita. Visit these restaurants at:
- Josh and Luke Restaurant: Itum Rd, Mambajao, 9100 Camiguin; 088 845 3841
- La Dolce Vita: Camiguin Circumferential Rd, Mambajao; 0998 945 6389
Where to Stay: Find Your Island Oasis
Image Credit: Bintana sa Paraiso Facebook
Looking for the perfect place to rest your head? From luxurious resorts to cozy cabanas, the island offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs and budget.
For a luxurious stay, consider Bintana sa Paraiso, a boutique hotel with two stunning locations, offering a personalized and unforgettable experience.
- Naasag: Perched on a hill at the foot of Mount Hibok-Hibok, this location boasts a secluded hot spring flowing into the Bohol Sea, with breathtaking 90-degree views. Each room features a private pool and butler-style service, ensuring a truly indulgent stay.
- 1 Tangub Naasag, Mambajao, Camiguin; 088 845 3841 and +63997 068 3570
- Binunsaran: Nestled amidst lush greenery, this eco-friendly resort offers peaceful views of palm trees and white sand beaches. With spacious rooms, large balconies, and a focus on sustainability, Binunsaran provides a tranquil and rejuvenating escape.
- 1 Binunsaran Mambajao Camiguin; 088 845 3841 and +63997 068 3570
For a more budget-friendly option, both Balai sa Baibai and Paras Beach Resort offer a coastal escape with comfortable accommodations, beautiful beachfront scenery, and excellent amenities.
- Balai sa Baibai: Agoho, 9100 Mambajao, Camiguin; +63 956 936 5402
- Paras Beach Resort: Rocky Village, Yumbing Mambajao, Camiguin Province, Philippines, Camiguin; +63 917 715 2284 and +63 917 715 2285
Getting to Camiguin: Flights, Ferries, and Land Travel
With various transportation options available, you can easily reach this island paradise from major cities in the Philippines.
- By Air: Camiguin has a small airport in Mambajao, with direct flights from Cebu via Cebu Pacific. If you're coming from Manila or other areas, you'll need to connect via Cebu or Cagayan de Oro. You can also fly to Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro with Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific and take a ferry to Camiguin.
- By Sea: You can also travel by ferry from Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, which is a 2-hour drive from Cagayan de Oro. The ferry ride takes about an hour and docks at Benoni Port. Super Shuttle Ferry operates this route.
- Getting Around: Once on the island, you can hail tricycles, motorcycles, and multicabs to get around. You can also rent a scooter or a private vehicle from D’s Motor Rental, iStroll Camiguin, or Kariton Wheels&Travels for more flexibility when exploring. You can find more rental services at the airport, seaport, and in Mambajao.
Get Ready to Visit Camiguin
Before you embark on your adventure, make sure you have these tech essentials to enhance your trip:
- Stay connected with prepaid promos. Capture every moment with Go+99. For just ₱99, enjoy 8 GB of open access data, 8 GB for your favorite apps, unlimited texts to all networks, and a FREE discount voucher—perfect for sharing your adventures online!
- Get a prepaid eSIM and enjoy seamless connectivity when you upgrade to a 5G-capable digital SIM. If you’re traveling with balikbayans or tourist friends, hook them up with a Traveler eSIM.
Embrace the convenience of GCash for cashless transactions. Pay for your meals, transportation, and souvenirs with just a few taps on your phone.
Now that you're fully prepared, it's time to experience the Island of Fire! Discover its natural wonders, immerse yourself in its culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. This Camiguin Island Travel Guide has everything you need to make the most of your adventure. So, pack your bags, grab your essentials, and enjoy the perfect weekend in this enchanting paradise!
