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• Camiguin Day Tours

Camiguin is a small island, often overlooked by the majority of tourists in the Philippines. Once only accessible from Cebu via flight, or a grueling boat ride from several locations such as Bohol , now you could arrive to Camiguin by flight from Manila as well! This is wonderful news for those who wish to enjoy a vivid tropical island, with adventurous tours and day trips, and avoid the crowds of the busier islands.

Unlike the more touristy destinations , Camiguin offers much more exciting tours, that require a higher level of physicality and getting your hands a little dirty. In return, you’ll experience nature unspoiled and in the most authentic way. Also, unlike other off the beaten path destinations that are mainly frequented by locals only, it offers a much higher level of service and is suitable for international tourists as well. In our opinion, this is one of the best spots in the Philippines for people who like to experience lesser known islands and truly immerse with nature. Inquire Now About These Tours The tours we offer in Camiguin are done with the most professional guides and the best available vehicles. We offer tours in both a multicab, a Tuk Tuk type vehicle or a small van/car. The tours in Camiguin are long – a whole day trip, with the exception of Hibok Hibok Volcano track which is from dusk to the end of the day.

Camiguin Day Tours Quick Facts

• Prefect for : Nature lovers, most tours require good fitness level.
• Best time to visit : All year round (rainiest months are December and January)
• Tour packages include : Transportation, guide, entrance fees.
• Starting point : Hotel pickup.
• Duration : Whole day.

What to do?

As mentioned above, Camiguin is full of natural sites. Most notable are its hot and cold water springs, waterfalls, exquisite snorkeling spots, the volcanoes and beautiful islands with white and black sand beaches. As we stressed, a certain level of physical fitness is required, as you’ll have to swim, walk and climb throughout these day trips.

Unlike many other destinations that offer mainly island hopping activities, Camiguin also offers a lot of inland attractions that are typical of tropical and volcanic environments. Therefore, if you want to skip some of the activities, we advise that you’ll skip the island hopping, and visit the volcano, falls, and unique snorkeling spots like the sunken cemetery (that sunk due to the eruption of Hibok Hibok in 1871).

Camiguin Island Hopping Tour

The island hopping tour in Camiguin visits two different islands on two different sides of the main island. The first one is White Island, a snake-like sandbar in front of Pabua Rocky Village area. The second island is Mantigue Island, a relatively remote island on the eastern side of Camiguin. It takes about 30 minutes to arrive at Mantigue, and once there you’ll explore the small island, enjoy its beach and snorkel in its beautiful reef. The marine sanctuary in Mantigue is home to lots of fish, including a school of trevallies.

Because of the distance between the two islands, we’ll not use the same boat, and will travel through the mainland between the White Island Wharf, and our bangka boat on eastern Camiguin. As we’ll go through Mambajao, the biggest town in Camiguin, we will also have a short stop over where we’ll see the 1914 marker (that commemorates the unity of the villages into a township), and have the chance to buy souvenirs. The price starts at 50 USD per person for a group tour.

Inclusions: Multicab or van transport, hotel/seaport/airport pickup, entrance and environmental fees, shed and table rental, tour guide, 1 bottle of water per person, boat fee and light snack.

Camiguin Countryside Tour

This whole day tour of Camiguin's countryside is among the best out of any of the Philippine Islands because it showcases a lot of different iconic natural sites for a tropical island. Not only that it takes you to the inland of the island, you’ll also visit the most exquisite snorkeling spots. Due to the large number of places you’ll visit on this tour, prepare to spend around 9 hours outside, as well as a lot of energy.

We’ll start the day visiting Kibila White Beach in order to visit its giant clam sanctuary, where you’ll see numerous clams as big as 1.2 meters and weighing as much as 200 kg. From there we will continue to Katibawasan Waterfalls, 70 meters tall plunging into a pool you can swim in. We will visit three different water springs - Ardent Hot Springs, Soda Water Pool, and Sto. Nino cold spring Pool. We’ll also visit the old volcano, Tungatok viewdeck, Katunggan Park, and the Sunken Cemetery, where we’ll snorkel around the sunken graves older than 1871.

Inclusions: Transportation via Van/Multicab, entrance and environmental fees, tour guide, shed and table rental, boat fee to cross marker at Sunken Cemetery, 1 bottle of water per person.

Price: 50 USD for a group tour.

Combination Tour

For those who want to visit White Island, and prefer to skip Mantigue Island, or leave the serious island hopping to other destinations in your Philippines itinerary, we also offer a combo tour. You can visit Whitle island alone, and then continue to all major spot of the Camiguin Countryside tour except for the Giant Clam Sanctuary. Don’t worry as you’ll be able to see some giant clams in the Sunken Cemetery as well.

The tour inclusions are as of the Countryside tour as well as the boat and entrance fee to White Island. This tour is slightly more expensive and starts with 50 USD per person in a group tour.

Hibok Hibok Volcano Trek

Hibok-Hibok Volcano, a 1332m giant that overlooks the quiet town of Mambajao, offers a most exciting trek. This is the longest day trip we have in Camiguin, and also the most difficult one. You’ll start the day at 04:00, meeting our guide who will take you to the starting point of the trek.

You’ll then start ascending to the crater, which will take roughly 5 hours, where you’ll have a break to appreciate the flat grassland surrounded by a bamboo forest. Then you’ll hike to the old crater, which was blown away in one of the past volcanic eruptions, for a great view of White Island as well as other more distant islands including Mantigue. You’ll then start descending on a different route that ends at Ardent Hot Springs. Expect to arrive in Ardent Springs at 15:30-16:00.

As you climb up and down, you’ll go through the lush and dense tropical jungle. As you reach higher altitudes you’ll notice that the trees and plants change due to the difference in temperature. The peak and higher parts of the trek can be quite cold, especially on rainy days. Therefore it’s advised to bring a longer shirt with you. Also, you’ll have to bring your own water and food for the trek.

Please take no less than 2.5 liters and bring as much food as you wish. We think it’s better to take lighter things, and not saucy, messy meals. Bread and simple rice meals will be great. You could ask your resort to prepare it for you in advance as you won’t be able to buy food in the morning before you start.

The inclusions for this trek will be the guide, and the commuting fees. You will use public transportation for this tour, as it’s very convenient. It costs 75 USD per person in a group of 4 people.

How to plan my Camiguin tour package

Since we recommend to spend at least 3 nights in Camiguin, we think it’s best to have the first day free to get settled after the travel (also as you’ll mostly arrive in camiguin on a later part of the day). If you’ll have the time you could hit the beach, perhaps some of the unique black sand beaches. If you’re planning to take the Hibok Hibok Trek, the second day is the best so you’ll have time to recover from it, as it’s physically demanding. The third day will be perfect for either the island hopping or the countryside tours.

If you only have 3 days, we think that the countryside tour will be more rewarding, but if you stay for more time, you could do both, or perhaps take the combo tour instead. If you’re visiting other destinations in the Philippines that offer a variety of island hopping tours, it might be worthwhile for you to take the countryside tour in Camiguin over the island hopping one, as it’s not the specialty of the island. In case you are thinking about a longer or a multi-destination vacation in the Philippines, visit our vacation packages page for more ideas, or check our Camiguin Packages which all include these tours and can be easily combined with other locations.

Camiguin: 3 Days and 2 Nights

• Transportation
• Accommodations
• Boat for White Island
• Entry/Admission - Camiguin
• Entry/Admission - Walkway to the Old Volcano and Via Cruces
• Entry/Admission - Sunken Cemetery
• Entry/Admission - Mindanao
• Entry/Admission - Sto. Nino Cold Spring
• Entry/Admission - Ardent Hot Springs
• Entry/Admission - White Island
• Please give specific place of pick up and drop off if you have suggested place. Any changes inform the agent please.
• Camiguin Airport, 7P23+JV4, Mambajao, Camiguin, Philippines
• Camiguin Seaport
• Wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Sunken Cemetery

• sally292623 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A unique experience A fabulous experience kayaking through mangroves in the hands of an expert guide. We did the day kayak and the night kayak to see the fireflies. Such an amazing experience with an excellent organisation. And the food was fabulous! Read more Written April 20, 2024
• elholton 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Taug whale shark bohol Not ethical also sold us a photographer who then gave us an old corrupt SD card so no photos for us , scammers would not recommend Read more Written January 28, 2024
• Christopher F 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Honda Bay Island Hopping We had the best tour at Honda Bay Island hopping. Our tour guide made some very short memorable videos for us and our tour group. I have some great memories feeding the fish, snorkeling, riding the boat. We saw a sea cow while traveling between the islands. We also enjoyed a very well done lunch. There was plenty of food . I’ll miss Palawan. Read more Written November 20, 2023
• 154donaldo 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Whale shark viewing? More Like whale shark waiting….. Wait Was so long. They Let people sneak in the line Also. So totally disorganized line. We came in around 8am and got to ride the boat around 11am: they shoukd have informed US about waiting Time before We even paid anything. They didnt have enough boafmen for the volume kf tourist. Rudibg The little boat during the want ocean water. the waves were scary on the shore. The boat you ride could go up and down Maybe 1meter. Its Like a roller coaster. Maybe they should NOT even open on wavy days or informed the tourist before they pay. The whale shark encoubter itself wasnt bad. But since it Was wavy, the kids got seasick. Ive been to orher whaleshark encounter. And this is the one I would say…. NOT WORTH going to. Read more Written October 7, 2023
• Z3120YEtonyp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour with awesome views and trails. I booked a 2 hour private ATV tour and absolutely loved the experience. Great professional and friendly guide, plenty of time on the ATV and lots of variety on the trails. I had the opportunity to get muddy and took Advantage of it. I also had a great driver and guide to get to to and from the Chocolate hills. Highly recommend. Read more Written June 10, 2023
• LYW24 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful Fishes After our lunch, we said goodbye to Giselle and our driver drove us to Moalboal. We went to the starting point, which is like in the town centre, where we registered ourselves with name, age, nationality, and attended a short briefing of the rules. We also paid 800 pesos for Go Pro service by our boat guide for the 3h island hopping tour. After which we went on a boat to Pescador Island (that took about 20mins) to see numerous different types of fishes! They were very beautiful and our guide dived very deep to help us video the fishes swimming. He also videoed us trying to dive along with the fishes. We literally found Nemo there 🙃. We spent 30mins there before moving on to near the shore (that took about 20mins) to see the sardines. They were numerous and swam in packs. I tried to swim together with them but they will dodge humans very fast. Our last stop was the sea turtles, which were a 5mins swim across the shore only. It was there where the guide dived with me to video me close up with the turtle. Luckily, the turtle was very close to shore so we did not need to dive in deep. Once all these were done, we rode back to the starting port, and then the locals help us transfer the photos and videos from the Go Pro to our phones! Safety: Wear the life-vests on board, you can choose to take out while in the water watching the fishes so as to dive deeper. Snorkelling gear with breathing pipe is provided too for free. However flippers come at additional cost of 100 pesos, which we did not get as we had Decathlon wet shoes on and they were good enough to swim. Be warned, the boat engine is LOUD. If it rains at your period, the boat captain may go back on shore earlier for everyone’s safety, and there’s no refund. Rules: Don’t touch the fishes and sea turtle. Don’t go hunt the fishes. Don’t step on the sea bed and disturb the sediment and corals. Don’t take dead fishes or plants from the sea. Transportation: Some tuktuk bikes might be willing to go to Moalboal from Cebu City/ other cities nearby. Otherwise private car is recommended! Read more Written June 4, 2023
• J4937EWlucyn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles FANTASTIC TOUR Hi team, I just wanted to say thank you so much Rosaline and Cenyan for such a fantastic tour. You guys were so amazing and made sure I felt safe and fulfilled with joy! You guy have made my trip to Bohol so much sweeter. I highly recommend to go on this tour, it’s well worth the money. Read more Written April 29, 2023
• Teresa W 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Not for the weak hearted To begin with the advertisement for this trip needs to change the age range from 0 to 100 to 10 to 50. We expected to have the tour company that we signed up with be our host. Instead we were picked up from our hotel by a contract company which only facilitated the day trip that was on the itinerary. They had no idea where our next hotel stay would be, so we had to contact the tour company or Dennis to find out where we would be staying that night. On the day we were to go on the first tour hopping. We were told that we needed to pay additional money. We contacted Dennis and he cleared up the miscommunication, as we went to board our boat, we were told that we had to ride in a kayak to get to the boat. For someone like myself who is 65 years old climbing in and out of a kayak to climb onto a boat was a challenge. The hotels were very nice, the breakfast were very nice. The meals that were included were very nice but this trip is not for anyone who is not reasonably physically fit. As you will have to step from one boat to another to board your vessel, if you don’t have a knowledge of the language this trip would present a problem for you. We also had a problem with our boat tickets from El Nido to Coron we received copies of these tickets, but the harbor requires a hardcopy of the ticket. My husband is 6 foot four and the vans that we traveled in were packed and there wasn’t a lot of legroom from Puerta princesa to El Nido is a 6 Hour Dr., so it was very uncomfortable. Dennis was very quick to communicate with us when we ran into problems but unfortunately that wasn’t enough to make this trip one that I would recommend for someone of age or of my age which is 65. Read more Written March 22, 2023
• Nate H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Honda Bay Took good care of us and the food was the best of all the tours we did. If you want to go snorkelling and have a beard I suggest getting the smaller mask and snorkel; rather than the larger full face one, couldn’t get a seal on the beard. Very good day was had by all. Read more Written February 23, 2023
• DeeEssEyy 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyed El Nido experience A unique yet affordable travel.A true Nature trip and a very adventurous experience.A very unforgettable experience. Read more Written February 8, 2023
• Wenruo W 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Unpleasant experience We don’t normally leave reviews but this tour is really quite deceiving that we hope to share to let fellow travellers aware. Booked for an hour ATV but only let us drive for 35 mins and then refused to take us to chocolate hill and the river site which clearly included in the tour. After nearly an argument, we finally managed to visit chocolate hill… such a unpleasant experience. Read more Written December 21, 2022
• JayM04 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing island and people Going to Siquijor is a must when in Dumaguete. Just a ferry away, for 1 1/2 hrs, you got to visit the place. The locals are friendly and helpful. Thumbs-up for this province's hospitality and friendliness. The Tourism Officials have done a good job in maintaining the place. I've only done a pocket tour and the Coastal tour blew me up. Nice places to visit and unwind. One of the best sunsets I have seen at Pitogo Cliff and Paliton Beach. Paliton beach may be a public beach but it is a good place to swim and take pictures. Cambugahay and Lugnason are also fun to go to, especially witnessing how the human drone works in Cambugahay. Feel free to ask the locals or guides to take your pictures via human drone. Guides from this sites are very knowledgeable and knows how to take food pictures. Of course, there's the Tubod and Tulapos Marine Sanctuary, which you'll love going snorkeling or even scuba diving. Siquijor is an all-in-one tourist destination. You got beaches, good sunrise and sunsets, fun falls, abundant mountains and underground river too, so what else can you ask for plus good food at Larena and hospitable locals.. Read more Written December 14, 2022
• TGB2019 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to spend the day in Honda bay Trip taken Nov 21 2022. The van picked us up from the Fersal hotel around 730 to drive us to Honda Bay. Kudos to our driver for navigating through Puerto Princesa traffic. We visited Starfish, Luli, and Cowrie islands. Lots of good swimming and snorkeling. Lunch provided at Starfish island (fish, fruits, soda. and of course rice). Nice hammocks to rest on at Luli. Starfish island lived up to its name, saw about 10 starfish while swimming about. The water was murky at Cowrie, so no chance to see fish of any kind. 300php charged as environmental fee upon entrance to Starfish island. Snorkel rentals 250php. Weather was overcast, but NO RAIN, which was a concern as it had rained heavily the previous 4 days in town. Back at hotel around. 415p. I recommend this trip. Read more Written November 21, 2022
• Polgas2mb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles This is a must for outdoor activity person/ family I tried 4x4 of road on regular occasion, but this is my first time to ride this, sceptical and bit afraid coz I’m with my family, and it’s raining, wet and very muddy and most of the road are literally off road ( no road ! At all) the best this that I can tell is It Amazing Fun, and the guide, they are multi talent. They are amazing, they can guide you by leading you the way, they talk while you are moving, giving and telling what to do where to drive, while taking your video. All of this at the same time. Where can you get that experience. Read more Written August 31, 2022
• Lynda-Lyndz 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Islan Paradise It was a mesmerizing place! Nature at its best. People were helpful and friendly. With a vast of activities. You could choose with which tours you would like to do from Island hopping to cave explorations. Never a dull moment. El NIdo was majestic! Puerto Princesa was also a great place to do more activities. Will definitely come back. Read more Written July 18, 2022

Camiguin: 3 Days and 2 Nights provided by Rio Travel and Tour

A travel & food blog

Travel Guide to Camiguin + 3 Days Itinerary

First of all, let me say that Camiguin Island is an extremely underrated destination in Mindanao. I wasn’t expecting much seeing as most local travelers only go here on a day trip, but my friend and I decided to stay here for 3 days, and oh boy, was I blown away. In particular, I love the amazing snorkeling spots in Mantigue Island and Giant Clam Sanctuary. I also liked the mountain island vibes that I wouldn’t mind staying here for several days in the future.

A little background about Camiguin:

Camiguin Island is a pearl-shaped island in the northern area of Mindanao. It’s dubbed the “ Island Born of Fire ” since it was formed due to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in the past. Interestingly, it has one of the highest densities of volcanoes in the world — with a land area of 282 square kilometers (92 square miles), it’s home to 7 volcanoes with Mount Hibok-Hibok considered the remaining active volcano.

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The island is blessed with nature attractions including white-sand beaches and sand bars, snorkeling and diving spots, natural hot and cold springs, and waterfalls tucked away in the mountains.

Here’s your complete travel guide to Camiguin Island! Don’t forget to read our separate post on Best Things to Do in Camiguin Island .

Via Mambajao Airport

Via laguindingan airport (cagayan de oro), via butuan airport, how to get around, what to see in camiguin, 3 days itinerary to camiguin, where to eat, where to stay, budget and expenses, where to book your camiguin tour, travel tips, what to read next:, how to get to camiguin.

There are different ways to get to Camiguin Island.

Camiguin has its own airport located in its capital Mambajao. Currently, flight schedules are only on selected days.

Cagayan de Oro is a common jump-off point to Camiguin Island. From Laguindingan Airport, it takes about 5 hours to reach Camiguin Island.

• From the airport, ride a van to Agora Terminal. Travel time is 45 min to 1 hour.
• From the terminal, ride a bus or van to Balingoan Port. Travel time is 2-2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can also ride a van in Gaisano Mall parking lot in the city proper.
• From Balingoan Port, ride a ferry to Benoni Port in Camiguin. Travel time is 1 hour. Ferry departs every hour, starting at 4:30AM to 6:30PM (last trip).

We suggest taking the bus instead of the van from Agora Terminal to Balingoan Port especially if you are the first passengers because waiting can take up to 45 minutes or more.

The earliest trip from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port is 4-4:30AM and the last trip back to Balingoan Port is 4PM.

• From Butuan Airport, take a taxi to the bus terminal.
• Ride a bus en route to Cagayan and get off at Balingoan Port. Travel time is 2 hours.

Camiguin Island is also accessible from Cebu and Bohol via ferry.

There are habal-habals, motorbikes, and jeepneys you can ride for commuting.

For the island tour, here are your options :

• Rent a motorbike. Make sure to bring your driver’s license.
• Avail of a habal-habal tour (good up to 2 people). For groups, you can also avail of a private car or multicab tour (seating capacity depends on vehicle type).

These are the top tourist spots in Camiguin Island , which you can explore during an island tour in 2 days.

• White Island . White Island is the most iconic tourist spots in Camiguin. It’s It’s a naked sand bar ideal for swimming and sunbathing, similar to Naked Island in Siargao . Mount Hibok-Hibok and Mount Vulcan can be seen in its backdrop. The best time to here is on weekdays, on mornings so it wouldn’t be too hot yet!

• Tongatok View Point . This is a viewdeck you can pass by on your way to the Walkway or Sunken Cemetery. It offers mountainside and coastal views. It’s easy to miss, but the guides are familiar with the island and know about this spot so just tell them you want to stop by here.

• Walkway to the Old Volcano . This is a hiking trail to the old volcano aka Mount Vulcan. Trek for 30-40 minutes to reach the summit, where you can see a view of the surrounding mountainside and ocean, including the Sunken Cemetery.

• Sunken Cemetery . This is a fantastic place for snorkeling. You can see different fishes, corals, and even giant clams! It’s also a popular place for sunset viewing.

• Sto. Nino Cold Spring . A cold spring to cool off from the summer heat. It has a large pool that goes up to 7 feet deep, with water coming down from Mount Mambajao. There are cottages and tables for rent inside the resort. There are also food stalls where you can buy food & drinks. Another place you can visit is the Saay Cold Spring .

• Bura Soda Spring . This is another spring pool area, with water that is said to taste like carbonated water. The pool isn’t as cold as that in Sto. Nino Cold Spring, so depending on your preference you might want to swim here instead. Fun fact: the resort has a tap where you can taste the spring water!
• Ardent Hot Spring . This resort features a cascade of six hot springs. Recently, the water from the springs have gone lukewarm. Local says a recent earthquake might have blocked the source of hot water. (This is the only place we skipped in our itinerary.)
• Old Church Ruins . Also called Guiob Church or Catarman Church. This is the remnant of a 16th-century Spanish Catarman Church, which was buried during the eruption of Mount Vulcan back in 1871. The eruption wiped out the island’s then-capital, Cotta Bato. You can still the main church structure, bell tower, and chapel. As with other buildings at that era, the structures are made with corals.

• Mantigue Island . This is one of my favorite spots in Camiguin Island, and I recommend that you allot several hours to snorkel around the island. Mantigue Island is considered a marine sanctuary — it is fringed with white-sand beaches and beautiful reefs. There are cottages in the island. Snorkeling gears are available for rent.

• Katunggan Mangrove Park . A small mangrove forest where you can see the species of black mangroves. There’s a pathway that goes around the mangrove park and cottages where you can sit down and rest. You can also swim in the water among the mangroves during high tide or in the open sea. It’s similar to the Mangrove Park in Bantayan Island in Cebu.
• Giant Clam Sanctuary . This is another one of our favorite places in Camiguin! It is home over a thousand giant clams. A guide will take you to the nursery area where there are young giant clams a few months old and then to the deeper part of the ocean where you can see giant clams spanning as much as 4 feet in length. The corals here are also impressive — they are HUGE and thriving.

• Tuasan Falls . This is a 25-meter-high waterfall located along the mountain roads in Barrio Mainit. It used to be a secret, but road developments have eventually led to its public discovery. Tuasan means “natuklasan” (discovered). The waterfall has a knee-deep basin where you can take a short refreshing dip.

• Katibawasan Falls . Katibawasan Falls is a 70-meter-high waterfall with a small man-made basin. The flow of water has weakened over the years, but it’s still worth visiting even if only for taking pictures. There are cottages around the waterfall where you can rest or have a picnic.

For other options, refer to our separate guide on the Best Tourist Spots in Camiguin Island .

Here is our 3 days itinerary to Camiguin. You can use this as a guide on your visit.

We spent 3 days in Camiguin which I feel is just enough. On our third day, we just rested in our accommodation in Bintana sa Paraiso.

Here are other things to note:

• If you’re coming from CDO city proper, it’s best to leave at 3-4AM so you can arrive at the island at 7-8AM. Similarly, if your return flight is via Laguindingan Airport in CDO, make sure that it’s a late-night schedule because the airport is about 5 hours away from Camiguin, not counting the traffic.
• I recommend spending at least 2 days here for the island tour. If you plan on doing other activities such as hiking or diving, extend your stay for a few days more.

There are various eateries in Camiguin. Here are the most recommended ones:

• Check Point Camiguin . A BBQ style restaurant.
• Hagahay Cafe . A restaurant that serves juices and smoothie bowls.
• Penisular Kape Art . A restaurant that serves Spanish dishes.
• I 8 See Food . A local favorite that serves seafood. Group meals are available.
• Daos Beach Bistro . A new restaurant serving delicious vegan food.

Most people stay in the capital of the island: Mambajao . It’s considered a tourist hub with resorts & homestays, restaurants, and shops. That saying, there are plenty of good accommodations around the island depending on your preferences.

We stayed in Bintana sa Paraiso – Binunsaran , which is a beautiful luxury mountain resort. We also wrote a separate guide for the Best Resorts in Camiguin .

Here are the rates in Camiguin ( Updated as of 2023 ):

Budget depends on how many you are in a group. For a group of 4-5 people, a safe budget would be P4000 per person.

We recommend getting the tour service of Kuya Lehmann of L&M Camiguin Tour Services . Kuya Lehmann was our guide during our 2-day island tour. He’s very friendly and professional and he gave us tips on how to maximize our vacation in the island.

He also offers complete packages including accommodation, transportation, and entrance fees and boat fees. You may also include meals and snorkeling gears you can use for the duration of your stay. Rate depends on the number of pax, so it’s best to contact him directly.

Let him know that I (Katherine / Tara Lets Anywhere) referred you!

Contact: Kuya Lehmann (L&M Camiguin Tour Services): Facebook | 09156498840

• It’s best to travel with a group to save costs. If you’re solo, you can share boat rentals with other joiners.
• Bring your own mask and snorkel so you can save money from rental fees.
• The best time to go here is during the summer months. During bad weather, boat tours may be cancelled.

For other inquiries, kindly refer to Camiguin Tourism Office .

Has this Camiguin Island travel guide and itinerary been helpful to you? If you have questions or suggestions, let us know in the comment section below!

Planning a trip to Camiguin? Here are our guides about Camiguin!

• Camiguin: Travel Guide and Itinerary
• Camiguin Tourist Spots + Things to Do
• Mantigue Island
• Giant Clam Sanctuary
• Best Resorts in Camiguin
• Where to Stay in Camiguin: Bintana sa Paraiso

Other related posts:

• CDO-Bukidnon-Iligan-Camiguin Itinerary

Get discounts on your travels!

Enjoy discounts with KLOOK using our promo code: TARALETSANYWHERE

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

Going there next week. This is a huuuge help! Thank you

Happy and Busy Travels

We’ll be doing this on June! Thanks for the tips 🙂

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Camiguin, a paradise of forgetting

• The island’s multitude of landscapes shaped by its volcanic past is the perfect backdrop for temporal disremembrance

You only need 48 hours to fully experience Camiguin, most travel guides say—24 or less if you ask locals. It is, after all, the second smallest province next to Batanes.

There are only 64 kilometers of road, our tour guide tells us. The best way to go around is by motorbike. A rental will cost you anywhere between P500 to P800, more expensive than Siargao rates, an El Nido transplant protests.

Factoring in the flight from Manila—more or less an hour and a half long one way via the only airline that flies direct a few days a week: Sunlight Air—you still have plenty of hours to spare.

But because Camiguin is geographically diverse and replete with volcanoes (seven—that are known! Locals say there are 14), mountains, beaches, waterfalls, springs, and forests, you will definitely need more than a day to really get through all of it.

Or you can stay in one area and take it all in. That I wish I did after two days of wandering around the island’s terrestrially varied landscapes, desperate to make the most of our stay at luxury resort Nouveau and its fudgy tsokolate tablea gelato and Peking duck three ways. That still counts as a Camiguin experience, I guess?

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“This modest work is nothing more than a few insignificant observations, which patiently and out of curiosity, I have succeeded in putting together in my leisurely moments.”

Staring into what an endless stretch of sea interrupted only by a minuscule Mantigue Island, I wonder which Camiguin view Don Vicente Elio y Sanchez, a contemporary of Jose Rizal and Juan Luna, was looking at when he wrote one of the few historical materials of the locale, “Historia de la Isla de Camiguin.” 

Or what the other people who came before him—the island’s first inhabitants, the Manobos from Surigao; Ferdinand Magellan, who allegedly stopped there briefly in 1521 for freshwater; the Portuguese captain, who converted the rulers to Christianity in 1538; the Moluccans and the Portuguese, who ravaged the coasts and killed its people in 1563; Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who landed two years later to empty houses as the locals hid in the forest, wary of foreigners; and the missionaries, who were forced to leave in the early 1700s as the natives learned how to fight back—saw.

Referring to a census in the 1900s, Sanchez says that of the island’s 25,000 inhabitants, 4,000 to 5,000 are transients “who usually make up a floating population.” Vagabonds or what counted then as “tourists” I assume—for leisure or labor, or sheer necessity, we may never know. And yet, he says, “this beautiful island was hardly known” until after a catastrophe in 1871: the eruption of Mt. Vulcan that sunk parts of the town of Catarman.

Sanchez was partly correct in his assumption. Today, two of the most famous tourist spots in Camiguin are in Catarman, wrought by the eruption: the Sunken Cemetery and the Old Church Ruins

Of its seven volcanoes, only one—the youngest, Mt. Hibok Hibok—remains active, although it has been decades since it last erupted in 1951. 

TIME magazine, a week after the disaster that decimated approximately 3,000 Camiguinons, reported: “Over the centuries, Camiguin’s craters benevolently poured forth soil-enriching lava which made the island abundant beyond the asking. But in periodic moments of ire, the volcanoes visited havoc and death on the people—always, said the elders, because God had been displeased by younger Camigueños who grew lax in their churchgoing, forgetful of the feast days and neglectful of the sign of the cross.” 

So severe its casualties were that it prompted the creation of the country’s first government agency mandated to “safeguard life and property against volcanic eruptions and its dangers.” The Commission on Volcanology (COMVOL), now the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), was created on June 20, 1952 through Republic Act No. 766.

The island’s volatile past birthed “beauty” and abundance (its rich volcanic soil is a necessary condition for its sweet lanzones) just as it erased collective memory. 

People learn to live with impending doom, within them and outside themselves. It helps too when you live somewhere that constantly distracts you with its gentler possibilities.

“There are barely any ethno-historical records, which explain how the island’s current blend came about,” laments anthropologist and author of “The Untold Stories of Camiguin Island” Andrés Narros Lluch. For his attempt, he consulted the history of the victors: that of the Augustinian Recollects in Camiguin, who stayed for more than 200 years establishing Catarman and three other towns that all fell under their religious jurisdiction.

One point of contention in the island’s remembering is the origin of its name. Lluch’s research posits that the province was named after its first inhabitants, “kimigins,” the Manobo followers of a certain Datu Migin. Another theory traces its name back to kamagong, a native tree found in Lake Mainit in Surigao, from where the original settlers migrated. “But etymologically speaking, the word ‘Camiguin’ has no meaning in the Visayan language,” an archaeological survey published in 2010 concluded as if on a dead end.

Nonetheless, all around the island are remnants of its past, of its present and forever state: colors washed out or rusted by gusts of salt water and wind, fickle weather influenced by its multitude of biomes, an eternal Arcadian idyll seasonally interrupted by a bigger “floating population.”

Popular culture will have us believe that the “trouble in paradise” is the “other” among us tourists or internal turmoil that inevitably bubbles up as if stirred by a sudden change of scene. Think Jennifer Coolidge’s gay assailants in “White Lotus” or her self-destructive outburst from having been left alone on a supposed Italian coast honeymoon in the first place. 

A more plausible threat is always within nature though, as in M. Night Shyamalan’s time-accelerating beach in “Old.” As in Camiguin’s seven and counting volcanoes, waves that crash from all around the island—elements that once colluded during Mt. Hibok Hibok’s 1951 eruption making rescue operations even a bigger nightmare.

But eventually, people learn to live with impending doom, within them and outside themselves. It helps too when you live somewhere that constantly distracts you with its gentler possibilities: Sunny days with just enough breeze to cancel out humidity. Calmer waters for smoother sailing. Kinder winds that whisper through nimble trees. Billowy clouds that tame the prickly sunlight while allowing generous views of the mountain peaks—things of beauty Camiguinons are lucky to witness more often than God’s supposed wrath.

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18 Camiguin Tourist Spots You Shouldn’t Miss (Sunken Cemetery, White Island, Katibawasan Falls, and MORE!)

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by  Manoling Martinez

January 27, 2023

Note: This post may include affiliate links. Read more about this here .  

You may have heard that Camiguin has more volcanoes than towns. 

But… say… did you know that Camiguin has the highest tourist spots per square kilometer ratio? 

For such a small island, Camiguin is BURSTING with so much beauty all around, you’ll be shocked. 

From white sand beaches to magical cold springs, to powerful waterfalls, and even a mysterious underwater cemetery, Camiguin has it all. 

After exploring the island for a week, I’m going to share with you my favorite spots – from the super popular, to the not-so-well-known! 

These are the best Camiguin tourist spots you can check out! 

(I made up the square-kilometer-ratio thing, but it certainly feels right!) . 

The Best Camiguin Tourist Spots (18 Spots You Should Check Out!)

For this list, I’m not going to list the spots in random order.

Instead, it’s a strange combination of my personal favorites / what I believe everyone should see / the ones that aren’t too difficult to visit / trying to diversify the list so it’s not all the same type of attraction kind of thing. 

So without further adieu, here they are! 

• Sto. Nino Cold Spring
• Mantigue Island
• Katibawasan Falls
• White Island
• Sunken Cemetery
• The Old Volcano
• Mt. Hibok Hibok
• Guiob Old Church Ruins
• Tuasan Falls
• Bura Soda Water Park
• Katunggan Park
• Tongatok Viewdeck
• Giant Clam Sanctuary
• Parola Mambajao + 1914 Monument
• Ardent Hot Spring
• Taguines Lagoon
• Sto. Rosario Church
• Moro Moro Watchtower

If you’re familiar with some of these, you might be surprised that they’re so low down. 

I’ll get to that, but first, let’s start with:

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #1: Sto. Nino Cold Spring

Probably my personal favorite! 

There are hundreds (if not thousands!) of cold springs all over the Philippines. But few of them are as good as Sto. Nino cold spring in Catarman. 

It has the perfect balance of being developed enough that casuals can enjoy it, but not overdeveloped that it loses its natural beauty (a theme you’ll find throughout Camiguin) . 

There are a few tables around the spring where you can chill. They have comfort rooms to change in. And there’s even a “kiddie pool”, a shallow area separated from the main swimming area (kiddie spring, if you will) . 

But the real star is, of course, the spring itself. 

When you get in, you’ll immediately find two things:

• They’re not lying when they say COLD spring (seriously, the water IS cold), and
• The water is a magical blue

From above, the water reflects the nature around it, so it appears green. But once you’re in, you’ll realize just how blue it really is! 

The swimming area is so large, you can call it a lake if you want. 

And it’s pretty deep. Deep enough you can duck dive down, but not too deep that you can’t get some cool photos with the rocks underneath. 

Once you’re finished swimming, you can lounge around the spring. Right outside the entrance, you can also buy souvenirs, or try Camiguin’s famous snack, kiping! 

Facts About Sto. Nino Cold Spring

Fees: Entrance is php75/head ($1.5). You can also rent the tables there for php150 ($3). 

Opening/Closing Time: Sto. Nino cold spring is open from 11am-5pm on Monday and Thursday, and 8am-5pm every other day of the week. 

How to Get There: Sto. Nino Cold Spring is found in Catarman, a few minutes uphill from the highway. Most Camiguin tours will include this in the itinerary. 

If not, the easiest way to get there is to rent a motorbike and use Google Maps. You can also hail a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) and ask them to take you here. Don’t forget to ask them to wait for you outside since public transportation in Camiguin is very limited. 

Planning Notes: Tuasan Falls and the Bura Soda Water Spring are just nearby Sto. Nino cold spring. If you want to make the most out of your trip, try to include these in your plans while you’re in the area! 

I highly prefer Sto. Nino over Bura Soda Water Park. So I recommend spending more time here than over there!

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #2: Mantigue Island

Camiguin is a volcanic island. 

This means you’ll hardly find any good white-sand beaches in Camiguin island itself. 

But off the coast, you’ll find 2 FANTASTIC white sand islands: White Island and Mantigue Island. 

Both are must-sees, but if you could only see one, I’d say go for Mantigue. 

Because aside from having a white sand beach, the waters that surround the island are also teeming with life! 

And I’m not talking about tiny fish scattered here and there. If you swim a little way off to the floating raft, you’ll find one of the best coral reefs in the country. 

You’ll see school upon school of colorful fish – both small and BIG. And to top it all off, you’ll find SEA TURTLES here too! 

Whether you’re snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving, you’re very likely to come across one of these friendly creatures here! 

Outside the water, you’ll find tables and cottages where you can chill. There’s no food on the island, so make sure you bring some along.

Unlike White Island, there are plenty of trees to give you shade when the sun gets hot. And if you want a little adventure, you can walk around the whole island. 

On your little trip, you’ll see the other, crowdless side of the island.

You’ll find a hidden tire swing. 

An abandoned house. And a tower that – if you’re like me and have nothing better to do – you can climb to get a nice bird’s eye view. 

Facts About Mantigue Island

Fees: The boat fee to get to Mantigue is php750 ($15), good for four people for 3 hours on the island. There’s also an entrance fee of php75/head ($1.5). Both of these are paid before departure. 

You can ask your boatman to circle around the island and get pictures of you too. We paid php200 ($4) for this, although I’m not sure it’s a standardized rate! 

Finally, on the island, you can rent a shed for php150 ($3), or a plastic table and chair set for php100 ($2). 

If you want to snorkel in the reef (which you should!) , you’ll also have to pay a snorkeling fee of php50/head ($1). Snorkels are also available on the island for rent! 

Opening/Closing Time: The island opens at 6am, and closes at 5 pm, with the last trip leaving at 3 pm. Take note that after 3pm, there won’t be any boats going to the island anymore, so plan accordingly!

How to Get There: The port to get to Mantigue is found in Mahinog, just a few minutes away from Benoni Port. From the port to the island takes around 15 minutes. 

As always, Mantigue is usually included in tours. It’s also very easy to hail a habal-habal from Benoni Port to the Mantigue jump-off area. 

If you’re driving a scooter or a car, you can search “Mantigue Island Departure Area” on Google maps! 

Planning Notes: Your boat isn’t going to wait for you on the island. If possible, they’ll try to get back to the mainland to drive more passengers. 

Your boatman will be back 3 hours later, but if you aren’t planning to stay that long, you should plan with your boatman.

Secondly, bring food! 

Or at least snacks. 

We were warned that there were no stores on the island, but we didn’t really think about it too much. 3 hours later, we couldn’t wait for our boat to come back because we were hungry! 

You can split your 3 hours in Mantigue into sections. 

In the first hour, you can go snorkeling. 

On the second, you can explore the whole island. 

And on the third, you can just relax and chill on the beach, or eat lunch/snacks (if you’re smarter than us and actually brought food) . 

Of course, your itinerary on the island can look completely different. But for me, that’s the best way to get the full Mantigue experience! 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #3: Katibawasan Falls 

Like waterfalls?

Then you’ll love Katibawasan! 

Dropping 250 feet from above, this waterfall is the tallest in Camiguin. It’s also the most accessible.

Getting here is a breeze since it’s found right on the outskirts of Mambajao. You won’t have to hike through any forest either, although you will have to go down about 100-200 steps. 

The waterfall drops into a little pool where you can dip your feet or swim. When you get closer, you’ll notice a cool phenomenon where some water spills out of the steep rock wall – sort of like mini waterfalls beside the giant majestic one. 

But don’t get too close to the falls! 

Since it’s so high, you can seriously hurt yourself if you get underneath – not to mention falling rocks. 

Like a lot of Camiguin’s tourist spots, there are also plenty of tables and chairs that you can rent here. There’s also a store right outside the entrance where you can buy snacks – such as Kiping! 

Facts About Katibawasan Falls

Fees: Entrance fee is at php75 ($1.5), with sheds and tables for rent at php150 ($3) and php100 ($2) respectively. 

How to Get There: As always, the easiest way to get here is by renting a motorbike and using Google Maps! 

Since Katibawasan is close to Mambajao, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a motorbike taxi here though. 

Planning Notes: Katibawasan Falls is the closest attraction to Mambajao (only 13 minutes away from the airport) . However, there aren’t many other tourist spots nearby. 

That’s why when planning your trip, you can always keep Katibawasan as a “last minute” spot before hopping on your plane home. Just stay off the pool if you don’t wanna be bringing wet clothes on your flight! 

Katibawasan is also one of the best places to enjoy Kiping – a local snack made from casava drizzled with molasses. 

Outside the entrance, there’s a small store where you can buy this snack and take it with you inside! 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #4: White Island

One of the most popular tourist spots in Camiguin has to be White Island. 

In fact, it’s one of the main reasons people come to Camiguin in the first place! 

There isn’t much marine life to explore here, nor is there any shade to hide from the sun, but who can resist such a beautiful sandbar out in the middle of the sea? 

The water is clearer than you’ve ever seen, and the sand is so fine and white, that it can rival all the top beaches in the country (even Boracay !). 

People come here as early as 5:30 am for a chill swim or to bask in the eternal sunshine of the island. 

From White Island, you’ll also get a majestic view of Camiguin island and its peaks – most notably, Mount Hibok-Hibok. 

And if you’re not the type to go sunbathing, you can easily rent a beach umbrella set from the boat operators. 

Facts About White Island

Fees: The boat fee to get to White Island is php550 ($11), good for four people. There’s also an entrance fee of php50/head ($1). 

When you’re on the island, you can rent a beach umbrella set for php150 ($3). This set includes an umbrella and some mats so you can relax on the sand. 

Opening/Closing Time: Trips to White Island start at 5:30am and end at 4pm. At 5pm, the island closes and guests are asked to return to the mainland. 

How to Get There: The port to get to White Island is found on the outskirts of Mambajao – about halfway from the town to the tourist zone of Catarman. 

From Mambajao, you can ride an orange west-bound tricycle to take you here. 

Or, you can search for “White Island Ferry Terminal” on Google maps! 

Planning Notes: Go early! 

Remember, White Island is a bare sandbar. There’s no cover from the sun unless you rent an umbrella. 

That’s why getting there before sunrise is probably the best time to enjoy White Island. 

If you go really early like 5:30am, you can also avoid the queue for boats. White Island gets a lot of visitors, so if you come at around 6-7am, you may have to wait a few minutes before getting a boat (like us!) . 

Since White Island right in the middle of Mambajao and Catarman, you can start the day here, then move on to Catarman spots like Sto. Nino Cold spring, Tuasan Falls, etc. 

Or, you can do what we did. We started the day at White Island. Then, when the sun got too hot, we made our way over to Mantigue. Our own little “island hopping” if you will. 

You can also go at sunset, but keep in mind that all boats leave White Island at 5pm. 

Also, fun fact: There was also a man selling fresh sea-urchin when we were there.

If you’re brave enough, give it a try! 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #5: Sunken Cemetery

Sunken Cemetery is Camiguin’s most recognizable landmark. 

And it’s a REALLY intriguing one too. 

The story goes that when Mt. Vulcan (the “Old Volcano”) erupted in the 1870s, the earthquake was so strong that an entire portion of Camiguin island collapsed into the sea. In that portion was an old Spanish cemetery, hence the name “Sunken Cemetery”. 

While it certainly is a very unique and interesting place, don’t expect to see rows of gravestones or skeletons here! 

After over a hundred years, most of the cemetery remains are now gone, and replaced with a sprawling coral reef! 

Aside from the reef, you’ll also see some majestic purple giant clams here. 

A giant cross and view deck were also built a stone’s throw away from the shore. You can swim or ride a boat here, and enjoy the glorious Camiguin sunset. 

However, not everything from the old cemetery disappeared. 

If you swim around the view deck, you’ll find an old gravestone and bust from the cemetery. 

And if you swim even further away, you’ll find the old cross –  a big, cement cross that was actually part of the original cemetery. 

Aside from that though, don’t expect too much! 

I came here expecting much more, so I was slightly disappointed – even though the giant cross and view deck in and of themselves make the trip well worth it already! 

Facts About Sunken Cemetery

Fees: Entrance is free, but there are several fees on Sunken Cemetery depending on what you plan to do. 

For a boat ride to the cross, that’ll cost you php100 ($2). 

If you wanna swim, there’s a swimming fee of php100 ($2). 

Then, if you want a guide (which you should get if you want to see the giant clams and the sunken cross) , that’ll cost you php150 ($3). 

You can also rent lifevest, masks, and snorkels if need be. 

Keep in mind that these fees are paid in the green building ACROSS the road from the Sunken Cemetery gate. It’s a good idea to head over there before entering, so you won’t have to walk all the way back like we did. 

Opening/Closing Time: Sunken Cemetery does not have an official opening and closing time. 

However, most of the guides (and I believe the boatmen too) go home at around 5pm, so it’s a good idea to be a bit earlier than that. 

How to Get There: The entrance to Sunken Cemetery is a little bit difficult to find. The jump-off point doesn’t show up in Google Maps, just the monument itself. 

You can go to that general area and ask locals for help like we did. 

Or, you can search for “Bask 45 Bistro” instead. Directly across that restaurant is a faded white gate – that’s the entrance to Sunken Cemetery. 

Planning Notes: Sunken Cemetery is very close by to the Guiob Old Church Ruins and the Walkway to the Old Volcano. 

Planning to visit all these 3 in one go is a great idea! 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #6: Walkway to the Old Volcano

If you’re in for a quick workout, then you should make some time to climb the Old Volcano! 

Mount Vulcan, the volcano that sent the cemetery under the water, has a walkway to a nice clearing where you can get views of the Sunken Cemetery from above.

It’s a mix of stairs, cemented walkways, and some rugged-but-clear paths to the clearing. You won’t get to the top of Mount Vulcan, but you’ll get high enough to get a really nice view. 

Along the path, you’ll also encounter the stations of the cross – a visual story of the crucifixion of Christ. Some people bring candles and pray at each of these stations. 

The “hike” isn’t too difficult, especially at the first six stations. At some point, the path gets a little steep, but nothing healthy people can’t handle. 

Most people can reach the top in about 30 – 40 minutes, making it a nice quick workout with rewarding views! 

Facts About the Walkway to the Old Volcano

Fees: The only fee here is the entrance fee, which is php75 ($1.5)!

Opening/Closing Time: The Old Volcano opens at 7:30 am, and closes at 5pm. 

Since there’s no gate and no need for guides, you can actually go up anytime. However, to support the maintenance of the trail, it’s best to go during their open hours. 

How to Get There: The Walkway to the Old Volcano can easily be found in Google Maps. It’s also very obvious from the highway – just look for big stairs leading up the mountain! 

Planning Notes: Again, this spot is very near the Sunken Cemetery and the Guiob Church Ruins. 

However, climbing to the top does take some time, so make sure you plan to stay at least 1 hour (maybe even 1:30) here. 

Some people don’t go all the way to the top and just take some pictures in the trail. 

But for me, that makes the whole thing not worth it since the best part of this spot is the view of the Sunken Cemetery below! 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #7: Mt. Hibok Hibok

Mt. Hibok-Hibok is a popular attraction, but I have to give you a BIG warning:

This spot is ONLY for the physically fit!

Unlike the Old Volcano, which almost anyone can climb, Mount Hibok-Hibok is a challenging hike. 

Climbing Hibok-Hibok means 3-5 hours of walking up steep inclines. In some areas, you’ll have to scramble and use your hands to climb up and up. 

There’s even one section where you’ll need to climb a rope!

You’ll be surrounded by nature all around. I’m talking ALL around. When the trail gets narrow, you’ll have to push aside bushes and shrubs, and there are thorns and leeches lurking around here too.

But I don’t mean to scare you away!

Oh no, no. 

I just HAVE to give you a warning since Mt. Hibok-Hibok is often listed (a little pre-maturely) as a “tourist spot” of Camiguin, leading people to think it’s an easy hike. 

When in reality, our guide told us that MANY people quit when they realize that it isn’t just a casual stroll. We were even told that plenty of people break down in tears. 

But if you’re up for the challenge you’ll be GREATLY rewarded! 

Higher up, unique flora and fauna will surround you wherever you look – including mossy forests and endemic bird species! 

And after about 2-3 hours of hiking, you’ll get to the crater of Mount Hibok-Hibok. Is a nice, flat, grassy area, with a little lake where you can take a dip if you want.

The crater area is also where you can set camp if you’re staying overnight. 

From there, it’s about another hour heading up to the peak. This is where you’ll get a breathtaking view of Camiguin from above. 

Unfortunately, there was heavy fog when we got there. So all we could do was sit and watch the mysterious fog float by.

But on our way down, we could see White Island allllll the way down there like a little speck. You can also see Bohol to the north and Surigao to the east! 

Facts About Mt. Hibok-Hibok

Fees: To climb Mt. HIbok-Hibok, you’ll need to pay an environmental fee of php200/head. You’ll also need to hire a guide for php1,200 for up to 3 people (although the 3 people limit doesn’t seem to be strictly followed) . 

You can pay these to your guide before starting your hike. 

Opening/Closing Time: Hibok-Hibok doesn’t have an opening or closing time (of course not, it’s a mountain!) . Guides recommend starting your climb at 5am, and have brunch at either the crater area or the summit. 

However, you can really choose anytime to go. You can even stay overnight if you want to! Just be sure to coordinate with your guide.

How to Get There: To climb Mt. Hibok-Hibok, the best thing to do is to contact a local guide beforehand. 

You can message the Hibok-Hibok environmental office on Facebook for help, or you can refer to this list they sent me below! 

We contacted Jerald Rabile, which turned out to be a pretty good choice. Apparently, the Rabile family has some strong roots on the mountain – his grandpa was literally the guy that trailblazed it! 

Other than that, there are two trails to the summit of Hibok-hibok. One starts at Ardent Hot Spring (this trail was closed when we were there) , and the other starts near the Yumbing Market (this is where we met our guide) . 

We jumped off at 5am, reached the summit at around 10am, started our descent at 11am, and were back in Yumbing at around 2pm. 

Planning Notes: REMEMBER to bring food and enough water! 

If you’re used to hiking, you should already know how much water to bring. For us, we brought 5 liters each, which turned out to be just right. 

If you’re a first-timer, keep in mind that more water = more weight. More weight which you’re definitely going to feel at the start of the climb. 

Being a first-time climber, I actually dumped 1 liter at the start of the climb. It made things lighter, but I regretted it when we were going down as I now had to ration my water (There’s only one water source in Hibok-Hibok, and it’s found right at the start of the trail). 

As for food, it’s proper etiquette (if you can call it that) to bring some for your guide as well. 

You can bring any kind of food or snacks you want. We bought Jollibee burgers from Mambajao the night before and ate those at the crater. 

As for the time, I fully believe that the guide’s recommendation to jump off at 5am is best. 

Starting this early allows you to take your time going up. And when you’re done your hike, you still have time to go and visit another spot. Yumbing Market is just across the road from the White Island dock, so maybe you could go check that out? 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #8: Guiob Church Ruins (The Old Church Ruins)

But okay… let’s take a step back to something everyone (not just the physically fit) can enjoy:

The Old Guiob Church Ruins! 

Unlike the sunken cemetery, the Guiob church survived Mt. Vulcan’s eruption in the 1870s. It lost its roof, but today it still stands tall, covered in moss and other plant life. 

From the road, you might miss these old, moss-covered ruins. But once you’re in, you’ll find that it’s actually quite big inside! You could even call it a park. 

On the inside, you’ll also find trees lined up perfectly alongside the ruins. 

You’ll find the ruins of this tower. 

And you’ll also see a giant, GIANT tree. 

With some benches around, the Guiob church ruins are a great place to relax after a day of exploring. 

Facts About Guiob Old Church Ruins

Fees: To get inside, you’ll have to pay a php75 ($1.5) entrance fee. 

Opening/Closing Time: The Old Church Ruins opens at 8am and closes at 5:30pm. 

How to Get There: From Sunken Cemetery, all you have to do is drive west for about a minute and you’ll spot the Old Church Ruins from the road. 

If you miss it, you can always Google “Old Spanish Church Ruins” to find it! 

Planning Notes: Make sure to plan some time here! 

This isn’t a typical old church, where all you do is take pictures and go. 

Nope, this place has a park on it, and many old ruins to admire. I highly recommend going the “Camiguin way” and taking it slow here and taking the time to admire all the beautiful ruins (and that giant tree) . 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #9: Tuasan Falls

No, Tuasan isn’t as tall or powerful as Katibawan falls. But if Katibawasan Falls felt a little too “developed” for your taste, then you might prefer these falls instead. 

Yes, there are also tables and chairs where you can hang out here. And there are restrooms where you can change.  

But because Tusans falls is found high up in the mountains ( rather than just a few minutes away from the town) , it gets a lot fewer visitors. 

You’ll absolutely love this falls if you want to avoid the crowds! 

There also aren’t any vendors waiting outside the entrance. At times, you might even feel like you’re all alone in some hidden waterfall in the jungle!

Of course, again, Tuasan is far from a secret spot. 

You’ll even find a little “Hollywood Sign” as you drive towards it. 

Facts About Tuasan Falls

Fees: Entrance to Tuasan costs the standard php75 ($1.5), while renting a shed is php150 ($3), and a table and chair set php100 ($2).

Are you beginning to notice a pattern here? 

Opening/Closing Time: Tuasan Falls opens at 8am and closes at 5pm! 

How to Get There: Tuasan is quite a way away from the highway. If you’re riding a habal-habal, make SURE you ask him to wait for you because you’ll be stranded if you don’t! 

But if you have your own ride, finding Tuasan is as easy as Googling “Tuasan Falls”. The drive up to Tuasan is quite a scenic one as well, with the road flowing along with the river at times. 

There’s also plenty of signages around leading you the way. 

Planning Notes: As mentioned before, Tuasan is in the vicinity of Bura Soda Water, so visiting those two back-to-back makes a lot of sense. 

Sto. Nino Cold Spring is also close by! 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #10: Bura Soda Water Park

Another unique spot to check out is the Bura Soda Water Spring. 

No, the water here does NOT bubble and fizz like I was led to believe. 

And no, this isn’t a hot spring. 

Instead, it’s unique because you can actually DRINK the water. 

That’s right. The whole concept behind this place is that the water is supposed to taste like soda. 

Well… Does it?

No, not really. 😂

Instead, it tastes pretty much the same as any fresh-from-the-rock spring water does. Definitely tastes a little different from bottled water, but it’s not a bad taste at all! 

Now before you go and drink the water that people are swimming in, stop! That’s not the one you can drink! 

Instead, over at the side, there’s a little station with pipes bringing the fresh spring water non-stop. This is where you can have a drink. 

Aside from the “soda water”, the park is also a chill place to swim or just unwind. 

The water here is in a shade of green, unlike the bursting blue of Sto. Nino Cold Spring!

Facts About Bura Soda Water Park

Fees: Can you guess? 

That’s right. 

Php75 ($1.5) for entrance. 

Php150 ($3) for a shed. 

And php100 ($2) for a table and chairs set. 

Who would’ve thought? 

Opening/Closing Time: Bura Soda Water Park opens at 8am and closes at 5pm. It’s almost important to note that this park is CLOSED on Mondays! 

How to Get There: Like Tuasan, there’s plenty of signs that’ll point you the way to the Soda Water. 

Or, you know, just Google it. 

If you don’t have a car or bike, you’ll be happy to know that this place isn’t as isolated as Tuasan. There’s actually some people living nearby. However, I still recommend asking your driver to wait for you if ever. 

Planning Notes: Here’s a little secret:

This place was a little underwhelming for me. 

I mean sure, it’s a nice place that’s worth visiting. Plus, their whole “drink the soda water” thing is quite fun. 

But if you compare it side-by-side with the nearby Sto. Nino cold spring, it pales a bit. 

Just my thoughts though! 

I still highly recommend you visit this place. But if I had to give you some planning advice, it’d be to give more time for Sto. Nino than this one! 

Also, there was a guy selling Bibingka outside when we visited. It was REALLY good. The guy seems to travel from spot to spot though, so you may or may not catch him here. 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #11: Katunggan Mangrove Park

By now, you might get the impression that Camiguin is pretty action-packed. 

While that’s true, there are also pretty places here that are ALL about chilling. 

Case in point?

The Katunggan Mangrove Park! 

This is probably the most laid-back spot on this list. All it is is a wooden walkway that takes you into the mangrove forest. 

I found the mangroves here interesting because instead of thin trunks, these mangroves had thick trunks.

Plus, on the low tide, there were plenty of young mangroves peeping out of the mud. It looked quite otherworldly. 

There are several benches where you can sit down and relax. Or, you can rent a small hut if you’re staying for a while. 

There’s also a little store outside where you can buy some snacks like chips and coke. 

All in all, if you’re short on time, this is one spot that you can skip. But if you’ve got time – or if you’re riding a motorbike around the whole island – this is a great place to stop over!  

Facts About Katunggan Mangrove Park

Fees: Surprisingly, the entrance to this park is only php20 ($0.40). You can also rent a shed for php150 ($3) which is good for 3 hours. 

Opening/Closing Time: Katunggan Park opens at 8am and closes at 5pm. 

How to Get There: Katunggan Park is just a few minutes south of Benoni Port. Right after the Taguines Lagoon, you’ll find it. 

Because it’s along the highway, you might be able to catch a tricycle or jeepney heading this way. I can’t say for certain though. If you’re gonna use public transportation, make sure to ask the locals! 

Of course, the best way is just to rent a bike and use Google Maps. 

Planning Notes: As said before, this is really a spot that you can leave out if you’re short on time. It seems to be more of a place for locals to chill, or for team-building activities. 

But since it’s so close to Benoni Port, you can actually relax here while waiting for your boat. 

Or, if you’re already doing a trip around the whole Camiguin, this is definitely a great place to stopover. 

Finally, if you have too much time like we did, then why not check it out? 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #12: Tongatok Cliff and Viewdeck (Chan Lookout Point)

Picture this:

It’s sunset. You’re sitting on the grassy edge of a cliff, with a breathtaking view of Camiguin’s rocky shore. Below you, the waves crash endlessly on the rocks, and above you, the sky goes on and on and on into the horizon. 

Welp, that’s exactly what you’ll get in the Tongatok cliff! 

While it’s true that you can get an amazing sunset view in a lot of places around Camiguin, Tongatok cliff is one of the more popular spots – and for good reasons! 

First, of course, the view from here is amazing. 

But other than that, it’s also at a very convenient location. 

Tongatok cliff is just a few minutes away from the Guiob Ruins and the Sunken Cemetery. Given that both of those spots close at 5pm, Tongatok cliff is a nice place to stopover on your way back to Mambajao. 

And finally, third, there’s a resort right beside the cliff. 

Inside the resort is the Tongatok Viewdeck – a nice little fenced area that’s great for pictures! There’s also a restaurant in the resort, which – if you’re already hungry from the day’s activities – is a convenient place to enjoy dinner! 

Fact About Tongatok Cliff and View Deck

Fees: FREE. 

It’s literally a cliff by the side of the road. Whose gonna charge you for that? 

Opening/Closing Time: None! 

How to Get There: On the way from Mambajao to Catarman, it’s hard to miss this cliff! You’ll also see the big white Tongatok resort. 

If you need the help of Google, you can always search for “Tongatok Cliff Resort” or “Chan Lookout Point”. 

Planning Notes: The BEST time to come here is during sunset. 

This is the type of place where you take things slow and ponder life – all while watching the waves crash on the rocks and the sun go down over the Land Born of Fire. 

Here’s a GIF I put together to give you an idea of what I’m talking about: 

Chilling here is also a great way to end your day of exploring. 

If you’re staying in Mambajao, and took a day exploring the Catarman spots (Sunken Cemetery, Sto. Nino Spring. etc.) , then this’ll be right on your way home. 

It’s so perfect! Most spots close at 5pm, so you can get here right on sunset. 

Then, you can drive back to Mambajao just in time for dinner. Or, you could even have dinner in the resort. 

Other Camiguin Tourist Spots

Those were the 12 BEST tourist spots in Camiguin that I personally recommend. 

There’s more! 

When I visited in June 2022, some of Camiguin’s most famous spots were closed for various reasons. 

Plus, I also found that some of the “tourist spots” listed by Camiguin’s tourism office weren’t that amazing. 

But hey, you’re reading this in the future! Maybe by the time you visit, these spots will be opened to the public already – or maybe they’ll be significantly better than they are today. 

So without further adieu, here are MORE Camiguin tourist spots! 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #13: Giant Clam Sanctuary

One of the very BEST things to see in Camiguin is the Giant Clam Sanctuary. 

I saw images online of rows of beautiful giant clams all lined up perfectly. 

Sadly, when I visited in June 2022, the sanctuary was closed for political reasons! 

The image above was taken from the Sunken Cemetery reef, where you can also find some giant clams. 

However, we were told that the clams in the sanctuary itself were much bigger and much more impressive. 

Hopefully, this site is opened by the time you’re reading this! 

Why Did Camiguin’s Giant Clam Sanctuary Close? 

Note: this is what I heard and deducted about the closing. This is NOT an official report! 

One thing you’ll notice in Camiguin is that most of the tourist spots seem to be regulated by the Camiguin Tourism Office. 

That’s why the prices are almost identical, as are the opening times. You’ll also see these “Clean Camiguin” signs everywhere. 

However, someone told us that the owner of the Giant Clam Sanctuary didn’t cooperate with this centralization, and therefore, his business was shut down by the government. 

Again, I have to stress this: 

This is NOT an official report, just what I heard! 

Hopefully, the Clam Sanctuary will reopen soon and we can visit it! 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #14: Parola Mambajao + The 1914 Monument

One spot I “discovered” on Google Maps is the Parola Mambajao – a tiny little park in the center of Mambajao. 

While it isn’t the most impressive, I found it to be a lovely little place to unwind, and maybe watch the sunset. 

Of course, if you’re short on time, this is one of the spots I’d definitely leave out since there’s nothing particularly special about it. It’s just a place where you can watch the locals, since this seems to be a favorite place for them. 

There’s also a giant “I Love Mambajao” sign here where you can take pictures. 

And a little further down the road is the 1914 Monument – an old water fountain that’s in the middle of a roundabout. 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #15: Ardent Hot Springs

Another spot that was closed when I visited was the Ardent Hot Spring. 

It was such a bummer since I’ve heard nothing but wonderful stories about this spring. 

The hot water comes from Mt. Hibok-Hibok (a volcano). On the way down to the man-made pools, it is cooled enough that you can enjoy swimming in the water. 

Sadly, the hot spring was closed on my visit due to there being “no water in the spring nowadays.” 

At least, that’s what my Hibok-Hibok guide told me. So I’m not sure when they’re going to reopen! 

Update: August 18, 2022 – Ardent Hot Springs has Reopened!

Camiguin’s tourism office just announced on their Facebook page that Ardent Hot Springs is officially reopened for tourists! 

They are still undergoing a renovation project, but you can now visit from 6am to 10pm. 

They didn’t announce the prices, but I’m assuming it’s the regular php75 ($1.5). 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #16: Taguines Lagoon

Another spot that used to be popular pre-covid days is the Taguines Lagoon. 

Taguines Lagoon is a manmade lagoon found right beside the Benoni Port. 

It used to be a place for recreational activities like kayaking. There’s even a zipline that’ll take you across the whole lagoon. 

Nowadays, it’s still a nice landmark if you’re driving around the whole Camiguin. Some of the locals also like swimming here.

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #17: Sto. Rosario Church

One activity I highly, HIGHLY recommend while in Camiguin is renting a motorbike and driving around the entire island (that’s why I mention it all the time!) . 

While you’re at it, you might want to stopover by the Sto. Rosario church in Sagay. 

As far as old churches go, Sto. Rosario isn’t one of the most spectacular in the country (trust me, we have AMAZING old churches around here) . 

It’s a very simple church, built in the 1880s using coral stones. 

However, it’s still a great place to stop and get a picture or two! Especially if you’re already in the area. 

Best Camiguin Tourist Spots #18: Moro-Moro Watchtower

Last but not least is the Moro-Moro Watchtower in Guinsiliban. 

If you grab a tourist map of Camiguin, this is a spot that usually shows up. 

It’s an important piece of history, since these watchtowers were built to warn of Moro pirate attacks on the island. 

However, Camiguin’s Moro tower really isn’t all that popular. And it’s actually quite difficult to find! 

I was driving a motorbike and was looking for it in Google Maps – but all it was leading me to was an elementary school. 

Apparently, the tower is found within the school’s premises. 

In hindsight, I probably should’ve asked the locals where the tower was. 

But I guess all I can do now is warn you where to find it – so you won’t feel lost like I was! 

Which Camiguin Tourist Spot Are YOU Most Excited About?

And there you have it!

Those are the 18 best tourist spots in Camiguin to check out! 

So which one are YOU most looking forward to?

Are you excited to bask in the sunshine of White Island?

Maybe to go freediving or scuba diving in Mantigue?

Or maybe you’re the type of person who can’t wait to dip in Sto. Nino cold springs, or chase waterfalls like Katibawasan and Tuasan. 

Or… maybe you’re ready for a real adventure, and wanna hike Mt. Hibok-Hibok?

Whatever the case, I hope this blog got you excited for your Camiguin trip. 

And if you don’t know what to expect from the island yet, go and check out my complete Camiguin travel guide here ! 

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Manoling Martinez

Hi! I'm Manoling, a 24-year-old backpacker from Cebu City. I'm on a mission to visit ALL 82 provinces of the Philippines. You can follow my adventures on my Instagram, or plan your trips here on my website!

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About Camiguin

Camiguin at the forefront of Sustainable Tourism

The Provincial Government of Camiguin is conscientiously working with its local government units indeveloping and promoting tourism as a sustainable industry. This is in line with the national government’s thrust in creating a culture of sustainable tourism. It is only through sustainable means that the island’s pristine nature is protected and preserved while all communities in the island continue to benefit from it as a source of livelihood and great pride.

When in Camiguin remember these practical tips making us responsible visitors.

Smoke-free, Guilt-free

Breathe in the fresh air while enjoying the stunning mountain and seaside vistas. A smoke-free Camiguin makes it a healthy haven for tourists and residents alike.

Zero Waste, Maximum Fun

Don’t forget to pack your reusable cups, utensils or eco bags when visiting the island. The local government has implemented the No Use of Plastic Bags or Bring Your Own Bayong (BYOB) policy.

LOCAL IS FOCAL

Give preference to responsible tour operators (see accredited Camiguin Hotels, Restaurants and Homestays) who will give you the best local experience while in Camiguin. Support local artisans and research on different ways that you can give back to the community.

The Future is Green

Consider the impact of your presence. Keep your carbon footprint to a minimum by making smart travel decisions such as cutting down on electricity and water usage when in hotels (treat it like as if you’re paying the electric bill!), carrying eco-friendly products or choosing to walk to a tourist site rather than ride a van.

Post best practices in being responsible tourists online using #feelcamiguin #camiguingreen and begin to inspire others!

COMPLETE YOUR CAMIGUIN ADVENTURE

DOWNLOAD THE MAP OF CAMIGUIN

CAMIGUIN: Budget Travel Guide

The cold wind that blew as I stood at the balcony of our hotel was quite a refreshing surprise. Although the sky was bright and the sun was inching its way from the horizon, the temperature remained friendly in the shadows of Mt. Hibok-hibok, the most prominent landmark in Camiguin.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Camiguin: The Island Born of Fire

Camiguin is the smallest province in Mindanao and the second smallest in the Philippines. But don’t judge it by its size. Often dubbed the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin harbors seven volcanoes, including Mount Vulcan and Mount Hibok-hibok. Its landscape has been continuously shaped and reshaped by volcanic activities, giving this island paradise countless natural attractions.

These restless volcanoes also play a part in the molding and evolution of the province’s culture. Although often quiet, Camiguin has experienced its volcanoes’ many violent rumblings that have changed the way its people live. Despite its fiery past, the island remains enchanting and intriguing especially with attractions like the Sunken Cemetery and the Old Catarman Church Ruins.

Yes, Camiguin may be small but it is big in beauty and wonder, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

Top Resorts and Hotels in Camiguin

Based on Agoda review scores.

• Balai sa Baibai Resort. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Marianita’s Cottages. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• D & A Seaside Cottages. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• YSLA Beach Camp and Eco Resort. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• TheView Camiguin. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Lanzones Cabana. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Camiguin Resorts!

How to get to camiguin.

Flights via Cebu. Camiguin has its own airport that can be reached by flying Cebu Pacific Air via Cebu. (No direct flights from Manila yet. You will have to connect in Cebu.)

Via Cagayan de Oro. Most major airlines fly to Cagayan de Oro City (Laguindingan Airport), the most usual gateway for tourists visiting Camiguin. The most important note to consider when booking a flight to Cagayan de Oro is the schedule. You will need to decide first how you plan on reaching Camiguin from CDO before booking a flight: on Fastcraft or via Balingoan Pier.

OceanJet ferry passengers from Cagayan de Oro city center (Macabalan Port) to Camiguin (Benoni Wharf).  OceanJet took over Paras SeaCat’s schedule at 8:30am. Fare is P900. (Note that this might have already changed. Please call +63 (32) 255 7560 to confirm.

There is another way of getting to Camiguin that doesn’t have that much of a time pressure. One can travel to the Balingoan Pier and take a ferry to Benoni Wharf in Camiguin.

• At the airport, take a shuttle to the city center (P199)
• At the Agora Bus Terminal, ride the bus bound for Balingoan (Fare: P110, Travel time: 1.5-2 hours)
• Board the ferry to Benoni Wharf, Camiguin!

From here you can take a multicab to your resort or hotel. More details here .

Places to Visit in Camiguin

Here are some of the tourist spots in Camiguin that may be worth your time.

Other attractions : Mantigue Island, Jicdup and Burias Shoals, Cantaan Giant Clams Ocean Nursery

Preparing a 3D/2N Camiguin Itinerary

Camiguin is such a small island and many of its most popular attractions (not including dive sites) can be visited within a day or two.  If you’re budget conscious, you might not want to hire a travel agency or a tour guide because I am pretty sure you can do it yourself. All you need to do is hire a multi-cab and you’re all set. The drivers know exactly where to take you and they are very friendly and accommodating (or at least the driver we hired).

Here’s how our initial itinerary looked. Unlike what usually happens to me, I was able to follow this itinerary well.

Day 1: GETTING TO CAMIGUIN, and WHITE ISLAND 03:00 am – Check-in NAIA Terminal 3 04:10 am – ETD NAIA Terminal 3 – Manila (via Airphil Express) 05:35 am – ETA Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City 06:00 am – Book tickets to Camiguin at Paras Seacat/OceanJet Ticket Office at CDO Pier 06:30 am – Breakfast somewhere  near the pier 08:30 am – ETD: Cagayan de Oro Pier 10:00 am – ETA: Camiguin! 11:00 am – Check-in at Paras Beach Resort, settle down 12:00 pm – LUNCH at Hibok-hibok Restaurant 01:00 pm – White Island 04:00 pm – Back to the resort

Day 2: CAMIGUIN ISLAND TOUR 06:00 am – Wake up call 07:00 am – Breakfast 08:00 am – Start of Island Tour (Ardent Hot Springs, Katibawasan Falls, Sunken Cemetery, Old Catarman Church Ruins, etc). 02:00 pm – Buy pasalubong and sample street food 06:00 pm – Dinner 07:00 pm – Swim at Paras Beach Resort pool

Day 3: THE WAY BACK 06:00 am – Wake up call 07:00 am – Breakfast 08:00 am – Pack up, check out 08:30 am – Buy tickets to Cagayan de Oro 09:15 am – ETD Benoni Wharf, Camiguin 11:30 am – ETA Balingoan Port, Misamis Oriental 12:00 pm – ETD Balingoan Terminal, Misamis Oriental 02:00 pm – ETA Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City 02:30 pm – Check in 03:55 pm – ETD Lumbia Airport, CDO (via Airphil Express) 05:20 pm – ETA NAIA Terminal 3, Manila

We didn’t really veer that much away from our initial itinerary. Although had we had more time, I would’ve wanted to also visit Mantigue Island but I guess that left us one more reason to go back.

If you have more than a weekend or more than three days, I urge you to also enjoy Cagayan de Oro City and the province of Bukidnon!

Budget Breakdown

I didn’t spend much because this trip was a birthday gift to me. (Hallelujah for generous friends!) But just so you could have an idea on how much to spend, here’s the breakdown of expenses had I paid for my half.

Transportation, Accommodations, and Tours

• P679 – Airphil Express roundtrip tickets to Cagayan de Oro (P100 SALE)
• P200 – Terminal fee at NAIA 3
• P60 – Cab fare to Macabalan Port
• P550 – Paras Sea Cat/OceanJet ticket to Camiguin
• P125 – Multicab to Resort from Benoni Port (P250 per multicab)
• P2500 – Superior Room at Paras Sea Cat (P2500 per night for 2 nights, divided by 2 pax)
• P200 – Boat ride to White Island and back (P400 per boat, can accommodate up to 8 pax)
• P600 – Island tour (P1200 per multicab, can accommodate up to 10 pax)
• P900 – Total food and drinks
• P250 – Multicab ride to the ro-ro port
• P135 – Ferry ticket
• P110 – Bus ride from Balingoan to Cagayan de Oro
• P60 – Taxi fare to Airport
• P30 – Lumbia Airport Terminal fee
• P6,399 – SUBTOTAL
• P20 – White Island Fee
• P5 – Walkway to the Old Volcano Envirenmental Fee
• P20 – Santo Nino Cold Spring entrance
• P15 – Life buoy rental at Santo Nino Cold Spring
• P20 – Soda Spring Swimming Pool
• P30 – Ardent Hot Spring Entrance Fee
• P15 – Katibawasan Falls Entrance Fee
• 125 – SUBTOTAL

That’s a total of PhP 6,524.

Hmmm. That’s pretty expensive for a weekend trip.

But hey, I cannot stress enough the fact that there were only two of us on this trip. Having more people on this trip will make a LOT of difference. For example, the boat to White Island can accommodate up to 8 people but we had to shoulder the whole boat cost because there were only two of us. The multicab, too, can also accommodate up to 10 people.

Just to prove a point, let’s assume that you are a group of 8 and you’ll do the exact same things that we did. Here’s how the breakdown will look like:

• P30 – Cab fare to Macabalan Port
• P31 – Multicab to Resort from Benoni Port (P250 per multicab)
• P1500 – Superior Room at Paras Sea Cat (P2500 per room, 4 people per room, 1 extra bed)
• P50 – Boat ride to White Island and back (P400 per boat, can accommodate up to 8 pax)
• P150 – Island tour (P1200 per multicab, can accommodate up to 10 pax)
• P31 – Multicab ride to the ro-ro port
• P30 – Taxi fare to Airport
• P125 – All entrance and environmental fees
• PhP 4,421 – TOTAL

That’s 35% cheaper. And you can still bring it a lot lower by choosing to stay at a less expensive resort or hotel or using cheaper modes of transportation.

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Thaaaaaaanks!!! Can’t wait for my trip!!!

No problem! Watch out for my post fleshing out the details of my budget! :)

I like my stay in camiguin, the memories will be treasred forever.

specia thanks to: mr. teddy pabualan, he is the one who arranges our tour in camiguin ( m: 0939-400521/ [email protected] )

Thanks for sharing your contact!

I’ve been to a lot of places but I always ended going back to camiguin island :)

hi maybe you just update some of the costs like the rental of the cab, entrance & environmental fees and ferry boat fare. There is no direct ocean jet or paras sea cat now direct to camiguin you have to go to balingoan.

Do you have updates?

Hey thanks for the heads up expenses! I’ll be going with my friends and its a free accommodation, and free ride to all destination. So this is way cheaper! Again, Hallelujah for great friends hahahahaha

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20+ Camiguin Tourist Spots (UPDATED): Places to See, Things to Do

Here is your complete travel guide to Camiguin Island tourist spots. We also included not only the most famous attractions but also the laid-back destinations and the most popular things to do in the island.

Camiguin Island is a pear-shaped island in Northern Mindanao. it is now of the leading eco-tourism spots in the Philippines. It’s ridge to reef landscape teems with a variety of eco-cultural wonders.

Among these are cascading waterfalls, mossy forests, thermal hot springs, colorful corals, and powdery, white-sand beaches. Add to that historic churches and sacred sites leased with a lot of interesting stories. It’s a paradise of wonders rolled into one.

If you’re planning to visit, here are the tourist spots in Camiguin Island you should not miss. Take note. Most of these are off-beaten, thus, ideal for people who prefer secluded destinations.

Behold Camiguin Tourist Spots!

1. mt hibok-hibok.

Mt Hibok-Hibok is the dominating landscape of Camiguin Island. It is said that the eruption of the mountain gave birth to the island. Today, dense rainforests cover most of the mountain and is a critical ecological sanctuary. Many endangered species including deer, wild pigs, civet cats, and different kinds of birds inhabit its forests.

The mountain rises to more than 1,322 meters above sea level, making it an easily recognizable landmark in the island. While atop, one can see a small lake surrounded by a lush vegetation. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Camiguin for nature lovers and extreme adventurers.

• Location/Jump-off: Mambajo
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours to the summit

2. White Island/Medan Island

Dubbed as the Naked Temptress of Camiguin, the White Island/Medan Island is one of the top Camiguin tourist spots. It’s an elongated island that is entirely composed of powdery, white sands.

Crystal-blue waters add to its enthralling view. It’s best to come here during the early morning to catch sight of a stunning sunrise.

• Location/Jump-off: Paras Beach Resorts, Brgy Yumgbing, Mambajo
• Boating Time: 10 minutes
• Boat Rental: Php 450 in Yumbing Area
• Entrance Fee: Php 50 per person

3. Katibawasan Falls

Katibawasan Falls is one of the most frequented Camiguin tourist spots. It cascades like heavenly drizzles for more than 250 feet high. It has a wide pool with icy-cold and crystal-clear waters. Lush forests surround Katibawasan Falls, giving it a rustic view.

• Location/Jump-off: Barang Upper Pandan
• Entrance Fee: Php 50

4. Giant Clam Sanctuary

If you wish to have an encounter with the rich marine wildlife of the Philippines, check out the Giant Clam Sanctuary. As the name suggests, you’ll encounter giant clams which are an endangered species.

Thankfully, this sanctuary gives a glimmer of hope for the preservation of the species. Therefore, you’re helping protect giant clams if you come here.

• Entrance Fee: Php 150 per person

5. San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish

San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish is a witness to the rich history of Camiguin Island. Built by Spanish missionaries in the 1800s, the church may seem minimalist outside but when you go inside, you’ll be amazed at the extricate design.

• Location/Jump-off: Mambajao

6. Mantigue Island

Mantigue Island boasts of powdery, white beaches and crystal-clear waters that will surely leave you jaw-dropped in every direction.

The waters abound with a rich diversity of marine life which you can see while riding a boat or swimming. Coral reefs also thrive, making it ideal for snorkeling.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy San Roque near Benoni Ferry Terminal
• Boating Time: 15 minutes
• Boating Rental: Php 600 for a maximum of 6 people
• Environmental Fee: Php 30
• Snorkeling Fee: Php 50
• Mask and Snorkel Rental: Php 100

7. Taguines Lagoon

Taguines Lagoon is a man-made destination sitting right next to the blue ocean. The most popular activity here is zip-lining from one end of the lagoon to the other.

Several seafood restaurants also line the lagoon, serving exotic meals to satisfy your cravings.

• Location/Jump-off: Mahinog
• Zip Line Fee: Php 400

8. Hibok-Hibok Ardent Hotspring

Camiguin is a volcanic island and it’s no wonder why there are hot springs everywhere. One of the most visited is the Hibok-Hibok Ardent Hotspring.

Aside from the lush vegetation, you’ll get to enjoy the thermal waters and experience their healing properties when you come here.

• Entrance Fee: Php 30
• Cottage Fee: Php 150

9. Binangawan Falls

Binangawan Falls is one of the least known tourist spots in Camiguin Island. Thus, it is only recommended for ardent adventurers or extreme hikers. Expect to trail on dense forests for hours before finally catching sight of the falls.

• Location/Jump-off: Sagay town
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

10. Sto. Niño Cold Spring 

While Camiguin is known for its hot springs, it also has numerous cold springs for those wanting to escape the simmering midday heat. One can easily reach Sto. Nino Cold Spring which has crystal-clear waters. Verdant vegetation surrounds the pool.

• Location/Jump-off: Catarman

11. Saay Cold Spring

If you want a more secluded location where you can have a relaxing dip, check out Saay Cold Spring. Located at the foot of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, it has a small and one medium pool.

The good thing about it? You can come here for free. You can, however, hand out donations to help in the maintenance of the site.

• Location/Jump-off: Quipasa, Mambajao

12. Mount Vulucan

Mount Vulucan is one of the locally-known Camiguin tourist spots. It is a favorite pilgrimage site during the Catholic Holy Week. The Walkway in The Old Volcano is prime attraction and is considered a sacred site.

While atop the mountain, one can also catch a panoramic view of the Sunken Cemetery and the surrounding mountains.

13. Sunken Cemetery

Sunken Cemetery is one of the popular religious Camiguin tourist spots. A huge cross stands atop a structure that is believed to be a remnant of a chapel.

Upon reaching the site, tourists can dive underneath to explore the remnants of the cemetery. Plus, you’ll glimpse of the colorful and rich marine ecosystem.

• Boat Rental: Php 150
• Snorkeling Set Fee: Php 100

14. Mount Mambajao

Standing next to Mount Hibok-Hibok, Mount Mambajao is the highest mountain in Camiguin Island. It rises to more than 1,713 meters above sea level. It also hosts endemic and endangered flora and fauna species. Mount Hibok Hibok is a biological paradise that warrants protection.

To reach the summit, expect to trek on open grasslands and mossy forests. Numerous waterfalls and hot springs can also be found on the mountain slopes.

15. Tongatoc Cove

Tongatoc Cove is one of the least known Camiguin tourist spots. It is a cliff with lush vegetation and a serene-looking cove. It has deep blue waters that will surely entice you for a refreshing swim.

• Entrance Fee: None

16. Kibila White Beach

Kibila White Beach is one of the emerging Camiguin tourist spots, known for its giant clams. It has a sanctuary dedicated to this endangered species. The locals protect these clams and sometimes, they willingly guide tourists here for them to appreciate conservation.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Cantaan, Guinsiliban

17. Tuasan Falls

Tuasan Falls is one of the newly-discovered Camiguin tourist spots. Located two kilometers away from the main Camiguin highway, the falls can easily be reached because of the newly-paved road leading to it. It measures 30 meters high and has carved a small pool with churning waters.

Lush forests also surround the waterfall, adding to the rustic scenery. The waters are crystal-clear that one can’t help but take an invigorating jump upon seeing Tuasan Falls.

18. Gui-ob Church/Old Spanish Church

The Gui-ob Church or the Old Spanish Church was destroyed during a volcanic eruption decades ago.

Today, only remnants of the church remain and these are partly submerged by volcanic debris. It is one of the historical Camiguin tourist spots. It is considered a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines.

• Location/Jump-off: Bonbon, Catarman
• Entrance Fee: Php 10

19. Mount Carling

Mount Carling is one of the volcanic peaks of Camiguin Island. Don’t worry. it’s a sleeping volcano and with a credible guide, you can go hiking to explore the sights atop. Experience nature at its finest when you come here.

20. Macau Cold Spring

Macau Cold Spring is one of the several idyllic springs in Camiguin Island. Boasting of blue-colored waters, the spring can easily entice you to have a rejuvenating swim. Giant trees and other kinds of plants surround the spring to give you shade.

For more Info about Camiguin Tourist Spots

If you need more information to help in setting up your itinerary to Camiguin tourist spots, do contact the provincial tourism office via the following:

• Messenger: m.me/Camiguintourismoffice
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.camiguin.gov.ph

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Hi there fellow traveler! My name is Daniel although you can call me Kumafor. That's my indigenous name. I grew on a remote village called Lias in Barlig, Mountain Province.

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Camiguin Tour Package from Cagayan de Oro (CDO) to Natural & Historical Spots

Description

Explore the picturesque landscape of Camiguin Island through this day tour. This Camiguin tour is a perfect experience for first-time visitors as you'll visit the area's best natural and historical attractions. This Camiguin tour from CDO includes roundtrip transfers from Cagayan de Oro's city proper, the service of a guide, entrance fees, and boat transfers for island-hopping. However, the fee for the ferry ride from Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin needs to be paid onsite during the tour. 

The tour will start at 4 AM once your guide fetches you from your accommodations within Cagayan de Oro's city proper. From there, you'll board a ferry bound for Camiguin Island . After reaching the island, you'll kick off your adventure with a visit to the Santo Nino Cold Spring . Feel free to dip in the ice-cold waters for a refreshing treat amidst the tropical heat. Then, you'll make your way to the iconic Sunken Cemetery . 

This graveyard was submerged underwater after the historic eruption of Mount Vulcan in 1871. Following the natural disaster, the locals erected a giant white cross in its location during the 1980s to honor the dead. Underneath the water's surface, the tombstones have become an unlikely home for various fish, making it a unique diving site.

Next, you'll drop by the Old Church Ruins before walking along the sides of the towering Mount Vulcan. The concrete walkway is lined with statues depicting the Stations of the Cross, making it a popular spot for devout Catholics during Holy Week. You'll also get a panoramic view of the Sunken Cemetery and the horizon as you go up the steps. 

Following your walk, you'll visit Tuasan Falls before taking a boat to either Mantigue Island or White Island to end your day tour. The former is better known as a snorkeling site with thriving marine ecosystems, while the latter is famous for its spotless white sandbar. 

Discover the natural beauty and rich heritage of Camiguin Island by booking this Camiguin package tour from Cagayan de Oro. Check the availability by choosing a date. 

Attractions

What to bring

Good to know.

This is a private tour. Lunch is not included, and it will be on guests' own account. Roundtrip ferry transfers from Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin which is approximately Php 700 will be paid onsite. Activities not mentioned in the itinerary are to be paid onsite.

Children Friendly: Yes!

Pet Friendly: No. Please understand that this is for your fur baby's safety.

Senior Citizen/PWD Friendly: Yes!

Pick-up time is 4:00AM and pick-up location covered is only within Cagayan De Oro City Proper. To change the pick-up time and location please request in advance so our operator may check if the itinerary will fit as we may need to move the pick-up time if the location is far and additional fee may apply.

The operator may cancel the tour in case of force majeure or unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions. In this case, you will be given the option to reschedule or request a full refund. Note that being late by 15-30 minutes without any advice is considered a no-show. Schedule cancellation requests must be made 48 hours before your original subject to approval.

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3D2N Camiguin – CDO – Bukidnon Tour Package

Inclusions:

• Round trip airfare with Baggage Allowance
• Round trip airport and tour transfers
• Round trip boat transfers
• 1N accommodation in Camiguin Island
• 1N accommodation in Cagayan De Oro City
• Full board meals
• Camiguin Island, CDO City, and Dahilayan Adventure Park Tours
• All entrance fees where applicable
• Assistance of local Tour Guide
• Travel Insurance
• Tour ID / Luggage Tag

3D 2N Camiguin – CDO – Bukidnon Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Cagayan De Oro City – Transfer to Camiguin Island – Camiguin Island Tour (B, L, D)

• Your guide will await your arrival at Laguindingan International Airport and will bring you to a local restaurant for breakfast
• Head to Balingoan Port for your trip to Camiguin Island
• Katibawasan Falls
• Ardent Hibok-hibok Spring
• Savor lunch at a local restaurant
• Check-in at the resort and freshen-up
• Sunken Cementery
• Guiob Church Ruins
• Soda Water Swimming Pool
• Sto. Nino Cold Spring
• Seize the rest of your day witnessing the amazing sunset in White Island
• Head back to resort and freshen-up
• Relish dinner and enjoy your free-time

Day 2: Transfer to CDO – CDO City Tour – Souvenir Shopping (B, L, D)

• Have early breakfast in the resort
• Head to Benoni Port for your trip back to Cagayan de Oro City
• Have lunch at local restaurant and check-in at the hotel
• Mapawa Nature Park
• Malasag Eco-Tourism Village
• St. Agustine Metropolitan Cathedral
• CDO City Museum
• MacArthur Cap
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
• Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure

Day 3: Dahilayan Adventure Park Tour – Departure for Manila (B, L, D)

• Take an early breakfast and check-out from the hotel
• Head to Dahilayan Adventure Park visiting Camp Phillips Bukidnon / Del Monte Pineapple Plantation along the way
• Have lunch upon arrival
• Prep up for some adrenaline-rush optional activities at Dahilayan Adventure Park
• Return to Cagayan De Oro City and have an early dinner at a local restaurant
• Transfer to Laguindingan International Airport for your flight back to Manila

Unit B1-4 Mendiola Square, 2138 C.M. Recto Avenue, Quiapo, Manila 1001, Philippines WhatsApp & Viber No.: (+63)938-055-3131 [email protected]

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