Camiguin Travel Guide

Explore Camiguin with this comprehensive travel guide including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, activities, where to eat, where to stay, and more. Plan your perfect trip to Camiguin now!


Introduction to Camiguin

Camiguin is a small island in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, known for its stunning natural attractions, rich culture, and delicious food. It is often called the “Island Born of Fire” due to its volcanic origin. Camiguin boasts a mix of unspoiled beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, and lush forests, making it the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

List of Places to Visit in Camiguin

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Old Gui-ob Church Ruins - a remnant of the devastating Mt. Vulcan eruption in 1871
  2. Santo Rosario Church - known for its Spanish colonial architecture
  3. Tuasan Falls - located near old ancestral homes
  4. Sunken Cemetery - a unique underwater cemetery famous for snorkelling
  5. Katibawasan Falls - a 70-metre high waterfall surrounded by lush forest

Natural Attractions of Camiguin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. White Island – a picturesque sandbar and ideal for swimming and sunbathing
  2. Mount Hibok-Hibok - a 1,332-metre high active volcano for a challenging hike
  3. Mantigue Island - an idyllic island paradise perfect for snorkelling and picnics
  4. Sto. Nino Cold Spring - a natural pool with icy-cold, crystal clear waters
  5. Ardent Hot Springs - a popular spot for relaxing hot spring dips

Hiking/Biking Routes of Camiguin

Camiguin offers various routes ideal for hiking and biking. Here are some recommended ones:

  1. Mt. Hibok-Hibok Trail - a challenging trail for seasoned hikers with an amazing view at the top.
  2. The Old Volcano Trail – a route for experienced mountain bikers around the island’s famous volcanic peaks
  3. Taguines Lagoon Trail - an easy route for beginners passing by scenic lagoons and picturesque landscapes

Best Things to Do in Camiguin: Activities and Tours

  1. Island-Hopping – Enjoy a day of cruising around the island, visiting pristine beaches, waterfalls, snorkelling/diving sites and Mantigue Island
  2. Scuba Diving – Explore the underwater world of Camiguin, and discover the diverse marine life
  3. Zipline Adventure – Ride the longest zipline in Mindanao at Sakaw Beach
  4. ATV Adventure – explore the dirt roads and lush forest with an all-terrain vehicle
  5. Cultural Tour – Learn about the rich history and culture of Camiguin, and visit its museums and ancestral homes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Camiguin

Here’s a perfect week-long itinerary to make the most out of your stay in Camiguin:

Day 1: Visit the island’s historic landmarks such as the Old Gui-ob Church Ruins and Santo Rosario Church and end the day with a relaxing dip in Ardent Hot Springs Day 2: Explore the island’s nature destinations such as Katibawasan Falls, Sto. Nino Cold Spring, and Sunken Cemetery. Day 3: Go hiking to the most active volcano in Camiguin, Mt. Hibok-Hibok. Day 4: Enjoy a day of island hopping to pristine beaches, Picop Beach, and Mantigue Island. Day 5: Visit the island’s heritage homes and learn about the unique wa’y of life in Camiguin. Day 6: Go on an off-road adventure with an all-terrain vehicle at Taguines Lagoon Trail. Day 7: End your vacation by relaxing at White Island Beach.

Food and Drink Scene of Camiguin

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Binacol - a chicken soup made with fresh coconut water, lemon, ginger, and chicken meat.
  2. Seafood Delights - fresh crabs, lobsters, and prawns in abundance. Try the Tinolang Isda, a fish soup loaded with vegetables and ginger.
  3. Shitake Mushroom - a local delicacy mostly used in adobo; pork, chicken, and vegetables cooked with soy sauce and vinegar.
  4. Pastel - delicious sweet bread buns filled with meat, cheese, or sweet custard fillings.
  5. Vjandep Pastel Roots – the ultimate souvenir for loved ones, baked with various fillings.

Local Beverages

  1. Lanzones Shake - a creamy shake made from fresh lanzones, a popular fruit in Camiguin.
  2. Coco-Loco Juice – coconut water with lemon and gin; perfect for a refreshing drink after a long day of adventure.
  3. Tablea Hot Chocolate - the island’s top produce is the pure cacao made into rich and delicious hot chocolate.
  4. Mangosteen Juice - another popular fruit in Camiguin that goes into refreshing and healthy smoothies.

Where to Stay in Camiguin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin - a popular resort and leisure park just a few minutes from White Island
  2. Camiguin Island Golden Sunset Beach Club- located at the beachfront, it offers private access to a stunning coral smoke sunset
  3. Camiguin Highland Resort - enjoy mountain views with modern amenities
  4. L&S Restaurant and Guesthouse - an affordable stay in the heart of Camiguin’s business district
  5. Pabua’s Cottages – native-inspired charm with a scenic outdoor pool.

What to Buy in Camiguin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Lanzones - the island’s famous fruit as a delectable pasalubong for family and friends
  2. Local Artisan’s Crafts & Souvenirs - Handmade baskets, wooden sculptures, and other crafts. Such as “Saob,” a wine glassholder made from a coconut shell.
  3. Jagna’s Bananas Turon - a sweet snack made of fried banana coated with caramel and wrapped in lumpia, a pastry roll resembling spring rolls.
  4. Cashews and other Nut Delights- taste delicious! The Mantigue Island Eco-Tourism Association sells varieties of nut delicacies. Furthermore, there are also stores and markets around the island.

Local Culture and Customs of Camiguin

Camiguin is known for its unique customs and cultural practices. It is highly regarded for its strong Catholic beliefs and the island celebrates its patron saint, San Roque, every August. Also, the island is renowned for the Lanzones and Katubhan festivals, which are held every October showcasing Camiguin’s music, dance and gastronomy scene.

Best Time to Visit Camiguin

The best time to visit Camiguin is during the dry season, between March and May. In this period, temperatures are moderate, and visitors can enjoy the stunning beaches without the fear of rainy weather dampening their spirits.

Do’s and Don’ts of Camiguin

Do:

  1. Explore the island’s famous landmarks, cultural practices, and enjoy the diversity of the island’s natural attractions.
  2. Respect the locals and local customs. Camiguin is one of the few places in the Philippines where residents still prefer a laid-back lifestyle and a close connection to natural resources.
  3. Buy locally made products to support the locals and promote sustainability.
  4. Be eco-friendly and mindful of the environment.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or harm the environment. Dispose of your trash properly.
  2. Disrespect holy sites and historical landmarks with inappropriate behaviour or clothing.
  3. Remove sea creatures or disturb the marine environment during your aquatic activities.
  4. Participate in illegal activities and be aware of scams.

Safety and Health

Safety in Camiguin

Camiguin is a relatively safe destination for travellers. However, it is always wise to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions. It is recommended that visitors be careful when swimming or diving independently in the sea, especially during stormy weather.

Health in Camiguin

Camiguin has equal access to healthcare as most urban areas in the country. Guests need to take precautionary measures such as getting vaccinated against the locally prevalent diseases. Practicing safe sex practices is also essential.

Getting to Camiguin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Camiguin

The only significant access point to Camiguin is through the Camiguin Airport CGM, found in the Mambajao municipality. There are daily scheduled flights from Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and other regional airports.

Bus Stations Near Camiguin

There are various ways to get to Camiguin from the Mindanao and Visayas main cities. From Cagayan de Oro or Iligan City, take a bus or van to Balingoan Port. From Balingoan, ride a ferry to Benoni Port, with an average travel time of an hour.

Other Options

Guests can also hire private boats from Cagayan de Oro, and Misamis Oriental to Benoni or Guinsiliban, Camiguin.

How to Get Around in Camiguin

The best way to get around the island is to charter a multicab, tricycle, or rent a motorcycle, all available at Mambajao and Benoni ports. However, visitors can also opt to rent bikes or walk around the island.

Where to Go Next from Camiguin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Guests may opt to hop on a ferry and explore nearby destinations such as Bohol, Cebu, and Negros Oriental

Conclusion

Camiguin island, known as the “Island Born of Fire,” is a stunning destination for its culture-rich heritage, beautiful landmarks, and breathtaking natural attractions. Whether it’s adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Camiguin Island offers limitless possibilities for a memorable vacation experience.

Sunken Cemetery, Catarman, Camiguin Sunken Cemetery, Catarman, Camiguin