Camiguin Island
Posted on 29. Mar, 2008 by Lakwatsero in Destinations, Mindanao
Nested in the northern Mindanao, Philippines, is a pear-shaped volcanic island of Camiguin, aptly called as the “Island Born of Fire”. It is roughly 100 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental.
It can be considered as the Hawaii of the South East Asia as this island was created by volcanic eruptions and land movements. It has a total of seven volcanoes, one of which is the active Mount Hibok-Hibok that last erupted in 1953. Having been blessed by natural wonders and historical treasures, the island is indeed a paradise.
Among the most famous landmarks of Camiguin is an uninhabited white island that is around two kilometers off the shore of Agoho. It is actually a sandbar that offers a picturesque view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok. This sandbar submerges substantially during high tides.
How to Get There:
By Air
Small aircrafts can land in Camiguin Airport in Mambajao. SEA Air offers direct flights to this island from Cebu. But the most common route (and the Lakwatsero’s way) is to take a less than half an hour flight to Cagayan de Oro City via Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines or Cebu Pacific.
From Lumbia Airport of Cagayan de Oro, ride a van (~P300.00/~$7.5) or a cab to Agora Market where you can catch a bus (~P90.00/~$2.25) or a van(~P100.00/~$2.50) to Balingoan Port for a three hour ride. From there, ride a ferry (~P70.00/~$1.8) to Benoni Port, Camiguin. Ferries from Balingoan Port to Benoni, Camiguin leave almost every hour from 5Am to 5PM, travel time is two hours..
By Land and Water
(Though Lakwatsero haven’t try these means of transportation yet, one can possibly reach Camiguin by bus and/or ferry rides to Cagayan de Oro from Manila. These alternatives are relatively cheaper than air travel though quite strenous.)
- Philtranco buses offers Manila(Pasay) to Cagayan de Oro for an approximately 42 hours travel time
- SuperFerry, Negros Navigation and Sulpicio Lines have ferries bound to Cagayan de Oro City for around 30 hours travel time
* Cagayan de Oro City serves as gateway to Camiguin. From there follow the Agora market-Balingoan Port-Camiguin Route. There are also ferries and aircraft deployed to Cagayan de Oro from Cebu. While several bus companies ply their routes to Cagayan de Oro from all points in Mindanao these are: Rural Transit of Mindanao, Bachelor Express, Super 5, LCI, and Bagong Lipunan.
* You can also take a three-hour ferry ride from the Cagayan de Oro Ferry Terminal to Guinsiliban, also in Camiguin on board M/V Yuhum.
Where to Stay:
There are quite numerous hotels/lodges in this island to choose from for budget or high-end tourists. Most are located in Mambajao. There are also homestays, cottages and rooms-for-rent which are decent enough for a stay for as low as P500.00 (~$12.5) per room. But during Lakwatsero’s visit to Camiguin, we stayed at Paguia’s Cottages located at Rocky Village Subd., Yumbing, Mambajao, right in front of Paras. It is owned by Ma’am Hospecia Paguia, contact no: (088)387-9018. A nice room for up to 6 people for only P1400/night. For the Lakwatsero’s compilation of accomodations in Camiguin click here.
Activities:
Camiguin is best experienced than described, they say. Rent a multicab for a tour of the island (~P800.00/~$20 per day). With its natural wonders and historic landmarks, tourists will definitely enjoy these sites:
- Old Catarman (Gui-ob) Church Ruins: In Barangay Bonbon, 16 kilometers from the center of Catarman. What remains are ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent that are testimonials to the devastating 1871 earthquake which wiped out the illustrious town of Catarman established earlier as a Spanish settlement in 1967.
- Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery: Sixteen kilometers from Catarman proper; a huge cross was installed in 1982 to mark the community cemetery which sunk during the 1871 volcanic holocaust. A fluvial procession usually organized by the townsfolk of Barangay Bonbon is held to honor the sunken graves of their forefather.
- Stations of the Cross(Via Cruzes) / Walkway (Old Vulcan): A walkway complete with 14 Stations of The Cross leads to the peak of Mt Vulcan Daan. Thirteen kilometers west of Mambajao, it has 70 to 80 meters drop and is a landmark of the PANAAD Pilgrimage.
- Katibawasan Falls: Five kilometers southeast of Mambajao center is a waterfalls which measures 250 feet high cascades to a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Its cold water provides an ideal summer splash to bathers and picnickers.
- Tuasan Falls: Six kilometers northwest of Catarman, the trek to this 25 meter high rapid waterfalls entails a very scenic hike passing thru the quaint Barrio Mainit. The falls can be tapped as a mini hydro source of power.
- Binangawan Falls: Where several miniature and gigantic waterfalls gushing through majestic granite stones that converge in one main pool, covered with luscious unspoiled vegetation, and a mystical rainbow is arched by the fall’s mist as the sunlight penetrates through it.
- White Island: An uninhabited white sandbar with Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Old Volcan in the backdraft that reflects the grandeur the Province of Camiguin has ever achieved. It is reached within 10 minutes through a banca from anywhere in Yumbing, Mambajao area.
- Ardent Hot Spring: Six kilometers west of Mambajao is a mineral pool with water around 40 degree centigrade. Vapor rises from the heated waters that run down the vents of the dormant Hibok-Hibok volcano. The springs are ideal to bathe in at night surrounded by cool mountain air. It has therapeutic effects. Picnic huts and tables are available in the beautifully landscaped gardens with a restaurant on site.
- Sto. Niño Cold Spring: Located 4 kilometers north of Catarman is a huge pool of cold spring water with a sandy bottom. The area has native stores, picnic huts and toilets for visitors and guests.
- Others: Taste the Pastel de Camiguin, a very yummy yema filled bun, visit Macao Cold Spring, Tangub Hot Spring, Mantigue Island, Taguines Lagoon, dive spots of Jicdup and Burias shoals, Ancestral Houses, Old Churches and Centennial Tree. Tour nearby Cagayan de Oro City and try White Water Rafting in the river.
Lakwatsero Experience: Lakwatsero has been to Camiguin in 2004. Watch out for the narratives and itineraries of his adventures in “My Travels”.
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Siquijor in a Day | Lakwatsero
Aug 8th, 2010
[...] laid back island with rich history and natural attractions. The island, slightly bigger than Camiguin, has a 75 kilometers circumferential road that spans in its six towns of San Juan, Lazi, Maria, [...]
bing
May 7th, 2010
galing po kami sa camiguin last may 1, 2010 and we are so lucky because that day it so happened na fiesta pala sa tinitirahan namin sa Paguia cottages. he he he nakakahiya nga dahil tatlong beses kami pinakain sa may ari kay mrs. hospecia paguia ” walang bayad”.nagpapasalamat po kami and to roel anak ng may ari. guys and gals kung may plano kayo mag vacation sa camiguin i recommend paguia cottages.may vehicle din sila for rent and pump boat going to white island. yond location nila infront ng white island pero d naman along sea shore pero maganda ang location.contact no.:09198942681-roel paguia…
Lakwatsero
May 7th, 2010
Wow! You are so lucky! Indeed, Paguia’s are nice people.
dvsj
Apr 9th, 2010
Thanks for your tips! If I fly from Manila to CGY then can’t I just go directly to Macabalan Pier which goes directly to Camaguin Island? We are planning our trip on June.
yves
Apr 27th, 2010
we have the paraseacat, it will leave macabalan port at 8am.
tsina
Apr 1st, 2010
Am I right that if I book Manila – Catarman via Cebu Pacific then I’d be able to reach this place? Thanks.
Alfonso Sayo
Apr 12th, 2010
I think that Catarman you are talking about is actually across from Bicol, Sorsogon. NOT the Catarman in Camiguin Island.
yves
Apr 27th, 2010
there is no airport in catarman camiguin…if u have questions, pls contact 09166645125.
onie
Mar 31st, 2010
Salamat sa info! I’m planning to go to Camiguin this summer together with my family. Anlapit lang namin sa Camiguin pero di pa ako nakakapunta dito. Hopefully this summer, matuloy na..
mel
Mar 9th, 2010
thanks mr. lakwatsero for your free website where me and my peers arrived in camiguin thru your website successfuly. we tour the island and stayed there for just one night and one day. “nakakabitin eh!” anyway we enjoy alot… maraming salamat din kay roel paguia cell no.:09198942681 for a wonderful stay at paguia cottages.
mel
Mar 9th, 2010
thanks mr. lakwatsero for your free website where me and my peers arrived in camiguin thru your website successfuly. we tour the island and stayed there for just one night and one day. “nakakabitin eh!” anyway we enjoy alot… thank’s to roel paguia cell no.:09198942681 for a wonderful stay at paguia cottages.
jcbs_immortal
Feb 28th, 2010
thanks for the post! i’m using your page as a guide for our trip this April. I have a question though… a rather specific one. do you happen to know if there is a volkswagen beetle for rent in the island? hehe
aldawn
Feb 12th, 2010
my husband and I will be going to camiguin this summer,what’s the best transporatation that we can get for our island tour since there are only two of us we can’t afford to rent a multicab.is it safe to use a motorcycle?can we rent a motorcycle in PAGUIA COTTAGES?tnx.
Lakwatsero
Feb 19th, 2010
I am not sure if Paguia’s Cottages have motorcycle for rent, you can ask around, or you can ride the public multicabs, that would be cheaper
noel
Jan 31st, 2010
hello, does anyone know what rate to bring pickup van on the ferry from balingoan to camiguin and camiguin to bohol? Thanks. Noel.
cba
Feb 4th, 2010
noel,
balingoan to benoni is about P 1200.00 while balbagon to jagna is P 4000.00 – got this info from quarantine office.
troy
Jan 31st, 2010
we are 6pax and we were in camiguin last january 25,26 and 27, 2010. guys, it’s out first time in going there. my gush, it was realy a great vacation!!! ang ganda ng mga beauty spots doon. thank you LAKWATSERO for the info. and thank’s also to roel paguia cel no.09198942681 for a good accomodation at paguia cottages. we love it. we will go back there again.
yayan
Oct 29th, 2009
kakagaling lng namin sa camiguin a few weeks ago and this province is definitely a place to visit.. this is a beautiful province indeed.. we stayed at paguias cottage. this is one of the most affordable place to stay in camiguin and it is only a few minutes away from the white island.. you can contact mr. roel paguia…09198942681 or 088-3879018…
christian
Oct 25th, 2009
…just been to camiguin last october 11 to 12…so beautiful island.. we stayed in paguias cottage.. a very good resort…less expensive, its clean and hospitable people…tnx to mr roel paguia, my contact person. you can txt or call him..mobile #09198942681 or you can call the resort. tel # 088-3879018
melvin
Oct 19th, 2009
Mr. lakwatsero thank you for your website me and my family was spending our weekend (Oct.17-18) in Camiguin. it was really an unforgetable experienced. that was my first time of going there. Definitely i will go back there. I would extend my especial thanks to my contact person Mr. Roel Paguia mobile no.:09198942681 , we stayed at Paguia Cottages.The accomodation is very affordable and yet clean and friendly environment…thanks again
chameronne
Sep 28th, 2009
hi! I heard that there are INNs/lodging houses in White Island? DO you know any contact person or rates? Is it safe to travel to White Island from Camiguin at night say 7pm?
Lakwatsero
Sep 28th, 2009
Hi chameronne, there are no commercial establishment in the White Island, it actually submerges during high tides.
zarah evangelista
Sep 23rd, 2009
hi, i’m planning to go to camiguin, either at oct 19-21 or on oct 21-23 this year, i would just like to ask the rate of an airconditioned room for two..and who can i contact for reservations.please help me..
thank you,,,:P
yin
Sep 22nd, 2009
hahah..pang asar…sana ndi ko na ginogle ang camiguin..nsa lakwatsero.com nmn pla…d na kta tlga mareach enjel…prang kelan lng un…pinaglololoko lang kta..hahah..adik?! pag mag sesearch ako ng lugar..sa lakwatsero nlng ako punta..
cba
Aug 17th, 2009
yes angel – let’s include jigdup reef, sunken cemetery, nudi branch city, old volcano, etc.
by the way, aldevinco is in davao nd not in cagayan de oro…