Come again to Camiguin! This island paradise in Northern Mindanao has so much to offer to everyone. This travel guide will come in handy if you plan to visit the Island Born of Fire. Provided in this guide are information on getting there, where to stay, activities, sample itinerary, budget and more.
Discover Camiguin
Nested in the Northern Mindanao is a pear-shaped volcanic island of Camiguin, roughly 100 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental.
Camiguin Island is said to be created by volcanic eruptions and land movements, thus the moniker “Island Born of Fire”. It has a total of seven volcanoes including Mount Hibok-Hibok, an active one with last recorded eruption in 1953.
Another famous landmark of Camiguin is “White Island“, a sandbar northwest of mainland, approximately two kilometers off the shore of Barangay Yumbing, Mambajao. White island submerges substantially during high tide but a favorite among tourists as it offers a panoramic view of Mount Hibok-Hibok and neighboring mountains.
With all its natural wonders and historical treasures, Camiguin Island is undoubtedly an inviting paradise! Let us discover and rediscover the magic of the island!
How to Get to Camiguin
Camiguin has its own airport in Mambajao but Cebu Pacific is the only commercial airline that has regular flights to the province from Cebu City. For those coming from Manila, make your way to either Cagayan de Oro or Butuan City.
Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights daily from Manila, Cebu and Davao to Laguindingan Airport of Cagayan de Oro City.
From Laguindingan Airport, ride a shuttle (Magnum Shuttle or LAX Van at P199.00/pax as of Dec 2016) direct to Agora Market where you can catch a bus (P148.00/pax as of Dec 2016) or a van (~P200.00/pax) to Balingoan for a two-hour ride. Get off in Balingoan Terminal and walk to the port. From there, ride a ferry (~P150.00/pax) to Benoni Port of Camiguin. Ferries from Balingoan Port to Benoni, Camiguin leave almost every hour from 5Am to 5PM, travel time is two hours.
Via Butuan
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights daily from Manila and Cebu to Bancasi Airport of Butuan.
From Butuan Airport, catch a motorella or taxi to take you to the bus terminal and hop to any Cagayan bound bus (~P200/pax), travel time is more than two hours. The bus will stop at Balingoan Terminal just a short walk to the port where you can catch ferry to Camiguin (~P150.00/pax).
Jagna (Bohol) to Camiguin Direct
Super Shuttle Ferry serves Jagna, Bohol – Camiguin. Visit their website for schedule. You can book your ferry tickets from Jagna to Camiguin and vice versa below.
Where to Stay in Camiguin
There are numerous hotels/lodges in this island to choose from for budget or high-end tourists. Most are located in Mambajao. There are also decent homestays, cottages and lodges for as low as P500.00 per room.
One of the populars is Paguia’s Cottages located in Barangay Yumbing, Mambajao. 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.
Top-Rated Budget Accommodations in Camiguin
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The Yellow House |
Marianita’s Cottages |
Top-Rated Hotels in Camiguin
Balai sa Baibai Resort |
Kurma Yoga Dive and Beach Resort |
What to Do in Camiguin
Camiguin is best experienced than described, they say. Rent a multicab for a tour of the island (~P2500.00 for a big multicab that can fit 12 persons, including port transfers). With its natural wonders and historic landmarks, tourists will definitely enjoy these sites:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Others
Taste the Pastel de Camiguin, a very yummy yema filled bun; visit Macao Cold Spring, Tangub Hot Spring, Mantigue Island, Kibila Giant Clam Sanctuary and Taguines Lagoon; dine in Luna Ristorante; dive or snorkel in the diverse and unspoiled waters around the province; tour nearby Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon and Butuan.
Sample Itinerary (Camiguin – CDO – Bukidnon)
Day 1: Camiguin En Route and White Sand Bar Sunset
0600H – 0825H: Assembly in NAIA 3 / Check-in
0825H – 0950H: Manila to Cagayan de Oro Flight
0950H – 1030H: Assembly / Baggage Check-in
1030H – 1100H: Cagayan de Oro Airport to Agora Terminal
1100H – 1300H: Agora Terminal to Balingoan Port
1300H – 1400H: Lunch
1400H – 1530H: Balingoan to Benoni Port, Camiguin
1530H – 1600H: Benoni to Paguia’s Cottages
1600H – 1630H: Check-in/Fix-up
1630H – 1830H: Camiguin to White Sandbar (by boat) / Sunset at White Sand Bar / Back to Mainland Camiguin
1830H – 1930H: Wash-up Fix-up
1930H – onwards: Dinner / Socials / Lights off
Day 2: Camiguin Island in a Day
0600H – 0800H: Call Time / Breakfast
0800H – 1300H: Multicab Tour: Ol Vocano Station of the Cross / Sunken Cemetery / Gui-ob Church Ruins/ Sto. Niño Cold Springs
1300H – 1400H: Lunch
1400H – 1800H: Katibawasan Falls / Ardent Hot Springs
1800H – 1900H: Wash-up / Fix-up
1900H – onwards: Dinner / Socials / Lights off
Day 3: Wild Water Ride
0345H – 0430H: Call Time / Paguia’s to Benoni Port
0430H – 0600H: Benoni Port to Balingoan
0600H – 0800H: Balingoan to Cagayan de Oro
0800H – 0900H: Check-in New Dawn Pensionne / Heavy Breakfast
0900H – 1800H: White Water Rafting!!!! (Buffet Lunch included)
1800H – 1900H: Wash-up / Fix-up
1900H – onwards: Dinner / Socials
Day 4: Zip High in Bukidnon
0500H – 0600H: Call Time / Breakfast
0600H – 0800H: Travel CDO to Bukidnon
0800H – 1100H: Zip, Zorb and more in Dahilayan (Lunch and Snacks Included)
1100H – 1300H: Travel Bukidnon to CDO
1300H – 1400H: Hotel Check-out / Travel to Airport
1400H – 1555H: Assembly / Airport Check-in
1555H – 1720H: Travel CDO to Manila
Budget for Camiguin – CDO – Bukidnon
(Approximately P5,000 – P5,500 each for a group of 6)
Taxi (Airport to Agora Terminal): P50.00
Bus (Agora To Balingoan): P143.00
Ferry to Camiguin: P150.00
Multicab (Tour/Transfer): P250
2 Nights Camiguin Accomodation: P600
Boat to White Island: P150
Ferry Camiguin to Balingoan: P150.00
Bus (Balingoan to Agora): P143.00
Taxi to New Dawn Pension: P30.00
1 Night CDO Accomodation: P350
White Water Rafting + Zipzone: P1999
Terminal Fee CDO: P30
Miscellaneous/Foods/Entrance Fees/Etc: P1000
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Approximate Budget: P5100
*First published: 29-March-2008. Updated: 10-December-2013; 02-November-2017; 16-Jul-2019; 07-Mar-2020
Hi @Lakwatsero. We will be having our out of the town trip to camiguin this coming nov. 29 sa camiguin. Bali ang departure time namin from cebu to cagayan is 7am. Ilang oras ba ang byahe galing airport papuntang balingoan port? Then balingon to benoni port?
[…] of Balingoan in Misamis Oriental stands proud in the town’s port overlooking the province of Camiguin. The town of Balingoan is a gateway to the Island Born of Fire which is only an hour away by […]
Maraming salamat Lakwatsero for those feedbacks regarding Camiguin.. Our family enjoyed a lot during our stay there. Thanks to Mrs. Paguia the owner for the great accommodation sa cottage nila. Try Paguia’s Cottages for your stay in Camiguin. Just contact his son Roel cf no.09173107018.. Mura lang and yet ok talaga ang tour package nila. May bagong Van din sila kasama sa package namin from CDO airport to Balingoan port at saka papuntang Dahilayan..
@ lakwatsero thanks for the info regarding camiguin, we have fun last month with my friends. We stayed at “Golden Sunset Beach Club” via Teddy Pabualan multicab. In order to catch the earliest ferry trip to camiguin, you must leave around 3:00 am at cdo.
5:30 am is the best time to go to white island because the sun isnt hot and a low tide in the island.
contact person:
Teddy Pabualan multicab
cp #: ( 0939-2440521) …………….. 1,500 whole day tour
website: http://www.camiguintransport.blogspot.com
Susan sykes “golden sunset beach club”
cp #: 0918-5595686/ 09088696038
website: http://www.camiguinisland.net
hi! I am a backpacker, and I am planning to visit camiguin this month….what can you suggest if I am going to tour the island without spending too much in renting a van. do i need to hire a tour guide, since i’m travelling alone.
hello olive. it’s hard to go around without a tour guide as there are no public transpos to the tourist destinations. may i suggest that you contact ronald rabile at 09059783183- he can bring you around with his motorbike. ask for tourist destinations and the place where you could stay for a minimal cost…mas mahal talaga pag solo trip because you don’t have anyone/people to share cost esp. transpo and accommodation. ..anyway, ronald will be a big help. just please tell him i referred you to him. thanks and have fun!
Roel Paguia for “Arrange Tour Packages” cf:09173107085 ….. You truly deserve an “A+” for the professional service rendered during our Camiguin/CDO trip. Your company is worth recommending to all those who are expecting the “BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE!”
Can anyone help me about a hotel or somewhere my family composes of 38people can stay in Camiguin??? I really need your help.. Please anyone? It would be highly appreciated. Thank you so much
emely, you may contact ronald rabile at 09059783183- he’s from there and can act as your tour guide. pls tell him i referred you to him. have a great time there!
hi po lakwatsero, we’re planning to have a visit and tour sa camiguin in just 1day and stay for 1night only.. do u have someone ma refer para mAY MACONTACT kami ng husband ko.
thanks a lot.
Nice Place. Thanks for the info. Need to include this place on my adventures.
how many hours is the travel time from butuan to camiguin island??
@Judy, I’ve spoke with him already. one more thing, are there ATMs in Agora market or in the island? thanks for the post and no worries about the tip, perhaps I can help him too even after the trip by recommending him to my friends 🙂
yes there are atms in camiguin and close to agora market..please do, recommend him to your friends-very helpful talaga sya.
hi judy just came off from camiguin few days ago, it was really really great experience to me and napag uusapan nga namin kayo during our island tour. Ronald is the superman of this island very helpful and so KIND, sabi ko nga sa kanya hindi ka nagkamali sa pag recommend sa kanya…isang tao lang daw nagkamali sa kanya si mr G****n of PM. I’ll definitely recommend him and I’m planning to post his number in FB too. Thanks for this post Judy, see ya in lanzones festival…? 🙂
hello marcus..i’m glad ronald was a big help to your camiguin escapade…well, misinformed lang si mr. G ng PM, and i made that correction already. thank you for your future referrals of ronald…di ka rin mapapahiya sa knya. oh btw, you’re the one from davao? i might need your help too when i come to visit your beautiful place some time before the year is over…first i need to know, the must-see places there and the nearby towns.thank you so much and God bless!
hi Judy, as much as i wanted to help you to your davao trip, the thing is im not from davao, manila instead. real name is R******r Santos, solo lang ako when ronald guided me. anyways, goodluck s davao i’ll visit your site from time to time to check for new places/adventures…big thanks Judy! 🙂
mr lakwatsero…how much fair (balingoan to Camiguin) if im going to bring my motorcycle to camiguin??
mr lakwatsero, query ko lang po plan po sana namin punta ng camiguin from cebu sino pwede contact person ko? package na sya good for 2 person
from pier may magsundo n sa amin?
hello sheryl…may be i can help. been at camiguin just last january with my husband and my contact person is ronald rabile whom you can reach at 09106593349…he can help you with accommodation, transportation and about everything you might need while in the island…just please mention that i recommended him to you. have fun!
Hi Judy, I’m planning to go in camiguin alone by next week, would Ronald Rabile still be able to help me with regards to my accomodation, transportation and etc.. your response shall be highly appreciated..
yes he can help you on those. you can reach him through 09106593349…just mention please that i referred you to him. and please don’t forget to give him a tip, ha? he will really go out of his way to help you without asking anything in return. have fun in camiguin!
Nice blog very informative. Camiguin really means COMEAGAIN. Wanna back to the island soon. Instead of Paguia we stay at ms.Jennifers Cottage she only charge us 1,000 too and we are 4 in a group very cheaper compared to paguia. The facility were all new. ms.Jennifer is our tour guide too very accommodating and you can rely on.
my contacts in camiguin: Ms. JENNIFER 0906-5321260/ 09289961490
—BZBEETRAVELLER–
for camiguin guide:
http://wanderme.wordpress.com/2012/01/01/camiguin-the-island-of-fire/
[…] Camiguin Island (Philippines) As a natural paradise, the island of Camiguin is perhaps unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia. This exquisite island province of varied ecosystem stirs the imaginations and baffles the mind. Camiguin boasts kilometers on untouched coastlines with swaying coconut trees and is dotted with hot and cold springs. Fine beaches offer sun-filled days of relaxation and the clear blue water, enchanting marine life and coral reefs beckon diving enthusiasts from all over the world. How to get there: camiguin.redbearnet.com Activities: Visit the Sunken Cemetery, Falls, Hotspring Source: camiguin.gov.ph, lakwatsero […]
I’m from cebu. thank you roel paguia of “PAGUIA’S COTTAGES” for assisting our vacation from Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin… contact him for your vacation from CDO to Camiguin…his cf no.globe – 09173107085
you can also hike mt. hibok-hibok for a day for those who are more adventurous- will do this with my hub next month, Lord willing.
I’m so thankful to Roel Paguia for helping me for our booking in PAGUIA’S COTTAGES… Tinulungan niya ako yong sasakyan namin from cagayan de oro to balingoan then sasakyan namin touring the island of camiguin, pump boat to white island and our stay sa PAGUIA’S COTTAGES. Guys, mura lang pero quality ang place at friendly at maganda ang serbisyo. ROEL’s contact number: smrt – 09198942681, globe – 09173107085
[…] 1: Camiguin En Route and Sand Bar […]