Camiguin Travel Guide: Enjoy the Island Born of Fire

Camiguin

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!

Camiguin
Sunken Cemetery.

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.

Camiguin
White Sand!

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

The Yellow House

The Yellow House
Mambajao, Camiguin
Starts at 500 PHP

Marianitas Cottages

Marianita’s Cottages
Mambajao,Camiguin
Starts at 1,000 PHP

Top-Rated Hotels in Camiguin

Balai sa Baibai

Balai sa Baibai Resort
Mambajao, Camiguin
Starts at 4,100 PHP

Kurma Yoga Dive and Beach Resort

Kurma Yoga Dive and Beach Resort
Mambajao, Camiguin
Starts at 2,800 PHP

Camiguin
Tuasan Falls

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:

  • 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, 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.

Camiguin
Nemo in the waters of Camiguin 🙂

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

Camiguin
White Sand with Mount Hibok-Hibok on the background.

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
———————————————————————-
Approximate Budget: P5100

*First published: 29-March-2008. Updated: 10-December-2013; 02-November-2017; 16-Jul-2019; 07-Mar-2020

Comments

  1. […] to common impression, the main island of Camiguin has no white sand beach. The island is an outcome of series of volcanic eruptions long time ago that […]

  2. Mona

    Another breakthrough happened by touring Camiguin, Bukidnon, Cdo, Surigao and Davao. Very affordable! Contact paguias. Thank you roel

  3. […] Related Link: Camiguin Island Travel Guide […]

  4. Oca

    Magkano ba ang cost ng ferry to bring accross an SUV? Balak kasi namin na magdala ng sariling sasakyan para mas enjoy ang paglalakbay. Maraming salamat kung mabibigyan mo ako ng kaalaman tungkol dito.

  5. Mai-mai

    Sharing my great experienced for 3 nights and 4 days with my 3 lady friends. We went to Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin and Bukidnon it’s awesome! We stayed at Paguias resort… I highly recommend them. Try this number 09173107085 or 088-3879018…

  6. lona

    Lakwatsero, i would like to commend “ASPIRE TRAVEL” for a great Tour Package of Camiguin, Bukidnon, Iligan, CDO Tour…It’s very very affordable and ideal for Back packers just like us…
    0906 396 7927 cf number…If you want to travel at a minimal cost you try them…

  7. jadey

    Magkanaipo minimum rate ng taxi or any vehicle from airport to mambajao?ill be there in feb.9

  8. Anna

    Hi,

    How much for the whole trip from Manila to Camiguin (All-in Package)?

    1. As Travars Travel

      If you wanna know the cost of the trip from Manila to Camiguin just contact As Travars Travel and the contact number is 09166116049. Thanks!

  9. Joe

    Paguia’s townhouse Cagayan De Oro very affordable ang accommodation mga 300 per per person 24hrs with 40″ color tv at lakas ng wifi…sa camiguin din mga 400 per night. They also have transportion atsaka may rafting sila offer sila for zipline and many tour packages…mura lang talaga at hazzle free…contact person si roel paguia owner…09173107085

  10. Paulo

    Hi,

    Thank you for providing a great tour plan. Is the sand bar always accessible? Is it affected by high or low tide? Thank you.

    Kind regards,
    Pau

  11. MonPierr the Traveller

    Hi. Just an update. There are no more boat trips from Macabalan Port to Camiguin. 2014 pa daw nagclose according to locals of CDO. It appears that Balingoan port is now the only take off point to Camiguin.

  12. Arnold

    hi! nice entries

    how do you think would it cost for say, 4D/3N, for a lone traveller? Thank you!

    Arnold

  13. Elmer

    It takes longer time from Zamboanga del Norte to Camiguin province but thanks to Paguia’s Cottages who arranged our stop over in their Townhouse in Cagayan de Oro. We stay there for one night and the following morning we proceeded to Camiguin…For us as first timers we are glad to have a hassle free vacation and very affordable accommodation…Thank you Paguia’s Cottages

  14. Ysabela

    A really great place! I’ll surely go back to Camiguin again and visit the other tourist spots mentioned here. Have you tried there zipline at Mahinog?

    We also booked with Pabualan cottages. Their tour & accommodation package is very affordable and service is really great 🙂

    http://www.travellingthephilippines.info/tourist-spots-camiguin/

  15. Cher

    Hello Lakwatsero, gusto ko lang sana magpapasalamat sa travel guide nyo, galing kasi kami sa Camiguin, Bukidnon at Cagayan de Oro kay Kuya Roel Paguia ang Nakuha naming tour package mura lang siya at nakakaenjoy ang mga places na napuntahan namin. May Paguia’s Cottages sila sa Camiguin at may Paguia’s Townhouse sila sa Cagayan de Oro, may sarili silang Van for transport to Dahilayan and Laguindingan airport to Balingoan port….Sa mga backpackers na katulad ko swak na swak sa budget…i highly recommend them…phone number niya 09173107085….

  16. rosette

    hi,i was wondering if may byahe from davao straight to camiguin?we’ll be arriving in davao on may 30,10 pm and will be going back to manila on june 4,8pm pero from CDO na.can you suggest po a budgeted itinerary?we would like to visit camiguin,samal island(giant water slide and pearl farm),bukidnon(anicycle,ziplines,if possible del monte plantation),surigao del sur(enchanted river),CDO (river rafting).that’s pretty much what we have in mind but we are willing to cancel some places if hindi possible mapuntahan.i tried researching sa mga blog preo its really hard and super konti lng nagboblog regarding their travel to MINDANAO and find your blog really informative:)

    1. cheche

      hi rosette mahirap mapuntahan lahat2 ng sinabi mo kasi malayo yung davao ptungong CDO. kukulangin kau s araw if may30 to june 4 lng.. kasi ang days n inallocate namin s CDO is 3 days nga if galing kau sa dvo.. long hour drive ksi yan.. i suggest go first to samal island.. kc pinakamalapit yun. ang surigao kc is 6-8hrs ang byhe if galing dvo.. papunta lng yan. mas mabuti punta kau ng camiguin then bukidnon ksi malapit lng yan. try to visit other blogs n nagoffer ng budget itinenary… i will be on camiguin this june2015

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