Best Places to Visit in Camiguin
Explore the best spots in Camiguin—White Island, Sunken Cemetery, waterfalls, and more. A peaceful escape for nature and culture lovers.
View Detailstravel guide
Discover Camiguin
Camiguin Island, known as the “Island Born of Fire,” is one of the most exotic and peaceful destinations in the Philippines. Far from the busy resorts of Boracay and Bohol, it offers a quiet retreat with lush vegetation, white sandbars like White Island, vibrant coral gardens, natural springs, and scenic waterfalls. Volcanic peaks shape the island’s landscape, making it perfect for trekking and adventure. The local people are warm and genuine, always ready to welcome visitors with a smile and share their rich Filipino culture.
Request a quote
TRANSPORT & MOBILITY
How to Get There
By Air
Flying is the fastest way in via Camiguin Airport (CGM) near Mambajao, served only by light aircraft on direct 50-minute Cebgo flights from Cebu. There are no direct flights from Manila — connect through Cebu instead, making this route ideal for travelers combining both destinations.
By Sea
Camiguin is reachable via a direct 4-4.5 hour ferry from Jagna, Bohol to Balbagon Port, or from Cagayan de Oro by taking a 2-2.5 hour bus/van to Balingoan Port, followed by a roughly 1-hour RoRo ferry to Benoni Port — conveniently close to Mambajao and the island's main sights.
Getting Around
Renting a motorbike or scooter offers the most flexibility to explore Camiguin's scenic roads at your own pace. Multicabs and tricycles can be hired with a driver for full-day tours, while jeepneys and multicabs serve as the main (and affordable) public transport. Private vans are also available for groups or guided tours.
Top Attractions in Camiguin
Mount Hibok-Hibok volcano
An active volcano rising to 1332 meters on Camiguin Island, popular for trekking and hiking adventures, offering breathtaking views of the island and surrounding seascape from its summit.
White Island's Sandbar
A stunning sandbar located off the coast of Camiguin Island in the Philippines, known for its pristine white sand and panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters and nearby volcanoes.
Mantigue Island
A small, picturesque island off the coast of Camiguin, offering crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving, as well as lush greenery and white sandy beaches ideal for relaxation.
Best Time to Visit Camiguin
Camiguin enjoys a relatively stable climate year-round, making it a good destination in any season, with October's Lanzones Festival in Mambajao adding a colorful cultural highlight — street dances, parades, and costumes celebrating the island's sweet lanzones fruit.
Dry Season (Dec - May)
March to May offers the sunniest weather, ideal for beach trips and hiking. The broader high season runs December to early May, covering Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Easter — book ahead, as Camiguin draws more visitors during this stretch, including day-trippers from Cagayan de Oro.
Wet Season (June - Nov)
June to November brings more frequent rain, especially June through January, along with a higher chance of ferry or flight disruptions from storms. The island stays peaceful and scenic, with cooler temperatures throughout.
Top Activities
We recommend a stay in Camiguin Island of at least 4 days and 3 nights. One day can be dedicated to exploring the White Island’s sandbar and Mantigue Island. On another day, consider a full-day island tour to explore the highlands and interior areas. Trekking on the volcano can also be arranged for adventure enthusiasts.
All major sights are easily accessible from any point on the island via the scenic coastal road, which spans just 64 kilometers. You can rent a van or multi-cab with a driver for convenience, or opt for a motorcycle rental to explore the island at your own pace.
There is also an option to explore Camiguin & Cagayan De Oro for 6 days, where you can engage in adventure activities such as rafting, as Cagayan De Oro is known as the Philippine capital of rafting.
The Camiguin Island Inland tour offers an immersive journey through the heart of this captivating destination, showcasing its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and volcanic landscapes. On this tour, you can explore the lush jungles and verdant landscapes that define Camiguin’s interior, and you will visit iconic landmarks such as the Sunken Cemetery, the Old Spanish Church Ruins, the cold springs, and enchanting waterfalls.
Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Cagayan de Oro River! Paddle through exciting rapids surrounded by lush jungle and rocky cliffs. With beginner to advanced routes available, it’s a must-try adventure for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers.
White Island Sandbar, one of Camiguin’s most iconic attractions, is situated just off the coast of Agoho. This uninhabited white sandbar offers panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters and distant volcanoes. There is no shade or trees on the island, so we recommend visiting during times when the sun’s intensity is lower.
You can stay on White Island for a maximum of 3 hours. During this time, you can immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim and take plenty of beautiful photos.
Mantigue Island, also known as “Magsaysay Island,” is an island sanctuary renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and lush tropical forests. Snorkeling in the island’s pristine waters allows you to encounter colorful coral gardens, playful fish, and perhaps even sea turtles.
Mount Hibok-Hibok volcano is an iconic landmark nestled in the heart of Camiguin Island, with its summit reaching an elevation of 1,332 meters (4,370 feet) above sea level. Renowned among hikers and mountaineers, this mountain offers a thrilling adventure with its challenging terrain and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Despite its active status, hiking Mount Hibok-Hibok is considered safe as long as proper precautions and safety measures are observed.
To reach the summit, you must trek through dense tropical forests, rugged terrain, and volcanic landscapes.
Itinerary
Four days is the minimum to enjoy Camiguin’s highlights, from an island tour of its waterfalls and volcanic landscapes to a boat trip to White Island Sandbar.
Want a longer itinerary? Request a tailor-made trip and we will build it around what interests you most.
Day 1: Arrival in Camiguin Island
Upon arrival at the airport, take a private transfer to your hotel. Spend the day settling in, unwinding, and soaking in the tropical scenery.
Day 2: Camiguin Island Tour
The best way to explore Camiguin is by renting a motorbike. Travel around the island via panoramic roads and discover its most beautiful attractions.
Day 3: White Island Sandbar
Embark on a boat trip to White Island Sandbar, where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by breathtaking views.
Day 4: Departure from Camiguin Island
Enjoy your final moments in Camiguin by relaxing at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, arrange for a transfer to the airport or take a ferry to another destination in the Philippines.
camiguin Tour Packages
Plan Your Trip With Us
Private Tours in the Philippines
Visayas Explorer Tour | 13 Days
The Visayas is one of the most diverse and captivating regions in the Philippines — a vast archipelago...
Private Tours in the Philippines
Bohol and Camiguin Island Discovery Tour | 9 Days
Discover the best of Central Philippines with a journey that combines tropical beaches, island adventures, countryside scenery, waterfalls,...
Where to Stay
In Camiguin Island, you won’t find sprawling beachfront resorts dominating the coastline. Instead, small-sized accommodations are scattered along the picturesque coastline or nestled amidst the lush mountain terrain, offering guests a unique and tranquil experience.
Nouveau Resort - 4★
Set against the backdrop of Mount Timpoong in Mahinog, about 10-12 km from Camiguin Airport, Nouveau Resort is Camiguin's largest and most premium property, spanning five hectares between mountain and sea. Its 150 rooms range from Deluxe to Family Suites, and guests can enjoy an Olympic-length infinity pool, a splash park, a fitness studio, a spa and several dining options, from Asian-inspired cuisine to casual beachside grills.
Bintana Sa Paraiso - Boutique 3★
For those seeking a more intimate and personalized experience, Bintana sa Paraiso is a charming boutique accommodation. Known for its warm hospitality and breathtaking vistas, this delightful retreat promises a memorable escape. Bintana sa Paraiso consists of two properties: a mountain resort in Binunsaran and a beachfront resort in Naasag. Both locations, nestled in lush jungle, offer spectacular views of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and the surrounding islands. Bintana sa Paraiso offers rooms with a private pool and butler-style service to cater to your needs.
Balai sa Baibai Dive Resort - Boutique 3★
Set on a private beach in Agoho, Mambajao, just a few minutes from Camiguin Airport and within easy reach of White Island, Balai sa Baibai Dive Resort is an intimate beachfront property with just seven rooms and villas, some with private terraces and plunge pools. Guests can enjoy two outdoor pools, a full-service spa and a beachfront restaurant, while the on-site Coraya Divers runs guided dives and snorkeling trips leaving directly from the resort. The resort welcomes guests aged 12 and above, for a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
Restaurant & Dining
Mambajao has the best selection of restaurants and cafés. You’ll also find plenty of local eateries and beachside grills offering tasty, budget-friendly meals. Being surrounded by pristine waters, Camiguin boasts an abundance of fresh seafood. Don’t miss out on dishes like grilled fish, shrimp sinigang (a tangy soup), and seafood curry, served in cozy local spots and beachfront restaurants.
Souvenirs & Pasalubong
Don’t leave without a pasalubong, the Filipino tradition of bringing gifts home for family and friends. Camiguin’s markets and roadside stalls are full of local specialties, from pastel buns and lanzones to kiping and volcanic-grown coffee.
Pastel
Soft, sweet buns filled with creamy yema custard. Popular flavours include mango, chocolate, macapuno and durian.
Fresh Lanzones
Camiguin is famous for its sweet, juicy lanzones. Visit during the October–November harvest to find fresh local bundles.
Kiping
Thin, crispy cassava wafers shaped into large discs and served with sweet caramelised coconut syrup known as latik.
Local Coffee Beans
Aromatic coffee grown on Camiguin’s fertile volcanic slopes, available as whole beans or freshly ground.
Camiguin Useful Information
Payment Options:
Most restaurants, shops, and tour operators prefer cash, so it’s best to bring enough Philippine pesos. There are a few ATMs in Mambajao, the main town, but they can run out of cash or be offline, so withdraw in advance if you can.Credit cards are accepted in some resorts and bigger establishments, but NOT everywhere.
Accessing Internet:
Mobile signal is generally good in Mambajao and tourist areas. Smart and Globe are the main network. You can buy a SIM card at the airport or major cities before arriving.Mobile data works well for browsing and navigation. Some hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi, but it may be slow in remote areas.
Swimming & Beaches:
Unlike some other islands in the Philippines, Camiguin Island doesn’t have the typical sandy beaches you might expect. This is largely due to the island’s volcanic origins and its rugged coastline. The island’s seven volcanoes, including Mount Hibok-Hibok and Mount Vulcan, have shaped its landscape over millions of years, resulting in rocky shores and steep cliffs.The volcanic activity that formed Camiguin has also created a fascinating underwater topography, with coral reefs, drop-offs, and underwater caves to explore. However, it has limited the formation of sandy beaches directly on the island itself. The only beaches that can be found on Camiguin are located on smaller offshore islands, such as Mantigue Island and White Island. These pristine beaches boast powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, making them popular destinations for day trips and snorkeling excursions.
Diving:
Camiguin is a hidden gem for divers, with vibrant coral reefs, volcanic rock formations, and rich marine life ranging from reef fish and sea turtles to macro critters. Sites suit all levels, from shallow reefs for beginners to deeper walls for advanced divers — highlights include the Sunken Cemetery's underwater cross, Jigdup Shoal's strong currents and big marine life, and Mantigue Island's pristine reefs. The island's volcanic origins add unique features like submerged lava formations and underwater caves, while visibility (15-30m) and warm water temperatures (26-30°C) stay excellent year-round.
Keep Exploring the Philippines
More guides to help you plan your Philippine trip.
Cebu
Discover Cebu’s top sights—from historical landmarks to waterfalls and beaches. Get travel tips for a fun and smooth island adventure.
View Details
Bohol
Explore Bohol’s top destinations—from the Chocolate Hills to Panglao Island. Get travel tips, must-see spots, and things to do in Bohol.
View Details