Discover Camiguin

Escape to an island of volcanoes, waterfalls, and white sandbars.
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Camiguin Travel Guide

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.

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The fastest way to reach Camiguin is by plane.

From Cebu: Cebu Pacific operates daily direct flights to Camiguin Airport (CGM).

From Manila: There are no direct flights, but you can fly to Cagayan de Oro or Butuan, then travel by land and sea to Camiguin.

Traveling by ferry is an alternative for those who prefer sea voyages, though it takes significantly longer than flying.

2GO Travel operates weekly ferry services from Manila’s Pier 4 to Puerto Princesa.

Duration: Approximately 26 to 28 hours, depending on sea conditions.

Camiguin is a small island, so getting around is easy:

One of the most popular ways to explore Camiguin is by renting a motorbike or scooter, providing you with the flexibility to navigate the island at your own pace and discover its scenic roads and attractions.
Multicabs and tricycles are a common mode of transportation in Camiguin and can be hired with a driver for full-day tours. Jeepneys and multicabs also serve as the primary mode of public transportation. While not as flexible as renting a private van, they offer an affordable option for getting around the island.

Private vans are also available for groups or guided tours.

Top Attractions in Camiguin

Mount Hibok-Hibok volcano, Camiguin island, Philippines

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.

Camiguin Island, White Island Sandbar, Philippines

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, Camiguin island, Philippines

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 is a stunning year-round destination known for its volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls, and peaceful beaches. While it offers charm in every season, knowing the best time to visit can help you enjoy the island’s beauty and adventures at their peak.

High Season

Camiguin Island enjoys a relatively stable climate year-round, making it a great destination in any season. However, the best time to visit is during the dry months from March to May, when the weather is sunny and ideal for beach trips, hiking, and exploring the island’s natural attractions.

The high season runs from December to early May, including holidays like Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Easter. While Camiguin is generally less crowded than popular spots like Bohol or Boracay, these months still attract more tourists, including day-trippers from nearby Cagayan de Oro, so it’s best to book your accommodations in advance.

Low Season

The low season is from June to November, which overlaps with the wet season. During this time, rainfall is more frequent, especially from June to January, and there’s a higher chance of ferry or flight cancellations due to storms. Still, the island remains peaceful and beautiful, with cooler temperatures.

Lanzones Festival

A highlight of visiting in October is the Lanzones Festival, held every third week of the month in Mambajao. This colorful celebration honors the island’s sweet lanzones fruit with street dances, cultural shows, and parades full of vibrant costumes and decorated floats.

Camiguin Tours

Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin Island, Philippines

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.

Discovering Camiguin in 4 days:

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.

The best way to explore Camiguin is by renting a motorbike. Travel around the island via panoramic roads and discover its most beautiful attractions.

Embark on a boat trip to White Island Sandbar, where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by breathtaking views.

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.

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What to Buy in Camiguin:Best Souvenirs & Pasalubong

  • 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.

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.

Where to Stay: Our Recommended Camiguin Accommodations

Bintana Sa Paraiso Camiguin Island, Philippines

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 offers a luxury experience on Camiguin Island. Its 400-meter shoreline sits right across from Mantigue Island. As the largest resort on the island with upscale features and world-class accommodations, it provides guests with an unparalleled stay.

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.

Camiguin Useful information

Planning a trip to Camiguin? Here’s everything you need to know . Make your stay smooth and enjoyable with our quick guide.

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.

Internet & SIM Cards:

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.

There are no beaches in Camiguin Island

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.

Scuba Diving

Camiguin is a hidden gem for scuba divers, with vibrant coral reefs, volcanic rock formations, and rich marine life.

Camiguin’s waters are teeming with a wide variety of marine species, including colorful reef fish, majestic sea turtles, and fascinating macro critters. Divers can explore vibrant coral gardens, underwater rock formations, and swim-throughs, encountering an array of marine life along the way.

From shallow reefs suitable for beginners to deeper walls and drop-offs for advanced divers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Popular dive sites include the Sunken Cemetery, which features an underwater cross and diverse marine life, Jigdup Shoal, for experienced divers, with strong currents and bigger marine speciesand, and the Mantigue Island Marine Sanctuary, known for its pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.

The volcanic origins of Camiguin have created unique underwater landscapes that are a delight to explore. Divers can discover submerged lava formations, underwater caves, and swim-throughs, adding an extra element of adventure to their diving experience.

Camiguin’s waters typically offer excellent visibility, ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet) or more, depending on the dive site and weather conditions. Water temperatures are warm and comfortable year-round, ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F), making diving enjoyable at any time of the year.

Best from March to June, but you can dive year-round.

There are a few small dive centers in Mambajao and near Mantigue Island that offer courses and fun dives.