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.

Via Cagayan de Oro

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).

From Jagna (Bohol)

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
Starts at 500 PHP

Marianitas Cottages

Marianita’s Cottages
Mambajao
Starts at 1,000 PHP

Top-Rated Hotels in Camiguin

Balai sa Baibai

Balai sa Baibai Resort
Mambajao
Starts at 4,100 PHP

Kurma Yoga Dive and Beach Resort

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

Camiguin
Tuasan Falls

Activities 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. […] was featured in a number of horror flicks like Quija. She even gave me a link to a blog post with a Camiguin Itinerary, which turned out to be written by my friend Angel Juarez of […]

  2. anonymous

    ha? bakit ang mahal? kay kuya ted 1,700 lang lahat day 1 island tour then day 2 hatid sa port. ang mahal talaga dyan sa paguia noh? anyway here is the cp number of kuya teddy pabualan 09392440521. mabait din syang tour guide at active sa pex forums.

  3. Bryan

    Hi! I read from a site that Paras Sea Cat does not operate anymore (http://www.hummer.ph/sg-blog/index.php?m=08&y=11&entry=entry110809-125605).

    Can you suggest other alternative ways to Camiguin? I meant fastest ways. Does Oceanjet offer trips to Camiguin from Balingoan Port? How much? Thank you!

  4. Grazee

    Hi Mr Lakwatsero,

    I like your blogs about camiguin tour.It really helps a lot specially for me who is planning to go in Camiguin.

    Can you give me the details the travel time of each tourist spot from one another.Im palnning kasi to avail the tour on the second day from 7 am to 2pm?Kaya kaya yon?

    And yung white island pwede ba in the afternoon mga 3-4pm?

    Thanks,

  5. […] Travel Guide: Camiguin Island # 114 […]

  6. denzky

    Oceanjet fastcraft now serves Camiguin-Jagna,Bohol and Balingoan,Misamis Oriental.

    Please check their webiste for more info: http://oceanjet.net/

  7. denzky

    for your information. a new commercial flight from/to cebu to camiguin via Midsea Express.

    Please check their website: http://www.midseaexpress.com/main/Home.html

    Choose Camiguin!

  8. Astig talaga ang Camiguin Island.

  9. Thanks Lakwatsero!! I really love Camiguin.. I love it enough to know it like i know my the back of my hand.. I like this post talaga! Tagal nah since my last visit to the place.. Makes me wanna go back — soon!^^

    1. denzky

      Welcome back to Camiguin. The island of your imagination.

  10. thanks lakwatsero for this guide. This would be a great help since i will be going to Camiguin in October for their fiesta.

  11. I wanna go back to Camiguin. Just to note, during our trip the ferry’s schedule was a bit off. We were told it would leave at 9:30am but at 9am they were doing their last call. Better make sure you get the schedule right especially if you’re going back to CDO.

    1. Thanks for the tip Astrid 🙂

  12. […] Travel Guide: Camiguin Island # 100 […]

  13. olivia

    Hi Lakwatsero!!!
    Any accomodation you can suggest? my bf and i plan to visit camiguin .. but we don’t have any idea, how much budget we needed to spend overnight?

    1. Hi, I recommend Paguia’s. They have rooms for as low as 1K 😀

  14. Super Shuttle Ferry sails to Camiguin from Cebu every Friday night from Cebu Pier 8 and returns to Cebu Sunday night. Check out their website.

    1. Thanks for the info jenny 😀

  15. Henry

    Good day to you lakwatsero!
    would like to ask, kung gaano kalayo yung Catarman Airport sa Mambajao?
    I just book a flight from Cebu Pacific.

    coz, I was thinking of staying in Paguia’s Cottages.
    pero sabi raw nila, wala raw Catarman Airport and Mambajao Airport lang raw ang meron.

    1. Hi Henry, Catarman Airport is in Northern Samar and not in Camiguin 🙂

  16. sonny

    hi lakwatsero, meron kang updated fare rates? or kahit sino dito may alam?

    Agora Bus Terminal to Balingoan, bus –
    Balingoan to Benoni, ferry –

    thanks.. 😀

    1. Hi Sonny, I updated the post to include the current rates/fares 🙂 Thanks!

    2. Mac

      From Agora Terminal, you can actually take a van (100) to Balingoan Port. The Super Shuttle Ferry’s rate is 170.

  17. wow! malapit lang sa amin ang camiguin.the good thing about the island is its size,maliit lang siya so madali maglibot.it’s like a one-stop destination,if you want beach meron,may falls,may springs (cold and hot).

  18. dhelle

    Hi Lakwatsero,

    would you have a contact for multicab for hire in camiguin? thanks

    -dhelle

    1. Hi Dhelle, sorry I lost all my contacts when my old phone was stolen, and bad practice, I don’t have a backup 🙁
      Anyway, mababait naman mga multicab doon, so just approach them na lang 🙂

  19. salamat sa lakwatsero for the travel guide. we went to camiguin last dec.5 and we stayed at paguia’s cottage. Thank’s to roel paguia the son of the owner siya po ang contact person namin and his the one who book us for our stay. My whole family really enjoyed our vacation. kontakin nyo lang si roel cel no.:09198942681 for booking. (cottage, vehicle, and pumpboat)…go to camiguin and enjoy your vacation…

    1. Thanks sandra! Glad you enjoyed the place 🙂

      1. jamie

        ano po pinagkaiba nung ordinary ferry sa paras seacat… thank you… para kasi nkita q parehas lng ng travel period 2hrs…

  20. […] Camiguin, an island province popular for its stretch of white sand bar, volcanoes, country’s sweetest lanzones and popular yema-filled bun called pastel, is a pear-shaped volcanic island approximately 100 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro City, my jump-off point to Mantangale and Camiguin. […]

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