This small volcanic island has 7 volcanoes, white sand beaches, and natural hot springs. Local farmers grow sweet lanzones fruit, and divers explore sunken cemetery ruins.
Camiguin Island lies in the Bohol Sea, 10 kilometers from northern Mindanao. Locals call it the "Island Born of Fire" due to its seven volcanoes, with Hibok-Hibok still active. Walk across White Island’s temporary sandbar at low tide, soak in the warm waters of Ardent Hot Springs, or see the cross marking the Sunken Cemetery’s submerged graves. In October, street dancers wearing costumes made of fruit husks fill Mambajao during the Lanzones Festival. Thick forests cover much of the land, hiding waterfalls like the 76-meter Katibawasan Falls and remnants of Spanish-era stone churches.
White Island and Mantigue Island
White Island appears as a crescent-shaped sandbar during low tide, disappearing when waters rise. Hire a bangka boat from Yumbing Beach to reach it—swim in clear waters with Hibok-Hibok Volcano framing your view. Mantigue Island shelters a 4-hectare forest and coral reefs where snorkelers spot angelfish and sea turtles. Fishermen once lived here but moved to protect the marine life; their old wooden houses now serve as shaded rest areas. Bring your own snacks and umbrella, as neither island has permanent vendors. Boats return to shore by 4 PM to avoid strong afternoon currents.
Volcanoes and Hot Springs
Hibok-Hibok Volcano last erupted in 1951, leaving trails that lead hikers to a steaming crater lake. At its base, Ardent Hot Springs fills four stone pools with water warmed by underground heat sources. Mount Mambajao’s gentler slopes let you hike through monkey-filled forests without needing a guide. For cooler dips, Santo Niño Cold Spring near Catarman maintains a steady 20°C temperature even during summer. Don’t miss Bura Soda Water Park, where natural springs bubble with slight carbonation—locals claim it aids digestion.
Waterfalls and Swimming Areas
Katibawasan Falls plunges 76 meters into a basin surrounded by ferns and wild orchids. A paved path from Mambajao takes 10 minutes to reach its viewing deck. Tuasan Falls near Catarman requires a short hike through banana groves but rewards you with a deep pool perfect for swimming. Visit early to have the place mostly to yourself. Families favor Sto. Niño Cold Spring’s concrete pools, while adventure seekers rent paddleboards at Taguines Lagoon’s calm waters. Most sites charge entry fees under ₱50.
Sunken Cemetery and Spanish Ruins
A 20-foot concrete cross stands where the Sunken Cemetery sank during Hibok-Hibok’s 1871 eruption. Join a glass-bottom boat tour to see coral-covered tombstones or snorkel above the site at high tide. Five minutes away, Bonbon Church Ruins reveal stone walls from a 19th-century church destroyed by the same eruption. In central Mambajao, moss-covered arches mark what’s left of Old Catarman Church. Few signs explain the history, so ask boat operators or tricycle drivers to recommend a guide.
Lanzones Festival and Handicrafts
During the third weekend of October, Mambajao’s streets fill with dancers shaking costumes made from lanzones peels. Farmers sell the fruit fresh off the branch at roadside stalls—peel the thin skin to taste its juicy, lychee-like flesh. Watch weavers in Sagay twist volcanic rock fibers into heat-resistant baskets, or buy bamboo trays at the public market. On Sundays, some churches host traditional dance performances after mass, including the Tinikling where dancers hop between clapping bamboo poles.
Reaching Camiguin
Cebu Pacific flies daily to Camiguin Airport from Cebu (1 hour) or Manila (2 hours). Ferries run hourly from Balingoan Port in Mindanao (90-minute trip) and twice daily from Jagna, Bohol (4 hours). From Cagayan de Oro’s airport, shared vans take two hours to reach Balingoan Port. Rent a motorcycle near Mambajao Pier to explore the island’s ring road—it takes three hours to circle the entire coast. Tricycle drivers know all major attractions and wait while you take photos.
Where to Stay and Eat
Balai sa Baibai places bamboo cottages steps from a black-sand beach west of Mambajao. Kurma Eco Lodge uses solar power and serves breakfasts with eggs from their chickens. For diving trips, Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat arranges gear rentals and PADI courses. J&A Fishpen Restaurant grills freshly caught tuna served with spicy vinegar dip. At Luna Ristorante, try eggplant lasagna made with local herbs. Most lodgings rent snorkel gear and can book your island-hopping tours.
Planning Your Visit
March to May brings the driest weather, though midday heat often reaches 34°C. Wear waterproof sandals—you’ll frequently step from trails into streams or pools. Bring enough cash; ATMs in Mambajao sometimes empty on weekends. Keep voices low near cemeteries and churches, especially during funerals or services. When swimming at White Island, leave valuables on the boat or in waterproof bags—waves sometimes splash unattended bags.
