4D3N Camiguin Travel Guide & Itinerary: The Island Born of Fire

Among the 7,641 islands in the Philippines, which island would you like to visit next? If you haven’t thought of visiting Camiguin Island yet, you might have changed your mind once you know more about this island.

Camiguin Island is one of the most beautiful yet underrated islands in the Philippines. If it is not on your bucket list yet, you should consider it now. I have been to Camiguin twice. The first time I visited the island was in 2015! I never regretted visiting this place. I knew that I would go back to this place again one day.

I was able to get a chance to visit Camiguin Island once again together with the Tourism Promotions Board, my co-bloggers, and co-vloggers. We stayed on the island for four days and three nights to cover the annual Lanzones Festival of the island. I would love to thank the Tourism Promotions Board for having me on this trip! This is one of my best trips ever. In this blog, you will learn about what you need to know about Camiguin, such as the places to go and visit with a sample itinerary, where to stay on the island, and some must-try local foods.

UPDATED TRAVEL GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR ENTRY TO CAMIGUIN (as of 2022)

1. Clean Camiguin QR. You may visit www.cleancamiguinqr.com to register.

2. Proof of Vaccination. Make sure to bring your vaccination card or vaccination certificate.

3. Confirmed Hotel Booking. Make sure you have a confirmation slip from your booked LGU-accredited tourist accommodation.

4. Upload the required documents on the HDF tab in the Clean Camiguin QR website before arriving at their ports of entry.

About Camiguin Island

Known as the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin Island is dubbed the smallest island in Mindanao, while it is the second smallest island in the Philippines after Batanes Island. Home to seven volcanoes, this volcanic island’s untouched and unspoiled beauty makes it one of the best off-the-beaten paths in the Philippines among local and foreign tourists.

The province is also well-known for its sweet lanzones fruits, to which its annual Lanzones Festival is celebrated every third weekend of October. Not to mention its numerous natural cultural treasures, such as the Sunken Cemetery, Guiob Old Church Ruins in Bonbon, and Guinsiliban Moro Watch Tower, which unveils the preserved beauty of the island and its rich history.

No wonder Camiguin Island is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, recognized by the Department of Tourism.

How to Get to Camiguin Island?

From Manila: There are no direct flights via Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, but I believe they can get you the cheapest flights. If you opt to book a flight via these airlines, you may choose Butuan or Cagayan De Oro as your entry point. Or you may also take a flight from Manila to Cebu as a connecting flight, then Cebu bound for Camiguin Island. Meanwhile, Skyjet and Sunlight Air offer direct flights from Manila to Camiguin.

From Cebu: You may fly with Cebgo or Philippine Airlines to Camiguin from Cebu. Travel time is around 1 hour.

From Cagayan De Oro: You may take a shuttle bound for the Agora market from the Laguindingan International Airport. From the Agora market, you can take a bus or van to take you to Balingoan port. From the port, take a ferry heading to Camiguin Island. It takes about 2 hours to get to Benoni port in Camiguin from Balingoan port.

From Butuan City: From Butuan International Airport, take a shuttle that will take you to Butuan City Integrated Bus Terminal. Then, ride a bus bound for Cagayan De Oro. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Balingoan port. You may inform them that you are heading to Camiguin. From Balingoan Port, take a ferry departing to Camiguin Island.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Camiguin?

It is always best to visit Camiguin since it always has tropical weather. Not unless you are visiting from December to March, their onset of monsoons. It has its finest climate from April to June. I recommend you visit the island in October. This is when Camiguinons celebrate their annual Lanzones Festival. Experience one of the unique and colorful festivals in the Philippines. Moreover, get to taste the sweetest lanzones in the country.

Getting around Camiguin Island

It is absolutely easy to get around the island. It is even possible to travel the island within a day or two (the longest time!). Based on my experience, I did that the first time I visited Camiguin. With its stunning scenery and serene ambiance, I bet one day is not enough for you to explore the island. But if you want to explore and discover more of the stunning beauty of Camiguin Island, four days would be the ideal days of stay on the island if you’re going to have a full island experience in Camiguin. Here are some ways you can get around the island.

Via Habal-habal (motorcycle)

If you are traveling solo or by group and traveling on a budget, renting a habal-habal is highly suggested! This will help you save time and money. You may rent it at an affordable and reasonable price.

Via Multicab

If you are traveling by group, Renting a multicab is also an option. It is as cheap as habal-habal. In my personal experience, during my first visit to Camiguin, my friends and I opted to rent a multicab, we were a group of three, and it didn’t cost us a lot to go for this option.

Via Van

If you want to make your trip to Camiguin more comfortable, you may also rent a van. This is purely optional if you are traveling in a group. Surely, this is much faster and more convenient.

Top Places to See and Visit in Camiguin

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Camiguin Island may be small, yet it boasts many breathtaking views and beautiful attractions. Its size will never define the beauty that Camiguin has to offer! If you are wondering about the places to visit on the island, here are the top places to see while traveling around the island.

Mantigue Island

One of the best islands that you must visit when in Camiguin! This island has a white powdery sand beach, clear turquoise seawater, and a restful forest park. An array of fun activities can be done on the island. You can go beach bumming, diving, snorkeling, or even go for greenery by visiting its small forest park. Can’t swim? No worries! You can also ride a glass boat to see some sea creatures underwater. Mantigue Island is one of the clearest waters I have seen among the islands that I visited in the country.

The White Island

White Island is no doubt one of the most popular attractions in Camiguin. It is a long white sandbar island facing Mt. Hibok Hibok. It has fine white sand and clear waters as well! The best time to visit White Island is early in the morning. Also, it is better to go here on weekdays to avoid the crowd. In our case, we saw the island on a Sunday morning after the festival. As expected, there were too many people on the island on that day. But it was all worth it! We still enjoyed taking pictures and swimming in the sea.

The Sunken Cemetery

The Sunken Cemetery used to be a graveyard above the sea. Due to the volcanic eruption in 1980, it was ruined and is now called “The Sunken Cemetery.” You may see a big cross in the middle of the sea. The big white cross symbolizes the events that happened in the past. It also serves to commemorate the dead that sank when Mt. Vulcan erupted.

Moreover, they say that this place is one of the best diving spots in Camiguin! I could still remember when I felt amazed by its unique history, which I first heard about on television, the feeling I had the moment I first got there – it’s amazing how I still got the same feelings the second time I came back to this place! Furthermore, you may rent a small boat to get closer to the huge cross! The best time to visit the Sunken Cemetery is during the sunset.

The Old Volcano

If you are a Roman Catholic, this is where you can go during the Holy Week. It serves as a pilgrimage site where you can spot the Stations of the Cross. In addition, you can also see the breathtaking view of Mt. Vulcan’s crater. Mt. Vulcan is one of the volcanoes surrounding the island of Camiguin. It offers a nice overlooking view of the ocean.

Old Church Ruins

The Old Church Ruins used to be a well-structured church years ago. But it was also destroyed when a volcanic eruption happened in 1871. Despite that, you will notice how the eruption beautifully formed the old church. You might even not imagine that it was ruined! What a beautiful destruction indeed! This is one of my favorite places to visit on the island. It may have been destroyed a long time ago, but it just looks amazing to me.

The Ardent Hot Spring

After a long day of going around the island, you can go here to swim and relax. Experience the warm and hot water that it offers coming from the mountain.

Nino Cold Spring

The Sto. Nino Cold Spring offers the coldest water ever! You would absolutely enjoy swimming here. You will love this resort because its entrance fee is very affordable.

Tuasan Falls

There is no need to hike up a mountain to reach this waterfall. This may not be as grand as other waterfalls, but you will surely appreciate its beauty. You may bring your own food and eat near the waterfalls, but please observe the cleanliness. We’d never want to harm our environment.

The Soda Spring

This is one of the most unusual springs in the Philippines. The spring contains soda water that comes directly from the volcano. The locals say drinking soda water is good for the body and skin, making us feel younger! They say that soda water has a lot of good benefits for our skin and the body. Hahaha! Yes, it is safe to drink the soda water from the spring. Just don’t drink the ones coming from the pool.

Katibawasan Falls

Apart from visiting Tuasan Falls, you may also see this grand waterfall in Camiguin. Located in the town of Mambajao, it stands around 70 meters tall, which makes it the tallest waterfall on the island. Tourists can go swimming in the lagoon and explore the area. Other than that, there is nothing much you can do here. You may spend less than an hour or so exploring the rest of the island, especially if you plan on touring for a day.

Timpoong-Hibok Hibok Natural Monument

Declared as an ASEAN Heritage Park, this is a rainforest that you can also visit in Camiguin. If you are looking for a more adventurous side, you may opt to visit Mt. Timpoong-Hibok Hibok Natural Monument. This park offers a variety of flora and fauna. In addition, you can go here for bird watching. It showcases the best view of Mt. Hibok Hibok! This is one of the best places to immerse yourself in nature and can be one of the most exciting activities to do on the island. The best time to go here is early in the morning.

Where to stay in Camiguin?

There are numerous accommodations on the island that you can choose from. But here are some of my best personal picks and recommendations.

Camiguin Highland Resort: This resort is located uphill and has an overlooking view of the sea. It is a three-story building that features a swimming pool, a bar, a lounge area, a gift shop, and a garden. It also offers a variety of fun activities such as horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, outdoor camping, and many more.

Nouveau Resort: This is a resort located in Mambajao that offers a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a garden. It has room service with a Free Wifi connection and free parking.

YSLA Beach Camp and Eco Resort: This resort offers room service with a sun terrace and free Wi-Fi. It also has an outdoor pool where you can swim. In addition, there is no need for you to eat out since they have a restaurant.

Bintana Sa Paraiso: I could say that this is one of the most stunning resorts on the island. With an overlooking view of the ocean and an infinity pool, this 5-star resort is surely one of a kind!

Where to eat in Camiguin?

sweet lanzones fruit festival in camiguin

J&A Fishpen: This is a fishing restaurant that serves fresh seafood and other Filipino foods.

La Dolce Vita: They serve authentic Italian cuisine. This restaurant is located just right in front of the Camiguin Airport.

Guerrera Restaurant: This is an Asian restaurant. It serves Vietnamese, Indian, and Thai cuisines, etc.

Northern Lights Restaurant: This restaurant is also a good place to dine in, especially during dinner. They mostly serve a variety of Filipino cuisines.

La Isla Cocina: If you are up for some Mexican or Spanish taste and craving something new, you can head over to this restaurant!

To learn more about where to eat in Camiguin, check out my full review of these restaurants mentioned above!

Suggested 4D3N Camiguin Itinerary

Here is the sample itinerary and travel guide to Camiguin Island. You may follow this itinerary if you stay on the island for four days.

Point of Entry – Manila -Cebu – Camiguin
Point of Exit – Camiguin – Cebu – Manila

via Philippine Airlines

Day 1

11:10 AM ETA Manila Camiguin
01:00 PM Check-in at Camiguin Highland Resort
02:30 PM Mobile to Bura Soda Spring
03:00 PM ETA Bura Soda Spring, Activities: Swimming and Picnic
03:45 PM Go to Sto. Nino Cold Spring
04:00 PM ETA Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Activities: Swimming and Picnic
04:45 PM Mobile to Gui-ob Church Ruins, Exploration
05:20 PM Go to Sunken Cemetery, Experience Sunset in the area
11:30 PM Lunch
05:45 PM Mobile Back to Hotel
06:20 PM Arrival at the Hotel, Freshen Up
07:30 PM Dinner
09:00 PM Back to Hotel, Rest Overnight

Day 2

06:00 AM Breakfast
07:00 AM Mobile to Mambajao Town Center, Camiguin Lanzones Festival Street Dancing Competition
07:30 AM Street Dancing
12:00 NN Lunch
01:00 PM Lanzones Festival Tableau Competition
04:00 PM Join Lanzones Fruit. Eat all you can (FREE)
05:00 PM Mobile back to the hotel, Freshen Up
06:30 PM Dinner
09:00 PM Back to Hotel and Rest Overnight

Day 3

06:00 AM Assembly Time for White Island
06:30 AM Mobile to Brgy. Yumbing – Jump off point for the White Island
07:00 AM ETA White Island. Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving, picnic
09:00 AM Back to Hotel, Freshen Up
09:30 AM Breakfast at the Hotel
11:00 AM Mobile to Katibawasan Falls
11:30 AM Katibawasan Falls: Swimming and Picnic
1:30 PM Lunch
03:30 PM Mobile to Daang Volcan Walkway for Pasalubong Shopping
04:45 PM Back to Hotel, Rest
06:30 PM Dinner
0 8:30 PM Rest Overnight

Day 4

05:00 AM Visit Mt. Timpoong-Hibok Hibok Natural Monument for Bird watching
07:00 AM Back to the hotel
08:00 AM Breakfast, Pack-up
09:00 AM Mobile to Airport
11:45 AM ETD Camiguin-Manila

Note: This is our sample itinerary that is good for four days and three nights to give you an idea. I hope this travel guide to Camiguin helps with your future trips!

Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Camiguin Island, Philippines