Do you already have a place for summer? Why not considering Camiguin Island? Camiguin is just a small island but is composed of stunning spots that will surely tickled your adventurous spirit.
If you are into beach, springs or into waterfall chasing or mountain climbing, then Camiguin would be the best place for you.
About Camiguin
Camiguin is an island province in the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea, about 10 kilometers off the northern coast of Mindanao. It is politically part of the Northern Mindanao Region of the country and formerly a part of Misamis Oriental province.
Camiguin is the second-smallest province in the country in both population and land area after Batanes. The provincial capital is Mambajao, which is also the province's largest municipality in both area and population.
The province is famous for its sweet lanzones, to which its annual Lanzones Festival is dedicated, the picturesque Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin, and its interior forest reserves, collectively known as the Mount Hibok-Hibok.
Camiguin is the second-smallest province in the country in both population and land area after Batanes. The provincial capital is Mambajao, which is also the province's largest municipality in both area and population.
The province is famous for its sweet lanzones, to which its annual Lanzones Festival is dedicated, the picturesque Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin, and its interior forest reserves, collectively known as the Mount Hibok-Hibok.
How to get to Camiguin Island from Cebu City?
There are actually 2 options in getting to the island, its either by the sea or by the air.
By Sea. Basically, if you are coming from Cebu City you have to go to Jagna, Bohol wherein you can ride a vessel bound to Camiguin. As per advice from my cousin who is currently living in Camiguin Island, the trip going Camiguin from Jagna, Bohol is only during Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. There's also an upcoming new shipping company that will soon operate in Camiguin. Fastcat will have a trip from Bohol to Camiguin (vice versa) that may only take 45 minutes to 1 hr.
By Air. Camiguin is just a small island that has a small airport. Only Philippine Airline and Cebu Pacific operate on the island. Check their respective websites for more details.
By Sea. Basically, if you are coming from Cebu City you have to go to Jagna, Bohol wherein you can ride a vessel bound to Camiguin. As per advice from my cousin who is currently living in Camiguin Island, the trip going Camiguin from Jagna, Bohol is only during Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. There's also an upcoming new shipping company that will soon operate in Camiguin. Fastcat will have a trip from Bohol to Camiguin (vice versa) that may only take 45 minutes to 1 hr.
By Air. Camiguin is just a small island that has a small airport. Only Philippine Airline and Cebu Pacific operate on the island. Check their respective websites for more details.
Where to stay in Camiguin Island?
Camiguin Island is one of the popular tourist destinations in Southern Luzon. There's already a lot of hotels, travelers inn, resort and etc build in the island where you can stay for a short time. You can search for affordable travelers in before going there so that you can compare the damage in your pocket.
How can you tour the island?
Being a tour guide in the island one of the way of living for some local in the island. There were 3 ways on how you can tour and enjoy its gems
1. By motorbike. You can rent a motorbike for P300.00 to P400.00, it excludes the gas and you will be the one to drive and explore the place on your own. Or if you don't know how to drive the motorbike just like us, you can contact a habal-habal driver to tour you around for just P800.00.
1. By motorbike. You can rent a motorbike for P300.00 to P400.00, it excludes the gas and you will be the one to drive and explore the place on your own. Or if you don't know how to drive the motorbike just like us, you can contact a habal-habal driver to tour you around for just P800.00.
2. By motorela. They call their tricycle as motorela as they influence from their old folk. You can hire a motorela or tricycle for only P800.00 - P1000.00 maximum of 4 pax.
3. By multicab. If you are a group compose of 6-12 person then it is suggested to get a multicab for only P1200.00 - 1,500.00 depends on your negotiation.
For motorbike renting and accommodation, you may contact numbers below:
Motorbike/Motorela/multi-cab Ronel Vertudazo +63 956 063 6839 or Boss +63 905 164 4091
Accommodation : Boss +63 905 164 4091
10 Must see Tourist Spots in Camiguin Island
White Island (sandbar)
White Island attracts thousands of tourists every year. The island is generally horseshoe-shaped, although the tides constantly resize and reshape its exact form. There are no trees or shelter of any kind, and it is composed solely of white sands.
Where to go:
The island can be accessed from Barangay Agoho or Brgy. Yumbing in Mambajao about 4 to 6 kilometers west of the Poblacion or Mambajo proper. The port is located right next to Paras Resort also near in Pabua's Cottage.
What to do:
You may bring foods on the island and may enjoy the stunning view under water. Snorkeling is perfect on the island. Please note, the island is so clean and sand is so white so please leave no trace. As mention, the island is composed solely of white sand so bring with your skin protection, umbrellas, parasol and etc. The island is also perfect for sunset viewing.
Boat rental is P400.00 good for 4 pax
Environmental fee P30.00 per head
Rent for big umbrella: P150.00 per set
Snorkeling gears: P100.00 per set
Mantigue Island
Mantigue is also known as Magsaysay Island, it is about 4 hectares of greenery fringed with a gleaming white beach of powdery coral sand. A fishing village is located on the northern side of the island. One side of the island is a white sand beach with corals offshore, and the opposite side provides a deep drop-off for snorkeling and diving.
Where to go:
Mantigue is a small island located about 3.5 kilometers off the coast of the volcanic island province of Camiguin province. Mantigue Island can be reached by light watercraft in 25–30 minutes from Brgy. San Roque in the town of Mahinog. Brgy Mahinog is roughly 14 kilometers from the municipality of Mambajao, the travel time may take 45 to 60 minutes.
What to do:
The same with White Island, you may bring foods and may enjoy the stunning view under water. There is a fish sanctuary nearby wherein you can enjoy snorkeling and watch the beautiful creatures under water. Be careful because the current is kinda strong if you don't know how to swim then don't go too far even if the water is shallow.
Boat rental is P600.00 good for 4 pax
Environmental fee P30.00 per head
Snorkeling gears: P150.00 per set
Sto. Nino Cold Spring
Camiguin Island is very rich of water source which comes out of the grounds at several cold and hot springs. Some of these spring was being developed to become a tourist attraction. One of the most popular spring in Camiguin Island is the Sto. Nino Cold Spring. The water is so cold and crystal clear, you can also enjoy swimming because they have a very wide pool.
Where to go:
To get to Sto. Nino Cold Springs, you have to leave the main road in the village of Looc, near Catarman on the South-West side of the island. From the main road, it's about 2.9 km into the forest before you reach the resort area.
What to do:
You can enjoy and relax in their fish spa. Eat a native chicken (adobo, tinola, ginataan and etc). Swimming and snorkeling. Pictorial
Entrance fee: P30.00 per head
Fish Spa P10.00 per head
Buko P25.00
Foods *depends on your preference*
Tuasan Falls
A gentle hush of rushing ice cool water. All this and more in Tuasan Falls!
Tuasan Falls is a peaceful place where you can enjoy its natural gem. Tuasan Falls has been attracting both local and foreign tourist alike because of its irresistible turquoise and ice cool water. It is one of the most popular Instagram-worthy destinations in the Camiguin Island.
Tuasan Falls is located 6 km northeast of Catarman. The local government, to accommodate local tourism, decided to improve access to the falls with a road built all the way up to the falls, finished 4 years ago.
Entrance fee: P30.00 per head
Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool
The Soda Swimming Pool is situated in the town of Catarman which is few miles away from the main town of Camiguin, the municipality of Mambajao. According to old folks, it named Soda because it is used to taste like soda, you just need to add a small amount of sweeter to taste like soda. Both local and foreign tourist attraction to its amazing gem.
Entrance at Soda Water Swimming Pool is only P30.00 for adults (above 12 years old) and P15.00 for children. Cottages and tables can be rented at P20 each. Of course, swimming pool rules and regulations apply here.
Old Guiob Church Ruins
Located in Brgy. Bonbon in Catarman, the Old Guiob Church Ruins was one of the structures that remained standing after the disastrous eruption. Although the church has lost its roof, its sturdy walls and columns still stand today — a massive, beautiful physical reminder of an almost apocalyptic past; a scar.
From the road, it looked like a simple ancient wall, like a fortress. Surrounded by towering trees and covered by moss, the walls continued to give a vivid picture of how the old church looked like and how big it was.
The Sunken Cemetery
Back in the year 1800's, a volcano in the place erupted the reason why there's a big part of Camiguin sank. Nowadays, the cemetery is no longer visible but to remain its memories, a looming cross was built in the lost place. Visitors all over the Philippines and the world come to admire this man-made marvel filled with legend and enchantment.
Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross
Walkway to Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross is an 8-kilometer path with 14 human-sized stations situated at Mt. Vulcan in Barangay Bonbon, Catarman. The spot is actually one of the famous tourist destinations in Camiguin Island especially during the Lenten Season as it serves as a pilgrimage site to Roman Catholic devotees.
Every holy week especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the locals of Camiguin especially the devotees observe its annual festival of Panaad or in the most common tongue, "Promise" as they walk going up to the 8-kilometer path of Stations of the Cross. The holy activity is being observed as an expression of penitence, and renewal of one's spirit
Ardent Hot Spring
Ardent Hot Spring Resort is located in Esperanza Tagdo, Mambajo, Camiguin and is one of the tourism highlights in Camiguin Island. It is approximately 15 minutes away from the beaches of Agoho and Yumbing, in the mountainside of the famous Mt. Hibok-Hibok volcano, which supplies the hot and crystal clear water. |
| CTTO. I have no photos in Ardent Spring because we came there at night time. |
Mt. Hibok-Hibok
Unfortunately, since we only have short time so we are unable to go to Mt. Hibok-hibbok because going there will take 7 hrs. Mt. Hibok-Hibok is my next target for the next visit may be within the next 3 months.Surely, there are no laws that would prevent you from doing something or fun activity as long as you do not disturb others or hurt nature and environment, Yes?
Enjoy your trip and let your worries go away even for just a day!
Cheers!
Short video compilation
| CAMIGUIN ISLAND ITINERARY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | |||
| TIME | Expense/s | Remarks/Activities | |
| ETD 11:30 am | Mactan Airport | ||
| ETA 12:25 pm | Camiguin Aiport | ||
| ETD 12:30 pm | P200.00 | Pabua's Hired Jeepney to Pabua's Cottage | |
| ETA 01:45 pm | P1,600.00 | Pabua's Cottage P800.00 per night for 2 pax | |
| 03:00 pm | P460.00 | White Sand Boat rental is P400.00 for 6 pax Environmental fee P30.00 per head | |
| ETA 03:10 pm | wandering/picture taking/swimming | ||
| There is nothing on the island where you can shed and protect yourself from the extreme heat of the sun. Boat operators will offer you a big umbrella for P150.00. White Sand is perfect for sunset watching, however, the boats are only until 5:30 pm. | |||
| ETD 05:30 pm | Leaving white Island | ||
| ETA 05:40 pm | Paras Resort/sunset watching | ||
| ETA 06:00 pm | back in Pabua's | ||
| ETD 06:30 pm | P8.00 | To Mambajao proper for Dinner | |
| ETA 08:00pm | P8.00 | Back to Pabuas/Light's off | |
| DAY 2 | |||
| ETD 07:00 am | P1000.00 | Start the whole day Camiguin tour | |
| ETA 08:00 am | P730.00 | Brgy. Mahinog jump off to Mantigue Island P600.00 Boat rental. Good for 6 pax. P30.00 per head environmental fee P150.00 per set of Snorkeling gear | |
| ETA 08:35 am | P50.00 | Mantigue Island wandering around the island/picture taking/swimming P50.00 if you will go to fish santary for snorkeling | |
| ETA 10:00 am | Jump off at Brgy Mahinog | ||
| ETD 10:10 am | P30.00 | to the next destinations You may order and eat fresh seafood at Green Lagoon After Lagoon, feel the relaxing sea breeze under Pagatpat tree in Katungan Park right next to Green Lagoon, P30.00 entrance fee per head. | |
| ETA 11:20 am | P55.00 | Sto. Nino Cold Spring P30.00 entrance fee per head Pxxx.xx Native chicken - Adobo/Tinola/Ginataan P25.00 Buko | |
| ETD 1:30 pm | Going to Tuasan Falls | ||
| ETA 02:10 pm | P30.00 | Tuasan Falls P30.00 entrance fee per head | |
| ETD 02:45 pm | Going to Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool | ||
| ETA 03:20 pm | P30.00 | Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool P30.00 entrance fee per head | |
| ETD 03:30 pm | Going to Old Guiob Church Ruins | ||
| ETA 03:45 pm | Old Guiob Church Ruins wander/picture taking/no entrance fee. PS: the place is solemn so please minimize your voice and unnecessary actions | ||
| ETD 04:00 pm | Going to The Sunken Cemetery | ||
| ETA 04:05 pm | P220.00 | The Sunken Cemetery Buy souvenirs/picture taking with the famous looming cross in the once place of the remains of old people in Camiguin. P100.00 souvenirs P120.00Camiguin T-shirt | |
| ETA 04:40 pm | P5.00 | Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross P5.00 environmental/maintenance fee of the place You can have a short mountain climbing, it may just take less than an hour. The place is solemn so please minimize your voice and unnecessary movement. | |
| ETD 05:10 pm | To Viaduct alike along the road going to Ardent Resort | ||
| ETA 05:20 pm | Viaduct alike along the road going to Ardent Resort The place is also perfect for sunset viewing | ||
| ETD 05:30 pm | To Ardent Hot Spring | ||
| ETA 06: 00 pm | P30.00 | Ardent Hot Spring P30.00 entrance fee per head Pxxx.xx Foods and drinks You can bring your own foods from outside, there will be no corkage | |
| ETD 08:00 pm | Back to Pabua's Cottage | ||
| ETA 08:20 pm | Pabua's Cottage | ||
| 09:00 pm | Light's Off | ||
| DAY 3 | |||
| 08:00 am | Lazy day, woke up very late | ||
| ETD 10:30 am | P8.00 | Went to Mambajao proper to buy the famous pastel in Camiguin Island | |
| ETA 11:00 am | P8.00 | Camiguin Airport | |
| ETD 12:25 nn | Going back to Cebu City | ||
| Tip: If you will go to a spot just for a very short time, you may try to negoiate or ask discount for the entrance fee | |||
| Important contact numbers: | |||
| Pabua's Cottage | +63 917 321 0449 | Check-in place | |
| Ardent Spring Resort | (088) 387 - 0508 +63 975 426 3612 +63 906 921 5995 | Check-in place/Foods/Hot spring | |
| Sto. Nino Cold Spring | +63 935 310 2747 | Check-in place/Foods/Cold spring | |
| Ronel Vertudazo | +63 956 063 6839 | Motorbike rental Motorela for hire for whole day tour (6pax max) Multi-cab for hire for whole day tour (12pax max) | |
| Boss | +63 905 164 4091 | Motobike tour guide You can also ask for best/affordable hotel/travelers inn | |
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