Camiguin

The 'Island Born of Fire', with seven volcanoes along a 64 km coastal loop, a white sandbar, the cross of the Sunken Cemetery, waterfalls and hot and cold springs—an off-the-beaten-path Philippine island.

Camiguin is a small volcanic island off the north coast of Mindanao in the Philippines. It covers about 238 square kilometers and its coastal loop is only about 64 km long, yet it has seven volcanoes, earning it the name 'Island Born of Fire'; it has a population of about 90,000 and its capital is Mambajao. Life moves slowly and visitors are few, making it one of the Philippines' lesser-known islands. Climate: Mar–Jun is the dry season, with the best sea conditions and the most reliable boat trips to White Island and Mantigue Island; the northeast monsoon brings more rain and rough seas from Nov–Jan; the Lanzones Festival is held in the fourth week of October. The usual way to explore is a one-day loop of the island by rented scooter or chartered tuk-tuk: around Mambajao on the north coast are the White Island sandbar, Katibawasan Falls and Ardent Hot Spring; at Catarman on the west coast are the Sunken Cemetery, the Gui-ob Church ruins and the Old Volcano Stations of the Cross trail, with Sto. Niño Cold Spring, Tuasan Falls and the Soda Water Pool inland; on the southeast coast are the Giant Clam Sanctuary, Taguines Lagoon and Mantigue Island. Fit visitors can climb Mount Hibok-Hibok. Getting there: take a small plane from Cebu or Manila to Camiguin Airport (flights are limited), or fly to Cagayan de Oro, drive to Balingoan port, then take the ferry about 1 hour to Benoni port. Plan on 3–4 days. Tips: ATMs are scarce on the island, so bring plenty of cash; boat trips require registration and an environmental fee, so please use reef-safe sunscreen, and in the rainy season watch for closure notices for the volcano and hiking trails.

Top sights

• White Island – A crescent-shaped white sandbar in the sea, with Hibok-Hibok volcano rising behind it. It is Camiguin's signature sight.
• Sunken Cemetery – In 1871, a volcanic eruption and earthquake caused the cemetery to sink into the sea. A giant cross in the water now marks the site, and yo…
• Katibawasan Falls – A slender waterfall about 70 meters tall, pouring down through fern-covered rainforest into a cool pool that is good for swimming. It is Ca…
• Gui-ob Church Ruins – A Spanish-era church of coral stone, destroyed by the 1871 volcanic eruption. Only broken walls and a bell tower remain, marking the downfa…
• Walkway to the Old Volcano – A Way of the Cross route with fourteen life-size statues along the slope of Vulcan Volcano. From the top you can look down on the coast and…
• Ardent Hot Springs – Natural forest hot spring pools heated by Mount Hibok-Hibok, about 40°C. Soaking here at night is a classic island experience.
• Sto. Niño Cold Spring – A large cold spring pool fed by volcanic spring water. The water is clear to the bottom, about 20°C, and a good place to cool off on the is…
• Tuasan Falls – A waterfall about 25 meters high in a mountain valley. The flow is strong, the crowds are light, and the deep pool below is good for swimmi…
• Mount Hibok-Hibok – An active volcano 1,332 meters high. Its 1951 eruption killed thousands. From the summit you can see the whole island and a crater lake.
• Mantigue Island – A small island off Camiguin's east coast, ringed by white sand and palm trees. Snorkeling in the surrounding marine sanctuary reveals sea t…
• Kibila Giant Clam Sanctuary – A community-run giant clam breeding sanctuary, where snorkelers can see groups of giant clams nearly one meter across.
• Binangawan Falls – A waterfall hidden in the rainforest of Mount Sagay. It is a 40-minute hike, sees few visitors, and suits travelers who like a wild feel.
• Taguines Lagoon – An artificial lagoon beside Benoni Port, with floating bamboo restaurants and walkways. You can paddle a kayak, eat seafood and watch the v…
• Katunggan Park – A mangrove eco-park in Benoni where a bamboo boardwalk runs through the mangroves. Visitors can spot fiddler crabs, mudskippers and waterbi…
• Bura Soda Water Pool – Naturally carbonated, bubbling spring water fills this swimming pool. It is said to be good for health and is a distinctive place to soak i…
• Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Sagay – One of the better-preserved Spanish-era stone churches on Camiguin. Its plain facade makes it a small historic stop on the island ride.
• Mambajao Town – The capital of Camiguin, with wooden old houses from the Spanish and American periods. The lanzones festival in October is the liveliest ti…

Where to eat

• La Dolce Vita – Italian restaurant run by an Italian chef, right across from the airport. Its wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta are…
• Guerrera Rice Field Restaurant – A farm restaurant tucked among rice fields and villas, using vegetables and herbs from its own garden to make street-fo…
• J&A Fishpen Seafood Restaurant – A fishpond seafood restaurant that locals rate highly, where you dine in stilt huts over a lagoon on fish freshly nette…
• Vjandep Bakeshop – Founded in 1990, this is where Camiguin pastel (soft filled buns) originated. Its yema-filled buns are the island's top…