Camiguin
Camiguin is a small island province of the Philippines off of Northern Mindanao.
Cities
Mambajao is the capital of Camiguin, and Catarman is the second largest town on the island.
Other destinations
The island of Bohol is just a small ferry ride away.
Understand
This island is definitely off the beaten track for travelers. It is a real gem and feels extremely safe compared to its neighboring islands.
Talk
English, Visayan languages (or Bisayan languages) of the Philippines, along with Tagalog.
Get in
The ports in Camiguin are located in Guinsiliban, Benoni and Balbagon. There is also an airport located west of Mambajao. Cebu Pacific airlines flies to and from Cebu daily. There are ferries from Cagayan de Oro, Balingoan (15 daily, 75 min), Misamis Oriental, Cebu City and from Jagna in Bohol. Fast ferries from Jagna to Camiguin leave at 0930 every day year-round. There is also a slower ferry leaving at 1330 everyday during peak season and at 1330 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday during low season. There are daily flights to Cebu.
Get around
Rent a motorcycle for a local. Ask your hotel/hostel for information about renting motorcycles. Expect an informal process. Usually 500pesos/day.
Take a jeepney around the island
Take public or hired tricycles
See
Volcanoes
The island of Camiguin is part of the Northern Mindanao earthquake epicenter. It is basically volcanic in origin and is entirely made up of deposits attributed to its volcanoes.
- Mt. Hibok-Hibok
- Mt. Vulcan
- Mt. Guinsiliban
- Mt. Mambajao
- Mt. Timpoong
- Mt. Tres Marias
- Mt. Uhay
Do
- Arden Hot Springs. Make a nighttime visit to these hot springs. It is the perfect time for a warm soak or swim. Drinks are served at the resort. 30 peso.
- Katibawasan Falls. A waterfall at 50m. There are a few picnic benches and the water is cold and refreshing. A must see!
- Mantigue Island. An islet with beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters off the coast of Maninog.
- Sunken Cemetery. Sunken by a volcano, this cemetery makes a good spot for snorkeling or diving.
- Fiesta. Talk to the locals and see if there is a fiesta happening on the island. It is a must do!
Buy
Eat
There is a good fire oven pizza place around the Agohay beach.
Drink
Sleep
- Treehouse by the Sea. A relaxing treehouse with electricity that borders the ocean. It includes a double bed and attached bathroom. Ask locals for directions - it is near the airport. It has a great view and friendly staff. For a reasonable price they will make meals for you. 500-700pesos/night depending on the season.
- Enigmata Treehouse. Another set of treehouses nestled away on the northern side of the island
- Catarman Coral Dive Resort. Located in the town of Catarman, 20 meters from the beach. Has three acres of live coral reefs under the sea.
- G V Hotel, Bugos street Manbajao (near the PNB bank), ☏ +63 88 3871041. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 12 noon. Fan/A.c double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. has 49 rooms. p 450/580.
- Caves Dive Resort, Agoho, Mambajao, 9100 Camiguin Island (In the northern part of the island, west of Mambajao), ☏ +63 88-387-0077. In addition to accommodation, the resort arranges diving.
- Camiguin Action Geckos, Agoho, Mambajao, 9100 Camiguin Island (Just east of Caves Dive Resort), ☏ +63 88-387-9146. Geckos arranges daily diving and trekking trips.
- Seascape, Agoho, Mambajao, 9100 Camiguin Island (next door to Jasmine by the Sea), ☏ +63 910-920-6152. Offers budget rooms set within a well-maintained garden and with great views of the sea. The restaurant serves good food at cheap prices. There is also a good deal on renting a motorbike if you stay there. Room rates are around 500 PHP in low season for a large room with its own bathroom (cold water only though). The staff are very friendly although not always easy to find.