When I got an invitation to visit Camiguin, my first reaction was where exactly in the Philippines is Camiguin? I realized I haven’t been to this province. A quick search later, I found out that it’s a tiny island just south of Bohol and part of Northern Mindanao, and that made me so curious!

After more than a month of seemingly nonstop rain in Metro Manila, I was also craving for some sunshine and Vitamin D. A few days on an island I’d never been to before? It sounded like exactly the kind of escape I needed!

Camiguin Fast Facts

Here are some basic info on our destination:

Region: Northern Mindanao (Region X) 

Capital: Mambajao 

Size: Around 241 sq. km., definitely deserving of the “tiny island” description! 

Population: Around 95,000 people as of the 2024 census, making Camiguin the least populated province in Northern Mindanao. 

Towns: Just five municipalities: Mambajao, Catarman, Mahinog, Sagay, and Guinsiliban. There are no cities in the province. 

Nickname: “Island Born of Fire”, a reference to the volcanic activity that helped shape the island. 

Famous fruit: Lanzones! Camiguin celebrates the Lanzones Festival every October in thanksgiving for the island’s abundant harvest.

Fun Fact: There are more volcanoes than towns. This is one of my favorite facts about Camiguin! The provincial tourism site itself notes that its volcanoes outnumber its towns. So interesting! One of the best known is Mt. Hibok-Hibok, an active stratovolcano. 

Sun’s out on this side of the PH!

The rumors are true, the Camiguin lanzones are sweeeet!

How to Get To Camiguin

There are 3 ways to reach Camiguin, depending on whether you prioritize speed, flexibility, or an island-hopping adventure.

1. Via Cebu – Fastest & Most Convenient!

• Fly from Manila to Cebu. 
• From Cebu, take a direct flight to Camiguin Airport (CGM) in Mambajao. The Cebu–Camiguin flight takes around one hour. 
• From Camiguin Airport, take a transfer to your hotel or accommodation. 

Best for: Travelers who want to get to Camiguin as quickly and conveniently as possible. This would be my pick as priority is to save time on transit. The downside is that flights are very limited.

2. Via Cagayan de Oro + RoRo – Most Flexible / Classic Route 

• Fly from Manila to Laguindingan Airport (CGY). 
• Travel from the airport toward Cagayan de Oro/Agora Bus Terminal. 
• Take a bus or van bound for Balingoan Port. The CDO–Balingoan journey takes roughly 2–3 hours. 
• At Balingoan Port, take a ferry or RoRo to Benoni Port, Camiguin. The sea crossing takes roughly 1–1.5 hours.
• From Benoni, take a van, multicab, or other local transport to your accommodation.  

Best for: Travelers who don’t mind making the journey part of the adventure. We took this route coz Cebu–Camiguin flights were already sold out, so it’s an option. Plus, there are several daily RoRo crossings between Balingoan and Camiguin, making the route more flexible.

We took a morning PAL flight from Manila to CDO

Long time no RoRo! Found our seats so it was a comfortable ride

3. Via Bohol + RoRo – Best for an Island-Hopping Trip 

• If you’re coming from Manila, fly to Bohol first. If you’re already traveling around Bohol, even better. Make your way to Jagna Port on Bohol’s southeastern coast. 
• Take the RoRo from Jagna, Bohol to Balbagon Port, Camiguin. Allow roughly 4-4.5 hours for the sea crossing. 
• From Balbagon, continue by local transport to Mambajao or your accommodation.  

Best for: Travelers who want to combine Bohol + Camiguin in one trip. This is a fun way to connect two islands without backtracking through mainland Mindanao. 

Where To Stay In Camiguin

Nouveau Resort Camiguin was such a nice surprise, a comfortable, 5-star experience in the middle of a small island! The rooms are spacious, modern, and cozy, service is impressive, and the breakfast buffet is also good! Super enjoyed my stay here.

Definitely a great accommodation if you want a more relaxing and upscale stay while in Camiguin.

The beautiful lobby of Nouveau Resort welcomed us in Camiguin

Was roommates with Ruth! Our room is always clean and comfortable, plus super spacious!

Always looking forward to our breakfast buffets

Had to ride this golf cart to the conference halls!

But resort amenities are pretty much walkable, plus enjoyed all the outdoor spots

OOTD by the pool! We also enjoyed night swimming here

Conference halls and rooms are available, perfect for your events!

Staying in the beautiful Nouveau Resort Camiguin really added to the fun of this trip!

Things To Do In Camiguin 

Our Camiguin Itinerary

Ready for the day’s adventure on our tour bus!

White Island

A stunning white sandbar just off the coast of Mambajao. We stayed here for a while to take fun Insta36 videos of the White Island’s gorgeous views of Camiguin and its mountainous landscape!

Fun fact: Despite its name, White Island isn’t actually an island, it’s an uninhabited sandbar whose shape changes with the tides!

Off to the White Island via a speed boat!

So beautiful! Wish I took more Insta360 footages…

Kuya sold fresh sea urchins, which he rinsed with clean seawater to reveal the buttery, bright yellow-orange uni inside.

Would love to stay longer!

Mantigue Island Nature Park

A small island surrounded by clear turquoise waters, Mantigue is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying a slower day by the sea.  

Fun fact: Mantigue is a protected nature park with a marine sanctuary, making the waters around it a great spot for seeing colorful fish and other marine life.

Some much needed Mantigue time! We also had our lunch here

Kuya welcomed us to the island with his witty spiel!

A walk along the boardwalk for some fresh air!

Excited to SWIIIM!

Been a while since I snorkelled!

Finding Nemo!

Just floating away in the background lol

Tuasan Falls

Tucked into the lush landscape of Catarman, Tuasan Falls is an easily accessible waterfall where you can cool down surrounded by greenery.  

Fun fact: Unlike many waterfalls that require a long trek, Tuasan Falls can now be reached easily by road so you get the beautiful waterfall views without the strenuous hike!

The falls that I truly appreciate coz I don’t have to hike! 😀

Enjoying the cool water and breeze

Sto. Niño Cold Spring

This natural spring in Catarman is known for its refreshingly cold, clear water, a welcome stop after a hot day of exploring Camiguin. 

Fun fact: The spring water naturally flows from underground sources at the foot of Mt. Mambajao, keeping the pool cool even on warm tropical days.

Enjoyed a cool dip with my new friends!

I’ve always known about hot springs, but cold springs are so refreshing!

Old Church Ruins

These atmospheric ruins in Catarman are what remain of an old Spanish-era church following the volcanic activity of Mt. Vulcan in the 1870s.  

Fun fact: The thick coral-stone walls survived the destruction and still stand today, making the ruins one of Camiguin’s most recognizable reminders of its volcanic past.

Sunken Cemetery

Marked by a huge cross rising from the sea, the Sunken Cemetery is one of Camiguin’s most iconic landmarks and a beautiful spot to catch the sunset.  

Fun fact: This really was once a cemetery on land! Volcanic activity from Mt. Vulcan in the 1870s caused the area to subside and eventually become submerged beneath the sea.

Where To Eat:

• Utopia Cafe
• Chill’s Beach
• UNWND Boutique Hotel
• Txaleta de Camiguin

Our orders at Utopia took a while, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the view and take some pics!

My fave meal from this trip was at Chill’s Beach! Their pizza was sooo good!

It was a short 4D3N trip, but I think we maximized our days pretty well. I’d love to come back, explore more of Camiguin’s historical sites, and spend a little more time just enjoying the beach.

Overall, Camiguin was such an easy and comfortable escape, and definitely worth a spot on your travel bucket list. 

Until next time! Thank you, Camiguin!  

My fun van mates for this tour!

At the airport, waiting for our flight back to Manila!

Big boxes of sweet Camiguin lanzones to bring home to our loved ones!

Four days weren’t nearly enough. Until next time, Camiguin!

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