CAMIGUIN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE: 6 Best Destination Spots and Top Things To Do
Just off the northern coast of Mindanao, Camiguin Island is known as the “Island Born of Fire”. This underrated, small island nestled in Bohol Sea is home to volcanoes, majestic waterfalls, a sandbar island, and an abundance of natural attractions. Despite its size, Camiguin Island offers diverse activities and destination spots for everyone. The island’s charm lies in its raw beauty, warm locals, and a slower pace of life that lets you unwind and reconnect with nature.
Time seemed to slow down in Camiguin, and I felt a sense of calm and peace the moment I walked through the island. From the best destination spots, top things to do, food and coffee recommendations, and more rolled into one travel guide about Camiguin Island.
BEST DESTINATION SPOTS IN CAMIGUIN ISLAND
Known for its natural wonders and serene atmosphere, here are some of the best spots to visit in Camiguin Island, along with travel tips and fees.
WHITE ISLAND -- Camiguin's Most Popular Sandbar
The White Island is a stunning sandbar just a 20-minute boat ride from the Yumbing port.
The sandbar island offers breathtaking views of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Mt. Vulcan. Its powdery white sand and crystal-clear water are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and of course taking photos for the gram.
White Island Fees
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- 🛶 PHP550.00 per boat maximum of 4 pax. This is strictly implemented.
- 👨 PHP50.00 per head for the environmental fee
💡 WHITE ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS:
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and harsh midday sun. We went there at around 7am and it was the perfect time.
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat as there is no shade. Some locals offer a beach umbrella and a picnic mat (banig) for rent.
- Snorkeling gear is a plus if you like to swim around and see the underwater landscape. Nothing much to see underwater though, just pure white sand. So, the sandbar itself is the main attraction.
MANTIGUE ISLAND -- The Protected Marine Sanctuary
Mantigue Island is a small, protected marine sanctuary with lush forests, white sandy coastline beach, and clear turquoise waters.
It’s a perfect destination for snorkeling, freediving, and simply enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
💡 MANTIGUE ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS:
- There are limited food options on the island. It’s cheaper to pack your own lunch or snacks.
- Bring your swimming gears.
- Mantigue is a CLAYGO island. You need to bring your trash back to the port and dispose them properly in the trash bins. For your convenience, bring a trash bag.
- Not allowed in Mantigue Island: Smoking/Vape, bringing of any alcoholic drinks, bringing of any pets, and grilling.
Mantigue Island Fees:
To be paid at San Roque Docking Area
- Environmental fee: ₱75.00/ pax for tourists and ₱50.00/pax for locals of Camiguin
- Boat ride to Mantigue Island: ₱750 per boat (good for up to 6 people) Maximum of 3-hour stay on the island
- Additional hour – ₱200.00/hour per boat
Optional fees at Mantigue Island
- Snorkeling Fee at the Sanctuary – ₱75.00/pax
- 1 table with 4 chairs – ₱100.00
- Picnic Sheds or Cottage – ₱150.00
Camiguin Island is also famous for its majestic waterfalls. Two of the most famous waterfalls in Camiguin are Tuasan Falls and Katibawasan Falls.
TUASAN FALLS -- A Must-Visit Waterfall in Camiguin Island
Tuasan Falls is a must-visit majestic waterfall in Camiguin Island. It is less crowded than Katibawasan Falls, and it’s my most favorite destination spot. Tuasan Falls is just a 2-minute hike, making it a great spot for nature lovers yet don’t want to hike through the forest.
💡 TUASAN FALLS TRAVEL TIPS:
- Bring water shoes because the rocky sand will hurt your feet when you’re swimming.
- No available food to buy. Pack a snack so you have something to munch and a bottle of water.
- Keep an eye on your belongings, as there are no lockers.
KATIBAWASAN FALLS
Katibawasan Falls is a majestic 70-meter high waterfall that cascades into a clear, cold pool surrounded by lush greenery and wild orchids.
Not my most favorite, but definitely a must-see destination spot. The waterfall is such a sight to behold.
Katibawasan Falls Fees:
- Environmental Fee
- Entrance Fee
💡 KATIBAWASAN FALLS TRAVEL TIPS:
- Visit during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowd.
- Wear water shoes as the rocks can be slippery and it hurts your feet.
- Bring a waterproof bag for your things.
SUNKEN CEMETERY -- It's What Camiguin Island Famous For
This eerie yet fascinating destination spot in Camiguin Island features a giant cross that rises from the sea marking the area where an ancient cemetery sank during the eruption of Mt. Vulcan in the 1870s.
You can snorkel around the area to see tombstones and marine life or take a boat ride for a closer view of the cross. Some locals say that corals are abundant near the cross, making it a more fascinating spot for underwater experience.
Sunken Cemetery Fees:
- No Entrance Fee
- Boat ride to the cross: ₱100 per boat for 4pax
- ₱500/group – local and dive fee
SUNKEN CEMETERY TRAVEL TIPS:
- Visit during sunset for a beautiful and eerie view.
- Bring cash — you can buy your pasalubongs here.
- Respect the site as it is a historical cemetery.
More Destinations to Visit in Camiguin Island
Wait, there’s more! Camiguin Island has so much to offer.
Old Church Ruins
Also known as the Gui-ob Church, the ruins are the remnants of an old Spanish-era church destroyed during the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vulcan in the 1870s.
The moss-covered walls and ancient structure give a glimpse into Camiguin Ssland’s rich history.
Old Church Ruins Fees:
- Entrance Fee – ₱50.00 per peson
💡 OLD CHURCH RUINS TRAVEL TIPS:
- If you need a guide to help you learn more about the history of the church, just ask for one when you pay the entrance fee. They can also take your photos. Just give them a good tip after.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven ground. If you want to look extra on your photos, wear something white and flowy.
Soda Water Pool
The Soda Water Pool in Camiguin Island is a unique natural spring known for its refreshing, slightly carbonated waters that bubble up from volcanic origins.
Aside from its therapeutic, cool soda-like water, we had fun doing runs of dynamics here to practice our finning and breath-holding skills as freedivers.
Soda Water Pool Fees:
- Entrance Fee – ₱50.00 per peson
- Food – ranges from ₱200-400. You pay directly.
SODA WATER POOL TRAVEL TIPS:
- You shouldn’t miss the chance the experience of swimming here, so bring extra clothes.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven ground. If you want to look extra on your photos, wear something white and flowy.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler weather if you’re doing a DIY travel.
- For a guided tour, you’ll have lunch here, so bring extra cash.
Tungato Cliff
WHERE TO EAT IN CAMIGUIN ISLAND
When I first visited Camiguin Island, I thought about just freediving, waterfalls, and dipping into hot and cold springs.
I never thought about Camiguin Island as a culinary adventure, as well.
So when I visited the second time, I made sure to hop from local favorites to coffee shop gems that perfectly captured the island’s laid-back life.
Camiguin Island has surprised me with flavors that felt both familiar and exciting.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Camiguin Island:
Checkpoint Food Camiguin
Their menu is big on Filipino comfort food, and the portions are generous enough to share. It has that friendly, casual vibe where both locals and travelers gather.
Coffee Shops in Camiguin Island
Of course, I wouldn’t leave a destination without doing a coffee crawl. So in between our drives on the island, we looked and found a few coffee shops—each one with its own personality.
These coffee stops became little pauses in my island days in Camiguin Island.
Here are some of my favorites!
Utopia Café
Enjoy your coffee with a breathtaking view of the White Island at Utopia Café, Quiburo, Mambajao, Camiguin.
Utopia Café is probably the most well-known coffee shop in Camiguin Island. Every time we ask around about where to get coffee, both locals and tourists always recommend visiting Utopia Cafe.
Well, look at the view! Guess they’re right. This hillside spot offers oat or almond milk options.
Visit in the afternoon and stay until sunset. It has the most breathtaking view of the Camiguin sunset.
Nanaw Café
We dropped by Nanaw Café in Mambajao, Camiguin to uncover the story behind its name, try their best-selling dish, and enjoy the view that quietly steals the spotlight.
The BeeHive Driftwood Cafe
Located by the beach in Catarman Camiguin, The Beehive Driftwood Cafe serves peace and serenity.
Tres Marias Cafe + Bar
HOW TO GET TO CAMIGUIN ISLAND
Reaching Camiguin is part of the adventure itself, with different routes depending on where you’re coming from.
Whether you prefer the convenience of flying, the slower pace of sea travel, or combining land and ferry trips, the island is accessible from several jump-off points in Mindanao and even directly from Manila.
✈️ By Air
The fastest way is by direct flight to Camiguin Airport (CGM), located in Mambajao. Cebu Pacific currently operates flights from Cebu City to Camiguin, making it the most convenient option for travelers coming from outside Mindanao. From Manila, you can connect through Cebu before flying into the island.
🚢 By Sea
Ferries are a classic way to reach Camiguin, especially if you’re already in Mindanao. The most popular route is from Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental to Benoni Port in Camiguin, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Ferries operate daily, and schedules run frequently throughout the day. There are also roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) options if you’re bringing a vehicle.
🚌 By Land
For those coming from Cagayan de Oro City, you can take a bus or van to Balingoan Port (around 2–3 hours), then ride the ferry to Camiguin. If you’re from Butuan City, travel time to Balingoan is about 3–4 hours by bus or van. Many local transport providers already offer through-connections, making the trip straightforward.
CAMIGUIN ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS
Bring a waterproof bag. With so many water activities, a waterproof bag will keep your belongings safe.
Pack light and breathable clothing: The tropical climate can be hot and humid.
Use reef-safe sunscreen. Protect the marine environment while enjoying the beaches and snorkeling spots.
Respect local customs. The locals are friendly and welcoming. A little respect goes a long way in enhancing your travel experience.
Stay hydrated: It’s easy to get dehydrated, especially when exploring under the sun.
Camiguin Island strictly stands on its #CleanCamiguin campaign. That’s one thing that I love about this island. Everything is organized for the convenience of everybody. From the moment you arrive on the island to tours. Each destination spot has a proper standard operating procedure to accommodate the visiting tourists to make each visit smooth and hassle-free.
As a tourist visiting the island, we are responsible of adhering to their rules and regulations. We should give respect to the locals, do not litter anywhere, and generally be a responsible tourist.
Out of all the islands in the Philippines that I visited, Camiguin Island is the one that stays with me long after I’ve left.
