Camiguin is the second-smallest province in the country in both population and land area after Batanes. And it is divided into five municipalities:
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Mambajao: the most populated area and home to the majority of tourist accommodations.
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Catarman: the second most populated region of Camiguin. Catarman shares the west coast with Mambajao.
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Sagay: home to springs and waterfalls.
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Guinsiliban: at the southern tip of the island, Guinsiliban has some beautiful views of fields and mountains.
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Mahinog: seafood capital of the island.
The above map already shows the tourist destinations in Camiguin. And I believe 2-3 days are enough to explore and experience this small but beautiful province of the Philippines. So, I guess the next question is how to get in?
The ports in Camiguin are located in Guinsiliban, Benoni and Balbagon. There is also an airport located west of Mambajao. And the latter is our travel choice because we came from Cebu Province. Cebu Pacific and Philippines airlines fly to/from Cebu. And if you are lucky, USD75 roundtrip is enough to get in. There are also ferries from Balingoan port (2-hour bus ride from Cagayan de Oro) (15 daily, 75 min), and from Jagna in Bohol. The Super Shuttle Ferry makes daily trips between Jagna (Bohol) and Camiguin. This is also a good choice if you came from Bohol, after visiting Panglao Island. Panglao International Airport is also newly opened.
Above is the airport in Camiguin. And how to get around the province? Ask your hotel for information about renting motorcycles. The rate is normally 500-700 Philippine Peso/day. You can also rent a van or jeepney. Just ask your hotel. Upon arrival at the airport, there were a number of vans and bikes waiting for guests. It is 20 metres from the terminal to the road, should you prefer to take a trike in either direction. You can also rent a bike immediately at the airport.
There are numerous hotels also in Camguin. Just book thru AGODA, TRAVELOKA, EXPEDIA, or any HOTEL Booking Applications. Prices vary from cheap to moderate to expensive. There are several promotions too.
For the things to do: It is already on the map I provided above. Depending on your choice, you can start to any destination. Here some of our travel photos. The pictures say a thousand words anyway, so just decide:
Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool Camiguin is the only soda water pool in the country which is filled with soda water instead of just spring water.
Tuasan Falls is one of Camiguin’s well-kept treasures that would surely delight you.
Since Camiguin is a volcanic island with four stratovolcanoes within the island, one would expect that there will always be hot springs all over the island. But it is not, there are several cold springs in the Province. One of them is Santo Niño Cold Spring located in Sagay Town as I indicated above.
It is uninhabited Island and there are no permanent concrete structures here — no houses, no towers. Even trees are absent here. It’s just a beautiful dump of fine sand with Mt. Hibok-hibok and Mt. Vulcan as the backdrop.
This Island is also the Island of sweetest lanzones, Lanzones Festival is normally held every 3rd Week of October.
Do you want to be mesmerized about this beautiful Katibasawan Fall? Measuring about 250 feet high, the falls is a lovely clear stream of cool waters rushing down to a green rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Ideal for a refreshing swim, its ice-cold water is the perfect antidote to the heat and humidity of the tropical heat.
Esperanza Tagdo, Mambajao, Camiguin. Arguably the most popular spring places in the whole of Camiguin, Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort is located in Esperanza Tagdo, Mambajao, Camiguin. More commonly referred to as Ardent Hot Springs, it has several pools that visitors may choose from although the favorite is clearly the warmest, with water about 40 degrees Celsius.
Moro-Moro Watch Tower lies at the beach of the municipality of Guinsiliban. The tower is very old and was used as a watchtower to warn the inhabitants of the coming of Muslim marauders that often come to inflict them with much damage. The tower lies a few meters from the coastline and near to the Guinsiliban pier.
The Giant Clam Sanctuary in Guinsiliban, Camiguin is located in a bay near Cantaan. In there lies a beautiful white sand beach named Kaliba Beach where a sanctuary of giant clams awaits the visitors. Kabila Giant Clam Conservation and Ocean Nursery homes more than 2,600 clams including the giant clams in which one can find the seven (out of nine) species of giant clams in the world.
Not just beaches and springs, Camiguin Island is also gifted with lake/lagoon. They got it all for us.
Do you want more spring? Here’s another one above. That’s a spring with less-tourists around.
This island is definitely off the beaten track for travellers. It is a real gem and feels extremely safe compared to its neighbouring islands.
Come and Enjoy, Camiguin Island, Philippines! It is more fun in the Philippines!