Camiguin is located in Northern Mindanao, being the second smallest island next to Batanes, out of the 7,100 islands of the Philippines. Little it may seem, underneath the ocean floor of this barely 240 sq.km island lurks the broiling lava of 7 volcanoes hence, Camiguin is known as the island born of fire. Due to volcanic eruptions in the 18th centuries, major parts of the island were submerged in the sea and left by only a few of the Spanish-era churches, houses, and cemetery called the “sunken cemetery”. 

∼Mantigue Island

Off the coast lies a smaller island named “Mantigue”. From the city proper in Mambajao, we rode a boat to this magical white sandbar for at least 15 minutes. We spent over 2 hours snorkeling, swimming and walking by the shore. Amidst the hefty waves and strong heat of the sun, we went snorkeling and saw kaleidoscopic fishes of various sizes that swam in groups. The water was not placid during that time but the shore was the most resting sight for there were huge trees around. The island is inhabited by few families but they remained inside their houses therefore, we owned the island the entire duration of our stay


∼White Island 

Unlike Mantigue, White island is an uninhabited white sandbar with a shape of a horseshoe. It consistently changes its size and shape depending on the tides during the day. Mostly, in the afternoon the island is fully covered by the sea. You need to hire a small boat in coming to and from the island and that is best to do early in the morning during low tide. 


∼Katibawasan Falls

It is the highest waterfalls in Camiguin about 25 feet in height where water from the rocks falls and cascades in the middle of a man-made pool surrounded by trees and ferns. The water is ice-cold despite the heat of the sun thus, providing a nook during summer time. 


∼Sunken Cemetery

This cemetery is part of the old town, sank during the 18th centuries due to a volcanic eruption and now marked with a huge cross. During low tide, the cemetery is somehow visible and you can sail by boat or swim if you want to see the cemetery. There were strong waves when we got there and my curiosity of seeing the cemetery was not satisfied. Otherwise, I might have had a nightmare on my sleep that night.  👻😱


∼Sto. Nino Cold Spring

A large pool of natural spring water in a 20 Degrees Celsius temperature with a minimal entrance fee. It has small cottages and changing room inside this resort. The way heading to the cold spring was an uphill drive but there were few dine-in stores at the road side which offered clean and deliciously cooked fresh sea foods. 

∼Ardent Hibok-hibok hot spring pools

As the island is cramped by volcanoes there sprung a few hot springs here and there. The Ardent hot spring is of 3 different sizes and temperature ranging from 40 degrees Celsius and below. The water is heated by Mt. Hibok-hibok thus, it brings beneficial effects to our bodies. Be careful when swimming the first time for it does look shallow but actually it doesn’t.


∼Giant Clam Sanctuary

It is a giant clam sanctuary, island’s hidden pearl located in Guinsilban, at the lower part of the island where roads are left unpolished. Therefore, not usually being visited by tourists. We went snorkeling with a one-on-one guide and saw the largest clam where we can entirely fit inside 😐We also saw a school of fish with different colors and sizes.

We had a tour around the island and several stop-overs to their ancient structures like  Moro Tower, Sto. Rosario Church, Guiob Church, the walkway to the old volcano and stations  of the cross, and other church ruins and ancestral houses. There were also several souvenir shops around at reasonable prices. If you have ample time you can go trekking as well.

The entire island is somehow raw but I like the way it is. It is a good place to relax and unwind. I felt that the day was long and we’ve gone through so many places and ate a lot. Best time to go there is during September or October where Lanzones are in full bloom and you can just pick them from the road, make sure that no one is looking 😀 or no dogs ready to jump at you! You will also not get starve when in Camiguin for there are a number of restaurants which are made of Nipa Hut and they offered fresh sea foods – barbecued or drenched in savory sauce and coupled with fresh fruit juices or opt for a young coconut juice. Eat with your bare hands and do not forget to tuck away an oven-baked pastel that melts in your mouth to give you a complete Camiguin experience.

Salamat og Maayong paglayag 🙂