Camiguin Island is a province of the Philippines known for its sweet lanzones fruit as well as unspoiled tourist spots. It is being dubbed as “The Island Born of Fire” due to the volcanic origins and historical eruptions which caused havoc to its lands. Despite this, it shaped most parts of the island and emerged charming tourist spots such as the waterfalls, cold and hot springs, and sunken cemetery. Off the coastlines of the province are several known paradise islands and great dive sites which all makes it a very promising Tourism Hub in the county.
The pearl-shaped, volcanic island province of Camiguin belongs to the Northern Mindanao Region. It is positioned on the northern portion of Misamis Oriental being surrounded by the waters of Bohol Sea. There are only more than 88,000 total residents in the island making the second smallest province in the country in population and land area next to Batanes. They speak in Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Filipino and English Languages. The municipality of Mambajao is its capital.
On the last quarter of this year weeks before its famous Lanzones Festival, Camiguin Tourism promotional video went viral and captured the hearts and attentions of millions of local and foreign tourists. Camiguin is indeed an unspoiled island destination blessed with beautiful tourists attractions and hospitable people.
10 Best Tourist Spots in Camiguin
1. White Island
Photo courtesy of Geb Bunado on Flickr
White Island is one of the famous tourist spots in Camiguin which is about 1.4 kilometers off the northeastern coasts of the mainland. It is actually a spectacular sandbar devoid of any vegetation and just pure and soft white sand. This lovely sandbar is even made into a picture-perfect destination surrounded by turquoise waters with a great view of Mount Hibok-Hibok and Mount Vulcan of the mainland. The best time to visit on the island is on the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the scorching sun.
White Island is located in Mambajao, Camiguin.
2. Mantigue Island
Photo courtesy of Dez Lim
About 3.5 kilometers off the eastern coasts of Camiguin lies the tropical paradise island of the province, Mantigue Island also known as Magsaysay Island. It is a 4.4-hectare island declared as a National Park and Sanctuary composed of lush vegetation at its center and surrounded pure white sand beach. The crystal clear waters surrounding the island is teeming with corals and biodiversity making it one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving destinations in the province. Similar to White Island, it also offers picturesque views of the mountains in the mainland.
Mantigue Island is situated in Mahinog, Camiguin.
3. Sunken Cemetery
Photo courtesy of Xwander
The Sunken Cemetery is one of the iconic tourist spots in Camiguin Island marked by the huge cross several meters away from a beach on the western side of the mainland. It was once a 5-hectare public cemetery but was sunken due to the eruption of Mount Vulcan Daan on 1871. The gigantic cross was erected on 1982 which marks the entombed underneath. Surprisingly, the area underneath the cross are teeming with different types of corals and biodiversity which became a known dive site. Visitors may reach the cross boarding a paddled boat. Another destination left the same volcanic eruption is the Old Gui-ob Church Ruins which can be found nearby.
Sunken Cemetery is located in Catarman, Camiguin.
4. Giant Clam Sanctuary
Photo courtesy of Marc C.
On the southern tip of Camiguin Island is a beautiful golden sand beach of Kaliba Beach where the Giant Clam Sanctuary can be found. The Kabila Giant Clam Sanctuary and Ocean Nursery, a non-goverment project of Cantaan Centennial Multi-Purpose Cooperative, is a home of more than 4,000 small to gigantic clams. Six (6) out of seven (7) giant clam species in the world can be found onsite. Visitors may tour around the man-made pool with small and giant clams as well as snorkel into their natural habitat. On the other hand, few steps away from the santuary is a serene golden sand beach fringed with trees.
Giant Clam Santuary is situated in Guinsiliban, Camiguin.
5. Katibawasan Falls
Photo courtesy of Rona Leen Ortiz
Katibawasan Falls is of the most beautiful falls in Camiguin tucked at the foot of Mount Timpoong. It is a 250-meter high waterfall which cascades from a very steep cliff covered with wild ferns and greenery. At the base of the falls is a crystal clear, cold and refreshing partially man-made basin as well as scattered notable huge boulders. The falls is being enclosed and maintained by the local government. Visitors can conveniently reach this destination riding a “habal-habal” motorcycle on a paved road passing through forested lands of the province.
Katibawasan Falls is located in Mambajao, Camiguin.
6. Binangawan Falls
Photo courtesy of marpalon
At the heart of Camiguin Island covered with thick forests lies the adventure trekking destination in the province, the Binangawan Falls. Sometimes people refer to it as the “Rainbow Falls“, due to the vapors from the gushing waters of the falls being exposed to sunlight, thus creating a rainbow. It is a surreal spot where waters cascades on a mossy cliff and the entire area is surrounded with greens, boulders and some singing birds. To reach the site, visitors may ride a “habal-habal” motorcycle to reach the entrance of the trail followed by less than an hour trek to the falls.
Binangawan Falls is situated in Sagay, Camiguin.
7. Tuason Falls
Photo courtesy of JSW
Tuason Falls is one of the remarkable tourist spots in Camiguin. Among the known falls of the province, this is considered as the most majestic one with a strong pouring of water down the very clear and ice-cold plunge pool. The area is surrounded by impressive steep cliffs, lush of trees and foliage then a rocky riverbed. This is another ideal destination in the province for swimming and picnic given the easy access to the falls through a paved road. Visitors may hire a multi-cab or ride a motorcycle to reach the falls easily.
Tuason Falls is located in Catarman, Camiguin.
8. Mount Hibok-Hibok
Photo courtesy of Sheila Marie Cudal
Mount Hibok-Hibok, also known as Catarman Volcano, is a popular mountain trekking destination in the island province of Camiguin. It is identified as an active stratovolcano standing 1,332 meters above sea level that has erupted 5 times over the history. Conquering the mountain is a challenging 3-5 hour adventure wherein visitors will pass though steep ascends as well as slippery and sharp boulders. On a clear day, the peak offers breath-taking panoramic views of the mainland of Camiguin, White Island, and looming large islands of Bohol, Siquijor and Mindanao.
Mount Hibok-Hibok is situated in Catarman, Camiguin.
9. Ardent Hot Spring
Photo courtesy of Sheena Daal
Ardent Hot Spring is one of the known tourist spots in Camiguin frequented by the locals and favored side-trip destination by mountain trekkers after conquering the peak of Mount Hibok-Hibok. There four (4) pools found onsite arranged into cascades. The topmost pool has the hottest temperature then gradually decreases down to the lowest pool. The area is surrounded by trees with concrete pathways to the picnic huts, tables, spa and restaurant. Though sometimes the waters are hot and sometimes just lukewarm, people still love to visit this place especially on weekends.
Ardent Hot Spring is located in Mambajao, Camiguin.
10. Sto. Niño Cold Spring
Photo courtesy of Zarah Fabricante
Sto. Niño Cold Spring is among the famous cold spring destinations in the province of Camiguin. The resort features a big spring pool with crystal clear, freezing ice-cold spring waters with depths about 3-7 feet. The bottom of the pool is sandy which helps prevent it from being murky while there are parts where notable bubbles surfaces from the grounds. The spring water from the big pool then overflows to the small pool for the kids to enjoy swimming. This is a perfect place to relax especially on summer or hot season.
Sto. Niño Cold Spring is situated in Catarman, Camiguin.
