10 BEST Things to Do in Camiguin Island, Philippines
1. SCUBA Diving
The island of Camiguin is situated in Bohol sea and is surrounded with ocean bearing a rich marine life. There are also nearby marine sanctuaries like that of Mantigue’s which can be best enjoyed through SCUBA diving. There are SCUBA diving schools and resorts around Mahinog and Mambajao with resident dive masters and where equipment can be rented. You may ask the locals or your local tour guides to take you there.
The most interesting things I’ve seen in Mantigue at around 10 meters are the sighting of school of Barracuda and the big hawksbill turtles. There are also other schools of fishes that can be seen at two to five meters.
2. Skindiving and Snorkeling
No underwater breathing gear and equipment? No problem. With just maks, snorkel and fins, you can still enjoy the underwater life of Camiguin from the surface. Among the freediving and snorkeling spots that you can explore are that of the Sunken cemetery’s and the marine sanctuary in Mantigue island. There’s also one near White Island but it can only be explored only if it’s low tide. If you don’t have your own gear, you may ask your local tour guide to take you to rental shops. Rate starts at Php 200.00 for masks and snorkels. Wear sunscreen but make sure that it is reef-safe. Be reminded as well that some fishes especially in the Sunken Cemetery are a bit territorial.
Quite a magical feeling to be surrounded by different schools of fishes! Full freediving gear from Decathlon Philippines |
Ready to freedive with my SUBEA freediving gear from Decathlon Philippines |
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The ginormous table top reefs of Mantigue Island |
3. Beach bumming
Among the best beaches to get a gorgeous tan in the province are the ones in White Island and Mantigue Island. These both have creamy white grainy sand.
Beach bumming in White Island |
The Camiguin mainland has black sand and pebble beaches which of course give a different beach bumming experience. The pebble beach is located at the coast of Catarman. The black sand beaches along Mambajao and Catarman.
4. Chasing waterfalls
There are several waterfalls in the province but among the most accessible are the Katibwasan located in Mambajao and Tuasan falls found in Catarman. These falls both have their own distinct charm. There is another one called Binangawan Falls that can visited and this is located at Sagay.
Chasing waterfalls! |
Tuasan Falls |
Katibwasan Falls with my Marigold Vapur foldable bottle! |
5. Spring Dipping
Hot or cold? Camiguin has it. For Cold Spring dipping, there goes the Sto. Nino Cold Spring. For the Hot Spring dipping, there’s the Ardent Hot Spring. However, the waters on the latter were not that hot as it was before according to our guide. Apart from these two, other springs such as Saal Cold Spring, Macao Cold Spring, Tangub Hot Spring and Bura Soda Spring can also be visited. These springs are ideal for family picnics for they both have cottages around.
That smile after a refreshing dip, though! |
6. Looking back in history
There are still traces of that tragic incident in the evening of May 1871 when Mt. Volcan had its devastating eruption. Among these are found in the Sunken Cemetery and the Old Gui-Ob also known as Bonbon Church Ruins. Apart from these, Other historical and cultural such as Moro-Moro watchtower, Sto. Rosario Church, can also be visited.
Old Gui-Ob also known as Bonbon Church Ruins |
7. Trekking or Hiking
If you’re staying in the island for quite some time, one of the best things that you can try is hiking at Mt. Ilihan Peak, Mt. Hibok-Hibok or Mt. Timpoong. For an easier trail, trekking at the Old walkway of Mt. Volcan can be done. There is also a station of the cross that one can follow.
The station of the cross at the Walkway to the Old Volcano |
8. Trying Kiping, Pastel and Lanzones
The province is also famous for pastel from VjANDEP and the sweetest lanzones. For me, it’s Camiguin’s best pasalubong that you can ever have. A box of pastel with six pieces is at Php 109.00 to Php 120.00 in the island. Lanzones, on the other hand, during its season can be bought at Php 20.00 to Php 30.00 per kilogram. Apart from these, you may also want to try their delicacy called Kiping. It is a fried flattened crispy cassava dripped with chocolate syrup.
Definitely not sponsored but I’ll promote it anyway because it’s just so good! lol |
9. Celebrating Lanzones Festival
The island of Camiguin is known to be the home of the sweetest lanzones. Their harvest is usually celebrated on the month of October; hence, the month of the Lanzones Festival. It is celebrated on the last week of the month where the street dances with colorful costumes and festivities happen.
10. Soda pool dipping
Never have I ever heard of something like the Soda pool. It was among the first that I’ve heard of in more than 40 provinces I’ve ever been in the country so it’s definitely worth a shot. Locals claimed that the water in the pool tastes like soda. Of course, it is not from the pool itself where you’d get a gulp. There are drinking fountains around where everyone could get unlimited soda water. The attraction is closed every Monday as it its cleaning schedule.
Bura Soda Water Pool
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So, there! These are the ten things that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Island of Born of Fire. These are just actually a few of the many things that you can do. To plan and create your adventure in this island, read Camiguin Travel Guide: Place to Visit, Where to Stay, Itinerary + Sample Budget for a detailed travel guide including Camiguin’s tourist spots, sample itinerary, budget and rates (entrance fees and rentals).
Where to Stay in Camiguin
Contact Details
For tours and vehicle rentals, you may contact the following:
1. Kuya Jun Hugbaca (Motorbike driver and tour guide) +63 905 837 5507
Facebook account: Juncabs Hugbaca
2. Kuya Ted (Multicab and motorbike rental) +63 917 521 9391
For hassle-free Camiguin experience, I highly recommend the following travel and tours:
1. Travellog.ph – booked our Countryside tour with them
2. WanderMae Travel and Tours +63 917 138 9907
Booked our island tour with them
Camiguin Travel Requirements 2021
Good news! The province of Camiguin is finally open to tourists this 2021. Here are the important things that you need to prepare before coming to Camiguin.
- Go to cleancamiguinqr.com
- Create an account and fill out the Health Declaration Form.
- Upload your proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination (1 or 2 doses).
- Upload proof of confirmed booking from an LGU-accredited establishment or a clearance from the Municipal Health Officer if staying in a private home.
- Download your ID with QR code from Clean Camiguin website. You may either save it to your phone or print it out.
- Take note that the Tourism Office also require that you take an Antigen Test on your fifth day in the island.