DIY: Camiguin Island | Travel Guide

CAMIGUIN ISLAND

Camiguin is the second smallest island in the Philippines. Nested in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, is a pear-shaped island with 7 active volcanoes. Camiguin is known to be the “Island born of fire“. This dazzling Island is an old favorite of tourists due to its glimmering azure waters lapping its coastline. The place is peaceful and the island’s beauty is priceless.

How did we get there?

We booked tickets from CEB-CMG ahead of time to get a discounted rate. You can check current prices and availabilities here: https://www.cebupacificair.com/

Where did we stay?

For the first two nights, we know that our itinerary will be fully occupied and we’ll be roaming around the Island during the day, so we booked a reservation in GV hotels since prices are affordable. The hotel was okay and we didn’t expect highly of it. It was a place to sleep in. Nothing more, nothing less.

You can check current prices and availbilities here: http://www.gvhotels.com.ph/Mindanao/Camiguin.html

As for the remaining nights, we also booked in Agohay Villa forte Beach Resort. We got the Island Cottage and the room was really cozy, clean and comfortable. In addition, the staff and the owner was very accommodating. They offer decent prices with good service and location. The place was peaceful and it’s near the “black sand” beach. The place gave us the “Island vibes” whilst staying there.

To learn more and to check current prices and availbilities, you can visit this link: http://www.agohayvillaforte.com/index.html

Note: The photo below is our cottage and our room.

Where to go?

Just a friendly tip, you can lessen your expenses if you visit places in Camiguin on your own. If you have a driver’s license, You can rent a motorcycle or scooter with an affordable rate for the entire day or stay then buy a map or use your GPS. The island is small and places are accessible. It’s also an adventure to drive around the Island. You can enjoy the view and fresh air. Nonetheless, the local offers tour in the island for a decent rate.

Finally, here are the places that you can visit in Camiguin Island.

1. Tongatoc Cove.

A quick stop over here for a photo opt overlooking Camiguin Island where you can appreciate the view and enjoy the wind.

2. White Island

According the some tourist, white Island in Camiguin is like having a luxurious Hawaii vacation. Perhaps it’s because of the volcanoes surrounding the white sandbar beach that makes it akin to Hawaii beaches. But well, Camiguin has a beauty of its own that need not to be compared to Hawaii Beaches.

3. Macao Cold Spring

This place is difficult to find compared to the other tourist spot since the area is in the forest and there’s no sign going there. The spring itself is only a small pool approximately 100m² but with mineral rich water.

4. Katibawasan Falls

The falls is accessible and It’s so high that we had to lay down on the ground for us to get this whole shot of the falling water. The drop is thin and white cutting into the air. On contact with the ground below, you can feel its power. Though, during our visit the water was not so clear but it was worth the visit.

5. Tuasan Falls

Tuasan Falls used to be a hidden gem, about 2 kilometers from the main Camiguin highway. With the opening of a new cement road, it’s now accessible to most travelers who want to see the inner parts of the island. Despite the fact that the falls is shorter compared to katibawasan falls, I enjoyed this visit here more since it was solemn and the water was clear.

6. Sto. Nino Cold Spring

The spring is a natural cold spring that flows down from Mt. Mambajao and is filtered by layers of minerals from the mountain, therefore it is naturally clean. The crystal clear water is about 20°C which is sprouting from the sandy bottom.

7. Ardent Hot Spring

The spring is in the mountainside of the famous Hibok – Hibok Volcano, which supplies the hot and crystal clear water. The water comes right out of the forest with a temperature of just above 40°C. It is then mixed with some colder water and guided into 4 seperate pools which are arranged in cascades.

7. Sunken Cemetery

The Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin Island marks the swept remains of the island’s rested locals. Driven underwater when Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted in 1870’s, the large cross has served the town’s people, as well as the tourists, a scenic spot to memorialize the departed buried there. Under the water, It’s not as scary as I thought. The coffins are now covered with colorful corals.

8. Mantigue Island

The sand is white, fine and coarse on most part of the Island, there are also pebbled beach and a grassy beach on some parts of the little island. The place does not only offer beach bumming but also snorkeling or free-diving.

9. Agohay Beach

The beach has a fine black sand feature. This is in front of the Agohay Villa forte beach resort.

10. Giant Clam Sanctuary

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. We had cute little girls who gave us an educational tour before we get to check on the clams below the water.

11. J & A Fish Lagoon Zipline

The zipline has three cables and the first launch station is 150 meters above sea level. The distance from the first launch pad to the first landing station is 840 meters and the flyers will cross the whole length of the lagoon.

12. Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the cross.

Is an 8 kilometer path with 14 human-sized stations situated at Mt. Vulcan. The spot is actually one of the famous tourist destination in Camiguin Island especially during the Lenten Season as it serves as a pilgrimage site to Roman Catholic devotees.

13. Old Guiob Church Ruins

One of the structures built in the 16th century and continues to amaze the tourist of its tough and sturdy built is the Guiob Church Ruins made from coral stones. The ruin is one of the highly respected ancient structure in the Philippines. It was damaged due to the volcanic eruption on May 13, 1871.

14. Mt. Hibok-Hibok

This is the highlight of our visit in Camiguin Island. I can never forget the experience since we hiked an active volcano, risks were high, Mt. Hibok Hibok is closely monitored by PHIVOLCS due to its highly dynamic volcanic activity. Honestly, before the hike I was not informed that the hike would take 3-4 hours (this duration is for people who’s good at hiking) but since it was my first time well, it took us 12 hours! I lack research and I was complacent. We didn’t even bring enough water. I literally almost died when we were in travel. A huge tree almost fell on me. Without the vines, I could’ve died there. My feet was swollen. I didn’t expect to climb huge rocks and I was literally crawling because I was so afraid to fall. I was crying going up and down. I told myself that I should finish the hike before night falls or I’m in huge trouble. I refused to rest during our hike since I’m uncomfortable with the mosquitoes swarming all over me. I appreciate the guide’s extended patience with my pacing and complaints. He made sure I’m safe and he taught me where to place my foot in each step so that I don’t fall. Nonetheless, after the journey I felt so good. I never thought I can conquer the climb but I DID. The guide teased me that the way I struggled along the way, he can sense that I’ll never forget my visit in Camiguin and He’s right! Moving forward when I hear the word “hike” I should make my research.

LLA: 9°12′2″N; 124°40′5″E; 1332 MASL
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3
Features: Volcanic crater, tropical forest, scenic views of Camiguin
History: Five eruptions have been recorded since the 1827. The latest, in the early 1950s, killed 600 people.

The picture below is the view at the top of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and the crater.