Wondering what activities you can do in Camiguin Island? In this guide, I and our editorial team at Cebu Insider selected the 10 Best Things to Do in Camiguin in 2023!
Camiguin was one of the first places I visited in the early years of my traveling. I had a day job at the regional office of environment and natural resources and my job involved visiting sites in Northern Mindanao and Camiguin was the one we frequented. I can’t count the times I went to White Island and Mantigue Island, two of Camiguin’s most popular attractions. But there’s more to Camiguin Island.
The heart of Camiguin beats for every traveler who visits this place. Camiguin is an island province located in the Bohol Sea and geographically part of Northern Mindanao.
Dubbed the “Island Born of Fire,” Camiguin is known for its volcanoes and volcanic domes—the iconic Mount Hibok-Hibok being among them, which is the newest active volcano in the Philippines. Many believe that volcanic eruptions and land movements shaped this beautiful island dotted with natural wonders from every corner in such an unspoiled setting.
Despite Camiguin’s beauty, it remains under the radar of many tourists. If you like Siquijor, you will like Camiguin too. These island provinces share a lot in common. Join us as we discover the best things to do in Camiguin.
1. Go Sunbathing on White Island
Probably the most popular attraction in Camiguin and definitely a must-visit, White Island is an uninhabited island boasting crystal-clear blue water and dreamy white sand. It is even made more than picture-perfect with the gigantic Mount Hibok-Hibok posing in the backdrop. As a naked island, won’t find man-made structures, even trees, here but just powdery white sand. What’s even more interesting is how its shape changes depending on the tides.
White Island is accessible in just 10 minutes from the coast of Mambajao municipality. The entrance fee to White Island is 50 PHP (~1 USD). The boat fee to get to the island is 500 PHP (~10 PHP) per boat good for 4 people. Visit in the early morning (around 8 AM) to avoid the surge of tourists.
👉Find the best hotel deals in Camiguin here! 👈
2. Explore Mantigue Island’s Rich Marine Sanctuary
Sharing the top spot for the most popular attraction in Camiguin is Mantigue Island. Did you know? Mantigue Island is a protected marine sanctuary, so you can guarantee snorkeling or freediving around the island makes for one of the best underwater experiences you will have in the Philippines.
Mantigue Island features approximately four hectares of greenery fringed with a glistening white beach of powdery coral sand. Aside from its rich marine protected area, it also has a trail snaking across its dense forest. Did we mention its turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs?
Mantigue is a small island located off the coast of Mahinog, accessible via a 10-minute boat ride. The entrance fee to Mantigue Island costs 75 PHP (~1.5 USD). You will also need to pay the environmental fee of 30 PHP (~0.5 USD) and the snorkeling fee of 75 PHP (~1.5 USD). As your boatman takes you to Mantigue Island, let them know you want to snorkel before docking in the island. Trust me! This is one of the best things to do in Camiguin. Don’t miss it!
👉Find the best hotel deals in Camiguin here! 👈
3. Chase Waterfalls
Camiguin is endowed with several stunning waterfalls, so you must not miss out on chasing waterfalls on your itinerary. Three of the best waterfalls to visit on this island are the Katibawasan Falls, Tuasan Falls, and Binangawan Falls.
Katibawasan Falls is the most popular, 250-foot waterfall at the base of Mount Timpoong. The entrance fee to Katibawasan Falls is 50 PHP (~1 USD). Meanwhile, Tuasan Falls is known for its two freshwater pools surrounded by a lush jungle. The entrance fee to Tuasan Falls is also 50 PHP (~1 USD). Then, head to Binangawan Falls, a cascade of water dropping more than 70 meters to a plunge pool where you can swim and picnic. The entrance fee to Binangawan Falls is free of charge.
👉Find the best hotel deals in Camiguin here! 👈
4. Witness Glorious Sunset at Sunken Cemetery
To cap off all the sightseeing tours, boat rides, swimming, hikes, and nature trips you did in Camiguin, it is recommended that you treat yourself to a riveting view of the sunset at Sunken Cemetery.
Sunken Cemetery is not just a vantage point to catch the sunset, but it also has quite a story to tell. When Mount Vulcan, a now-inactive volcano situated between the boundary of Camiguin’s Mambajao and Catarman towns, erupted in 1948 and 1953, this cemetery was buried under the sea. Today, it lies 20 feet below the surface. If you wish to go snorkeling, this is also a good place for this activity which shows you corals and marine life swimming around the tombstones. The entrance fee to Sunken Cemetery is 50 PHP (~1 USD).
👉Find the best hotel deals in Camiguin here! 👈
5. Experience Public Hot Bath at Ardent Hot Spring
To find yourself in a hot bath isn’t daunting. In fact, it is very exciting as it refreshes your body. But to experience a public hot bath, some may think twice. If you are brave enough, do it in Camiguin at Ardent Hot Spring. No nudes, please!
Ardent Hot Spring is one of the island’s most hot springs. It is easily accessible as it is located near the touristy Agoho and Yumbing beaches, particularly in the mountainside of Mount Hibok-Hibok, which provides this spring with its hot and crystal clear waters. Although it’s not as hot as it used to be over the years, visiting Ardent Hot Spring is still one of the best things to do in Camiguin. The entrance fee to Ardent Hot Spring is 30 PHP (~0.5 USD).
👉Find the best hotel deals in Camiguin here! 👈
6. Take a Cold Plunge at Santo Niño Cold Spring
You’ve learned about the hot bath at Ardent Hot Spring, and in Camiguin, you can get the best of both worlds. Why don’t you take a cold plunge too at Santo Niño Cold Spring? This cold spring is nestled in Camiguin’s Sagay town, just a 30-minute drive from the Mambajao municipality.
Set beneath Mount Hibok-Hibok, Santo Niño Cold Spring features a vast man-made swimming pool fed from natural spring waters running down the valley from its nearby mountains. The entrance fee to Santo Niño Cold Spring is 50 PHP (~1 USD) per person.
👉Find the best hotel deals in Camiguin here! 👈
7. Take a Relaxing Swim at Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool
A hot bath and a cold plunge—what more could you ask for? But if you want another refreshing dip, there’s no better place to do this than at the Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool.
Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool is part of a resort located in Barangay Bura in the municipality of Catarman, which is just a 25-minute drive from Mambajao. And here’s some trivia: the waters here are not only good for swimming, but for not drinking, too. The entrance fee to Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool is 50 PHP (~1 USD).
👉Find the best hotel deals in Camiguin here! 👈
8. Get Close to Clams at the Giant Clams Sanctuary
In various islands in the Philippines, tourists can have a first-hand encounter with marine creatures like whale sharks and sardines. But, things can get really unique here in Camiguin as you get up close and personal with giant clams.
For the experience, you must head to the Giant Clam Sanctuary located in Cantaan, a small fishing village on the island. This sanctuary is home to more than a thousand giant clams, including the renowned Tridacna gigas, which is also an endangered species. Moreover, seven out of the nine species of clams worldwide are found here. This sanctuary also takes care of clams that produce pearls.
But, before you enjoy this activity, you must pay the 25 PHP (~0.5 USD) entrance fee, 150 PHP (~3 USD) clam viewing fee, and 50 PHP (~1 USD) snorkeling gear fee. The entrance fee is already inclusive of access to the beach and the tour around the clam laboratory. If you wish to snorkel in the sanctuary, you are required to avail of a guide.
👉Find the best hotel deals in Camiguin here! 👈
9. Witness History at the Old Spanish Church Ruins
Aside from its natural landscapes, Camiguin is also steeped in history, and you can get a tinge of the island’s story as you visit the Old Church Ruins of Camiguin.
Also referred to as the Guiob Church Ruins, this landmark mainly features a church built in the 1500s, which has borne witness to the devastation of volcanic eruptions on the island. What you’ll see now are the remaining stone structures, pieces of walls from the chapel, and walls covered in vines that make the ruins also appear enchanted. The entrance fee to the church ruins costs 50 PHP (~1 USD) per person.
👉Find the best hotel deals in Camiguin here! 👈
10. Conquer the Summit of Mount Hibok-Hibok
With its pristine beaches, Camiguin is for those who want an experience with the sea. But, with its volcanoes like Mount Hibok-Hibok, this majestic island is also for the adventurous soul. Rising 1,332 meters above sea level, this stratovolcano is the most prominent feature of the island. Take note that it is still an active volcano, with its last eruption in July 1953.
The trek to the summit will get you closer to some of the volcano’s flora and fauna until you reach the area where you will be treated to a magnificent view of its crater lake. Awe-inspiring!
To hike Mount Hibok-Hibok, you must get a permit which costs 200 PHP (~4 USD) per person. You are also required to avail of a guide which costs 1,200 PHP (~200 USD) for up to three people.
👉Find the best hotel deals in Camiguin here! 👈
Your Travel Guide to the Philippines
From conquering the summit of Camiguin’s iconic Mount Hibok-Hibok to mingling with its warm and welcoming people, your adventures on this island will be unforgettable. It may be a tiny island, but enchanting enough to prove that size does not limit the beauty and experiences a traveler can find here. Visit Camiguin, and embrace everything this place has to offer.
If you are still planning for your trip to the Philippines, check out our range of travel guides:
- Best Things to Do in Cebu
- Best Things to Do in Siquijor
- Best Things to Do in Bohol
- Best Things to Do in Dumaguete
Got questions about your trip to Camiguin? Leave it in the comments!
For updates, follow CEBU INSIDER on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
