Camiguin isn’t just the Island Born of Fire – it’s waterfalls, sun-kissed beaches, and adventures that will make you fall in love with the Philippines all over again. Read my guide!

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated.

Date of Trip – November 16-19

November 27, 2023
Batangas, Philippines

One of the Philippines’ most tranquil island provinces, Camiguin, is small and peaceful. Being the second-smallest province in the Philippines, it is also the smallest island in Mindanao. The seven active volcanoes in Camiguin, which give the island its nickname, “Island Born of Fire,” are responsible for the continuous geological transformation of the island.

Camiguin was an incredible surprise, and I was thrilled to finally get the chance to explore it. It’s a beautiful paradise that’s also a land of exciting adventures, kind people, and delicious food.

Getting to Camiguin from Manila – Going to Camiguin can be done in various ways. Here are the options:
1. Direct flight from Manila to Camiguin via Sunlight Air (recommended but more expensive, usual price is 11k round trip tickets)
2. Fly from Manila to Cebu then Camiguin (I used this route)
3. Fly from Manila to Cagayan De Oro > bus ride > fast craft ferry > Camiguin but not yet city center so you have to ride jeepney (travel time excluding waiting time from CDO to Camiguin is 5 hours)

I travelled to Camiguin with the use of my Cebpass voucher. Cebu Pacific Airlines has no direct flight to Camiguin. I started my journey from Batangas to NAIA terminal 3, then spent a day in Cebu, and finally flew from Cebu to Camiguin. So, officially, I went to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao..

Manila to Cebu flight = PHP2,811.88 with 20 kg check in baggage going back to Manila
Cebu to Camiguin flight = PHP3,902.16 with 20kg check in baggage from Cebu to Camiguin and vice versa
Total fare = PHP 6,714.04

Things to Note:

1. Please do not make any changes or additions after you have checked in online; doing so will result in the automatic cancellation of your flight, which is strange. While waiting in line for onboarding, I learned that my boarding pass had been compromised and that I needed to get a new one from their information centre.
2. They will ask for your ID during check-in and boarding to verify your boarding pass.
3. Online check-in saves time and avoids boarding pass lines. However, it’s bothersome because you have to wait in line at the same counter as everyone else while checking in bags..
4. Checking your carry-on suitcase weight before arriving at Mactan Cebu International Airport or online is suggested. Manila did not have staff that weighed bags before boarding, but Cebu did. Cebu staffs were stricter with hand carry bags. My suitcase weighed more than 7kg, and Cebu Pacific only allows free hand carry up to 7kg. Buying a check-in bag online was much cheaper than buying one at the counter.

Budget – PHP18,000 inclusive of tour packages, transportation, food and accommodation

Capital – Mambajao

Currency/ATMs – Philippine Peso is accepted. There are ATMs across Camiguin. Please bring cash all the time as some establishments only accept cash while others accept credit card or gcash(online) payments.

Laundry – If you will be in Camiguin for a lengthy period and need to wash clothes, there is a laundrette available.

Internet Connection – the major network providers in the Philippines, Globe and Smart, have a solid connection; however, during parts of the excursions in the falls and islands there is either no signal coverage at all or very little signal coverage.

Weather – tropical and has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from April to October and the wet season, which runs from November to March. When I got to Camiguin, a low pressure region was causing rain during the early morning, but by afternoon, the weather cleared up.

Language – Bisaya. Tagalog and English can be understood by some residents.

Transportation – They offer tricycles that can transport you throughout town for just PHP15. The tricycles are large enough to fit eight persons. While I was in Camiguin, I hailed a tricycle; the island also offers 24-hour motorcycle rentals for 350-500PHP. My favourite areas to visit are those where riding a motorcycle is far safer, so I really should get a license and learn how to ride.

Tour Package – After seeing L&M Camiguin Tour Services on Facebook, I decided to book their tour. The complete price of the 3D2N special tour package is 6,200 PHP. Kuya Lehmann, my tour guide, was very accommodating. The execution was flawless, and the people involved couldn’t be nicer. More info of the package below.

Things to Note when in Camiguin:
1. Make sure to sign up at https://cleancamiguinqr.com/ before you get to Camiguin. Bring a screenshot of the QR code with you because you will need it to register at some of Camiguin’s most beautiful spots. When I got there, I didn’t know this, but don’t worry—the Camiguin airport has QR codes that you can scan to sign up. When you leave Camiguin, you have to show the QR code at the airport and they will log you out of the registration.
2. Smoking in public even vape is not allowed in Camiguin and stores do not sell cigarettes. If you smoke, it’s better to buy outside of Camiguin instead.
3. It is recommended to purchase Pasalubong items, such as Camiguin’s pastel, at least one day before departure, as they tend to sell out quickly.

Accommodation – I reserved a three-day, two-night stay at Marianita’s Cottages for a mere 3,200 PHP. Some of the greatest restaurants in Camiguin are within walking distance, so I really enjoyed my stay here. Breakfast and other meals can be ordered, and the staff is quite accommodating. Excellent WiFi, clean CR, and powerful water pressure were all features of this establishment. In addition, there is a fridge and a patio where you can dry off or relax in the fresh air. Along with the fluffy pillows, my bed was incredibly comfy. It was the most reasonably priced and top-notch hotel I stayed at in the Philippines. This hotel is fantastic. Please note reception is open from 7am-9pm.

Things to Bring – cash, water, sunblock, cap, umbrella, waterproof bags, powerbank, plastic bags to cover your things, swimwear and trail sandals/shoes for the falls.

Itinerary –

Day 1 November 16 (Thursday)

I travelled from Batangas to NAIA Terminal Airport Terminal 3 for my flight at 6:20 p.m. It took 3 hours to get to NAIA from Batangas, and I had a problem with a Grab driver who accepted the booking and it appeared on the app that I was already travelling with him, even though I wasn’t even in the car so I chose to cancel through their customer support and caught a taxi for PHP400 to get to my destination.

Travelling to Cebu, the plane was enormous, 2-3 seat arrangement

My aircraft did not experience any delays, and I reached Mactan, Cebu, at 8:00 p.m. Upon arriving at Cebu Mactan International Airport, I had a satisfying meal at Shakey’s before making my way to my lodging

Accommodation in Cebu – OYO 778 Fat J Apartelle for PHP 636.75 for a night. The service was unhelpful; I had to take my bags to the second level; the room was large, which was fantastic, but the CR was cramped. It was freezing, so I turned off the air conditioning and wrapped my legs in a towel since there was no blanket. I’m glad I just stayed for one night because it was a big bummer.

Day 2 November 17 (Friday)
Mactan, Cebu

At last, I got the opportunity to visit Mactan Shrine, home to the Lapu-Lapu statue. Being back here brought up a flood of good memories from my first visit here in 2012. A lot has changed, but I was relieved to feel that joy again. I got to where I needed to go for just PHP30 by hailing a pedi taxi, which was really a bicycle disguised as a tricycle.

The battle of Mactan changed the course of Philippine history. Lapu-Lapu killed Ferdinand Magellan here on April 27, 1521. An engraved stone block at the Mactan Shrine bears the date that Magellan was killed to remember the event and Lapu-Lapu that looks like a superhero stands next to it.

After exploring Mactan Shrine, my guide walked me to one of their food spots the Sutukil which was an array of seafood restaurants. The word “sutukil” comes from three Cebuano words: sugba, which means “to grill,” tuwa, which means “to stew,” and kilaw, which means “to cook raw with vinegar.” The first time I went here, there was a harp player that serenaded us, my guide informed me that they still have it until today.

I also went to Mactan Newtown to get coffee at Starbucks because it was close to my hotel and it was a nice day to walk around and check out the new shops.

I checked out at 11am and headed over to Mactan International Airport for my Camiguin flight.

Camiguin Airport

Arriving at 4:00 pm, I swiped the Clean Camiguin QR code for registration and met my guide Kuya Lehmann, who was riding a tamaraw FX, at the small and rainy Camiguin Airport.

I travelled via Cebu Pacific (Cebgo) in a propeller aircraft with a two-row layout, with two seats in each row.

We stopped by my accommodation first to get changed and headed over to Mt. Vulcan, Gui-Ob and Sunken Cemetery.

Mt. Vulcan View Point
Free

Located on the western side of Camiguin, between the towns of Mambajao and Catarman, lies the now dormant volcano known as Mt. Vulcan, one of the 7 volcanoes in Camiguin. A violent eruption of the volcano Mt. Vulcan in the nineteenth century altered the topography of western Camiguin Island.

Gui-ob Church Ruins
Entrance fee – 50PHP (Included in the tour package)

The Gui-Ob Church Ruins are among the country’s oldest surviving ruins. Built with coral stones like other ancient churches in the Philippines, it served as a significant venue for local ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, burials, and masses. The third and final eruption of Mount Vulcan in 1871, however, caused extensive damage to the church.

I loved my stay here and it was so relaxing that I also saw a century old balete tree. I had my pictures taken and immerse myself in the old picturesque structure.

Sunken Cemetery
Catarman, Camiguin

Sunken Cemetery begins in the nineteenth century, when Mount Vulcan was still a very active volcano. It had two eruptions, the first in 1827 and the second in 1862. The cemetery, however, sank during the third and most deadly eruption of the volcano in 1871.

In the aftermath of the tragic event, the local authorities decided to place a huge cross that was constructed on solidified lava in 1982 where the grave was supposed to be.

We took a 5-minute boat ride to the cross, where I’ll be snorkelling after registration.

Snorkeling in the sunken graveyard was an incredible experience. I expected to get the chills because this was an old graveyard, but what I saw beneath it was a magnificent and one-of-a-kind diving location, with corals growing on and around tombstones and marine life flourishing. From beneath, I also noticed a crucifix and a statue of Jesus Christ’s head. I would strongly advise everyone to see this and swim across the water to enjoy the view from below. It was raining when we arrived, so I couldn’t watch the sunset, but this was an unforgettable experience that I will never forget.

Expenses –
250PHP snorkeling fees with boat and guide
300PHP snorkeling gear

Food Spots Tried

Alex Restaurant and Bar – PHP300-600; accepts credit card/cash/Gcash payment
JR’s Corner – PHP150-300; accepts cash and Gcash only

Chicken Surol – Surol is a popular Camiguin chicken recipe. It is available throughout the province, from restaurants to carinderias. Surol is identical to tinolang manok with the exception that surol contains gata or coconut milk, which adds richness to the meal. The Bicol area uses coconut milk in its meals as well, but they add shrimp paste to spice things up.

After my snorkelling trip in the Sunken Cemetery, I went to JR’s Corner and Alex Restaurant and Bar in Camiguin, both of which serve chicken surol. But Alex Restaurant and Bar was my favourite. The chicken surol at JR’s Corner was a native chicken, but I did not like it very much, and I couldn’t eat much of the chicken meat because the meat was gooey. What I got was mostly chicken bones and the milk wasn’t very creamy. I really didn’t enjoy eating here.

Alex Restaurant and Bar was a fancier restaurant, and their chicken surol looked great. It was also very tasty and juicy. The chicken was roasted, which made the dish even more unique, and the coconut milk melted perfectly into the chicken.In addition, I had their signature Sunkerista, a mango cocktail with beer atop. You must try this cocktail while in Camiguin; I nearly passed out from it.

Day2 November 18 (Saturday)

I cancelled my planned 5:30 a.m. hike of Mt. Hibok Hibok because of the inclement weather. Bad weather makes hiking a chore. In Camiguin Island, you’ll find the fiery Mount Hibok-Hibok. Three crater lakes are contained within the volcano’s dome complex, which forms at an elevation of 1332 metres. This was not an easy hike so I’m also glad I cancelled it. haha!

I also met people while traveling to my next destination, Katibawasan falls. Getting to know people in Camiguin was a whole lot of fun, and sometimes you get to meet folks you’ve met at cafes, islands, and falls in other parts of the city as well. People are able to become acquainted with one another, which is one of the reasons why this location is more desirable.

Katibawasan Falls – included in the tour package
DIY rate entrance fees – 75PHP

The crystal clear water at Katibawasan Falls was perfect for a refreshing dip, and the presence of a rope to indicate that a particular section of the falls was off-limits was a nice touch. At the entrance of the falls, you’ll see a handful of little stores offering refreshments, snacks, and mementoes. There are picnic tables inside where you can unwind and absorb in the scenery, as well as CR where you can bathe after a day at the falls. To view these falls from the center, though, you’ll need to take a 20-minute vehicle ride.

Food Spots I Tried

1. Hayahay Cafe
Mambajao, Camiguin
Accepts Gcash and Cash only payment
PHP400-500

For breakfast, I rode a tricycle to the Hayahay cafe, where I enjoyed an omelette and a vanilla iced coffee. Their omelette was hearty, and the coffee had a velvety texture thanks to the ice cream. Their focus is on healthier options made with products sourced locally. I had the most wonderful experience, and the personnel couldn’t have been friendlier. I highly recommend this cafe!

2. Guererra Restaurant
PHP300-600
Accepts Cash and Gcash Payments

With views of the rice paddies, this restaurant offers a farm-to-table experience. I indulged in the regional specialty of Camiguin, lanzones ice cream. It’s homemade, so you know it’s authentic and packed with flavor. They serve delicious Asian cuisine and have a nice cozy atmosphere. Spicy minced chicken with beans is what I had or what they called gai gai prow. The lanzones ice cream was absolutely excellent, and I had a great time unwinding.

3. Checkpoint Camiguin
PHP 150-300
Only accepts cash

Checkpoint Camiguin was a very famous place to eat because it was close to the nearest island in Camiguin. All travellers would come here to eat because the food was cheap and there were lots of great options at the buffet. One person owned the whole place. But during the outbreak, most businesses had trouble making ends meet, and the owner had to rent out the whole place to different people. My guide told me that the used to be Checkpoint wasn’t the same as it used to be, but I had a great meal here. For a reasonable price, they serve big portions of food that are enough for three to four people, I had sinigang na tuna. The taste was fine, I had a filling meal. They also have acoustic bands to entertain you while you eat at the 2nd floor.

Around 6:30 p.m., there was a power loss; but, thanks to their generator, the power was restored a short while later. I ordered a native Filipino beer upon arriving at the hotel and then slept so I can wake up early for my last day trip to Camiguin the next day.

Day3 November 19 (Sunday)

White Island was supposed to be my first trip, but since it was raining and still gloomy when Kuya Lehman picked me up from my hotel at about 6:00 in the morning, I opted to eat pancit canton and eggs at the neighbouring carinderia instead. Afterwards, we headed to the Hibok Hibok Hot springs for me to unwind.

Ardent Hibok Hibok Hot Spring

Though the island is home to several thermal pools, the Ardent Hot Springs stand head and shoulders above the others and is located at the base of Mount Hibok Hibok

White Island is about a 10-minute drive away. Amazingly, I was the first to jump in the water when we arrived because there were no other people around. My guide even showed me how to dive here, and I adored just lounging in the hot spring.

White Island
DIY 550 boat with boatman additional 50PHP

I was meant to go to Mantigue Island, but due to bad weather, we had to cancel, and my guide just returned me PHP800. It was only a ten-minute boat ride from the Mambajao proper to White Island. Unfortunately, Mt. Hibok Hibok was not visible owing to the cloudy weather, but the beach was quite clean and had powdery sand. Along with its powdery beach, the island is notable for changing shape depending on the tide. I like swimming here, albeit there were some pebbles to contend with.

After swimming, I went back to the hotel around 9:00am to get ready for my flight back to Cebu.

La Dolce Vita
PHP400-900
Accepts credit card, Gcash and cash payments

I had a full lunch across the Camiguin airport. It was where I had the finest pizza in the Philippines. They specialise in brick oven pizza and handmade pasta. I had spaghetti scoglio, an oil-based shrimp pasta with spices that was fresh and tasty, and La Dolce Vita, their best-selling pizza with a variety of meat toppings. I also requested iced coffee. I had the most packed meal and can’t wait to return to sample more foods. I had a fantastic time and the tastiest pizza and spaghetti!

Camiguin Gift Souvenirs

1. Lanzones – Many Filipinos believe the Lanzones from Camiguin province to be the best in the country. It’s Camiguin’s national fruit, and I got some for my brother. 1 kg costs only PHP60! You can also buy 5kg and they will offer you with a box that you can hand carry in the aeroplane. Lanzones are in season from October to December. I almost made it in their best time.
2. Vjandep Pastel – The VjANDep’s Pastel is one of Camiguin’s oldest delicacies. Pastel is the Spanish word for cake. This is a popular souvenir shop, and I recommend purchasing ahead of time while leaving Camiguin in their bakeshop because they sold quickly.  You also have an option to buy at the airport but they also sell out too soon. It would have been good to taste this and carry it back home. I’d definitely go back to try this tasty Camiguin bread.

My flight had no delay even when it’s raining and I almost lost my wallet omg but good thing there was someone who returned it. Thanks so much.

I arrived in Cebu at around 4:00pm and went directly to Cordova. I booked a Grab for PHP350 going to 10k Roses. There was a huge traffic in Cebu because of the fiesta they are celebrating there but I made it to 10k roses around 6:00pm

10K Roses
Cordova
PHP25, they stamp you once you enter
You have unlimited access as long as you hold the stamp in your hand.

Even though I intended to check out the area two months ago, the long weekend crowds prevented me from fully appreciating the beauty. Most visitors to Cordova visit this cafe at night to admire the illuminated paper flowers that line the walls and provide a breathtaking view of the water. While I am fine with checking on this, I will not return solely to witness the illumination of paper roses.

Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant
PHP200-300

This Filipino restaurant was located on the ten thousand flowers’ viewpoint. The baked butter scallops and chicken bacolod inasal that I ordered were both delicious, and I accompanied them with their famous orange juice.

Things to Note:
1. The only negative aspect of this location is that the cellular signal is not very strong. I was so thankful that I was able to arrange a Grab ride back to the airport because there are cars or motorbikes that will charge you for a fixed amount of one thousand Philippine pesos only to get to the Cebu centre, which was outrageous.

Despite the fact that my flight was delayed and I even misplaced my phone, I was fortunate enough to have it restored to me. I landed in Manila at approximately 2:00 in the morning, waited until 5:00 in the morning to go to the Batangas terminal, and arrived back at my house at approximately 8:00 in the morning.

The island of Camiguin was a really calm and beautiful spot to visit. My time there was absolutely wonderful, and I can’t wait to return so that I can climb Mount Hibok Hibok and spend more time exploring the other stunning islands. Among all the islands in Mindanao, this one is by far my favourite.

Love,

Maria, sometimes, Niskie