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Camiguin, the “Island Born of Fire,” is a small volcanic island off northern Mindanao, best known for the White Island sandbar, the Sunken Cemetery cross, Ardent Hot Springs, Katibawasan Falls and Mantigue Island. Get there by the direct flight from Cebu (under 1 hour, about one flight a day) or via Cagayan de Oro: a 2-hour bus to Balingoan, then a 1-hour ferry to Benoni. Spend 3 days, rent a scooter (about ₱350–₱450 a day), and budget roughly ₱300–₱700 for entrance fees and shared boats.
See the whole island in one day with a guide, or book an island-hopping and snorkeling tour.
How to get to Camiguin
| Route | How | Time | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly from Cebu | Direct Cebgo/Cebu Pacific flight to Camiguin Airport (CGM) in Mambajao; usually about one flight a day | Under 1 hour | About ₱1,300–₱1,900 one way |
| Via Cagayan de Oro | Fly to Laguindingan (CDO), van or bus to Agora Terminal, bus to Balingoan Port, ferry to Benoni Port | About 4–6 hours from CDO airport | Bus about ₱160–₱200; ferry about ₱200–₱400 plus small terminal and environmental fees |
| From Bohol | Ferry from Jagna, usually one morning sailing | About 4 hours | About ₱350 |
From Manila, connect through Cebu (flight) or Cagayan de Oro (flight plus ferry). The single Cebu–Camiguin flight fills up and can be pricey close to the date, so book early. See our domestic flights guide and ferry guide.
Things to do in Camiguin
- White Island A horseshoe-shaped white sandbar with views of Mount Hibok-Hibok and Old Volcano. Boats leave from the White Island ferry terminal in Agoho, Mambajao, about 10 minutes away. Go at sunrise, before the sun gets too strong; there’s no shade. Want it arranged for you? Try this island-hopping and snorkeling tour.
- Sunken Cemetery A large white cross in the sea marks a cemetery that sank during volcanic eruptions in the 1870s. It’s one of the island’s best sunset spots, and you can snorkel over the old graves.
The Sunken Cemetery cross at sunset. - Mantigue Island A small island nature park and marine sanctuary off Mahinog, with white sand and some of the best snorkeling on Camiguin. Boats take about 20–30 minutes, or join an island-hopping tour with snorkeling.
Mantigue Island. - Ardent Hot Springs Natural warm pools fed by volcanic springs, best in the evening when the air is cooler.
Ardent Hot Springs. - Katibawasan Falls A tall, slender waterfall dropping into a cold pool surrounded by forest.
Katibawasan Falls. - Tuasan Falls A powerful, less crowded waterfall in the hills of Catarman.
- Sto. Niño Cold Spring A large, clear, ice-cold spring pool, perfect after a hot day.
- Old Church Ruins and Walkway to the Old Volcano The coral-stone ruins of Gui-ob Church in Catarman, destroyed by an eruption, and a hillside path lined with life-size Stations of the Cross.
The Gui-ob Church ruins in Catarman. - Giant Clam Sanctuary Snorkel among giant clams at the sanctuary in Cantaan, Guinsiliban.
- Mount Hibok-Hibok An active volcano and a tough full-day hike. A permit from the DENR office in Mambajao is required, and you must hire a guide.
Camiguin entrance fees and costs (2026)
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| White Island | ₱50–₱75 per person, plus about ₱550 per boat (shared by up to about 6) |
| Mantigue Island | About ₱75 environmental fee, plus about ₱550–₱800 per boat |
| Ardent Hot Springs | About ₱50–₱80 |
| Katibawasan Falls | About ₱75–₱80 |
| Sto. Niño Cold Spring | About ₱50 |
| Scooter rental | About ₱350–₱450 per day |
Based on 2026 traveler reports; fees change and are paid in cash. Splitting boats with other travelers keeps costs low. See our money in the Philippines guide, since ATMs on the island are limited.
3-day Camiguin itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, check in around Mambajao or Agoho, then sunset at the Sunken Cemetery and an evening soak at Ardent Hot Springs. |
| Day 2 | Sunrise at White Island, then circle the island by scooter: Katibawasan Falls, Old Church Ruins, Walkway to the Old Volcano, Tuasan Falls and Sto. Niño Cold Spring. |
| Day 3 | Morning boat to Mantigue Island and the Giant Clam Sanctuary, then catch your flight or ferry. |
Flights to Camiguin usually arrive in the afternoon, so day 1 is short. Add a fourth day for the Mount Hibok-Hibok climb.
Where to stay in Camiguin
- Agoho and Yumbing (Mambajao): the most popular area, close to White Island, the Sunken Cemetery and restaurants, with beach resorts and guesthouses.
- Mambajao town: handy for budget stays, the airport and Ardent Hot Springs.
- Mahinog: quieter, near Benoni Port and Mantigue Island.
| Hotel | Area | Good for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat & Dive Resort | Mambajao | Budget-friendly beach stay and diving | Check rates |
| Camiguin Highland Resort | Mambajao (hills) | Cool highland setting and views | Check rates |
| UNWND Boutique Hotel Camiguin | Mambajao | Stylish boutique stay | Check rates |
| Nouveau Resort Camiguin | Mahinog | Upscale stay near Mantigue Island | Check rates |
Rates change by date and season; check live prices on Klook.
Book ahead for October, when the Lanzones Festival fills the island. See our food festivals guide.
Best time to visit Camiguin
- Dry season, roughly March to May, brings the calmest seas for White Island and Mantigue.
- October is Lanzones Festival month, with street dancing and the island’s famously sweet lanzones.
- Avoid rough-weather days, when boats to White Island and Mantigue may not sail. See our best time to visit guide.
Add flights or ferries, your resort, scooter rental and fees in our free Philippines trip budget calculator.
Book your Camiguin trip
Tours and hotels on the island, plus the Cagayan de Oro leg. Klook bookings often include free cancellation.
Camiguin travel guide: FAQ
How do I get to Camiguin?
Fly directly from Cebu to Camiguin Airport in Mambajao (under 1 hour), or travel via Cagayan de Oro: a 2-hour bus to Balingoan Port, then about a 1-hour ferry to Benoni Port. There’s also a ferry from Jagna, Bohol, of about 4 hours.
How many days do you need in Camiguin?
Three days is ideal to see White Island, the Sunken Cemetery, Mantigue Island, the waterfalls and the hot and cold springs. Add a day to climb Mount Hibok-Hibok.
How much is the White Island entrance fee?
About ₱50 to ₱75 per person, plus about ₱550 for a round-trip boat shared by up to about six people, based on 2026 reports.
Is there a direct flight to Camiguin from Manila?
No. There’s only a direct route from Cebu. From Manila, connect through Cebu or fly to Cagayan de Oro and take the bus and ferry.
What is Camiguin famous for?
Camiguin is famous for its volcanoes, White Island sandbar, the Sunken Cemetery cross, hot and cold springs, waterfalls, and its sweet lanzones, celebrated at the Lanzones Festival every October.
Is Camiguin worth visiting?
Yes. It’s small, relaxed and less crowded than Boracay or Palawan, with a rare mix of volcanoes, waterfalls, springs and sandbars you can see in a few days by scooter.
Can you climb Mount Hibok-Hibok?
Yes, with a permit from the DENR office in Mambajao and a local guide. It’s a demanding full-day hike, and access depends on volcano conditions.
What is the best time to visit Camiguin?
The dry months, roughly March to May, have the calmest seas. October brings the Lanzones Festival, though rooms fill up fast.
Ready for the Island Born of Fire? Plan your route and budget.
Cebu-born travel writer raised between Cebu and Dumaguete, now based in Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao. Gio writes Best Philippines Travel Guide to help travelers discover the islands, including Mindanao’s hidden gems.