Our trip to Camiguin Island was a last minute decision. Panglao Island in Bohol was our target destination, as my husband wanted to do some diving at Balicasag Island. Unfortunately all accommodations are booked out in Panglao due to Chinese New Year, which we completely forgotten about. We spent one night in Tagbilaran City hoping we would be able to get a room in Panglao the next day. Still, we couldn’t. And that’s when Camiguin came into picture.
White Island, with background view of Mount Hibok-Hibok.
Camiguin is a small province off the northern coast of Mindanao and the second smallest island province in the Philippines. From Tagbilaran City we took a bus to Jagna, a busy little town on the southern coast of Bohol. In Jagna, we caught a 5-hour ferry ride to Mambajao, the capital city of Camiguin.
We didn’t have any information on things todo in Camiguin but we managed to do a lot of things by just asking around.
White Island
Beautiful white sand stretch, located approximately 15 minutes boat ride off the northern shore of Mambajao. We spent a day on this island literally soaking the sun, as there are no trees or shelter of any kind. Snorkeling was average.
Old Volcano & Sunken Cemetery
This is quite a good snorkeling spot and it’s not far to travel by boat.
Sunken Cemetery.
Mantigue Island
Approximately 30 minutes by boat off the coast of a village called San Roque on the northern side of the province. Snorkeling is fantastic, with lots of interesting things to see – feather stars, large black coral, gorgonian fans, and lots of different types of fish.
Motorbike ride Around the Island
Hired a motorbike and drove around the entire island, which is only 63 kilometres. We had fun visiting the towns along the way. People are very friendly and accommodating. Everybody yells out (at the top of their voices) “hello friends” – so funny!
White Beach & Giant Clam Farm
The owner of our accommodation insisted that we go to this place. So we thought we’d check it out and see what the fuss is all about. We rented a motorbike as we were told that public transport is very unreliable. It is in a village called Cantaan, roughly 20 kilometres from Mambajao. When we got there, it was very windy and rough. I almost backed out but my husband was adamant that we both go snorkeling. Absolutely incredible! One shouldn’t miss this place – colourful giant clams of about 100cm across, growing amongst and between coral bommies. Definitely the best place for snorkeling in Camiguin!
Katibawasan Falls
About 75m high waterfalls rushing down to a gorgeous plunge pool. The water was cold when we went so we did not dare to take a plunge. Definitely an ideal place to cool off during hot summer days though.
Katibawasan Falls.
Hotsprings
We were supposed to go back to Jagna on our 7th day in Camiguin but our ferry trip was cancelled due to a typhoon report. It was raining for most of the day, so we thought hotsprings would be our best bet. Spent the whole day in a natural hot spa of about 45 degrees centigrade springing from depths of an active volcano called Hibok-Hibok. So refreshing!
Camiguin Island is a place where there’s always something to do rain or shine. We were so glad to have visited this place.
Note to Readers: This trip was from a couple of years ago so things may have changed by now but I hope that you will still be able to enjoy Camiguin as much as we did.
Travel. Trekking. Photography. 