13 Best Things To Do In Camiguin, Philippines

things to do in camiguin philippines
Angela
Angela 
Updated
| 5 min read

The capital of Camiguin is Mambajao and sits on the Bohol Sea, just off the northern coast of Mindanao. The Philippines has many provinces, and Camiguin happens to be the second smallest. It is a beautiful, serene island that has been a significant province in the Philippines for quite some time. Many people visit because of the beautiful scenic views and the sea. The natural beauty of nature awaits all travelers who visit this wonderful province in the Philippines. If you’re curious about what you can find here, let’s have a look at this list of the best things to do in Camiguin, Philippines.

1. Enjoy nature at Mantigue Island Nature Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Considered as one of the best Camiguin tourist spots, Mantigue Island Nature Park is a protected marine sanctuary that features a wonderful island beach paradise for travelers to enjoy. Nature lovers are in for a treat if they choose to travel to this island.

Its white sandy beaches, turquoise water, and colorful coral reefs showcase the wonders of an untouched marine ecosystem. There is also a lush nature park surrounded by woodland which further emphasizes the beauty of nature to all who visit this wonderful island.

Mantigue Island Nature Park

Address: Camiguin, Philippines

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2. Check out Jita's Flower Garden

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The name alone already tells every traveler what to expect from this attraction. Jita’s Flower Garden offers a wonderful treat for aspiring gardeners, plant lovers, and landscapers. It is a garden that showcases a wide variety of flowers, plants, succulents, and so many more. These plants showcase the wonderful gardening hobby that many Filipinos love to engage in.

If you’re around the area, why not commemorate your Camiguin activities by checking out this flower garden and taking home a plant for your garden?

Jita's Flower Garden

Address: Maslog, Mambajao, 9100 Camiguin

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

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3. Visit the historic Moro Tower

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Officially a natural cultural treasure of the Philippines, Moro Tower is an old Filipino ruin that’s located behind an elementary school. If you’re interested to learn about Philippine history and culture, then this tower is one of the places to visit in Camiguin.

This tower is one of the very few pre-colonial Filipino structures that stood the test of time and continues to stand to this day. The tower also showcases a magnificent view of the sea and the numerous boats and ships that constantly move around the waters every day.

Moro Tower

Address: 3QXP+7FW, Guinsiliban, Camiguin

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4. Visit the Giant Clam Sanctuary

Large Giant Clam (Tridacna maxima) (6059116842)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bernard DUPONT used under CC BY-SA 2.0

At this place, people come to have a look at all the different types of clams in various shapes, sizes, and colors. It is a non-governmental project meaning all the proceeds from the visitors go towards the maintenance of the clams and their conservation as some of the clams are endangered species. This place is quite a catch to visitors because it is not every day that you see giant clams, is it? Plus, the sanctuary also keeps clams that produce pearls. Sounds like a fun day for the whole family!

Giant Clam Sanctuary

Address: Barangay Cantaan in Guinsiliban, Camiguin

Price: from 1 USD

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: 23 minute car ride south of Camiguin using the Central Nautical Highway

Near by Food: J&A Fishpen

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5. Follow the Old Volcano Trail

Hibok-Hibok and Mt Vulcan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Geoffrey Noel Ste... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Old Volcano Trail is an 8-kilometer (5-mile) path and a pilgrimage site - there are fourteen life-sized statues that you will pass, as you walk. These statues include Jesus dying on the cross, Jesus falling, Jesus being placed in a tomb and so much more. The fourteen stations are spectacular, and their rareness will blow you away - there is not another place like this in Camiguin, or anywhere else. By the time you get to the top of the mountain you will have reached the last station. It is an exciting place because you also become part of the story.

Old Volcano Trail

Address: Catarman, on the foot of Mt Vulcan

Price: Free

Opening Hours: Open throughout

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: Catarman, on the foot of Mt Vulcan

Near by Food: Casa Roca Inn

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6. Enjoy the scenery at the Old Catarman Church Ruins

Ruin of old church Bonbon Catarman Camiguin island
Source: Photo by user Nikond80 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Before we get to the details of this site, let me explain to you how it became a ruin. The church was built in the 16th century, but a hundred years later it was brought to ruin because of the trembling of Mt. Vulcan. Many houses and buildings in the town were also destroyed when the volcano erupted shortly after and it was a devastating time in history. This church was one of the few buildings that remained standing, although in ruins, and today it is a famous site with lots of rich history. Near the church ruins is a smaller chapel where people still go to pray and hold mass, so you should definitely go check this site out.

Old Catarman Church Ruins

Address: National Highway, Catarman, Camiguin, Philippines

Price: Free

Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday

Duration: around 1 hour required.

Access: 2 minute drive from Camiguin volcano, near the Camiguin Circumferential Road

Near by Food: Casa Roca Inn

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7. Chase the springs - Ardent Hot Springs and Sto Nino Cold Springs

Ardent Hot Spring!
Source: Photo by Flickr user dahon used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Did you expect to see hot springs in a “what to do in Camiguin” list? There are so many springs in Camiguin that you will not know which one to start with. First, there are the Ardent Hot Springs which is a beautiful spot to go with friends and family and enjoy a nice swim. Then there are cold springs like the Sto Nino Cold Springs. The waters are crystal clear, and for a freshwater lake, it is very unusual to have such clear water. Believe it or not, with swimming goggles you can see from one end of the spring to another! This one is definitely one for the books.

Ardent Hot Springs

Address: Esperanza, Tagdo, Mambajao, Mindanao, Philippines

Price: from 1 USD

Opening Hours: Always open

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: 21 minutes drive north of the Old Spanish Church ruins via the Camiguin Circumferential Road

Contact: +63 88 387 0948

Near by Food: Paradisi Hillside Resort and Restaurant

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8. Take a trip to the Sunken Cemetery

Sunken cemetery Camiguin
Source: Photo by user Wolfgang Hägele used under CC BY-SA 3.0

You may wonder why this is called the Sunken Cemetery. This location is an important memorial spot. As we already know, Camiguin is a place full of history and the background of this site is no exception. After Mt. Vulcan erupted, the remains of some of the locals were swept underwater, thus the name. The area where the remains now lay are marked by a large cross, in the middle of the water. If you want to learn a bit more about Camiguin history then take a trip to the Sunken Cemetery.

Sunken Cemetry

Address: Camiguin Island, Camiguin Philippines

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9. Enjoy the sun on Camiguin's White Island

Hibok Hibok volcano and Camiguin volcano
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wolfgang Hägele used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The White Island of Camiguin is located about four and a half kilometers (2.8 miles) off Camiguin Island. Here there are no trees or any shelter and the sand is pure white - the scene is utterly captivating. There is clear water all around the island and to get here, you can hire small boats to and fro. Imagine what a beautiful place this would be to have a photoshoot! This view could potentially qualify as the closest one can get to heaven. An afternoon on the white island is the perfect dose of therapy your feet and soul needs.

White Island

Address: Off the northern shore of Mambajao, Camiguin in the Philippines

Website: Camiguin’s White Island

Tip from Content Creator

Diana

Diana

White Island White Island

Photos of White Island shared by content creator from the Philippines, Diana

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10. Go hiking on Mt. Hibok Hibok

Hibok-Hibok Volcano Summit
Source: Photo by user Ervin Malicdem used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Mt. Hibok Hibok is a volcanic mountain on the island of Camiguin. The highest point is 1332 meters or 4370 feet. What a challenge this must be! It is a very popular hiking destination and it usually takes three to five hours to hike the trails. The starting point is the Ardent Hot Springs in Mambajao and there are numerous scenes you can enjoy from different sides of the mountain. Some of these include the hot springs, White Island, the fourteen statues and so much more. This mountain is the oldest volcano on the island and was formed in 1871. This adventure is something to consider if you have an extra day or two in Camiguin. It will be even better if you camp somewhere along the way.

Mt. Hibok Hibok

Address: Located in Northern Mindanao

Website: Mt. Hibok Hibok

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11. Lanzones Festival

Lanzones Festival - Camiguin
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Theglennpalacio used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This four-day celebration is one of the sweetest festivals in the country. It is held annually in the month of October in the main town of the island, Mambajao. This festival is held to show the appreciation of the locals on the abundance of harvests of Lanzones. Some of the highlights of this festival are street dancing competition, Lanzones eating contest, a beauty pageant, and other cultural shows. Handicrafts are also exhibited during this celebration, so if you want to buy locally made trinkets to give to your loved ones back home, then this is the best time to shop.

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12. Bura Soda Water Park

Soda Swimming Pool Camiguin (3)
Source: Photo by Flickr user Faith Mari used under CC BY-ND 2.0

One of the most popular spring resorts in Camiguin is Bura Soda Water Park. It is known for its clean and clear water that is good for swimming and drinking as well. As from its name it has been said that this resort has overflowing water that tastes like soda. Get a taste of it, by fetching a bottle of water from the faucet. The resort has pools with all-natural water that constantly flows from the springs that enable you to enjoy soaking yourself in ‘soda water’. Moreover, the place is good for picnics as there are sheds available for guests.

Bura Soda Water Park

Address: Compol-NIA-Mainit Road, Catarman, Camiguin

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

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13. Katibawasan Falls

Katibawasan Falls
Source: Photo by Flickr user Allan Ascaño used under CC BY 2.0

Katibawasan Falls is one of the main attractions on the island of Camiguin. Tourists may swim in the pool and enjoy the splash of water from the waterfalls. The natural structure is surrounded by plants, ferns and wild orchids. While relaxing, you will also see other tourists bathing in the stream and enjoying the scenic view of the waterfalls. If you feel like having a barbecue while exploring this natural wonder, this place has a small grilling area where you can cook your food and have picnics on tables and benches. Before going home, you may also buy souvenirs from the nearby shops.

Katibawasan Falls

Address: Mambajao, Camiguin

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Come to Camiguin!

I understand if all of these options make you feel indecisive about what to do - I am as well! There are so many things to do, both indoors and outdoors, and all of them have their own particular joy. Whether you are traveling alone, with your spouse, your friends or your whole family, there is something for everyone on this list.

Camiguin is perfect for spring break or summer holidays when you want to take a break from your job, school or other responsibilities. It’s the perfect place to sit back and unwind. On top of that, you get to learn so much about people of a different culture - an opportunity that could change the course of your life!

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Frequently asked questions about things to do in Camiguin, Philippines


  • What are the top attractions in Camiguin?

    Camiguin has a plethora of great attractions for tourists to enjoy. For some of the best attractions you can find, we recommend Mantigue Island Nature Park, Old Catarman Church Ruins, Ardent Hot Springs, and Bura Soda Water Park.

  • What are the top activities to do in Camiguin?

    With so many great attractions around Camiguin, there are also a lot of great activities that are sure to appeal to many tourists. Some of these activities are visiting the Giant Clam Sanctuary, following the Old Volcano Trail, hiking at Mt. Hibok Hibok, and participating in the Lanzones Festival.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Meet Angie, a talented freelance writer and avid traveler. Her primary objective is to transport her readers to the enchanting blend of serenity and beautiful chaos found in diverse cultures and...Read more

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