It’s beautiful, It’s Natural— It’s Camiguin Island.

The Camiguin Province boasts its natural wonders, rich history, and cultural heritage. The Island Born of Fire is a popular tourist destination that elevates the island-relaxation experience.

Island life is the best life especially if that island is Camiguin. If you’re looking for an adventure and a change of pace, this is your go-to destination. There’s plenty to explore on Camiguin – from Sunken Cemetery to White Island, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie, Camiguin won’t disappoint! 

Keep reading for our travel guide so you can make the most of your time on the island.

Camiguin is a small and peaceful island province in the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea off the northern coast of Mindanao. It may be the smallest island in Mindanao and the second smallest province in the Philippines, but it has surprisingly a lot of tourist spots to offer.

Things to See and Do in Camiguin       

You can join half-day or whole day tours to the top tourist spots around Camiguin. Most of the tours are inclusive of transportation, and guides. Solo travelers or backpackers also have the option to hire or rent a motorcycle or tricycle for the day to visit the famous top spots. 

Visit the Sunken Cemetery   

Much of the island province of Camiguin was formed through earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Camiguin’s most iconic landmark is the Sunken Cemetery, a graveyard under the sea marked by a huge cross.

This fascinating site was formed in the 1870s when Mt. Vulcan erupted causing the cemetery along with the capital city and old town of Catarman to sink below sea level. 

Those who want a unique experience can also go snorkeling and scuba diving to see the cemetery which was driven underwater when the volcano erupted. According to locals, tombstones encrusted by corals beneath the cross can still be seen by snorkelers and scuba divers.

Wander Through the Old Spanish Church Ruins

That same 1871 volcanic eruption that sent the Sunken Cemetery underwater also destroyed a Spanish church, located right on the coast.

However, parts of the structure survived the eruption and are free for visitors to explore today. History buffs will especially enjoy this symbol of both natural disaster and Spanish colonization on the west side of Camiguin.

Upon visiting this sacred site, you can still see the brick foundations of the church, which are now surrounded by towering trees. There’s also a small chapel there on the inside of the grounds to honor the victims of this terrible natural disaster.

Stroll Around Katunggan Park 

Katunggan Park is Camiguin‘s well-known mangrove park because of its enchanting atmosphere and peculiar tone. It can be viewed as romantic and charming or wonderfully eerie because of its freakish trunks and irregularly-formed branches. Its swamp-like shallow waters that are filled with dark and pointy roots look like dungeon traps. The idea that behind their large roots lurks a crocodile or an anaconda can get in your head because of their creepy look.

Katunggan Park in Camiguin is a beautiful mangrove forest with bridges that allow you to get up close and personal with nature. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic lunch. There are also plenty of photo opportunities, so make sure to bring your camera!

Chill in Sto. Nino Cold Springs       

Those who want to cool down can head to the Sto. Nino Cold Spring, a large pool with a refreshingly chill 20°C temperature. This natural cold spring flows down from Mt. Mambajao and is filtered by layers of minerals from the mountain, making it is naturally clean and crystal clear.

The main pool is quite large and deep, ranging from 4 ft to 8 ft. The water here flows into a smaller pool built for children. Locals believe that bathing in this spring for an hour or more has beneficial effects on the skin, saying it makes the skin feel smoother and look younger.

Fizz out in a Soda Water Pool

One of the more unique natural springs in Camiguin is a Soda Pool known for having natural streaming soda water, which locals claim has a fizzy taste. Visitors can try drinking soda water directly from a drinking fountain nearby.

While time has degraded the natural soda underwater and changed the taste of the soda water to freshwater, this is a scenic and refreshing place to take a dip. The Soda Water Pool is surrounded by lush greenery of trees and flowering bushes, making it a pleasant stop for picnics.

Visit Waterfalls       

Camiguin has its share of waterfalls, one of them is Tuasan Falls. 

It is one of Camiguin's well-kept treasures that would surely delight its visitors. Its crystal clear water covers a wide area that’s ideal for swimming. 

You can swim here with great pleasure as you immerse yourself deep in nature’s presence. 

Swim and Sunbathe on White Island

If there was anything truly “touristy” to do in Camiguin, this would be it. White Island isn’t in fact an island at all – it’s a sandbar located somewhat far from shore.

This little sandbar boasts incredible views of Camiguin’s volcanoes, including Mount Hibok-Hibok, and treats its guests to the sparkling blue, warm waters of the Southern Philippines.

Perhaps the most wonderful thing about White Island is it’s elusive: you can only go there when the tide is low. During high tide, this beautiful little paradise disappears into the water, as if it never existed in the first place.

You need to hire a boat and a driver in order to get to White Island. Boats (with a driver) run from 150 PHP upwards, depending on the number of people onboard. There’s no shade on the Island, so it’s best to hire a boat with a cover, especially if you’re prone to sunburn.

Visit Mantigue Island Nature Park  

A fishing village is located on the northern side of the island, while on the other side is a white sand beach with powdery coral sand and corals offshore. This small island is located about 3.5 kilometers or a 25-30 minute boat ride off the coast of  Brgy. San Roque in the town of Mahinog. 

Mantigue is a very pristine small island off the coast of Camiguin. It’s a paradise for divers and snorkelers because of its beautiful marine life and coral reefs.

In contrast with the black sand volcanic beaches that dot most of the island, Mantigue has beautiful, sparkling white sands with the iconic turquoise clear waters that the Philippines is famed for. The island is only accessible by boat from the larger shoes of Camiguin.

Here, you can take a walk around the island and explore the tiny fishing village, or you can rent snorkeling or diving equipment to admire the beautiful underwater world.

Those who want a workout can rent a stand-up paddleboard and paddle around the island’s pristine waters near the shores. The Marine Sanctuary here is one of the diving spots in the Philippines.

Chill at Nouveu Resort 

Nouveau Resort offers a luxury experience in Camiguin Island.   

They have upscale features such as extended Olympic lap pool, yoga and meditation park, family recreation center, splash park for kids, beauty and wellness center, gym, artisan shop, specialty dining outlets and world-class accommodations.

Camiguin is still one of the best-kept secrets in the Philippines. It has become more and more popular with domestic and international tourists over the last few years.

Visit visitcamiguin.ph or follow Camiguin Tourism Office Facebook page for updates of travel protocols for entry to Camiguin.