Camiguin Travel Guide: White Island, Falls, Springs and Ferries
How to plan a trip to Camiguin, the volcanic island of Northern Mindanao: top sights, getting there via Balingoan or by air, and when to go.
In this article
This Camiguin travel guide covers everything you need for a first visit to the small volcanic island off Northern Mindanao, famous for the White Island sandbar, the Sunken Cemetery, waterfalls, hot and cold springs and the Lanzones Festival every October. Most travellers arrive by ferry from Balingoan in Misamis Oriental, about two hours by road from Cagayan de Oro, or by a short flight when available. Two to three days is enough to see the highlights at a relaxed pace.
Camiguin Travel Guide: Quick Facts
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Province | Camiguin, Northern Mindanao (Region X) |
| Capital | Mambajao |
| Known as | "Island Born of Fire" because of its volcanoes |
| Main ports | Benoni (from Balingoan) and Balbagon (from Bohol routes) |
| Getting around | Rented multicab, tricycle, motorbike or van tour |
| Main festival | Lanzones Festival, October |
| Ideal stay | 2 to 4 days |
Camiguin is one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines, and a coastal ring road circles the island. You can drive around it in a few hours without stops, which makes it easy to explore.
Top Things to Do in Camiguin
White Island sandbar
White Island is a crescent-shaped sandbar of pure white sand a short boat ride off the coast near Mambajao. There is little or no shade, so go early in the morning. The view back to Camiguin's volcanoes, especially Mount Hibok-Hibok, is the classic photo. Boats leave from the Agoho/Yumbing area, and a small environmental or entrance fee is usually collected.
Sunken Cemetery
Off the coast of Catarman, a large white cross marks the site of an old cemetery that sank below sea level after volcanic activity and earthquakes in the 1870s connected with the birth of Mount Vulcan. You can view the cross from the shore, take a short boat ride out to it, or snorkel over the area, which now has coral and fish.
Old Vulcan and the Walkway to the Old Volcano
Nearby, the Walkway to the Old Volcano has life-size Stations of the Cross along a path up the slopes of Mount Vulcan. It is a popular pilgrimage route during Holy Week and a pleasant hike with views on any day.
Katibawasan Falls
Katibawasan Falls is a tall, slender waterfall dropping into a cool pool surrounded by forest. It is one of the most photographed spots on the island and is easy to reach by road.
Tuasan Falls
On the other side of the island, Tuasan Falls is a powerful waterfall with a rocky pool, often less crowded than Katibawasan.
Ardent Hot Springs
Ardent Hot Springs, fed by volcanic heat from Mount Hibok-Hibok, has warm pools in a forested setting. Evening visits are popular when the air cools. Water temperatures vary.
Sto. Niño Cold Spring
For the opposite experience, the Sto. Niño Cold Spring offers clear, chilly spring water in a large pool, a refreshing break on a hot day.
Mantigue Island and snorkelling
Mantigue Island is a small, forested island with a beach and a marine sanctuary, good for snorkelling and day trips. Camiguin also has a giant clam sanctuary that visitors can snorkel at.
Lanzones Festival: Camiguin in October
Camiguin is famous for its sweet lanzones, a small tropical fruit with translucent, juicy segments. The Lanzones Festival, held in October, celebrates the harvest with street dancing, parades, costumes and plenty of fruit. It usually peaks in the latter part of October.
Accommodation fills quickly during the festival, so book early if you plan to go. Check exact dates with the provincial tourism office or our festival calendar.
How to Get to Camiguin
By land and sea via Cagayan de Oro
This is the most common route.
- Fly to Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan Airport serves CDO) from Manila, Cebu or Davao, or take a bus to CDO.
- Go to Balingoan. Buses and vans run from CDO's Agora terminal area east along the coast to Balingoan port, roughly two hours.
- Take the ferry to Benoni. Ferries cross to Benoni port in Camiguin in about an hour, with several trips daily in good weather.
From Davao, the overland trip to CDO takes many hours via Bukidnon, so most people fly. See our distance guide for travel times.
By sea from Bohol or Cebu
Ferry routes have connected Jagna in Bohol to Camiguin's Balbagon port, and there have been links from Cebu as well. Schedules change by season, so check with the ferry operators before planning around them.
By air
Camiguin has a small airport near Mambajao. Small-aircraft flights from Cebu have operated at various times. Check current schedules with airlines, as routes on small airports are often seasonal or suspended.
Getting Around the Island
- Multicab or van tour: the easiest way to see the main sights in one or two days, with a driver who knows the stops.
- Motorbike rental: popular with independent travellers. Only rent if you are an experienced rider with a valid licence, and always wear a helmet.
- Tricycles and jeepneys: cheap for short hops, but less flexible for touring.
Sample Itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at Benoni, lunch, Sunken Cemetery at sunset, Walkway to the Old Volcano |
| Day 2 | Early White Island trip, Katibawasan Falls, Sto. Niño Cold Spring, Ardent Hot Springs at night |
| Day 3 | Mantigue Island or snorkelling, Tuasan Falls, departure |
Approximate Budget
Costs vary by season and travel style, and prices change, so confirm locally.
| Expense | Approximate range |
|---|---|
| Ferry Balingoan to Benoni | Low hundreds of pesos per person |
| Budget room per night | ₱1,000 – ₱2,500 |
| Mid-range resort per night | ₱2,500 – ₱6,000 |
| Island tour with driver (per day, group) | Roughly ₱2,000 – ₱3,500 |
| Entrance and environmental fees | Small fees at most attractions |
Use our trip budget calculator to plan.
Best Time to Visit
The drier months, roughly March to May, are generally best for beaches and boat trips. Camiguin sits south of the main typhoon belt, but heavy rain can still happen, especially late in the year. October is ideal if you want to catch the Lanzones Festival. Our best time to visit guide explains Philippine seasons in more detail.
If you are exploring more of Mindanao, Camiguin pairs well with Siargao or a few days in Davao.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Camiguin from Cagayan de Oro?
Take a bus or van from CDO to Balingoan port, about two hours, then a ferry to Benoni port in Camiguin, about an hour. Ferries run several times a day in good weather.
How many days do I need in Camiguin?
Two to three days lets you see the main sights, including White Island, the Sunken Cemetery, the falls and the springs, without rushing.
When is the Lanzones Festival in Camiguin?
It is held in October, usually peaking in the latter part of the month. Check exact dates with the provincial tourism office before booking.
Can you swim at the Sunken Cemetery?
Yes, snorkelling around the site is popular, and boats can take you out to the cross. Follow local guides' instructions and do not touch the coral.
