Camiguin is a volcanic island dominated by seven volcanoes. Mt. Tempoong, Mt. Mambajao, and Mt. Hibok are the top three volcanoes in the province. On the coastline, black and white sand beaches are visible. Furthermore, the climate on the island is fresh, mild, and refreshing with vegetation and natural springs. The dry season starts in April and lasts three months. The coldest months are from November to January.
History
The name Camiguin comes from the word kamagong, which is a tree of the family of ebony. The Manobo immigrants from Surigao were the first settlers. The Manobo fled to the mountains of Mindanao when Visayan settlers arrived.
Until 1871, when Mount Daan erupted, Catarman became the largest settlement on the island, sinking part of the town into the sea. After the eruption, the city itself was moved to its present site. Mambajo was not formed until 1855, but at the beginning of 1900, it quickly grew into the busiest part in northern Mindanao.
Camiguin became a sub-province of Misamis Oriental until 1958. It was officially formed in a separate province on 18 June 1966, but only in 1968.
Where Is Camiguin Island, the Fire-Born Island
Camiguin is part of the super-region of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, accessible from Visayas and Mindanao by air and sea. Camiguin is just 35 minutes by air from the flight schedule at Mactan, Cebu International Airport – Cebu-Camiguin, vice versa, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Another way from Cebu to Camiguin is via a ferry, which takes about 12 hours once a week.
To find where is Camiguin Island, there are regular flights from Manila to Lumbia Airport in Cagayan De Oro. From the airport, you take a jeepney ride to the Agora Bus terminal, and there is a bus to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, the coastal town of Camiguin. It takes an hour to cross Benoni harbor, or 45 minutes to pass to Guinsiliban harbor. A regular catamaran from Cagayan De Oro also follows the CDO-Camiguin road. The same ferry also flies to Tagblaran, Bohol, and vice versa from Camiguin daily.
Including the means as mentioned above of entry to Camiguin, a ferry also deals daily between Bohol and Camiguin. In particular, 8:00 a.m. from Camiguin and 1:00 p.m. from Bohol in the afternoon. Balbagon Wharf and Jagna, Bohol, are located on the route.
Heading To Where Is Camiguin Island
The easiest way to get there is by booking a direct flight to the airport of Camiguin. A 2-hour bus ride from Cagayan de Oro and a ferry trip to the island are also offered. If you’re from Bohol, it’s easier to get to Camiguin by ferry.
When touring the island, rent motorcycles, multicabs, carriers, or motorcycles. Take public transport if you’re traveling on a budget. Don’t worry. Drivers are available. You will be more than happy to help and guide you. If you are organizing private tours or yourself, Camiguin is the place to be.
Where Is Camiguin Island: Visiting The Place
Camiguin Island rises like a lost planet from the sea. The volcanic island is carpeted in a lush, green jungle with peaks elevating from turquoise waters peppered with dozens of surrounding sandy, white islands.
Separated from the mainland by six miles of the turquoise waters of Gingoog Bay, Camiguin is a paradise for beach lovers that is somewhat unsettled compared with the other more popular islands in the Philippines archipelago. Steel yourself for greens, blues, and whites bursts.
Make the most of kilometers of walking trails that lead deep into jungles and volcano mouths or sink your toes in powdery sand that vanishes into calm and crystalline water.
When traveling, note that from December to March, Camiguin has a rainy season, and Easter and summer break periods are busy. Camiguin Island is the perfect time to visit in the fall.
Where Is Camiguin Island: Why You Should Go
Below are several reasons to visit the Philippines on Camiguin Island.
1. Untouched And Serene Feeling
The word is spoken about the idyllic escapes in the Philippines, which means that finding places that are not overwhelmed with tourists is becoming increasingly difficult. There are legends of the legendary beauty of areas such as Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan.
Fortunately, Camiguin Island was mainly spared from mass finding and maintaining its status as one of the most untouched islands of the Philippines, which means that prices are lower, and it is not uncommon to feel that you have a place for yourself.
2. Enjoy The Hot Springs
Camiguin Island is also the Island of Born of Fire and with good reason. The Island of Camiguin has more volcanoes per square mile than any other island in the world, with more than 20 cones and seven volcanoes (one still considered active). As such, there are hundreds of natural hot springs on the island. There are plenty of thermal springs throughout the island.
For a less intense hike, the Old Camiguin Volcano is located at the top, featuring Roman Catholic Cross Stations. It is a pleasant day walk that takes about an hour.
3. It Is Home To Amazing Cascades
Camiguin Island has among its other remarkable waterfalls some of the best waterfalls in the Philippines. From epic falling more than 200 feet to smaller falls of 50 feet, a day’s waterfall can entirely be spent hopping. Katibawasan Falls, one of the most prominent falls on the island, plunges about 229 feet into a diving pool below.
It is famous for swimming and picnicking in Katibawasan. It’s touristic in nature, with stalls of souvenirs and a concrete path, which means that if you want to run from the beaten track, that’s not it. Still, the falling ones are beautiful, and to take a dip in the cold water is a nice break from the heat.
Binangawan Falls is a distant experience. More adventurous travelers can travel alone. Otherwise, they can arrange a guided tour. Remember that it involves what some consider to be a dangerous walk to the Binangawan Falls, especially where the ground is even a bit wet. But the view is just spectacular. The mountain water gushes down the jade-colored rock facing a pristine swimming hole.
4. For Island-Hopping, It’s A Paradise
The Philippines is an almost private park in the Philippines. And while Camiguin Island itself is idyllic, many other epic islands that are prime to explore surrounds it. For instance, uninhabited White Island is all you think of while closing your eyes and imagining the remote image of the island.
A few hundred yards away, the pure white sandbar is a quick boat ride away. This is a popular spot for snorkeling, surrounded by coral reefs. It is best to go before the heat gets too hot in the early morning. A boat trip costs about 20 pesos or 35 cents in the Philippines.
Mantigue Island is another offshore paradise with all the features of a tropical sanctuary. Image swinging palm trees hindered sand, and turquoise water, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, kayaking, etc.
A return ride from the village of San Roque to the island is around 550 pesos from the Philippines, or $10. There is also a 20-peso entry fee for divers and snorkelers.
5. Swim With Giant Clams
The Philippines, when it comes to diving and snorkeling, is world-renowned for finding secrets under the water, and Camiguin Island is no different. From areas that are suitable for beginners who enjoy snorkeling to areas where the most experienced skilled divers, there are plenty of walks around Camiguin’s beaches and the surrounding islands.
What To Eat
Most people know Camiguin for the sweetest lanzones, a tasty tropical fruit that abundantly grows on the island. Lanzones is a tropical fruit that is abundantly available on the island of Camiguin.
Each 3rd week of October, the province hosts the Lanzones Festival as a way to thank you. Another local specialty is the Pastel de Camiguin, a yema, purple yam, or a macapuno dessert bun, which is a popular souvenir that people want to bring home for friends and family.
Camiguin also provides its share of exclusive local snacks. The Kiping is a small, crispy wafer shaped like a plate made of dry sweet potatoes mixed with water and then fried and latticed, a light caramelized cocoon sauce.
Sinaging is a blend of banana (saba), sugar, ground rice mix, condensed milk, and coconut that you wrap in puso. Koter is cocoa wine that you mix with ground-cocoa, milk evaporated, and chicken eggs are beaten.
Meat eaters want to try the Lechon de Camiguin, a local version of the popular roasted suckling pig found all around the country. Your lechon has perfectly tender skin, soft meat with the right fat, which has soaked the flavors of the herbs, and the secret spices.
The J&A Fishpen Resort & Restaurant, where seafood and Philippine specialties like grilled tuna, crabs, pancit, squid adobo, and sinigang are served, provides unique local cuisine with a refreshing sea view. In the past, they converted J&A Fishpen into a floating travel restaurant.
It’s nice to know the fish you are eating is fresh. You can even go fishing in the nearby fishpens and have your catch cooked as you like.
Final Words
Camiguin Island has a great deal to sell. It’s a great place no matter what type of holiday you ‘re looking for because it will satisfy your hiking pleasure. If you just want to relax by the beach or in natural swimming pools, go waterfall-shopping, explore ancient ruins, experience an underwater escape, and see beautiful coral reefs or pursue a thrilling mountain walking adventure.
Owing to the volcanic nature of the island, Camiguin is full of spectacular landscapes and attractions that you won’t find anywhere else.
