Camiguin Travel Guide: Itinerary, Budget, and Best Things to Do

Posted on by Roxanne Tamayo

Camiguin, also known as the “Island Born of Fire,” is a breathtaking destination in the Philippines known for its volcanoes, white-sand beaches, and natural springs. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just someone looking for a relaxing getaway, Camiguin has something for everyone. This guide will cover the best things to do, an ideal itinerary, estimated budget, and essential travel tips for your trip.

It was January 6, 2015, I updated my cover photo on Facebook related to my Camiguin trip last August 8-10, 2014 for the sake of reminiscing how beautiful Camiguin was when I got there. Because of that 4th photo above, I received some inquiries from friends about the budget and itinerary of the said trip. By the way, this was a weekend trip from Friday to Sunday.

How to Get to Camiguin

  • By Air: The fastest way to reach Camiguin is by taking a direct flight from Cebu via Cebu Pacific.
  • By Ferry: If you’re coming from Cagayan de Oro, take a bus to Balingoan Port, then a ferry to Camiguin.

Our Flight Experience

I booked a flight from Cebu to Camiguin which it only had one flight in a day. Camiguin is a small island which when the airplane landed on that day to Camiguin in the early morning, it will return to Cebu the same day. Then the small airport will close and will open the next business day.

We took the only flight from Mactan Cebu International Airport with departure time at 6:10 AM to Mambajao Airport with arrival time at 7:00 AM. The airfare may vary depends on the promo. The only way to get to Mambajao Airport in Camiguin is you have to be at Mactan International Airport in Cebu. Cebu Pacific is the only airline that has a direct flight to Camiguin from Cebu. You can also opt for a boat or ferry that will take several hours to reach Camiguin. I prefer flying because I have to get back to work on a Monday.

Best Time to Visit Camiguin 

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from March to June, for sunny days and clear waters. If you want to experience the Lanzones Festival, plan your trip in October.

It is best to go during summer time around late February, March to May. Avoid rainy seasons during the months of June, July, late August, September, October, November, December, and January.

Fortunately, we went there on the first weekend of August that it was a sunny and bright day. Our trip was perfect like summer.

I have a friend who went to Camiguin around July and it was unfortunate for him and his group that they didn’t enjoy much of the trip as it was raining, muddy, and big waves going to White Island.

Recommended Tour Guide

We had our contact in Camiguin. His name is Meloy as recommended by a friend who went there already last April 2014. He gave me all the details about the place to stay, the group tour, the itinerary, and the budget. I was able to negotiate since we were 7 in the group but 10-12 people would be better.

Tour Guide:

Ceramelo P. Galagatan a.k.a Meloy

+63 936 135 7610

Top Attractions and Things to Do Camiguin Travel Guide

  1. White Island – A stunning white sandbar offering panoramic views of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.
  2. Mantigue Island – A marine sanctuary perfect for snorkeling and diving.
  3. Sunken Cemetery – A historical landmark with a giant cross emerging from the sea.
  4. Katibawasan Falls – A 70-meter waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
  5. Tuasan Falls – A hidden gem with a refreshing natural pool.
  6. Ardent Hot Spring – A volcanic hot spring perfect for relaxation.
  7. Sto. Niño Cold Spring – Crystal-clear waters ideal for a refreshing dip.
  8. Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross – A religious and scenic trek with breathtaking views.
  9. Giant Clams Sanctuary – A conservation site where you can see giant clams up close.
  10. Binangawan Falls – A lesser-known but beautiful cascading waterfall.

3 Days Camiguin Itinerary and Budget

Itinerary Day 1

  • Walkway to the Old Volcano
  • Sunken Cemetery
  • Old Church Ruins
  • White Island
  • Sto. Niño Cold Spring
  • Soda Swimming Pool
  • Ardent Hot Spring
camiguin budget

Itinerary Day 2

  • Boat to White Island
  • Katibawasan Falls
  • Kibila Giant Clams

camiguin budget 2

Itinerary Day 3

  • Flying back home


camiguin budget 3

Estimated Budget

  • Accommodation: ₱800 – ₱2,500 per night
  • Food: ₱100 – ₱300 per meal
  • Entrance Fees: ₱20 – ₱100 per site
  • Transportation (motorbike rental): ₱400 – ₱600 per day
  • Island Hopping: ₱500 – ₱1,500 per person

Below was our estimated budget back then:

camiguin budget 4

With airfare, food, and some souvenirs – P5,000 is fine for each person. But if you bring your own food and don’t buy souvenirs, you can estimate already on how much money to bring. For this trip, I spent almost P10,000 or more because I paid for mom and sister’s airfare, accommodation, food, and almost everything, I guess. It was a treat. <3

Essential Travel Tips

  • Rent a motorbike for easy exploration.
  • Or rent a cab if traveling as a group.
  • Bring cash, as ATMs are limited.
  • Respect the environment and follow eco-tourism rules.
  • Try the local delicacy Pastel, a sweet bun with yema filling.

Where to stay in Camiguin?

We stayed at Paguia’s Cottages which is also affordable and our room is good for 7-10 people. We had 2 airconditioned rooms: first room is good for 3 persons and the 2nd is good for 4 persons. It has a kitchen, refrigerator, toilet, shower room, LCD tv, and a living room. In short, it was like you’re living in your own house. The house is spacious and you can ask for an extra bed if you’re 12 or 15 in a group. Meloy looked for a place which suited for us. If you are a couple or a small group about 3 to 4 persons, he can also look for another place to stay for your convenience.

You can book this on Agoda – Paguia’s Cottages.

Check out other Camiguin accommodations here:

Meloy can also recommend you some places depending on your time and budget. If I have a whole day to spend on a beautiful spot, it would be Katibawasan Falls. We only stayed there for less than 30 minutes but would love to swim more as it was not that really deep and I love the coolness of the water on my skin.

Book your Camiguin Hotels on Agoda
Book your Camiguin Hotels on Booking

Where to Eat in Camiguin?

jia jia restaurant

For breakfast, we went to a small restaurant and it was very cheap. We had our lunch at Sto. Niño Cold Spring which I must say it was expensive. For dinner, go to Jia Jia restaurant for an eat-all-you-can for P150. The dishes were great, we were full and I think the next day, we went there for brunch and dinner too.

Food budget was not included on the list as it may vary.

Photos grabbed from Dianne and JJ.

Check out the other places I visited in the Philippines with its budget and itinerary:

 

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