Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island with a total land area of 238 sq. kilometers. It lies 10 kilometers off the coast of the Province of Misamis Oriental. Along with the Provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental, Camiguin forms part of a geopolitical grouping of provinces comprising Region X or Northern Mindanao. In terms of land area, Camiguin is only around 2 percent of Region X.

Camiguin is said to be "Born of Fire". It has seven volcanoes unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Volcanic eruptions and land movements have created this spectacular island full of natural wonders and historical riches.As an island of varied ecosystem, Camiguin's uniqueness lies in its varied terrain, pristine natural environment and rustic setting. As a matter of fact, the Province has been identified by the Department of Tourism as one of the top 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines, and No. 7 diving spot in the world.

 

 

Camiguin almost defies description. It is a tiny island of lush forests, volcanic splendor, eternal hot and cold natural springs, pristine patches of black and white beaches, majestic waterfalls, exotic marine life, blue-ridge mountains, serene surroundings, idyllic lifestyle; it has a glorious past, and is inhabited with jovial people. The truth is, Camiguin is best experienced than described as one gets enchanted by her mystical charm.

 

It really has amazing natural resources and peaceful atmosphere that stir and baffle the minds of everyone. Camiguin is believed to be one of the Philippines's most beautiful island - a virtual paradise - as the island allows visitors to experience a sample of untouched beauty in its entirety. Locked in the eternal embrace of the sea, Camiguin continues its simple existence sheltered from and unfazed by the virulent pressures of today's accelerated lifestyles.

 

 

Camiguin can be reached either by ferryboat or small aircraft. The fastest way to get to the island from Manila is to take any of the commercial flights to Cagayan de Oro City. In Cagayan de Oro, one can either hire a taxi right outside the airport terminal or take the bus in the city center to Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental. The bus terminal is located at Agora, Lapasan.

Depending on the weather condition, it takes about one hour and a half to two hours by land to reach Balingoan Port, which is 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro. This port is the nearest jump-off point to Camiguin. The ferryboat ride to Benoni Port in the Municipality of Mahinog takes about one hour. This port is 17 kilometers from Mambajao, the capital of Camiguin Province which can be reached by jeepneys. 

 

 

White Island - also known as Medan Island, it is one of the most popular sites to visit in Camiguin. This small inhabited white sand bar, with picturesque Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Mt. Vulcan as its backdrop, is located two kilometers across from the beaches of Agohay and Yumbing. The island, with a shape that differs depending on the tide, is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and shell collecting.

 

Sunken Cemetery - Lying 20 feet underwater in Barrio Bonbon, Catarman lies the sunken cemetery, the remains of a volcanic eruption. Coral encrusted tombstones can still be explored by snorkellers and scuba divers. A huge cross was installed in 1982 to mark the community cemetery which sunk during the 1871 volcanic eruption. A fluvial procession usually organized by the townfolk of Barangay Bonbon is held to honor the sunken graves of their forefathers on the month of November.

 

Katibawasan Falls - Five kilometers southeast of Mambajao at the foot of Mt. Timpoong. Waterfalls which measure about 250 feet high cascades to a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Ice cold water provides an ideal summer splash to bathers and picnickers. The falls tumble down into a green pool, ideal for a refreshing swim. Giant ferns decorate the surrounding land, carpeting for space with huge trees and dropping vines. It is an ideal place to cool off during hot and humid days.  

 

 

 

Catarman Church Ruins - famous for the name Ruins of Gui-ob Church located in Barangay Bonbon, 10 kilometers from the center of Catarman town. What remains are ruins of adobe walls of the church, belfry and convent that are testimonials to the devastating 1871 earthquake and eruption of Mt. Vulcan which wiped out the town of Catarman established earlier as a Spanish settlement in 1697. 

 

Ardent Hot Springs - The resort is located six kilometers southwest of Mambajao in Esperanza, Tagdo, Mambajao and is the most popular of Camiguin's hot springs. The hot spa at the resort is a natural pool of about 40 deg C coming from the bowels of Mt. Hibok-Hibok. It has a four-tiered pool of varying depths and warmth. the hottest and shallowest is on top. There are cottages, a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and dormitory facilities provided for local and foreign tourists.

 

Phivolcs Station - The eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok prompted the Philippine government to create the commission of Volcanology which is presently known as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology (PHIVOLCS). PHIVOLCS continue to monitor any unusual seismic activities for the safety of visitors and residents of the island.

 

 

 

Sto. Nino Cold Spring - Four kilometers north uphill of Catarman proper with a pool measuring 25 m by 40 m and 1/2 meter deep of cold spring water sprouting from its sandy bottom. The area has stores, picnic huts, cook-out facilities and restrooms for picnickers. The water flows into smaller pools built for children who could not swim in the bigger eight-foot deep lagoon. There is a nominal fee that has to be paid to enter this cold spring. 

 
Via Cruzes Old Volcano Slope - It is where life-size statues depicting the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ - the 14 Stations of the Cross that dot a trail to Old Volcano's peak are found. At the last station is a sepulcher carefully carved and chiseled out of volcanic rocks. The pilgrims congregate here to pray during Lenten Season.