Camiguin Itinerary, Backpacking in Mindanao

A photo of the stunning Katibawasan Falls.

Every time I hear the word Camiguin, I usually think of the best lanzones in the Philippines and the Sunken Cemetery. But during our visit, we saw how wealthy the top tourist spots and destinations in the province are in terms of natural beauty, making the province one of the best tourist attractions in the Philippines. Backpacking is not a big problem here because at the port of Camiguin, multi-cab, with a driver, can be chartered for the whole day tour (and that’s what we did).


How to Get to Camiguin:

  1. By Air: Book a flight from Manila to Camiguin Airport (CDO). Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia have their regular flights to CGM.
  2. At the airport, charter a habal-habal or jeepney to your destinations.

Camiguin Tourist Spots:


5 Days Backpacking in Mindanao
Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Camiguin

So, after our Butuan City escapade, we headed to this beautiful province. From their terminal, we rode in a bus to Balingoan. Walked to the Port Area. Bought tickets, paid the terminal fees, and traveled an hour to Camiguin Port. Just by the port entrance, a driver approached us to bring us to all the tourist spots destinations in the province.

Katibawasan Falls - it's the first tourist spot in Camiguin we visited; by the way, we started from the farthest. It's a 250-meter waterfall with cool and clear water free-flowing to a river system. The atmosphere in the area is calm because it is surrounded by trees that give fresh and clean air. The water is cold but relaxing because of the pressure, perfect for your tired muscles. Entrance fees are being collected. Souvenir shops are available by the entrance.

Photo: Clear water of Sto. Nino Cold Spring

With the help of our driver/guide, we followed the province's tourist spots map, and the next spot destination was Sto. Nino Cold Spring. You can easily expect fresh and cold spring water by its name. I had no plans to get wet, especially with the temperature of the water, but because of its super dupper clear water, I dipped into the water and experienced how great this cold spring was. I was also stunned by the bottom of the pool, there are no silts because it is made of concrete.

Photo: Tuasan Falls.

Tuasan Falls is another stunning waterfall we found on a brochure of Camiguin tourist spot. It is one of the must-visit attractions in the province because of its grandeur. Similar to the other waterfalls in the Philippines, it has water (of course), has a relaxing water pressure and the area is surrounded by trees and woods. I think Tuasan is not that famous, so fewer people are good for you. During our visit, NO Entrance fees were collected. Stores are available by the entrance.

Photo: Bura Soda Swimming Pool.

The Bura Soda Swimming Pool is also by the highway. I know you're wondering why they call it Soda, it is simply because the water coming out from this spring tastes like a soda and it is safe to drink. Like the Sto. Nino Cold Spring, the Soda Swimming Pool also has cool, refreshing, and crystal clear water.

Photo: Guiob Church Ruin

Creating an itinerary with all Camiguin tourist spots is easy because most of the destinations are by the highway, like this old Spanish Guiob Church Ruin. It was damaged by the volcanic eruption that happened centuries ago, damaging the other structures on the island. The ruin is composed of meter-wide walls and huge columns made of coral stones. Today, they are now covered with mosses and plants.

Photo: Sunken Cemetery.

In the 1800s, Mt. Vulcan was still an active volcano. Its first eruption was in 1827, then in 1862, and the most destructive was in 1871, causing the cemetery to sink. Then, it sunk deeper when it erupted again in the 1960s. It was a resting place, but today, it is probably one of the most visited attractions in the province. It's a place that gives money to the government and jobs to the locals. The best time to visit this Sunken Cemetery is during the dry season, that is from December to May. The large cross was built by the government to mark the burial ground's location. To reach the cross and step on its base, visitors can rent a boat, of course, NOT for free. Souvenir shops and stores are available by the entrance. 

Photo: Ardent Hot Spring.

After the tiring escapade, it's time to relax. The famous Mt. Hibok-Hibok of Camiguin made it a good source of hot springs, like Ardent Hot Spring, our last destination for that day. Situated at the base of a volcano, Ardent has a wide land area composed of trees, plants, cottages, and other structures. Tourists usually make this hot spring their last destination to soothe their tired muscles. Spent an hour of relaxation here while my body was submerged in the warm water.

Due to bad weather conditions, we were unable to visit the famous white sand bar of the province. We waited for good weather and the signal from NDRRMC to sail, but unfortunately, the local government closed it for that day. No choice but to say goodbye with malayo ang tingin shot.

Photo of Pabua's Cottage.

We stayed at Pabua's Cottage for 1,200 pesos overnight. It is definitely one of the most affordable hotels or places to stay in Camiguin. The room or cottage is wide, with its own clean rest and shower rooms, TV with cable, terrace, and three queen-sized beds. Since we were on a tight budget, we went to the market and bought our supplies, cooked, served with happiness, and then rested. Please note that the amount might change without prior notice.

You can't complete your Camiguin experience without trying their local delicacies. Don’t forget to have a short break and eat Pastel. It is not chicken pastel or pastel colors; it is bread with soft dough and yema fillings inside. Grabe! Iba talaga ang feeling habang kumakain ka nito. BABALA: It is addicting! Yung pasalubong ko, naubos ko sa Airport palang.


Where to Stay in Camiguin:

  1. Pabua's Cottages
  2. Shey's Travellers Inn
  3. Playa del Fuego Beach Hostel and Resort
  4. GV Hotel Camiguin
  5. Lanzones Cabana

👉 Click Here to Book them via Agoda ðŸ‘ˆ