The Camiguin tourist spots are unparalleled—towering waterfalls, natural cold springs, and incredible snorkelling on islands with pristine waters. Camiguin is a must-visit destination at least once.
Planning a trip? This local guide covers 13 must-visit Camiguin tourist spots, recommended hotels near attractions, the best restaurants, and transport options. We’ve even included updated entrance fees and insider tips for skipping the crowds!
Camiguin is known as the ‘Island Born of Fire,’ famous for its 7 volcanoes, pristine white sandbar, hot and cold springs, and world-class diving sites. This small volcanic island boasts diverse attractions from the iconic White Island and Mantigue Island to historical sites like the Sunken Cemetery. Beyond its natural wonders, Camiguin is celebrated for its sweet lanzones fruit and offers visitors a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Why Is Camiguin The Best Tourist Spot?
While tourism grows in Camiguin, the island remains authentically Filipino with pristine nature spots, making it the Philippines’ top hidden paradise. Seven volcanoes, two untouched islands, towering waterfalls, the iconic Sunken Cemetery, and natural springs are all packed into one compact destination.
How To Get To Camiguin
If you are coming from Cebu or nearby, it is best to book a flight with Cebu Pacific as the ferry will cost you so much time and not save you enough money to justify it.
Camiguin Map With Tourist Spots
Explore the best tourist attractions, hidden gems and places to eat highlighted in this article using our interactive Camiguin map.
Click on each pin on the Map to learn more about each tourist attraction and even see photos!
We’ve provided detailed information about each location pinned on this Camiguin map below. Continue reading to uncover all the must-visit tourist spots on the island.
The Most Popular Camiguin Tourist Spots
Mantigue Island​
Mantigue Island was undoubtedly our favourite Camiguin tourist spot. Arriving at the island, you are greeted with powdery white sand, and crystal clear waters. The island has some fantastic snorkelling just a few meters from the beach, with some claiming to have seen sea turtles graze the area.
To get here, head to ‘Mantigue Island Departure Area’ on Google Maps and pay the relevant fees. If you are a couple or an individual, it is best to wait for others so you can split the cost of the boat. The maximum time you can stay here is 3 hours to help prevent the island from becoming overcrowded.
Entrance = 750 pesos for a 6 person bangka boat
White Island
White Island is one of the most stunning sandbars in the Philippines. The white sand provides a striking contrast to its surrounding turquoise waters, creating a picturesque location to swim and relax. The island has a stunning backdrop of Mt Hibok Hibok and is most impressive during low tide when more of the sandbar is visible.
Due to the lack of shade on the island, it is best to arrive early in the day to avoid the heat.
Entrance fee = 550php per 4 people for a Bangka boat
Other Camiguin Tourist Spots
Tuasan Falls
Tuasan Falls, located in central Camiguin, is a tall cascading fall that has a blue pool you can swim in. The water is brisk and refreshing, perfect for a hot day. The lush greenery surrounding the waterfall makes it truly aesthetic and highly worth visiting.
Entrance fee = 75php
Katibawasan Falls
Katibawasan Falls​ is a great stop located just 15 minutes from Mambajao Town. The cascading waterfall is 70 meters tall and set amongst picturesque scenery. Most group tours do this stop early in the day, so when we arrived later in the day, around 3 pm, we had the falls to ourselves. The only downside seems to be the urbanisation here; The concrete path and walkway surrounding the waterfall have stolen the natural beauty of it.
Entrance fee = 75php
Sunken Cemetery
Arguably one of the most iconic Camiguin tourist spots, the Sunken Cemetery is a remnant of a volcanic eruption in the late 80s, causing the cemetery to submerge beneath the sea.
Today, the cemetery is a popular landmark. Tourists can organise a guide to take them on the short boat ride across the water to stand next to the cross.
My favourite activity here was snorkelling. We headed to the water towards sunset (low tide), which made all the fish and corals illuminate beautifully from the sun’s rays. The most vibrant corals and schools of fish are located a little further behind the cross, on the right-hand side. For less confident swimmers, it is best to go during high tide to avoid damaging the coral or the ecosystem. A guide can be booked for a snorkelling tour if you are less confident or need to rent equipment.
This is undoubtedly one of the top Camiguin snorkelling spots!
This area is mesmerising during sunset, where the cross becomes silhouetted against hues of red and orange (around 5:50 pm).
St Nino Cold Spring​
St Nino Cold Spring was a delightful surprise to our trip. At first, walking into the spring, the entrance was extremely crowded, leaving us a little overwhelmed. However, the far side of the spring, where the deeper water is, was practically empty. Most locals stick to the outside of the spring or the shallows, meaning there are plenty of uncrowded swimming spots in the deeper water. The strikingly cold water provided a refreshing relief from the heatwave during our trip. The venue was well-kept with tables for rent, toilets, showers and changing facilities available.
Entrance fee = 75php per person (+ 100php per table)
Old Spanish Church Ruins
Camiguin’s Old Church Ruins are a symbol of Christianity and Spanish influence from the 16th century. Today, the moss-covered stones of the exterior still stand tall, creating an atmospheric site to wander around.
The ruins are small but worth visiting if you are in the nearby area or are looking to take some scenic photos.
Entrance fee = 50 php
The Walkway To The Old Volcano
The Walkway To The Old Volcano is a 30-minute uphill trek holding natural beauty and cultural significance. The path is a mixture of concrete stairs and soil walkways. Along the route, lie different religious statues. The walk itself is inherently scenic: Up close views of Mount Vulcan, luscious greenery from the fertile soil and views of the sunken cemetery amidst the azure ocean.
Ensure to bring enough water on the way up and attempt to climb early in the morning, as it gets unbearably hot later in the day. Although trainers are not a necessity, they provide far more grip and comfort than slippers on this hike.
Soda Water Pool
A mineralized soda water pool, popular amongst tourists and locals. With two large pools to swim in, plenty of shade and stone cottages, it is an ideal place for a refreshing swim and a laidback afternoon.
A trip here is best on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowd.
Entrance = 75php
Hidden Camiguin Tourist Spots
Ironically, the activities we did that we hadn’t even known about until we were recommended by a local or we blindly stumbled upon, were our favourites. Our spontaneous road trip around the island was our favourite day (and we didn’t spend a penny on activities)!
Pamonglo Cold Springs
Located in Sagay, southern Camiguin, the cold springs are an untouched section of the river with several deep pools, each connected by a small waterfall. The location is gorgeous, surrounded by luscious undergrowth, singing birds and the sound of gently flowing water accumulating in crystal-clear pools. If you go on a weekday, you will likely have the whole place to yourself, making it the perfect Camiguin tourist spot!
Follow the directions on Google Maps to ‘Pamonglo Cold Springs’. Once the road curves to the right to cross a small bridge, you have arrived. There is a resort opposite offering day use of the spring for 50php. For a more natural experience, head upstream for a few minutes and pick which natural pool you would like to dip in. This activity has no tourist amenities, making it perfect for a peaceful moment in unspoiled nature.Â
Entrance fee = NoneÂ
Rent a Table = 150php
Momot Beach Stone
There are several spots like this on the island where azure waters lap gently against pebble beaches. This specific spot is in Sagay and can be located using Google Maps.Â
Along the main road in Sagay, there is a break in the barrier of the street, leading to a small dirt path winding through towering palm trees. The short walk here is aesthetic, but the true beauty is once you reach the shoreline. We were shocked at how clear the water was here, instantly enticed for a swim. The beach’s seclusion makes it so impressive – no heavy crowds to ruin the mood, just us and the ocean. Â
Bingangawan Falls
Favoured by the more adventurous tourists, this waterfall is a secluded paradise, away from the crowds of the more popular waterfalls on the islands. To get here is no easy feat – it is a long drive from the main town towards a lesser-known, un-signposted destination.Â
One of the people who went there was called ‘crazy’ by a local for even attempting it due to the steepness of the road, lack of directions and overgrown route to access the falls. This activity is a find-at-your-own-risk type of place. We didn’t visit here due to the overwhelming heatwave in Camiguin during our stay, making us dread the trek into the unknown.Â
Chang Lookout Point
Along the northwest side of Camiguin lies several picturesque roadside spots for sunset, Chang Lookout Point Being one of them. As the sun sets over the ocean, the sky is transformed with bright hues of orange and red, illuminating the clouds and making the ocean sparkle. The height from this location allows you a mesmerising view of the sunset.Â
Best Coffee Shops On Camiguin Island
Despite being a relatively small island, Camiguin has some outstanding coffee shops. In Mambajao, Tres-Marias Cafe, a small but aesthetic cafe, served us fantastic Oreo cheesecake and a refreshing salted caramel iced coffee.
PutaIsla, located in the southwest of the island, is a small outdoor cafe with friendly staff. Its delicious food, exceptionally flavorful drinks, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi make it the ideal spot to relax and unwind after a day of adventure.
Utopia, located next to the Volcano Observatory, is Camiguin’s latest coffee shop, opening in April 2024. The coffee shop’s highlight is its incredible views overlooking the island and the White Sand Bar.
The Beehive Driftwood Cafe, nestled in Catamaran, stands out as the most unique cafe I’ve ever encountered. Perched on the ocean’s edge, it’s crafted from an array of driftwood and trinkets, making it a visual delight. Beyond its captivating ambience, the cafe boasts friendly staff, exceptional service, and mouthwatering cuisine. Their coffee is created using locally sourced beans, adding to its charm and appeal.
These charming cafes are marked on our interactive Camiguin map, making it easier for you to include them in your island road trip itinerary.
Where To Eat In Camiguin
Camiguin has a fabulous array of international food and local cuisine. If you are craving pizza, Crito’s Crust Pizzeria has a mouthwatering array of toppings to choose from, all served on a crispy oven-baked crust. La Dolce Vita, opposite the airport, also serves authentic Italian food; Their carbonara transported me back to my last trip to Italy! The best fresh fish we ate on the island was in the Northern Lights Restaurant in Mambajao. The tuna steak here was extremely juicy and affordable at the same time. Our most visited eatery in Camiguin was Higupp Food Hub (Mamabajao). It is nestled off the main road and serves tasty local food with a great serving size.
Where To Stay In Camiguin
Kalimba De Luna Inn
Normally when we travel, we book our room for the first night, get the vibe and then decide if we want to relocate or extend. We booked our first night at Kalmiba and decided to stay the entire trip. The room was clean with a strong aircon, equipped with a kettle a fridge and a spacious private bathroom. Our highlight was the lovely couple who ran the place; They spoke to us every day and gave us great local recommendations on places to eat and visit.
Other Places To Stay In Camiguin:
How To Get To The Camiguin Tourist Spots?
The easiest way to see the island and explore the best Camiguin tourist spots is to rent a scooter, which you can do directly from the airport. It was the easiest, most convenient rental we have ever done. The bike we rented was modern, with a full tank and in great shape. Rental is usually 400php per day, however, if you plan on staying longer, I’m confident you could haggle that price down a little!
Camiguin QR Code For Tourists
Camiguin Island uses a QR code for every tourist visiting the island. You will need this QR to access your accommodation.
The Camiguin QR involves a few personal details about your identity and length of stay. This helps the authorities identify how many tourists visit the island and how long they stay.
And while you can fill the Camiguin QR out upon arrival, you may get stuck in a queue and find yourself frustrated by the slow airport wifi! Fill it out here.
How Many Days Do You Need In Camiguin?
The best Camiguin tourist spots can be explored in 2 days due to the compact island size and proximity of attractions. For the complete experience, including White Island, waterfalls, and scuba diving, stay 3 days and 2 nights.
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3-Day Camiguin Tourist Spots Itinerary:
Day 1: Waterfalls & Heritage Sites
– Morning: Katibawasan Falls & Tuasan Falls
– Afternoon: Old Spanish Church Ruins & Sunken Cemetery
– Evening: Relax at St. Nino Cold Spring & Ardent Hot Spring
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Day 2: Island Hopping
– Sunrise: White Island sandbar (best photos)
– Mid-day: Mantigue Island snorkelling
– Afternoon: Hidden gem – Pamonglo Cold Spring
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Day 3: Ocean Activities
– Morning: Scuba diving at marine sanctuary
– Afternoon: Departure
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Travel Tip: Book White Island for sunrise to avoid crowds and get the best photos
Camiguin Important Things To Know:
- There isn't much nightlife on the island, especially not on weekdays.
- Restaurants stop serving quite early. We recommend ordering before 8 pm
- 3 nights is all you need to see the highlights of the island
- It is easiest to rent a scooter straight from the airport
Explore The Best Camiguin Island Tourist Spots With These Tours
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We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.Â
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