Camiguin: 2500 PHP Budget Travel Guide and Itinerary
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
DID YOU KNOW?
Camiguin is known as the “Island born of fire“. Basically, that’s just they believe that the island is made from volcanic eruption and land movements. It has a total of seven volcanoes including Mount Hibok-Hibok, an active one with last recorded eruption in 1953.
It is near between Bohol Province and Cagayan De Oro Province.
It is home to the famous Sunken Cemetery and Guiob Old Church Ruins.
Traveling to Camiguin for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money and maximize your time. This guide will also make sure that you get the best out of your money while travelling in Camiguin.
Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown , recommended hotels/places to stay , things to do/places to visit and lots of extra travel tips.
Get Started
How to get to Camiguin — By plane, Camiguin can be reached on a 30 minutes to one hour flight from Cebu. It serves direct flights to popular domestic destinations including Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Manila.
Always book your hotel early — Avail low rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon 2-3 months before your travel departure. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.
Check discounts and prices online — Save money by checking discounts on tours & airport/hotel transfers. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.
Camiguin 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental
🏷️ 12% OFF 4G/3G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Philippines
🏷️ 5% OFF 4G WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up/Delivery) for the Philippines
Spend 2 days or more — While it’s possible to explore the highlights of the city in a day, consider planning at least 2 days to tour the island. Go for 4 days for a more relaxed trip.
Save More while Traveling — I’ve included a lot of money saving tips on this guide. You can actually save more when you do not include attractions that has entrance fees. You can achieve cheaper expenses by knowing where to find and book the attractions.
Getting around Camiguin — There are a lot of transport and tour options available whether you want to go with a private tour or a do-it-yourself trip. You can even go full local and try the motorcycle/tricycle commute to get around or stick with packaged tours that can offer a hassle-free experience.
Grab is not offered in this area.
See more blogs & travel guides
Pre-Travel Guide
✓How to get to Camiguin
✓ How to get around Camiguin?
✓ Should I book my Camiguin hotel online?
✓ What to prepare for a trip to Camiguin?
✓ How to find cheap flights to Camiguin?
✓ When is the best time to visit?
✓ Travel Must Haves
✓ Money-saving tips
How to get to Camiguin
Direct Flights from Manila,Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro are being served. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia.
✓ ENTRY POINT MANILA (NAIA)
◾By Airplane (Cebu pacific or Philippine Airlines)
Manila to Cebu then to Camiguin. 1 stop at Cebu.
✓ ENTRY POINT CEBU (Mactan Cebu International Airport)
◾By Airplane (Cebu pacific or Philippine Airlines)
Direct flights from Cebu to Camiguin.
✓ ENTRY POINT CAGAYAN DE ORO (Laguindingan Airport)
◾ By Van or Bus
At Cagayan De Oro Airport (Laguindangan Airport) ride a van to Agora Market terminal. Travel time is 30-45 minutes. Fare is about Php 199 or $4.00.
Enter Agora Terminal. Ride a bus or van bound for Balingoan Port. Don’t forget to tell your driver to drop you off at Balingoan Port. Travel time is around 2.5-3 hours. Bus Fare is about Php 150 or $3.00.
Ride a ferry from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port,Camiguin. Travel time to Camiguin is 1.5- 2 hours. Ferry Fare to Camiguin is Php 170 or $3.4. Please take note that an additional Php 5 or $0.1 for terminal fee and Php 4 or $0.08 for Environmental fee are collected.
From Benoni Port, there are vans, jeeps and multi-cabs to Mambajao Town Proper.
◾ By Taxi
At Cagayan De Oro Airport (Laguindangan Airport) hail a taxi to Balingoan Port. If you want to save money, choose the regular metered taxi or don’t choose the YELLOW TAXI.
Ride a ferry from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port,Camiguin. Travel time to Camiguin is 1.5- 2 hours. Ferry Fare to Camiguin is Php 170 or $3.4. Please take note that an additional Php 5 or $0.1 for terminal fee and Php 4 or $0.08 for Environmental fee are collected.
From Benoni Port, there are vans, jeeps and multi-cabs to Mambajao Town Proper.
✓ ENTRY POINT BOHOL
◾ By Ferry/Boat
Ride the a ferry (Super Lite Ferries) from Jagna, Bohol to Balingoan Port, Cagayan De Oro. It will costs you around Php 500-900 or $10-18 with a travel time of 7 hours.
Ride a ferry from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port,Camiguin. Travel time to Camiguin is 1.5- 2 hours. Ferry Fare to Camiguin is Php 170 or $3.4. Please take note that an additional Php 5 or $0.1 for terminal fee and Php 4 or $0.08 for Environmental fee are collected.
From Benoni Port, there are vans, jeeps and multi-cabs to Mambajao Town Proper.
MAP ON HOW TO GET TO CAMIGUIN
How to get around Camiguin
1.By Habal-Habal or known as Motorcycle
For short distance ride, it will costs you around Php 10 or $0.2. For long distance ride, like camiguin white island to ardent hot spring, will costs you around Php 200 or $4.
Much better if you can drive it yourself. It will costs around Php 400 or $8 per day.
If you want to rent the motorcycle with a driver then this will costs you around Php 800 or $16 per day.
2.By Motorela or one of the locals mode of transportation
There is an eastbound tricycle and a westbound tricycle which you can ride at the market or at the highway.
It will costs you around Php 8 or $0.2
It can accommodate up to 8 passengers.
3. By Van
Most fares costs around Php 30 or $0.6.
It can accommodate up to 10-13 passengers.
If you want to rent tour the island using the van, it will costs you around Php 2000-2500 or $40-50 per day.
4.By Jeep
Most fares costs around Php 25 or $0.5.
It can accommodate up to 13-15 passengers.
If you want to rent tour the island using the jeep, it will costs you around Php 2000-2500 or $40-50 per day.
5.By Multi-Cab
Most fares costs around Php 30 or $0.6.
It can accommodate up to 8-10 passengers.
If you want to rent tour the island using the multi-cab, it will costs you around Php 1500-1700 or $30-34 per day.
You can contact our Multi-cab driver thru 0965-235-9892.
Should I book my Camiguin Hotel Online?
My answer will always be YES. You can save money by checking discounts online. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.
What to prepare for a trip to Camiguin?
Sunblock— If you don’t have a plan in getting yourself tan, then bring some sunblock to protect your skin from the suns UV rays.
Hats and Eye wear — Protect your eyes from the heat of the sun.
Cellphone Waterproof Case — Philippines nationals can enjoy visa-free travel in Camiguin, for up to 30 days.
Rent a GoPro – If you are in Cebu, my friend can rent you one here.
How to find cheap flights to Camiguin?
Start your search on Wego, Momondo, and Skyscanner.
Also, check Camiguin promo alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold up to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date & are often only available if you book directly with the airline.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
In my experience, March – June and October are the best months to visit Camiguin.
Travel Must-Haves
✓ Google Map App – A life-saver for me because without it, I might get lost.
✓ Google Translate – Super powerful app. Translate anything.
✓Gps-Guided App – Tour the city like a local with this app.
✓ Sunscreen – Protect yourself from sunburn or much worse – Cancer.
✓ Pocket Wifi or Sim Card – The convenient of searching anything is a go-to. Please don’t forget this baby. It is a life-saver for me though.
🏷️ 5% OFF 4G WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up/Delivery) for the Philippines
🏷️12% OFF 4G/3G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Philippines
Money Saving Tips
Get a good map and explore the city on your own tour — You can tour the city at your own pace plus you can choose from a variety of options. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Camiguin that doesn’t cost a dime.
Drive a motorcycle — This is the cheapest way to get around.
Stay at hostels or airbnb — If you are travelling alone or by group of 3, hostels are best for you. But, if you are travelling in group of 4 or more, then airbnb is best for you. I have calculated the difference and airbnb ones are best for group of travellers.
Where to Stay in Camiguin
Me and my friends personally stayed at Camiguin White Island Beach Resort. Our room was named Amakan. The room is made of wood.
It costs around Php 2500.00 or $50 good for 5-8 pax per day.
Check availability of hotel and room rates here
You can contact the owner of the Resort thru 0917-794-7896.
For more info about this place check this guide here.
Click below to compare rates on Camiguin hotel/hostels or apartments within your budget.
| Best Luxury Hotels in Camiguin — Splurge at the best 5-star and 4-star hotels in Camiguin. See rates & reviews | |
| Promo rates on 4-Star & 5-Star Camiguin hotels — Discounts on luxury rooms available for booking today. See discounts | |
| UnderPHP 4,000 | Recommended 3-Star Camiguin hotels & mid-range accommodations — Great-value rooms for couples or when traveling with family & friends.See rates & reviews |
| UnderPHP 2,000 | Best Camiguin Apartments — For 4 or more travelers looking for decent yet affordable accommodations and does not like crowded hostels.See rates & reviews |
| UnderPHP 1,000 | Best Camiguin hostels & budget hotels — affordable places to stay for backpackers/solo travelers.See rates & reviews |
| TOP RATED PLACES TO STAY IN CAMIGUIN | |
|---|---|
| Balai sa Baibai | Splurge / Agoho,Mambajao. See discounts |
| Bintana Sa Paraiso | Splurge / Tangub Naasag, Mambajao. Check Rates |
| Nypa Style Resort Camiguin | Mid-Range / Bug-ong, Mambajao. Check Rates |
| Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat & Dive Resort | Mid-Range / Camiguin Cir. Road. Check Rates |
| Lanzones Cabana | Budget Hostel / Agoho,Mambajao. Check Rates |
Where to book
Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to avail cheapest prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:
3D/2N Camiguin Itinerary
I just took a glance at the articles of places to visit in Camiguin because the brother of my friend happens to be there ahead of us. So, I did just go with the flow. Actually, we do not have any itinerary before we land in the island.
I just made the itinerary just by picking the places near us. So without further ado, presenting you our Itinerary!
Day 1: Camiguin En Route, Ardent Hot Spring and White Sand Bar Sunset (Prepare to get wet!!)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0800 am | Meet up with friend and eat breakfast |
| 0900 am | Grab Car to Sm Cebu My Bus |
| 09:30 am | My Bus to Mactan-Cebu Int. Airport |
| 10:15 am | Check-in at Mactan-Cebu Int. Airport |
| 11:00 am | ETD Mactan Cebu Int. Airport to Camiguin – (Philippine Airlines) |
| 11:40 am | ETA Camiguin Airport |
| 12:15 nn | Arrived at Camiguin White Island Beach Resort |
| 12:45 nn | Lunch at Checkpoint Restaurant |
| 01:30 pm | En route to Ardent Hot Spring via Motorela |
| 03:15 pm | En route to Camiguin White Island (Best to buy ballpen here! and Lansones!) |
| 05:00 pm | En route to resort to wash up and be ready for dinner |
| 06:00 pm | Dinner at Bbq near Checkpoint |
| 08:00 pm | Card games with friends |
Day 2: Camiguin Island Tour
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:00 am | Driver picked us up at Resort |
| 07:15 am | Breakfast |
| 07:30 am | Going to Walkway to Old Volcano (Mt. Vulcan) |
| 09:00 am | En Route to Catarman Pasil Reef or Sunken Cemetery |
| 11:00 am | En Route to Old Church Ruins (Best to buy the “PUSIT” pasalubong here!) |
| 12:00 nn | Going to Soda Spring and Lunch |
| 01:40 pm | Tres Marias Mountain |
| 01:56 pm | Going to Tuasan Falls |
| 02:25 pm | Going to Sto. Niño Cold Spring (Best to buy bags and t-shirt here!) |
| 03:20 pm | En route to Sto. Rosario or shrine of the Immaculate Mary (It’s best to go to Katibawasan Spring) |
| 03:40 pm | Viewpoint |
| 04:20 pm | Went to check Guerrera Asian Food House |
| 05:00 pm | En route to resort to wash up and be ready for dinner |
| 07:00 pm | Dinner |
| 08:00 pm | Card games with friends |
Day 3: Going Home
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 06:30 am | Wake up Call |
| 07:00 am | Breakfast |
| 09:45 am | En Route to Mambajao Market to Buy Pasalubong (ex. Pastel) |
| 10:15 am | Arrived at Airport and Checked-in at Airport |
| 12:10 nn | ETD Camiguin Airport to Mactan Cebu Int. Airport (Philippine Airlines) |
| 01:00 pm | ETA at Mactan Cebu International Airport |
Take note that during our 3rd day, we intend to buy Lansones and Pastel at the Mambajao Town Proper. We did not expect that the market there was a bit expensive compared to the Terminal in White Island. In the end it was okay because we bought Pastel at an affordable price.
My friends also wants to tour Mantigue Island but did not have the chance because of time constraint! Well, I have booked the airplane ticket first before setting up the itinerary! Just sooooo me! 🙂
3D/2N Camiguin Budget Expenses (for 7 people)
Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.
Prices below are ‘per person’, calculated based on a group of 7 people sharing the travel expenses.
| Transport expenses breakdown | |
|---|---|
| PHP 29 | Pick up(Airport to Camiguin White Island Beach Resort) — PHP 200 / 7 pax. |
| PHP 29 | Motorela fare from Checkpoint to Ardent Hot Sprint (Be sure to ask the driver to wait for you because it is hard to get some transportation and the motorcycle is expensive) — PHP 200 / 7 pax. |
| PHP 29 | Motorela fare from Ardent Hot Spring to Camiguin White Island Terminal — PHP 200 / 7 pax. |
| PHP 193 | Camiguin White Island (Note: We have no choice but to rent 2 boats because we were 7) — PHP 1350 / 7 pax. |
| PHP 243 | Island Tour Vehicle — PHP 1700 / 7 pax. |
| PHP 29 | Drop off Airport — Per person |
| Activities/Attraction costs breakdown | |
|---|---|
| PHP 10 | Walkway to the Volcano — Entrance fee per person. |
| PHP 195 | Sunken Cemetery or Catarman Pasil Reef — Snorkel fee per person. |
| PHP 50 | Ardent Hot Spring — Entrance fee per person. |
| PHP 50 | Tuasan Falls — Entrance fee per person. |
| PHP 50 | Sto. Niño Cold Spring — Entrance fee per person. |
| PHP 10 | Old Church Ruins — Entrance fee per person. |
| PHP 10 | Soda Spring — Entrance fee per person. |
| Meal Expenses | |
|---|---|
| PHP 265 | Lunch at Checkpoint Day 1 |
| PHP 215 | Dinner Day 1 |
| PHP 44 | Breakfast Day 2 |
| PHP 195 | Lunch Day 2 |
| PHP 145 | Dinner (Bought at the market and let the caretaker cook the food for us) |
| PHP 30 | Breakfast Day 3 |
| Budget Trip Expenses Summary | |
|---|---|
| PHP 552 | Transport — Shared expenses per group of 7. |
| PHP 715 | Accommodations — 2 nights in budget hotel/hostel. |
| PHP 894 | Food — Full meals x 3 days |
| PHP 375 | Activities — Admission tickets/entrance fees on selected activities above. |
| PHP 2536 | Total — Including all expenses above for 3 days in Camiguin. Excluding flights |
Other fees:
1300 php – Philippine Airlines Fare (Cebu-Camiguin and vice versa) (199 peso sale)
40 php – lansones ice cream
400 php – souvenirs (ballpens and ref magnet bought at White Island Terminal)
200 php – for food pasalubong (Uncooked Chicharon Pusit bought at Old Church Ruins)
656 php – souvenirs (Bag, t-shirt and ref magnet bought at Sto.Niño old Spring)
300 php – food pasalubong (pastels bought at mambajao town proper)
465 php – food pasalubong (Cheese sticks bought at Pasalubong sa Camiguin)
3361 php or $68
Further Breakdown of Expenses for:
450.00 php – Pumboat 1 fee
450.00 php – Pumboat 2 fee
150.00 php – Umbrella
50.00 php – Entrance fee per person (multiplied by 6)
1350 php or $27
Snorkeling at Catarman Pasil Reef/ Sunken Cemetery
100.00 php – Environmental fee per head (multiplied by 7)
150.00 php – Guide 1 fee
150.00 php – Guide 2 fee
50.00 php – snorkel gears per head (multiplied by 7)
1350 php or $27
Places to Visit in Camiguin
Check out these top tourist spots, best places to visit & things to do in Camiguin.
1. Ardent Hot Spring
Ardent Hot Spring is one of Camiguin’s hot springs and the most popular natural pool with the waters truly hot especially at the shallowest point as what they say. Needless to say the springs are waters directly from the slopes of the nearest active volcano – belching up from the islands core.
2. Walkway to the Old Volcano
The Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross are laid out in a stairway ascending all the way up to the top where the old volcano is located. A concrete stairway will greet you firsthand and the rest of the steps are sandy.
3. Sto. Niño Cold Spring
Santo Niño Cold Spring is a natural cold spring that flows down from Mt. Mambajao and is filtered by layers of minerals from the mountain, therefore it is naturally clean.
4. Tuasan Falls
Tuasan Falls, one of the 2 falls that our driver/ tour guide recommended. Tuasan is located about 8 km from the provincial of Camiguin. It belong to the municipality of Catarman. Tuasan is a local dialect of water that fall.
5. White Island
White island is particularly small and can be easily erased during high tides. It is located at the town of Mambajao. Those who visit Camiguin wouldn’t want to miss this place and cross the blue seawater to visit this beautiful white sand bar.Plus it is just a short boat-ride from the white island port.
6. Katibawasan Falls
Katibawasan Falls, one of the 2 falls that our driver/ tour guide recommended. It is located at the foot of Mt. Timpoong, Barangay Upper Pandan, approximately five kilometers southeast of the Municipality of Mambajao. Katibawasan Falls elegantly and gracefully drops its cool waters to a wide pool where tourists are having the time of their life. It can be reached through a very short trek from the road.
7. Sunken Cemetery
Have you ever wonder what lies beneath the sunken cemetery?
Today, the Sunken Cemetery is perhaps the most photographed attraction in the province, especially when set against a sunrise or sunset. It is the only cemetery in the world that is placed under the sea with many corals surrounding it.
8. Tres Marias Mountain
Can you find the hills? I am not quite sure if these hills can be explored.
9. Viewpoint
The locals just calls this viewpoint. Maybe because the view is on point?
10. Old Church Ruins
Guiob Old Church Ruins, 16th century church destroyed in 1871 when Vulcan Daan in Camiguin erupted. These ruins survived the eruption and one can see corals interspersed on its walls as one of its foundations.
Other Places to explore : Mt. Hibok Hibok, Dine at Guerrera Restaurant, Dine at Checkpoint, Soda Spring and Swim at Mantigue Islands.
|Related Post : 20 Places to Visit in Camiguin
Festivals
They have Lanzones Festivals. It occurs every October. They harvest Lanzones on this month.
For me, I wanna avoid this month if I intend on visiting the place only because it gets so crowded on that month. Trust me!
For people who loves festival and want to experience their culture firsthand then fly in October! 😆
MAP TO HELP YOU GET AROUND CAMIGUIN
Did you visit any Island? How was it? Try Camiguin Island too!
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XOXO,
Jennifer Loftin
Thanks for all of the great information! I never knew about this island before…now I’d love to plan a visit:)
shellwanders
You’re welcome. I hope you get to visit it someday! 🙂
Jennifer Loftin
Thanks for all of the great information! I never knew about this island before…now I’d love to plan a visit:)
shellwanders
You’re welcome. I hope you get to visit it someday! 🙂
Jergens Omo
i want to visit this island too.
Prince Kean
Great share! Might you need more updates about our hometown, feel free to reach me at site https://princekean.wordpress.com/