Mindanao is home to the second smallest province in the Philippines: Camiguin. Having an area of approximately 238 square kilometers, Camiguin has a number of dormant and active volcanoes, earning it the title the “Island Born of Fire.”

This province has a rich underwater life and is blessed with hot springs, cold springs, waterfalls, sandbars, and century-old ruins. There’s more! The place also provides plenty of things to do like jungle trekking,  mountain climbing and rappelling.

To get you started, here’s a quick look at some of the most popular attractions in Camiguin.

Walkway to the Old Volcano

Want to see several life-size statues that portray the suffering of Jesus? Come to Mt. Vulcan which is popularly known as the old volcano.  During holy week, there’s a flock of tourists and pilgrims moving their way up to the summit. Statues representing the various Stations of the Cross are placed at intervals and you will see each of them as you climb your way up to the top.

Tangub Hot Spring

If you want to dip into warm, bubbling water, Tangub Hot Spring is the right place. Situated on the shore near the Sunken Cemetery,  you can partly see the spring during low tide. You can also go scuba diving or snorkeling as the place is great for observing the rich marine life.

Gui-ob Church Ruins

Remnant of the Gui-ob Church in the town of Old Catarman, the ruins are a 16th century structure deemed as one of the oldest in Camiguin. A quick walk at the back of the main church will let you see the remnants of a convent and a bell tower. At the moment, there’s a small chapel within the walls of the old church so visitors and locals can have a quiet place to pray.

Mantigue Island

Surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches, this 4-hectare island has a fishing village on the north side and a white sand beach with coral reef offshore on the other side. This island offers fantastic spots for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sunken Cemetery

During the volcanic birth of Mt. Vulcan in 1871 to 1875, the old cemetery sunk including some areas in the town of Bonbon. The place was then commemorated by a huge cross which was erected in 1982. Over the years, underwater life has flourished in the sunken cemetery. Eventually, it became one of the most popular diving and snorkeling spots on the island.

Mt. Hibok Hibok

Excited for your next climb? Mount Hibok-Hibok is the perfect place to challenge your mountaineering skills. But before you begin, make sure you secure a permit from the DENR office in Mambajao. After which, you can explore the path all the way to the summit of Mount Hibok Hibok. It usually takes 3-5 hours to reach the peak and the jump off point is the Ardent Hot Spring.

Ardent Hot Spring

The mineral pools of Ardent Hot Spring are at the foot of Mt. Hibok-Hibok. Considered as the most popular spring in the entire Camiguin, Ardent is covered with glorious stone formations and tropical trees.  You can enjoy swimming in several pools although the most favorite by both visitors and the locals is undoubtedly the warmest pool, with a temperature of about 40 degrees celsius.

Katiwabasan Falls

Located at the foot of Mt. Timpoong, Barangay Upper Pandan, Katibawasan Falls is approximately five kilometers southeast of the municipality of Mambajao. This majestic waterfall cascades at 70 meters high and is beautifully adorned with ferns and wild greens. You can see magnificent rock formations surrounding the falls. The area is a great spot for reunion with friends, family bonding and picnicking.

White Island

A sandbar shaped like a horseshoe, White Island continues to attract thousands of visitors every year. There are no shades or shelters on the island so you need to put lots of sunscreen before you set foot on the place. You can easily reach White Island via barangay Agoho or barangay Yumbing in Mambajao which is 4 to 6 kilometers west of the center of the town. 

Sto. Niño Cold Spring

Don’t mind sharing a small space with other tourists? Then visit Sto. Niño Cold Spring in Catarman and take a refreshing dip. The cold, crystal clear water of the two pools has a temperature of around 20 degrees celsius. The best part is you actually get to swim with the fishes.

Camiguin may be the second smallest province in the Philippines but it is rich in natural attractions and historic sites. You can easily get from one place to another as the locals are very helpful, warm and friendly. Vacation goals? Look no further. Camiguin is undoubtedly the place to be.