Where to stay
- Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin Resort, Brgy. Balbagon, Mambajao; +63 88 387 0131; www.bahaybakasyunan.com. A quiet and peaceful tropical resort, with landscaped grounds and a pool.
- Casa Roca Inn, Baring, Naasag; +63 88 387 9500; www.casarocacamiguin.com. A homely inn with a cozy ambience and gorgeous sunset views. Do note that cellphone reception is poor, so head here if you’re looking for a digital detox.
- Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat & Dive Resort, Camiguin Circumferential Rd, Mambajao; +63 88 387 9551; www.camiguinvolcanbeach.com. Several accommodation types are available, from standard rooms to spacious beach villas with canopy beds.
- Secret Cove Beach Resort, Yumbing, Mambajao; +63 88 387 9084; www.secretcovecamiguin.com. For clean, affordable lodgings with easy access to the beach.
Where to eat
- CheckPoint Food Palace, Mambajao, Camiguin. This popular restaurant offers affordably-priced western and Filpino fare in large portions.
- J&A Fishpen Resort & Restaurant, Brgy Benon, Mahinog; +63 88 387 4008. Tuck into fresh seafood at this restaurant, which is located next to a lake. You can even try your hand at fishing while waiting for your food!
- La Dolce Vita, Baylao, Mambajao; +63 906 696 8352. Enjoy homemade Italian pastas and pizzas at this cozy restaurant.
- La Isla Cocina, Agoho, Camiguin Circumferential Rd, Mambajao. A Spanish-Mexican restaurant that serves up dishes like quesadillas, pizzas, burritos and tacos.
- Luna Ristorante, Barangay Yumbing, Mambajao; +63 88 387 9526. Serves home-cooked Italian cuisine like pizza and pasta.
- Secret Cove Beach Resort, Yumbing, Mambajao; +63 88 387 9084; www.secretcovecamiguin.com. Please your palate with delectable French-Canadian cuisine. Crowd favorites include the porterhouse steak and the banana peanut butter yogurt shake.
- Shardana Bar & Grill, Bug-ong, Mambajao; +63 928 379 5540. Head here for excellent Italian and Filipino fare, served up by the friendliest owners.
- The BeeHive and Island of Honey, 9104 Camiguin Circumferential Rd, Catarman; +63 939 932 0334. This café specializes in homegrown coffee, honey, nuts and organic snacks. Try the fresh dragonfruit shake, which is naturally sweetened with honey.
- Vjandep Pastel, V1 Plaridel St, Mambajao; +63 88 387 0049; www.vjandep.com. Buy a box (or three!) of its famous pastel (a sweet, filled bun) to take home.
What to do
- Ardent Hot Spring, Esperanza, Tagdo, Mambajao; +63 88 387 0948. The hot spring is open around the clock, so we’d recommend avoiding the crowds by visiting at night.
- Camiguin Zipline, Lagoon, Benoni; +63 88 387 4008. Ride the 1,100-meter zipline that will take you above the Tanguines Lagoon, overlooking the Mantigue Island.
- Giant Clam Sanctuary, Kantaan, Guinsiliban. Go snorkelling for a closer look at the resident clams, some of which measure more than a meter wide!
- Guiob Church Ruins, Brgy. Bonbon, Catarman. Explore the ruins of the old church (one of the oldest structures on the island), which was felled by the 1871 Mt. Vulcan eruption.
- Katibawasan Falls, Mambajao. A 250-meter high beauty with a refreshingly cool plunge pool that’s perfect for swimming.
- Mantique Island, Mahinog. A beautiful islet where you can go snorkeling, diving and paddle boarding.
- Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Catarman. Take a rejuvenating dip in the cold spring – A 25m by 40m pool with cool, crystal-clear waters.
- Sunken Cemetery, Brgy. Bonbon, Catarman. Go snorkeling and diving at this underwater cemetery, which sank due to multiple eruptions from Mt Vulcan. In 1982, a large cross was built on the solidified lava to mark the gravesite.
- White Island. Soak up the early-morning sun on this uninhabited white sandbar that’s located over a kilometer off the northern shore of Mambajao. It offers excellent views of Mt Vulcan, Mt Hibok-Hibok and Tres Marias volcanoes, and is ideal for picnicking and sunbathing. Rent a boat for up to five people for PHP450.
