The island-province of Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay.

Camiguin is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao, with its land area pegged at 29,187 hectares. It is composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao, the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The island plays host to seven volcanoes, including the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok. According to the National Statistics Office, Camiguin has a total population of 74,232 persons, making the province the second smallest in the Philippines in terms of population.

Camiguin owes its monicker, “Garden of Eden” to the presence of beautiful beaches and majestic waterfalls in this island-paradise. One of the favorite sandy beaches in the island is Agohay Beach, located 7 kilometers from Brgy. Agoho in Mambajao. Native cottages, a multipurpose building, and motorized pumpboats are available accomodations for visitors. Likewise, Agohay has a good camping area for Mt. Hibok Hibok mountaineers.

Camiguin is a volcanic island with seven volcanoes dominating the rugged, hilly terrain. The three highest volcanoes in the province are Mt. Tempong (1,580m), Mt. Mambajao (1,420 m), and Mt. Hibok-Hibok (1,250 m)

The coastline alternates between black or white sand beaches and volcanic rock. Bays surrounding the province are the coastal population’s source of livelihood.

Vegetation and natural springs make the island’s climate cool, mild, and invigorating. Dry season starts in April and lasts for three months; November to January are the coldest months.

A white sandbar just across Paras Beach Resort in Barangay Yumbing, ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling. This uninhabited sandbar changes its shape according to tide.

White Island – 1 km offshore an uninhabited sand bar. People just go there to have a picnic and then return to the main land. It’s too hot to stay long (no trees not even grass so no shadow) and with high tide there is not much of an island.Matique Island

Matique or Magsaysay Island – 2 km offshore an inhabited beautiful island surrounded by coral reefs. About 10 families live on the island from fishing. Great place for snorkeling.

A large cross marks a cemetery swept to the sea by old Mt. Vulcan Daan’s eruption in 1871.

How to get there

There is a small airport on the island but it’s expensive and not much used. The best way is take a ferry from Balingoan in north Mindanao to Binoni on Camiguin. The ferries leave eight times daily and takes 90 minutes for the crossing. From here you can take jeepneys to every village on the island.

Balingoan can be reached from Cagayan d’Oro with a bus what takes 2 hours (85 km). The busses to Balingoan leaves frequently from the Agora market. Long distance ferries (to get to Cagayan d’Oro) need to be booked a few days in advance, at least if you don’t want to pay that much.

A direct boat from Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin takes 5-1/2 hours to reach Binoni and leaves only on Mondays and Fridays.

More pictures here and here

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