Camiguin, the island of fire: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary

Camiguin has one of the most beautiful waterfalls we’ve ever seen. Check out Drew Arellano’s favorite spots on the island.

Camiguin is a volcanic island often called “the island of fire.”

Despite this enigmatic nickname, do not expect fire and brimstone upon reaching Camiguin. Here, you’ll find many dive spots with rich marine life, waterfalls you can swim in, and plenty of memorable sweets you’ll want to take home.

Here’s the full itinerary used by Drew Arellano on GMA News TV’s “Biyahe ni Drew.”

Quick facts
Camiguin is an island province located just off the coast of Northern Mindanao.
It is made up of Camiguin Island and two islets: Mantigue Island and White Island.
There are five volcanic vents in Camiguin: Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Mt. Vulcan, Mt. Timpoong, Mt. Butay, and Mt. Guinsiliban.

How to get there
There are no direct flights from from Manila to Camiguin. If you’re coming from Manila, you must first fly to either Bohol, Cebu or Cagayan de Oro. From any of these points, you can take a bangka ride to Camiguin to a flight to the local Camiguin Airport.

What to see

Sunken Cemetery
Entrance fee: P20
Between the years 1871 and 1875, the birth of Mt. Vulcan sank some parts of the province below sea level, including a cemetery. A commemorative cross was erected in 1982. Today, the Sunken Cemetery is a must-see for tourists visiting Camiguin.

To visit the cemetery, head to the town of Bonbon and look for the boatmen by the shore. The bangka ride to the commemorative cross costs P20. We recommend going in the afternoon to catch a chilling view of the cross silhouetted against the sunset.

Katibawasan Falls
Mambajao, Camiguin
The most accessible falls in Camiguin: Katibawasan Falls! No hiking for this one, and you can even drive to the park. Entrance fee is P30 per person.

What to do
"Ang ganda ng tubig, ang daming pwedeng puntahan. You've got waterfalls, springs, beaches...the works." —Drew Arellano

Island hopping: White Island and Mantigue Island
The two islets of Camiguin are both worth a visit, but if you’re pressed for time, here’s a kodigo to help you choose:

White Island’s main attraction is its pristine sandbar! If you like swimming and sunbathing, this is the place for you. Bangka rental is P420 for a round trip, good for four to six people.

If you water activities like like diving, snorkeling, banana boat & jetski, visit Mantigue Island. Bangka rental is P500 for a round trip, good for four to six people. Mantigue Island: their seafood feast! A shack on the island cooks up white crabs, garden eels, clams and more.

Night swimming
Ardent Hibok-Hibok Hot Spring Resort, Mambajao, Camiguin
Want to relax after a day of touring? Visit this local resort for a dip in a warm pool under a lovely tree canopy! They also offer simple accommodations if you want to stay the night.

Swim in “soda water”
Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool, Compol-NIA-Mainit Road, Catarman, Camiguin
If hot springs aren't your thing, visit Camiguin's Bura Soda Water Park (P20 entrance fee). Their carbonated pool water comes from a natural spring, and is cold and sweet! The park retained the surrounding forest and also has a view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

Where and what to eat

Northern Lights Restaurant
Mambajao, Camiguin Island
Northern Lights is one of Camiguin’s best restaurants, and not just because of the food. The restaurant also offers a view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok! Drew recommends their bulalo and pizza; expect to spend around P200 per person, or between P130 and P170 per person if you’re sharing food with a group.

Surol
Passing by a carinderia? Ask for surol, a local chicken soup made with coconut milk.

Kiping
This typical merienda from Camiguin resembles an open-faced crepe but packs a crunchy punch. Kiping is made of ground kamoteng kahoy, quickly fried and drizzled with latik.

Where to stay
“Kaliwa’t kanan ang matitirhan sa Camiguin,” says Drew. Here, a room for two will run up to P1,000 at a hostel, but can go as low as P500 if you choose a homestay.

Drew recommends: BBC (Bahay-Bakasyunan sa Camiguin) Resort
If real comfort is what you’re after, stay at BBC. It seems relatively pricey at P4,950 per night, but Drew likes this resort because guests stay in roomy cottages.

Each cottage has been covered with rattan to resemble an ornate bahay kubo from the outside; inside, the furnishings are modern yet Filipino with high ceilings, a large bathroom, wi-fi capacity and lots of space for your things. Check out their full list of room rates.

What to buy for pasalubong
Lanzones Wine
Take home a unique pasalubong from your trip to Camiguin! Drew’s thoughts on the local wine: "Malakas ang amoy niya. Hindi ko alam kung hinahaluan ng pandan sa paggawa nito, pero may aftertaste na parang pandan."

Vjandep Pastel
The famous pastel (bread stuffed with creamy, sweet yema) is sold in other parts of the Philippines, but many say the best is made in Camiguin. One dozen costs P130, and it’s a personal favorite of Drew: "Ilang years na tayo sa travel show, ito pa rin ang hinahanap-hanap ko." —Cristina Tantengco/CM, GMA News