Camiguin
A small volcanic island off Mindanao, with a white sandbar, a cemetery swallowed by the sea and mountains that still steam.
Quick answer
- What it is: a small island province off northern Mindanao, built by volcanoes and known as the Island Born of Fire.
- Don't miss: the White Island sandbar, the Sunken Cemetery cross, the old Guiob Church ruins, and hot and cold springs.
- Festival: the Lanzones Festival in October celebrates the island's famously sweet lanzones fruit.
- Getting there: ferry from Balingoan on Mindanao (near Cagayan de Oro), or a flight to Camiguin's small airport.
- Best time: the drier months, roughly March to May; October for the festival.
Why it is a wonder
Camiguin is small enough to drive around in a few hours, yet it is packed with volcanoes. Mountains such as Hibok-Hibok rise straight from the sea, and the island’s nickname is the Island Born of Fire.
Its most famous sight is a contradiction: a cemetery in the sea. When Mount Vulcan erupted in 1871, the old town of Catarman and its cemetery sank, and today a large white cross, first built in 1982, stands in the water off the coast. In 2018 the National Museum declared the Sunken Cemetery and the nearby Guiob Church ruins National Cultural Treasures.
Offshore, White Island is a bare, curving sandbar with volcanic peaks behind it, and the island’s springs range from icy streams to warm volcanic pools.
Beat the crowds
- Go to White Island at sunrise, before the heat and the boats.
- Avoid peak Holy Week, when the island fills up for the Panaad pilgrimage on Mount Vulcan.
- Stay several nights and explore the quieter south and east coasts.
Getting there
Most visitors take a bus from Cagayan de Oro to Balingoan port, about two hours, then a ferry to Benoni port on Camiguin, about an hour. There are also limited flights to Camiguin Airport. On the island, rent a scooter or hire a driver. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
A perfect day
- Take a boat to White Island at sunrise.
- Snorkel at the Sunken Cemetery and visit the Guiob Church ruins.
- Swim at a waterfall such as Katibawasan.
- Soak in a hot spring in the evening.
Through the seasons
- March to May: the driest months, with calm seas for White Island trips.
- October: the Lanzones Festival, usually in the third week.
- November to February: wetter on Mindanao’s north coast, with rough seas some days.
Respect the place
The Sunken Cemetery is a grave site: be respectful when snorkelling. Don’t take sand or coral from White Island, carry your rubbish out, and wear a helmet on the scooter.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sunken Cemetery?
A Spanish-era cemetery that sank below the sea after Mount Vulcan erupted in 1871. A large white cross, built in 1982, marks the spot, and snorkellers and divers can see tombstones under the water.
When can I visit White Island?
It's a sandbar, so its shape changes with the tide. Boats go from Mambajao; go early in the morning, as there is no shade at all.
How do I get to Camiguin?
Most people take a ferry from Balingoan port, about two hours by bus from Cagayan de Oro. There are also limited flights to Camiguin Airport.
When is the Lanzones Festival?
Usually in the third week of October, when the lanzones harvest is in full swing.
How do I get around the island?
Rent a scooter or hire a multicab or tricycle with a driver. The coastal road loops the whole island.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
A whole old town of Spanish-era houses, taken apart across the country and rebuilt piece by piece beside the sea in Bataan.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
