Camiguin Island Guide

Camiguin - the island born of fire

We consider Camiguin to be the southern outpost of the Visayan Islands although it administratively belongs to Northern Mindanao. Why? The language spoken is Visayan, the culture is neither of the Visayas nor Mindanao.

The name Camiguin is derived from the native word "Kamagong," a tree of the Ebony family that grows near lake Mainit in the Province of Surigao del Norte. The original inhabitants of Camiguin were "Manobos" who migrated from Surigao. The old native language in Camiguin is called "Kinamiguin," which is similar to the dialect spoken in Surigao.

What is so outstanding on an island as short as 33km and only 14km wide at its largest point? It is the most peaceful island in the Philippines. Strangers are welcome and hear "Hello Friend" instead of the ugly "Hi Kano" or "Hi Joe". And very important: The visitors of Camiguin are most respectful, they seek an untouched island with a great variety of landscapes and very friendly hosts. Locals say that Camiguin means "Come Again".

The topography of Camiguin could have been the stage of "Jurassic Park". The only missing cast are the T-Rex, but there are the tucos, a gecko out of the same age. Hear the tuco yelling for a partner in the evening, you will never forget it. There are 2 well known tucos: the one behind the "menu" of Jasmin by the Sea and the Camiguin Action Gecko.

When you arrive by ship, either from Balingoan (Mindanao) or from Cebu-City (Cebu) or from Jagna (Bohol) the volcano cones make you shiver (that's fine, because it is rather warm here). Find sandy beaches - white or black, cliffs and high mountains. Camiguin is one of the last islands offering real jungle trekking.

Climate of Camiguin

Camiguin Island has a very particular climate. It is just off the typhoon belt (but sometimes there might be a typhoon slightly off-track). The wet season is from December to January.. It rains or the sun shines all over the year. Fortunately there is never a lack of fresh water because the wet air coming from the sea has to climb up the volcano slopes. Up there you find always cumulus clouds raining on the top. At the beaches the sun shines and on White Island you get BBQ-ed.

Agriculture on Camiguin

The productive agricultural land area is very small. There are rice-fields along the cost. Lanzones and bananas as well as coconut grow up the mountains. Camiguin's Lanzones are the sweetest you can find on earth.

Fishing around Camiguin

Camiguin is a fishing folk's island. Camiguin's fishermen are very careful. They never had dynamited the corals or used any sort of chemical war against nature. Go to Mantigue Island and meet a most astonishing fisher folk.

Industries on Camiguin

Forget it. It does not exist on Camiguin. There is lot of handcraft but no industry.

Facilities on Camiguin

The road network of is exactly 64km long. This is the coastline ring-road. It is 100% concrete or asphalt. Camiguin has 3 sea ports and 1 airport for both water and air travel. The seaports are Benoni, Guinsiliban (deserving Mindanao's Balingoan) and Mambajao deserving Cebu-City. Telephone, cellphone and Internet services are available in most areas. Sometimes the signal strength is a bit low. Electricity and water supply are widely available.

Check out the new "Camiguin Hummer Adventure". A "Pinoy-made" Hummer brings you to all scenic spots on the island. Half-day and full day tours are available.

People and Culture on Camiguin

In 2000 census, people of Camiguin have reached 70,000. The population increased by 3% from 1995. 2005 census had been canceled in Manila because of budget shortage. The Islanders are most fishing folks, and they are extremely warm and friendly to tourists. There are some expats (like me) from Europe and the rest of the world. You may speak Italian, Schwyzerdütsch, German, French and of course English.