How to get to Camiguin from Manila, Butuan, Cebu, CDO, Bohol + Itinerary and Budget

White Island sand bar Camiguin

Camiguin Island is located in Bohol Sea and is 10 kilometers off the northern Mindanao coast. In terms of population and land area, Camiguin Island is the second smallest island in the Philippines. Also known as the “Island Born of Fire”, this province is truly a promising tourist destination not only in Mindanao but in the entire Philippines.

Camiguin Philippines
Camiguin Island, Philippines

How to get to Camiguin from Manila, CDO, Cebu, Bohol or Butuan

Manila -> Cebu -> Camiguin

Unfortunately, there is no direct flight from Manila to Camiguin Island. The only airline catering direct flights to the Island is Cebu Pacific Air which only flies from Cebu province. With this, you may fly from Manila to Cebu and Cebu to Camiguin Island.

Manila -> Cagayan de Oro City -> Camiguin

Geographically, Cagayan de Oro City’s Laguindingan airport is the nearest airport to the island if you are not flying from Cebu. Fly from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City.

Laguindingan Airport
Laguindingan Airport

From Laguindingan airport, hail a taxi going to Agora bus terminal. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes. In Agora bus terminal, ride a van or bus going to Balingoan Port. Travel time is approximately 2 hours. In Balingoan Port, ride a ferry bound to Benoni Port.

For ferry schedule and fare, please see Balingoan Port to Benoni Super Shuttle Ferry Schedule section of this blog post.

Manila -> Butuan City -> Camiguin

If you are coming from Butuan City’s Bancasi airport, ride a multicab going to Butuan integrated bus terminal. Travel time is approximately 10 minutes, In the terminal, ride a bus going to Cagayan de Oro City. Inform the driver to drop you off to Baligoan Port. Bus ride from the terminal to Balingoan port is approximately 2 hours. In Balingoan Port, ride a ferry bound to Benoni Port.

Butuan airport
Butuan airport

For ferry schedule and fare, please see Balingoan Port to Camiguin Super Shuttle Ferry Schedule section of this blog post.

Bohol -> Camiguin

Super Shuttle Ferry in Bohol caters Bohol-Camiguin route. Go to Jagna seaport and ride a ferry going to Balbagon port in Camiguin.

Super Shuttle Ferry Contact Number: +63 927 9386686 or +632 4127688

Balingoan Port to Benoni Port Super Shuttle Ferry Schedule and Fare

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Note that most of the resorts are quite far from Benoni port. The transfer rate from the port to your resort depends on the vehicle and proximity of the resort. Van transfers range from 500 Php to 700 Php. For multicab, transfers cost 350 Php to 550 Php and 500 Php to 700 Php for Jeepneys. Since I was alone, I arranged a transfer to the resort with a habal-habal driver for 500 Php.

Cheap Camiguin Tour Rates

If you are visiting Camiguin, forget the expensive tour packages being offered by various tour agencies. It is way cheaper to directly go to Benoni Port and arrange your island tour with the locals.

Below are the Camiguin tourism office accredited tour rates:

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The above rates cover 8 hour island tour and are exclusive of entrance fees. A rate of 150 Php applies for every hour in excess.

*Since I was traveling solo, I opted for a cheaper alternative. I arranged a motorbike (habal-habal) tour for only 700 Php. Same as with the tourism accredited rates, the tour covers 8 hour island tour.

One Day Island Tour Itinerary 

If you are pressed of time, the island can be toured in one day. Note that the entrance fees in the itinerary and pump boat fees in White Island and Mantigue Island are exclusive of the tour rates indicated in the Cheap Camiguin Tour Rates section of this blog post.

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Since I arrived in the island at 5:00 PM, I just checked-in at Marianita’s Cottages and had dinner at a nearby restaurant.  I decided to have my island tour the next day. Below is my itinerary during my next day in Camiguin:

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Camiguin Travel Tips

  • Book your resort ahead of time to prevent the hassles of looking for one once you arrive in the island. Book your discounted Camiguin resort HERE.
  • If you are traveling solo, you may rent a motorbike for only 500 Php. This is cheaper but you will have to tour the island without a driver/guide.
  • It is highly recommended to allot 1 day for White Island and Mantigue Island. If you are a couple or a solo traveler, it is advisable to find someone to share with the boat.
  • Visit White Island early in the morning as it tend to get crowded before lunch time until the afternoon. pump boat trips  going to White Island starts at 5 AM. Last trip from White Island going back to mainland is at 5 PM.
  • Since the White Island is a small sandbar, there are no trees or any human structures in the area. Huge umbrellas can be rented for 100 Php.
  • There is a number of restaurants in the island to fulfill your gastronomic adventures. Don’t miss Camiguin’s famous pastel!

 

Affordable Resort in Camiguin Island – Marianita’s Cottages

Marianita's Cottages Camiguin Philippines

If you are planning to visit the beautiful Camiguin province, there is a number of resorts and accommodations in the island. For luxury travelers, there are high-end but expensive resorts such as Balai sa Baibai and Guerrera Rice Paddy Villas. On the other hand, for budget travelers, you may stay at GV Hotel Camiguin or The Yellow House in Camiguin. There are also mid-range resorts if you want comfort and convenience, one of which is my highly recommended resort – Marianita’s Cottages.

beachfront rooms at Marianita's Cottages
beachfront rooms at Marianita’s Cottages

Peaceful and Quiet Location

Marianita’s Cottages is situated along Camiguin Circumferential Road, Mambajao, Camiguin. It is ideally located in the center of Yumbing bay ad just across Camiguin’s white island. The resort is 7 kilometers away from Mambajao proper which makes its surroundings more peaceful and quiet.

non-beachfront rooms
non-beachfront rooms
The resort’s proximity to various Camiguin island tourist spots is also an advantage. The port going to Camiguin’s famous white island is just 2 minute multicab/tricycle away from Marianita’s cottages. Marianita’s Cottages is also close to many restaurants and food places in Mambajo. It is also 10 minutes away from Camiguin airport.

Very Clean and Well-Maintained Resort

Surprisingly, Marianita’s Cottages is very clean. The resort’s real estate may be limited but the location of rooms, reception and the beachfront area were artistically and carefully planned. Each room has its own balcony with a dinette set. Cool signages can be seen pointing to the cottages and the beach. The beach front cottages are just few steps away from the mini bar and beach beds.

The spacious rooms are very clean, simple yet stylish. I personally loved the bed and pillows. The lines and pillow cases are very clean and are of high quality. They’re very comfortable and can be at par with that of high-end resorts. The flooring is also something unique and special. The air-conditioned rooms also comes with a cable LCD TV, free WiFi, mini sofa, dresser, basic toiletries and personal refrigerator. If you want some snacks or drinks, the refrigerator is packed with snacks, bottled water, juices and beers. The stylish toilet and bath is also very clean and comes with a hot and cold shower.

Marianita’s Cottages Room Rates

Marianita’s Cottages room rates are very affordable. Below are the published room rates of this Camiguin resort:

  • Standard Room (fan) for 2 PAX- 1,200 Php (24 USD)
  • Superior Room (Air Conditioned) for 2 PAX – 1,500 Php (30 USD)
  • Beach Front Room (Air Conditioned) for 2 PAX – 1,800 Php (36 USD)
  • Front Beach Suite (Air Conditioned) for up to 4 PAX – 2,100 Php (42 USD)

Tip: Rates are cheaper if you book online HERE. I was able to book the Superior Room (non-beachfront room) few hours before checking-in  at 1,400 Php instead of 1,500 Php. Rates are cheaper if you book ahead of your Camiguin visit.

Highly Recommended Camiguin Resort

I would highly recommend Marianita’s Cottages to anyone who is visiting Camiguin island. The rooms and the entire resort are very clean and well-maintained. The receptionists Bem-bem and Jen along with the owner are very friendly and accommodating. I had my Camiguin island tour during my second day in the island. I had to check-out before 12 PM, left my backpack in the resort and continued with my tour. When I returned to Marianita’s, they were so kind to even offer me free use of their shower. They truly know what customer service is!

Marianita’s Cottages

Contact Number: +639171045304

Address: Purok 2- Yumbing, National Highway 9100 Mambajao, Camiguin

Online Booking HERE