Camiguin Island is a small island province of the Philippines off the northern coast of Mindanao. It belongs to the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Mambajao and it is the second-smallest province both in population and land area. Its population, according to the 2007 census, is 81,293. Land area is 341.6km², yielding a population density of only 238 people/km². Click here to see a map of Camiguin Island with all of the landmarks noted.

The name Camiguin is derived from the native word “Kamagong”, a tree of the Ebony family that thrives near lake Mainit in the Province of Surigao del Norte. The original inhabitants of Camiguin were “manobos” who migrated from Surigao.

The main occupation of the residents of Camiguin Island is fishing and farming, with copra (coconut) providing the greatest income contribution. Other plantations are abaca, rice, mangoes, lanzones and other fruit trees. Small cottage industries are increasing in number to accommodate the influx of visitors and considering the eco-tourism trade seems to be the only potential for this province to further expand it's economy.

From 1948 to 1951, a volcano named Mt. Hibok-Hibok constantly rumbled and smoked. Its minor eruption in 1948 caused little damage and loss of life. In 1949, its eruption caused 79 deaths due to landslides. In the morning of December 4, 1951, the volcano erupted again. This, time, however, it unleashed boiling lava, poisonous gases, and landslides enough to destroy nearly 19km² of land particularly in Mambajao. All in all, over 1,000 people were killed. Before the eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok in 1951, the population of Camiguin had reach 69,000. After the eruption, the population was reduced to about 34,000 due to massive out-migration. A disastrous typhoon hit the province in the dawn of November 7, 2001. The tropical storm named "Typhoon Nanang" brought with it water sprouts (water-born tornados) that dropped on the mountains causing multiple massive mudslides killing about 200 inhabitants, most remain missing till this day.

Several centuries-old churches are found in various parts of the island. One of the famous churches is the Sto. Rosario Church in the municipality of Sagay built in 1882, and the church ruins of San Roque in Barangay Bonbon. Another famous church located in Baylao is said to be miraculous during the volcanic eruption and claimed to have saved many lives. Camiguin Island is famous for the ancestral homes dotting the streets all over the island.

Camiguin Island is famous amongst Filipinos for its lanzones, a small tropical fruit that grows in clusters like grapes and is very sweet and pleasant tasting. The rich volcanic soil of Camiguin Island is said to produce the best lanzones. Each year there is a Lanzones Festival held in October. The week-long festival is one of the more colorful events in the Philippines. The Lanzones festival is celebrating its 30th Anniversary on October 2009.

Also notable of mentioning are the stunning Katibawasan Falls and hiking trails to thrill your senses The spectacular 250-foot falls (76 m.) cascades down to a pool surrounded by orchids and ferns. Located 4 kms. from Mambajao. This is also the favorite jump-off point for trekkers and mountaineers in search of adventure in the slopes of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, an active volcano. In the heart of the island bubbles the flowing mineral pools of Ardent Hot Springs. Mists rise from the heated waters running down from the vents of Hibok-Hibok volcano, the only active volcano among the seven on the island. There are also a couple of cold springs and a natural soda water spring on the island. This island is also famous for its underwater sunken cemetery, submerged after a volcanic eruption of the Daan volcano in 1871. The place is marked by a huge cross installed in 1982 and is now teaming with corals and sea life.

Unknown to most all visitors but known by us, due to some guidance by a local acquaintance, there is a second hot spring that is currently undeveloped. It exists just at the shoreline to the ocean, very close to Paras Beach Resort. We will be sure to visit all of the spots mentioned above including this one.

Old Spanish documents indicate that the renowned explorers, Ferdinand Magellan and Miguel López de Legazpi landed in Camiguin in 1521 and 1565, respectively. The first Spanish settlement in what was later to be known as Guinsiliban was established in 1598. Guinsiliban comes from the old Kinamiguin word “Guinsiliban” which means “to look out for pirates from a watchtower”. An old Spanish watchtower where the Camiguinon kept watch for Moro pirates still stands in Guinsiliban. The first major Spanish settlement established in 1679 was called Katagman or Katadman (known as Catarman). The settlement grew and prospered to what is now Barangay Bonbon. On May 1, 1871, Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted and destroyed Catarman. A portion of the town sank beneath the sea. After the eruption, the settlement moved to were the town center is presently located. Today, all the remains of old Catarman are the ruins of the ancient Spanish church, a convent and a bell tower.

On June 18, 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army landed in Camiguin and set up a government in Mambajao. The Japanese Army gutted down central Mambajao in reprisal to guerrilla activities that helped the Philippine Commonwealth forces there. The remains of some of these buildings still exist today. In 1945, Philippine Commonwealth Army forces landed in Camiguin and liberated the Island during the Battle of Camiguin against the Japanese Imperial forces at the end of World War II

Camiguin is a very popular destination amongst Filipinos due to its hot springs and low population density, sort of a secret hide-away to escape the choking pollution and crowed living conditions of the larger cities. Amongst foreigners, Camiguin ranks in the top 10 diving spots world-wide, due to its abundance of shallow reefs and the diversity of its abundant marine life.

Considering everything this island has to offer, we are sure you will enjoy your stay and appreciate the very relaxed and friendly atmosphere this island paradise exhibits. I will also mention that the roads on Camiguin Island are very good and, considering the seaside highway that circumnavigates the island, makes for a very nice ride.