Finding Your Island Home: A Guide to Hotels and Accommodations in Camiguin
Camiguin, the "Island Born of Fire," offers a unique blend of natural wonders: cold springs, hot springs, waterfalls, a sunken cemetery, and the iconic White Island sandbar.
This volcanic paradise is tranquil, charming, and less commercialized than other Philippine destinations, but it still offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler and budget.
Choosing where to stay is mostly about location (proximity to White Island) and vibe (luxury, local, or adventure).
Most options are clustered along the main coastal road in the capital, Mambajao, particularly in the Yumbing and Agoho barangays.
Category 1: Luxury and Boutique Escapes
For travelers seeking world-class service, distinct design, and an exclusive atmosphere. These spots are perfect for honeymoons, special occasions, or simply a refined retreat.
1. Nouveau Resort (The Grand Experience)
Vibe: Modern, full-service luxury with a resort feel.
Key Features: Often cited as Camiguin's only true luxury resort, it features a large pool area, world-class dining, and beautifully landscaped grounds. It's a fantastic choice for families and wellness seekers looking for all amenities in one place.
Location: Situated in Mahinog, closer to Mantigue Island, providing a tranquil distance from the main Mambajao hub.
2. Bintana Sa Paraiso (The Viewpoint Retreat)
Vibe: Exclusive, romantic, and scenic. The name means "Window to Paradise."
Key Features: This property often features two locations: a beachfront setting in Naasag and a stunning mountain retreat (Binunsaran). The mountain location is famous for its elegant rooms, private pools, and breathtaking, panoramic views of the island and the ocean. Highly recommended for couples.
3. Balai Sa Baibai (The Intimate Beachfront)
Vibe: Tranquil, adults-only, and beautifully designed.
Key Features: Tucked right on the beach in Agoho, Mambajao, this resort is known for its intimate atmosphere, superb service, and elegant, native-inspired architecture. It’s an oasis for those who prioritize peace and quiet luxury.
4. UNWND Boutique Hotel Camiguin
Vibe: Trendy, modern, and youthful.
Key Features: A newer option offering stylish, contemporary rooms and excellent common facilities like a unique swimming pool. A great choice for travelers who appreciate modern aesthetics and a lively social space.
Category 2: Mid-Range Beach and Adventure Resorts
These resorts offer the best balance of comfort, proximity to attractions, and value. They are typically located along the coast near the main tourist action.
1. Paras Beach Resort (The White Island Jump-Off)
Vibe: Classic Camiguin institution, convenient, and family-friendly.
Key Features: Its main selling point is its location right at the departure point for White Island. It has a large pool and is a reliable, long-established choice for visitors.
2. Tongatok Cliff Resort (The Sunset Perch)
Vibe: Dramatic, scenic, and excellent value.
Key Features: Perched on a cliff's edge in Naasag, Mambajao, it provides some of the most spectacular sunset views on the island. It’s a comfortable mid-range option perfect for capturing great photos and romantic evenings.
3. Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat and Dive Resort
Vibe: Eco-conscious, relaxed, and dive-focused.
Key Features: Ideal for those who want to explore the underwater world. This resort has a quiet, cozy atmosphere and caters to divers and travelers interested in sustainable practices.
4. Lanzones Cabana
Vibe: Quirky, tropical, and colorful.
Key Features: Known for its brightly colored cabana huts and beautiful pool area. It’s a unique mid-range stay that offers a fun, tropical aesthetic and is well-recommended for its overall positive guest experience.
Category 3: Budget-Friendly and Local Stays
For backpackers, solo travelers, and budget-conscious groups, Camiguin has numerous clean, affordable guesthouses and cottages.
Many still offering good proximity to the main attractions.
1. Marianita's Cottages / Pabua's Cottages
Vibe: Simple, homey, and locally popular.
Key Features: These properties (and similar local cottages) are often hailed for offering clean, comfortable, and very affordable rooms near the Yumbing area, making them ideal for White Island access. They provide a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
2. GV Hotel Camiguin
Vibe: Standard, no-frills budget accommodation.
Key Features: Part of a reliable Philippine budget hotel chain, offering the cheapest rates for basic, air-conditioned rooms in the main town of Mambajao (Poblacion).
3. Camiguin Blue Lagoon Cottages
Vibe: Rustic, secluded, and immersed in nature.
Key Features: Set away from the main tourist strip, these cottages are ideal for budget travelers seeking maximum tranquility and proximity to the Benoni Port and Mantigue Island.
4. Borbon's Treehouse By The Sea
Vibe: Rustic charm, digital nomad-friendly.
Key Features: Offers cozy bamboo cottages with a delightful island feel. Praised by many travelers for having surprisingly good Wi-Fi, making it a great choice for budget travelers who need to stay connected.
Where to Base Your Island Adventure
The island's accommodations are generally categorized by the experience you want:
| Area | Best For | Proximity to Attractions | Accommodation Vibe |
| Mambajao (Yumbing/Agoho) | First-timers, White Island access, dining, nightlife. | Closest to the airport, White Island jump-off, and restaurants. | Widest range (Budget to Luxury). |
| Naasag | Couples, sunset views, peace and quiet. | Slightly removed from the main buzz, but still close to the Sunken Cemetery. | Mid-Range to High-End cliff resorts. |
| Mahinog | Mantigue Island access, full luxury resort stay. | Closest to Mantigue Island Port. | Nouveau Resort and other smaller resorts. |
| Catarman | Cold Spring access, the quietest stay. | Nearest to the Sunken Cemetery and Sto. Niño Cold Spring. | Budget inns and quieter dive resorts. |
A Note on Island Transit
No matter where you choose to stay, Camiguin is small enough that a rented motorbike or a hired motorela (tricycle) can get you to any major attraction in under an hour.
When booking, consider if the resort offers airport/port transfers or motorbike rentals, as this adds convenience to your stay.
Choosing your perfect stay in Camiguin is the first step toward a memorable trip to one of the Philippines' most enchanting islands!