Camiguin Mindanao, Philippines Travel Guide
Camiguin Airport (CGM) in Mambajao is the island's only airport, a small domestic hub. Laguindingan Airport (CGY), near Cagayan de Oro City on Mindanao, serves as the main gateway to Northern Mindanao and is a common entry point for travelers heading to Camiguin. Philippine Airlines (PAL Express) offers direct flights to CGM from Cebu (CEB).
There are no direct international flights to Camiguin Airport (CGM) or Laguindingan Airport (CGY). International travelers must first fly into a major Philippine international airport. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) lead as the main international gateways. From either of these, you will take a domestic flight to CGM or CGY.
Small domestic airport with basic facilities. Tricycles and multicabs are available for transfers.
Larger airport with additional facilities, including cafes, shops, and car rental counters.
From CGM: Tricycles/multicabs. From CGY to Camiguin: Land transfer to Balingoan Port, then ferry.
Long-distance buses operate extensively on the Mindanao mainland. From Cagayan de Oro, Rural Transit Mindanao (RTMI) offers regular services from the Bulua Bus Terminal directly to Balingoan Port (2-3 hours).
Rent a car in Cagayan de Oro and drive to Balingoan Port. You can then bring the automobile over to Camiguin on a RORO ferry. A valid IDP and domestic driving license are needed.
Main roads on Mindanao leading to Balingoan Port are mostly asphalted. On Camiguin, the circumferential the path is well-maintained. Some provincial roads can be unpaved or rough.
Ferries serve as the main mode of transit to Camiguin from the Mindanao mainland and other close islands. The most frequent route runs from Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental (Mindanao) to Benoni Port in Camiguin. Multiple ferry companies operate on this route, including Super Shuttle Ferry. Ferries run often throughout the day, often every hour during peak times. The crossing takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Beyond the main route, other ferry connections exist. OceanJet operates a fast craft assistance from Jagna (Bohol) to Balbagon Port (Camiguin). The journey takes around 3-4 hours. Check schedules carefully, as frequency can vary (sometimes daily, sometimes only a few times a week). This track is handy if combining Camiguin with a trip to Bohol. Services without a middleman from Cagayan de Oro (CDO) to Camiguin are less common and sometimes seasonal.
Plan your departure from Camiguin efficiently. Airport terminal fees for domestic flights usually get included in the ticket price for flights departing from Camiguin Airport (CGM). If not, they are typically PHP 150-200 for domestic flights. Confirm this when booking your ticket. A small terminal fee (e.g., PHP 10-20) may get collected at Balingoan and Benoni ports, separate from the ferry ticket price.
It is possible to rent a car in Cagayan de Oro and drive it to Balingoan Port. You can then bring the car over to Camiguin on a RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry. A valid international driving permit (IDP) along with your domestic driving you need a license. Roads from Cagayan de Oro to Balingoan Port are generally paved and in good condition. On Camiguin, the circumferential the way is well-maintained.
Camiguin Airport (CGM) gives direct domestic flight access, making it a quick option for island arrivals. For travelers from abroad, flights with connections through Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) lead to seamless travel to Laguindingan Airport (CGY), followed by a land and ferry transfer. Seasonality impacts flight availability and pricing, so early booking is a good idea. Airport facilities are basic at CGM and more extensive at CGY.
From the Mindanao mainland, bus services offer a cost-effective way to reach Balingoan Port for ferry connections. Self-driving is an option from Cagayan de Oro, bringing flexibility to find the island with a RORO ferry transfer. Road conditions generally stay good on major routes, though caution on smaller, unpaved streets inside Camiguin is a good idea.
The Balingoan to Benoni ferry route operates frequently, giving reliable access to Camiguin.
Options include fast craft from Bohol or seasonal direct services from CDO.
Departure procedures are straightforward with minimal terminal fees, allowing for quick exits.
For flights departing from Camiguin Airport (CGM), arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure time. This allows for check-in and security procedures. Terminal fees for domestic flights are typically part of the ticket price. If not, they are typically PHP 150-200. Confirm this when booking.
If departing from Benoni Port by ferry, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure. This allows for enough time to purchase tickets, pay terminal fees (e.g., PHP 10-20, separate from ticket), and board. Always check updated ferry schedules, especially during peak season or times of adverse weather, as changes can occur without much notice.
Passport, onward tickets, any relevant permits.
Local currency for fees, emergency cash, credit cards.
Pre-arranged transport to airport/port, confirmed schedules.
Ensure you have all your travel documents, including your passport and onward travel tickets, readily available for smooth departure.
