A Complete Guide To Mantigue Island in Camiguin

Dreaming of an untouched tropical paradise?

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Mantigue Island Camiguin – the island’s best-kept secret.

Known as the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin is home to majestic volcanos, steaming hot springs, pristine waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and vibrant marine life – all without the crowds.

The island’s slow pace, friendly locals, and commitment to ecotourism make it a refreshing destination to visit in the Philippines.

Just a short boat ride from Camiguin’s shores lies Mantigue Island – a pristine paradise of powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Unlike some of the Philippines’ more famous islands, Mantigue Island remains blissfully uncrowded and is one of the best things to do in Camiguin.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your adventure to Mantigue Island Camiguin – including how to get there, how much it costs, and exactly what to expect.

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Mantigue Island: Overview

A small but gorgeous Maldives-esque island off the coast of Camiguin, Mantigue Island is a precious eco-tourism site and protected marine sanctuary.

At its heart, a lush mini-forest breathes life into the island, while a halo of powdery white sand wraps around its edges, gently melting into crystal-clear turquoise waters.

However, the real beauty of this tropical paradise lies beneath the surface, with some of the most vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life we have seen in the Philippines!

If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, here’s a quick summary –

Mantigue Island History – A Turbulent Past But Promising Future

Mantigue Island was once a fishing village. However, over the years, the island’s natural resources were plundered, and the biodiversity was destroyed.

That all changed about a decade ago when the local municipal government stepped in and designated Mantigue as a protected marine sanctuary.

Focused on conservation, ecology, and the revival of biodiversity, the island underwent a remarkable transformation. Coral reefs began to thrive, marine life returned in abundance.

Whilst the residents who inhabited the island were relocated to the mainland, there is a happy ending for these fishermen too.

To protect the livelihood of the former residents, the government allowed them to exclusively manage the tourist transportation services to and from the island.

Today, Mantigue Island Nature Park stands as a shining example of sustainable tourism — where both nature and community have been given the chance to flourish.

How To Get To Mantigue Island

You will find Mantigue Island located 3.5 km off of the east coast of Camiguin Island, in Mahinog.

To reach Mantigue Island, first head to the ‘Mantigue Island Departure Area’ on Google Maps – this takes about 30 minutes from the tourist hub of Mambajao.

Once you’ve reached the departure area, you can purchase your tickets and rent any necessary equipment.

You then have a further 20-minute boat ride to reach Mantigue Island.

By scooter

I would recommend hiring a scooter to get to Mantigue Island Nature Park – this is the best way to get around Camiguin Island.

We hired our scooter from our accommodation for 350 PHP ($6) a day. For further details, you can check it out here.

Reaching Mantigue Island Nature Park with a scooter is very straightforward. From Mambajao, you simply follow the circumferential road Central Nautical Highway around the island.

By tricycle

Another way to reach Mantigue Island is with a tricycle.

This can be a little pricey – you can expect to pay about 300 PHP ($5) each way.

By bus

The cheapest way would be to take a shared jeepney/bus to Mahinog.

This will set you back about 40 PHP ($0.70) each way and you can find the jeepney departure point in Mambajao on the map above.

Prefer to visit with a tour? If you want a hassle-free experience, I’d suggest this highly-rated combined White Island & Mantigue Island Hopping Tour

Entrance Fees & Opening Times

The Mantigue Island entrance fee and environmental fee go towards the preservation and conservation of the site.

As well as the fee for the boat, there are some further optional fees too.

➡️ You might also like: 13 Best Things To Do in Camiguin

Compulsory fees

• 750 PHP ($13) for boat (suitable for 4 people)
• 75 PHP ($1.30) entrance fee
• 30 PHP ($0.50) environmental fee

Optional fees

• 75 PHP ($1.30) snorkeling fee
• 150 PHP ($2.60) snorkel and mask rental
• 300 PHP ($5) snorkeling guide
• 200 PHP ($3.50) to be taken around the island in the boat to snap some photos

You pay all of the compulsory fees before you depart for Mantigue Island. If you want to rent snorkel gear, you pay for this at the departure point too.

For those wanting to explore beneath the depths, the snorkeling fee is paid directly on the island when you arrive.

If you want to be taken around the island for photos, this is paid to your boat driver directly.

👉 if there are only a couple of you, I would recommend asking around at the departure point for more people to split the boat fee with to bring the price down.

Opening times

Mantigue Island Nature Park is open every day from 6 AM to 5 PM.

You will have a maximum of 3 hours on the island, after which your boat driver will come to pick you up.

This means that the last trip of the day is at 2 PM, so be sure to arrive before this.

👉if you would like to leave earlier, talk to your boat driver and organise a better time for them to pick you up. If you choose to split the boat with other people, you all have to come back together.

What to expect

Arriving at Mantigue Island feels like stepping into a postcard – with the stunning backdrop of the volcanos, the scene is nothing short of paradise.

Still relatively under the radar, Mantigue Island remains a hidden gem — far less crowded than more popular spots like White Island.

And that’s exactly what makes it one of the most special things to do in Camiguin.

Here, it’s easy to find your own quiet patch of sand, soak in the stunning views, and truly enjoy the peaceful, untouched beauty of the island.

The island is pretty small – you can walk around it in about 15 minutes.

Take some time to wander the shoreline, discover dreamy photo spots, and take in the powder-soft white sand — a striking contrast to Camiguin’s volcanic black-sand beaches.

Prefer to visit with a tour? If you want a hassle-free experience, I’d suggest this highly-rated combined White Island & Mantigue Island Hopping Tour

The waters are crystal clear and some of the most vibrant we have seen in the Philippines, ranging from bright turquoise to deep blue.

The main thing to do on the island is alternate between sunbathing and snorkeling. Fortunately, the trees in the middle provide the perfect shade from the harsh heat.

👉 there are no shops or restaurants on the island. Be sure to bring enough water, food, and snacks for the duration of your trip.

Mantigue Island Snorkeling

Whilst the island and its surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful, the real star of the show lies beneath the surface.

Mantigue Island snorkeling is an opportunity you cannot miss. This was some of the best snorkeling we did in the whole of the Philippines!

Have you packed your Reef Safe 98% Organic Sunscreen?

This protected marine sanctuary boasts some of the most colorful and vibrant corals I have ever seen. The table corals are the most impressive and are absolutely huge.

Mantigue Island Nature Park boasts a deep drop-off shore, where you are welcomed with an abundance of marine life. It is like real-life Finding Nemo!

Under the water, you will find heaps of colorful and diverse fish species, including barracuda, jackfish, starfish, frogfish, eels, giant clams, and even sea turtles.

As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Camiguin can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.

Mantigue Island diving

Mantigue Island is also an excellent spot for Camiguin diving.

Whilst we did not dive ourselves, you can organise this at the departure area if you are interested.

Likewise, you can also check out the recommended diving schools Black Beach Divers or Volcan Beach Dive Resort.

Mantigue Island vs White Island

Visiting White Island is another one of the best things to do in Camiguin.

Being the two most popular islets to visit from Camiguin, there is a debate about whether Mantigue Island or White Island is better.

It is difficult to compare these two Camiguin tourist spots because they are very different. White Island is a sandbar, whilst Mantigue Island is an island and protected marine sanctuary.

Both offer phenomenal postcard views of Camiguin Island in the distance and soft, powdery white sand.

On both islands, you can snorkel, but I have heard that the biodiversity and marine life at Mantigue Island are better.

➡️ Full Post: White Island Camiguin: The ULTIMATE Guide

Mantigue Island is also home to lush greenery at its center, perfect to cool down from the heat.

This is the main downside to White Island. It is totally exposed with no shade, meaning you should try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the harsh sun.

White Island is also one of the more popular things to do in Camiguin, meaning it is always overwhelmed with tourists, and there is not the same tranquility as with Mantigue Island.

These two islands offer different experiences but are both well worth a visit if you have time on your Camiguin itinerary.

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Where to stay in Camiguin

When visiting Camiguin, the majority of travelers tend to stay in the tourist hub Mambajao.

From here, you will be perfectly located near all of the main Camiguin tourist spots and restaurants.

Borbon’s Treehouse By The Sea

My favourite accommodation in the Philippines and a great option for travellers on a budget.

These cozy bamboo beachfront cottages are located in the heart of the tourist hub Mambajao but feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle.

With its own black sand private beach, you are just steps away from the ocean. You can enjoy sunrise and sunset each day in this slice of tropical paradise.

These beautiful private cottages have a rustic feel and each is equipped with a spacious room and a private balcony area.

The owners are digital nomads, so all of the cottages boast super-fast wifi. There is also a fully-equipped shared kitchen.

Prices start at about $27.00 per night.

Tongatok Cliff Resort

A great Camiguin accommodation for couples or groups with a medium budget.

Nestled perfectly on the cliff’s edge, this Camiguin accommodation offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and nearby mountains. It is one of the best spots to catch sunset.

Each room has a private terrace, some with hammocks. The resort also boasts its own private beach area, a locally sourced restaurant, and a bar.

Prices start from about $60 per night.

Bintana Sa Paraiso

The best place to stay in Camiguin for luxury travelers.

Located in Mambajao at the foot of Mt. Hibok Hibok, this accommodation offers one of the most jaw-dropping views in Camiguin.

Each room has a balcony area and a private infinity pool overlooking the sea. The modern and spacious rooms also come with a 24-hour personal butler service.

This resort also offers meditation, yoga, and massage services, as well as a delicious restaurant elevated above the beach.

Prices start from about $100 per night.

How to get to Camiguin

There are 3 main entry points to Camiguin Island –

• Camiguin Airport
• Balbagon Port in Mambajao (coming from Cebu/Bohol)
• Benoni Port on the eastern coast (coming from Mindanao)

Your best option would be to fly. Either fly direct from Manila with Sunlight Air or change in Cebu.

✈️ For the best deals, I would recommend booking your flights with Skyscanner.

There are no direct ferries from Cebu to Camiguin.

You will first have to take a ferry from Cebu to Bohol (book here) and then a ferry from Bohol to Camiguin (book at port).

If you’re coming from Cagayan de Oro or Davao, the bus and ferry schedule is super regular and does not need to be booked in advance.

➡️ For my full post from Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, or Davao, check out my full How To Get To Camiguin Guide here.

FAQs

What is Mantigue Island known for?

Mantigue Island is known for being a protected marine sanctuary and stunning ecotourism site just off of the coast of Camiguin.

It is also known for being one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in the Philippines.

How much is Mantigue Island?

A trip to Mantigue Island Nature Park should cost you no more than 930 PHP ($16) – this includes the boat fee, entrance fee, environmental fee, and snorkeling fee.

Why is Camiguin Island famous?

Camiguin is known as Isla del Fuego, for its seven volcanos that dominate the surface.

The seven volcanos create a unique landscape of towering waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and steaming hot springs.

These volcanos are totally omnipresent and many of the most popular tourist spots act as a testament to the island’s volcanic past.

➡️ Recommended: ULTIMATE CAMIGUIN TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget & Itinerary

How many days do you need in Camiguin?

Camiguin is a very small island and you can visit most of the main tourist spots in a couple of days.

I would recommend 3 days in Camiguin to visit all of the highlights. You cannot miss White Island, Ardent Hot Springs, Katibawasan Falls, and the Sunken Cemetery.

However, if you are hoping to take advantage of this laid-back island to relax and unwind, then 5 – 7 days would be ideal.

You can read my Camiguin Travel Guide with a recommended 3-day itinerary here.

Is Camiguin worth visiting?

A small but mighty island, Camiguin deserves a spot on your Philippines itinerary.

Camiguin is one of the most unique places to visit in the Philippines. If you’re looking for a change of scenery and a true topical island feel, then Camiguin is the place for you.

The island hasn’t been overwhelmed with tourism, so the island still has a rustic laidback charm.

Whether you’re interested in hiking volcanos, relaxing in hot springs, marveling at waterfalls, or exploring vibrant coral reefs and marine life, there are so many extraordinary things to do in Camiguin.

➡️ Must Read: 13 Must-Visit Tourist Spots & Things To Do in Camiguin

Mantigue Island Nature Park in Camiguin: Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! Everything you need to know about Mantigue Island Camiguin – including how much you can expect to pay, and what to do when you’re there.

If you have visited Mantigue Island, I would love to hear from you – drop me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!

Planning your Philippines trip?

With so many amazing islands to explore, how do you decide where to visit? For inspiration, itinerary ideas, and dream destinations, check out the following –

1-Month Philippines Itinerary – the ideal backpacking route exploring popular destinations & off-the-beaten-path spots

Top 10 Best Places To Visit in the Philippines – your ultimate guide to the best destinations to suit every type of traveler