A Complete Guide To Mantigue Island Nature Park in Camiguin

Are you considering adding Mantigue Island to your Camiguin Itinerary?

This post will detail everything you need to know about the stunning Mantigue Island. Including how to get there, what to expect, and how much it will cost.

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Camiguin is known as the Island Born of Fire, for its majestic volcanos that dominate the landscape.

In recent years, Camiguin has been rapidly growing as a popular tourist destination in the Philippines.

Visitors are left in awe of its steaming hot springs, pristine waterfalls, and black-sand beaches, unparalleled in the Philippines.

However, lesser-known is that Camiguin boasts its own slice of tropical paradise, with powdery white sand, vibrant turquoise waters, and abundant marine life just a short boat ride from the coast.

Mantigue Island Nature Park is a real hidden gem and does not attract hoards of tourists. Its unspoiled natural beauty makes this one of the best things to do in Camiguin.

Furthermore, this protected marine sanctuary is one of the best snorkeling and diving sites on the island.

In this post, we will cover everything you need to know for an extraordinary trip to Mantigue Island Nature Park, updated for 2024.

Mantigue Island description

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

In contrast to the more popular White Island, Mantigue Island boasts a lush vibrant green mini forest in its center.

Powdery white sand forms a fringe around the island, before reaching the crystal-clear turquoise waters.

As if this wasn’t enough, Camiguin Island provides a postcard-perfect backdrop, with its imposing volcanos and mountains in the distance.

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!

What is Mantigue Island known for?

Mantigue Island Nature Park is known for its powdery white sand, lush greenery, and abundant marine life.

It is also famous for being one of the best snorkeling and diving sites in Camiguin.

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 was until about 10 years ago when the local municipal government declared the island a marine sanctuary and protected site.

Mantigue Island Nature Park was born.

Dedicated to the protection, ecology, and biodiversity of the island, conservation efforts triumphed. Marine life flourished and the island transformed into a unique eco-tourism site.

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.

Mantigue Island Nature Park is therefore a heartwarming success story for both the community and the environment.

Mantigue Island location

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

It takes about 30 minutes to reach the Mantigue Departure Area from the tourist hub Mambajao. Once you’ve arrived, there is a further 20-minute boat ride to reach the island.

How to get to Mantigue Island

To reach Mantigue Island you should head to the Google Maps location ‘Mantigue Island Departure Point’.

Here, you will purchase your tickets and rent any necessary equipment.

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.

Another way to reach Mantigue Island is with a tricycle. This can be a little pricey and you can expect to pay about 300 PHP ($5) each way.

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.

Mantigue Island 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.

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.

Tip: 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 – 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.

Note: 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 from Mantigue Island Nature Park

When we arrived at Mantigue Island, the view was simply breathtaking.

With the stunning backdrop of Camiguin Island in the distance, it is nothing short of paradise.

Mantigue Island is still a bit of a hidden gem. It does not attract as many tourists as other popular spots, such as White Island.

This therefore makes it one of the more special things to do in Camiguin.

You will be sure to find your own slice of paradise absent of other people to bask in the beauty and tranquility of the island.

The island is pretty small and you can walk around it in about 15 minutes. Be sure to do some exploring and find some gorgeous picture spots.

The sand is powdery soft and white, a welcome change from the volcanic black-sand beaches in Camiguin.

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 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.

Note: 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!

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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.

The lack of tourists makes this experience in Camiguin all the more special. You can totally immerse yourself in the underwater world, surrounded by beautiful fish and coral everywhere you turn.

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.

It feels a bit like a tourist trap and you will not get to enjoy the peace and tranquility you would on 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

Our 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 of daily life.

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 go 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.

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.

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.

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

This post has detailed everything you need to know about Mantigue Island Nature Park to add to your Camiguin itinerary!

If you’re going to be spending some time in Camiguin, feel free to check out my other handy guides –

• 13 Must-Visit Tourist Spots & Things To Do in Camiguin
• White Island Camiguin: The ULTIMATE Guide
• ULTIMATE CAMIGUIN TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget & Itinerary
• How To Get To Camiguin Island: A Step-By-Step Guide
• Katibawasan Falls Camiguin: EVERYTHING You Need To Know