LIST: Top Airbnbs in Camiguin, ‘the island born of fire,’ include volcano houses and domes
A little known fact: Camiguin has more volcanoes (seven) than it has towns (five). Volcanic eruptions are said to have shaped the island province, hence the nickname “the island born of fire.”
Mt. Hibok-Hibok, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, was active from 1948 to 1951 with two of the worst eruptions killing 79 people in 1949 and halving the population of 69,00 due to people migrating out in 1951.
Located in Central Mindanao, Camiguin is the second smallest province in the Philippines (next to Batanes) with 92,000 people spread out across the towns of Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, Sagay and the capital Mambajao.
Just as Guimaras is known for having the sweetest mangoes, Camiguin stakes its claim on the sweetest lanzones in the country.
As a tourist destination, Camiguin is known for Katibawasan Falls, Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Ardent Hot Spring, Soda Water Spring, the old Spanish church ruins, Binangawan Falls, White Beach and its Giant Clams Sanctuary, and Mantigue island.
Unlike more popular island destinations, there’s not a huge selection or range of accommodations. One surprising thing is that most homes on Airbnb seem to be tailored for groups or families. You won’t have trouble looking for one if you’re in a group of more than 10.
Here are our top picks. All prices are based on an overnight stay (Saturday).
Camiguin Volcano Houses—Entire A-Frame House
At P8,100 a night, Camiguin Volcano Houses can accommodate 16 guests in its five bedrooms (with five baths).
According to the description, the mahogany A-framed cottage is surrounded by lush greens and wild flowers under clear blue skies. Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea by the mountainside of Hibok-Hibok await guests.
The cottage has a contemporary kitchen, dining and living areas, and the bedrooms offer a relaxing and quiet space. The bedrooms on the second floor have forest views; the ones on the third floor have a terrace where you can sit back and enjoy stunning views of the mountain, sea and the town below. The attic room is the biggest room in the house and offers exquisite views of the lush green forest on one side and blue sea on the other side.
Camiguin Volcano Houses—Guest Room
Run by the same host is a guest room in a volcano house for P1,800 a night. The room can accommodate 3 guests; it has 2 beds and a private bath.
The vacation house is located on the slopes of Mt. Hibok-Hibok with all the amenities of a modern house in the middle of a jungle.
But is it safe? “It is a thousand more times dangerous to live in any urbanized city, or to ride in a moving car than to live in the midst of wild plants, trees and birds chirping nearby with an overlooking view of the ocean.”
Good point—unless of course the volcano decides to wake up on that one day you’re staying nearby.
The experience, according to the description, is living like a local in the middle of the lush forest of Hibok-Hibok Volcano. “We try to make our home as comfortable as possible for us and our guest, but you should know that sometimes we can be affected by inconveniences of living in an area with lack of infrastructures: such as low pressure in our water system or slow internet connection.”
That sounds about right if you want to “live like a local” anywhere in the Philippines.
Kokomo Dive Resort
A room at the nature lodge is at P2,025 a night for two guests. Kokomo Dive Resort is described as a chill place with its total of eight rooms (6 with 2 beds, 2 with king-size).
It’s a beachfront property and the garden has some trees that are more than 80 years old. It has a sunset bar and Chinese restaurant, and a dive shop.
Taylor’s Country Home
The bamboo cottage Taylor’s Country Home can accommodate 6 guests in 3 bedrooms (3 beds) with 2 baths at P2,750 a night. Nestled in tropical surroundings, it boasts 180-degree views of the ocean and Mt. Timpoong volcano.
The house is fully furnished, air-conditioned and equipped with a 50-inch flatscreen TV. The kitchen has 2-burner gas stove, microwave, toaster, kettle, pots and pans, utensils, plates, mugs and wine glasses. Filtered water is provided and there is running hot water and an outdoor kitchen.
It is located 10 minutes’ drive to local supermarket and grocery stores, public transport and beaches. There is a caretaker who available for help and advice 24 hours a day.
Bintana sa Paraiso Dome Glamping
Each Bintana sa Paraiso dome can accommodate 3 guests with its 1 bed and 1 shared bath at P4,000 a night. The geo dome tent looks out to the ocean and garden.
The domes are equipped with luxury sheets and AC, a queen bed and sitting area.
Charming Ila Vicente Balay Bakasyunan
Coming with a larger group? The entire Ila Vicente house is big enough for 16 guests with its 5 bedrooms, 15 beds, 4.5 baths. Each room is P1,175 a night.
The description reads, “One of our satisfied guests said Ila Vicente is all about heritage! Homecooked meals, open spaces and lots of details to spark conversations, laughter and childhood memories. Come home to sweet surprises!”
The newly renovated house is for no-frills guests as all rooms are equipped with only electric fans. Only 3 rooms—each accommodating 4-6, are air-conditioned.
Meals are not included but can be pre-arranged for a minimal charge or guests can cook their own meals in the kitchen. Upon check-in on your first day, you can plan and arrange with the owners your meals for your entire stay (depending on your budget).
There is no WiFi connection.
Kinghorn Garden House “Wildflower” Suite Room
The bedroom can accommodate 6 guests and comes with 1 bath at P5,000 a night. Kinghorn Garden House is a “dream home built by Mindanao local Helen Kinghorn and California native Tim Kinghorn who met each other on Camiguin.”
It was completed in 2020 and the family decided to open it to travelers. “The house and the units have a sleek, modern design uncommon to the Philippines, that is spacious, open, private, and perfectly located to explore Camiguin’s best attractions.”
“Wildflower” Suite Room is on the second floor (right side facing the house) and has its own semi-private stairway entrance that passes by the ground floor unit. The right half of the balcony is part of this unit and has views of the ocean and white island.
H7 Standard Double Room
If you’re on a budget, H7’s double room might be the one for you. It can accommodate two guests at P1,739 a night.
H7 has a swimming pool, mini gym and Mabini Bar. There is plenty of undercover parking for bikes and several concrete parking spots for cars.
