Volcanoes and Hikes in Camiguin
Part of the Camiguin travel guide — see every topic in All Camiguin Guides.
Camiguin was made by volcanoes, and you can see them from almost everywhere on the island. Mount Hibok-Hibok is the best known and the only one that has erupted in modern times. The highest peak is Mount Timpoong. The forest on these mountains is protected, and it is home to many plants and birds. For hikers, the volcanoes offer steep, rewarding climbs with huge views over the sea.
Mount Hibok-Hibok
Mount Hibok-Hibok is an active volcano about 1,330 metres high, above Mambajao in the north of the island. The usual trail starts near Ardent Hot Spring and climbs through farms and then thick forest to the crater area near the top. The hike up usually takes about 3 to 5 hours, and the whole trip takes most of a day. The trail is steep and can be muddy and slippery. On a clear day the summit gives views of White Island, the coast of Mindanao and Bohol across the sea. It is a hard climb, so you should be fit and start very early.
Permits, guides and safety
The mountain is part of a protected area, and hikers need a permit before climbing. In the past, the permit came from the environment office in Mambajao. Rules and offices can change, so ask your resort or the tourism office what to do now. A local guide is required and is also a good idea for safety, because paths split and cloud can hide the way. The volcano is watched by the national volcano agency, and the trail can close when activity or weather is bad. Bring water, food, a rain jacket and a headlamp.
Mount Vulcan, the young volcano
Mount Vulcan is a smaller volcano near the west coast, close to the old town of Catarman. It is young in volcano terms, because it formed in the 1870s, when the ground opened and lava flowed down to the sea. Today it is covered in green forest. A paved path with steps climbs part of the slope and gives views over the coast and the sunken cemetery area below. The walk is short but steep in places. Go in the morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler.
Other walks and viewpoints
If you do not want a full volcano climb, there are easier ways to enjoy the mountains. Short forest walks lead to the waterfalls, such as Katibawasan and Tuasan. Some resorts and guides offer gentle hikes through farms and forest on the lower slopes, with views over the sea. The coast road also has viewpoints where the volcanoes rise straight up from the shore. Mount Timpoong, the highest peak, is more remote and less often climbed. Ask local guides about current trails, as some paths are only open at certain times.
Volcanoes and Hikes at a glance
| Getting there | Hibok-Hibok trail starts near Ardent Hot Spring |
|---|---|
| Height | Hibok-Hibok about 1,330 m; Vulcan about 670 m |
| Hours | Start before dawn; up and down in one long day |
| Cost | Permit and guide fees; check locally |
| Best time | Dry months, about March to June |
| Rules | Permit and local guide required; closures possible |