Transparent turquoise water at the Idyllic White Island with the volcanic landscape of Camiguin in the background.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Northern Mindanao

The coastline from Cagayan de Oro to Surigao and the offshore islands off the far northeastern tip is a region apart from the rest of Mindanao. Though largely spared from the violence experienced by other parts of the island, it’s often inaccurately stigmatised simply by dint of association. Siargao is one of the best places in the Philippines to hang ten or simply hang. Volcanic Camiguin is seventh heaven for outdoor-lovers, and the university town of Cagayan is both a gateway to the region and a base for adventures in the surrounding Bukidnon Province.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Binangawan Falls

    Binangawan Falls

    Camiguin

    At 15m or so this is the shortest of the falls on Camiguin and one of the most difficult to reach. You can go on your own or with a guide arranged through…

  • White Island

    White Island

    Camiguin

    Uninhabited White Island, a pure white-sand bar a few hundred metres offshore, is accessible by boats (P450, up to four people) that leave from a spot…

  • Balangay Shrine Museum

    Balangay Shrine Museum

    Northern Mindanao

    Towards the airport, at barangay Libertad, is the Balangay Shrine Museum, home to the remains of a balangay (seagoing outrigger boat) dating from 321, one…

  • Sunken Cemetery

    Sunken Cemetery

    Camiguin

    Between the hillside and Bonbon you’ll see an enormous white cross floating on a pontoon in the bay, marking the spot of the Sunken Cemetery, which…

  • Katibawasan Falls

    Katibawasan Falls

    Camiguin

    A beautiful clear stream of water dropping more than 70m to a plunge pool where you can swim and picnic. The few souvenir kiosks and concrete walkway mean…

  • Tuwasan Falls

    Tuwasan Falls

    Camiguin

    This previously unspoiled and beautiful spot has been disfigured by the construction of a large parking lot and paved road (part of the all-asphalt cross…

  • Stations of the Cross

    Stations of the Cross

    Camiguin

    Heading west from Mambajao, just before Bonbon, you’ll pass the Old Camiguin Volcano, whose slopes have been turned into a steep and beautiful Stations of…

  • Spanish Watchtower

    Spanish Watchtower

    Camiguin

    In Guinsiliban, behind the elementary school by the pier, are the remains of this centuries-old sight, which used to guard against possible Moro attacks…

View more attractions
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "destination": "Northern-Mindanao",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Philippines"
}

Go Beyond

Northern Mindanao and beyond

Beyond Northern Mindanao
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "destination": "Northern-Mindanao",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Philippines"
}