How to get to Mambajao

Mambajao is the cozy administrative centre of the island province of Camiguin in the Philippines, famous for its volcanic landscapes and relaxed atmosphere. For those planning a trip to this picturesque corner, it will be useful to learn how to get to Mambajao using the region's available transport hubs. You can get here in various ways: tourists most often choose direct flights or create combined itineraries involving bus, car, and ferry rides.

The main air gateway to the resort is Camiguin Airport (CGM), located directly within Mambajao. This is the most comfortable option: regular flights arrive here from Manila and Cebu. Choosing this route, travellers land right on the island, bypassing the need for long ferry crossings.

As an alternative, many tourists choose to fly to Laguindingan Airport (CGY) in the city of Cagayan de Oro. This is a major transport hub on the neighbouring island of Mindanao, receiving many flights from all over the Philippines. A trip via this airport will require a further transfer by bus and ferry, but often allows you to find more favourable airfares.

Additionally, one can consider flying to the cities of Butuan (BXU) or Tagbilaran (TAG). However, it is worth noting that logistics from these points to Mambajao will take significantly more time and require careful planning of connections with ground and water transport.

There is no railway service on Camiguin Island, so it is impossible to get to Mambajao by train. Rail transport is not developed in this region of the archipelago: the nearest major transport hubs, such as Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, and Tagbilaran, also do not have operating railway stations.

The main railway network in the Philippines is concentrated far to the north, predominantly on the island of Luzon. To travel to this part of the country, tourists are recommended to use the developed network of bus routes and ferry crossings, which completely replace trains here.

Since Mambajao is located on an island, a bus trip here is always part of a combined route with a transfer to a ferry. The most popular path lies through Cagayan de Oro, from where buses regularly depart from the Agora terminal to the port of Balingoan; covering the distance of 80–90 kilometres usually takes about three hours. A route similar in time and distance is available to travellers from the city of Butuan, buses from which also proceed to the ferry crossing in Balingoan.

For those starting their journey on the neighbouring island of Bohol, a convenient starting point will be Tagbilaran. From here, it is necessary to ride a bus for about two hours to the port of Jagna to transfer to a fast vessel to Camiguin. It is important to consider that ground transport only takes passengers to coastal terminals, after which the journey continues by sea directly to the shores of Mambajao.

Travelling to Mambajao by car inevitably includes a sea portion of the journey, but the road to the coastal terminals is quite picturesque in itself. The most popular route runs from the city of Cagayan de Oro: a drive of about 90 kilometres to the port of Balingoan will take 2–3 hours. A journey similar in duration awaits tourists departing from Butuan; they will have to cover about 100 kilometres to the same crossing, which usually takes about three hours.

If you are departing from the city of Tagbilaran on the neighbouring island of Bohol, the route will lie through the port of Jagna. The drive along the highway spanning about 65 kilometres will take one and a half to two hours, after which the vehicle must be loaded onto a cargo-passenger RORO ferry heading straight to the shores of Camiguin. It is important to remember that ferry schedules may change, so departure times should be planned with a buffer.

Preparing for a trip to Mambajao will help make your holiday on Camiguin Island as comfortable and carefree as possible. We have collected a list of important recommendations that will be useful to every tourist wishing to enjoy the nature of this tropical corner without unnecessary hassles.

1. Clothing and Items. The climate here is hot and humid year-round, so prefer light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics. Be sure to bring comfortable closed shoes if you plan on trekking to volcanoes or waterfalls, as well as a light raincoat—tropical downpours can be sudden but short.
2. Transport. The most popular and convenient way for tourists to get around is renting a scooter, which gives complete freedom of action. For trips within the city, you can use local tricycles ("motorelas"), which function as shared taxis, and to access remote areas, hire a motorcycle taxi ("habal-habal").
3. Finances. The country's currency is the Philippine peso. Although major hotels may accept cards, cash reigns supreme in everyday life (cafes, transport, markets). There are ATMs in the city centre, but they may be out of service or not accept certain foreign cards, so it is better to always have a supply of cash with you, especially small bills.
4. Health and Safety. Mambajao is a calm and safe place, but basic precautions are useful. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks at street cafes. Be sure to use repellents for protection against mosquitoes and sunscreen with a high SPF, as the sun here is very strong.
5. Communication. In the Philippines, English is one of the official languages, so communicating with locals will not be difficult. Hotel staff, drivers, and vendors usually understand tourists well. The main local dialect is Cebuano, but knowing a couple of phrases in English will resolve any issues.
6. Local Etiquette. Filipinos are very friendly and smiling; politeness and a reciprocal smile will open any doors for you. Please respect local modesty norms: walking around the city or entering shops in swimwear is considered inappropriate, so when leaving the beach, please cover up with a t-shirt or sarong.
7. What to Avoid. Do not attempt to take sand, corals, or shells as souvenirs—this is strictly prohibited by law and carries fines at the airport. Also, avoid planning itineraries "back-to-back" in terms of time: the local pace of life is relaxed, and transport may be delayed.
8. Extra Tip. If you plan to visit the famous White Island, located near the shore, head there by boat as early as possible, around 6:00–7:00 AM. This will allow you to catch the sandbar before high tide and enjoy the scenery before the midday heat and the influx of main tourist groups arrive.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor organizational troubles and fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the "island born of fire." May your journey be filled only with vivid impressions and pleasant discoveries!