Practical Information in Camiguin island

This volcanic island on the Northern tip of Mindanao is the perfect getaway for business and leisure travelers alike; however, a few Camiguin Island Practical Information tips will help you enjoy your holiday to the maximum.

Geography, Climate and Time Zone

Camiguin Island is situated in the northern part of Mindanao and is bounded by different bodies of water: the Bohol Sea to the north, Macajalar Bay to the west, Ginoog Bay to the south and Butuan bay to the east. There are seven volcanoes on this island, one of the most popular of which is Mt Hibok-Hibok, an active volcano.

There are three major seasons in Camiguin: summer, the "rainy season" and winter.  Summer is from March to May, the rainy season starts in June and continues till November, and the cold winter is from December to February.

Camiguin belongs to the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +8 time zone, which is 14 hours ahead of the Eastern Standard Time (EST).

People and Language

People living in Camiguin are called "Camiguingnon." They are known for their hospitality and friendliness, and are very soft-spoken. The official language spoken in Camiguin is Filipino; however, the regional dialects of Cebuano and Kinamigin are also widely used. Locals can also speak English fluently, so you should not have any problem with the language in Camiguin.

Currency

The official currency used in Camiguin as well as the rest of the Philippines is  the Philippine Peso (PHP). One US dollar is equal to PHP45. If you are not comfortable carrying cash around, you can use credit cards in Camiguin. You can exchange your currency or travelers checks through the banks, money changers, hotels, and at  customer service desks at shopping malls.

Visa and Passport

If you want to visit Camiguin and the Philippines, you will need a valid passport, visa, and return ticket. The passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in Camiguin. All tourists who intend to stay more than 21 days are required to obtain a visa and must be in possession of a valid return ticket. However, citizens from the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, and the EU who wish to stay for less than 21 days are allowed to enter without a visa.

Important Numbers

Camiguin is a safe travel destination; however, in the event of an unforeseen accident or emergency, you can call these numbers for assistance:

Emergency Number: 117
Police Station: (63) 88-3871002
Fire Station: (63) 88-3870038
Provincial Hospital: (63) 88-3871261
District Hospital: (63) 88-3877002