Philippines: Mindanao & Camiguin — 7 Days

Ferry crossing and island exploration across the south, from Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin and Butuan's heritage sites

This seven-day itinerary traverses the southern Philippines, moving between three distinct regions. The route begins in Cagayan de Oro, where the city museum and Malasag botanical gardens anchor an urban introduction, before shifting to Camiguin Island via the Balingoan ferry crossing. Island days include exploration of white-sand formations and the surrounding seascape. The journey then moves inland to Butuan, where the old town district of Cabadbaran and the Butuan Museum document the region's pre-colonial and colonial histories. Travel is by domestic air, inter-island ferry, and overland transfer, with accommodation at mid-range city hotels and a standard beach resort. A multilingual guide is provided for groups of four or more paying participants.

Highlights

  • Cagayan de Oro Museum: regional history and ethnographic collections
  • Malasag Botanical Garden: introduced and native plant specimens in landscaped grounds
  • Balingoan ferry crossing: overwater passage between Mindanao and Camiguin Island
  • White Island, Camiguin: shallow limestone formation in warm coastal water
  • Butuan Museum: archaeological artifacts and regional maritime trade history
  • Cabadbaran old town: colonial-era architecture in Agusan del Norte

Day by day

1Cagayan de Oro: Arrival and City TourCagayan de Oro · Cagayan de Oro Museum · Malasag Botanical Garden
Fly into Cagayan de Oro and transfer to your city hotel. In the afternoon, tour the Cagayan de Oro Museum and Malasag Botanical Garden, exploring regional history and native plantings across the city's outskirts.
2Ferry to Camiguin IslandCamiguin Island · Balingoan ferry terminal
Drive to Balingoan ferry terminal and board the ferry to Camiguin Island. Transfer to a standard resort for the next three nights.
3Camiguin Island and White Island by BoatCamiguin Island · White Island
A guided boat tour of Camiguin Island with lunch, featuring the distinctive White Island limestone formation.
4Camiguin: Free Time
The day is unscheduled, allowing independent exploration of the island or relaxation at the resort.
5Butuan: Museum and Colonial Old TownButuan · a city hotel · Butuan Museum · old Cabadbaran
Drive to Butuan in Agusan del Norte and check in at a city hotel. Visit Butuan Museum, then visit the colonial architecture and streets of old Cabadbaran.
6Return Flight to ManilaManila · Butuan airport
Transfer to Butuan airport for a domestic flight returning to Manila. Arrival is late afternoon or early evening.
7Manila: Departure Dayairport
The final morning remains unscheduled. Transfer to airport is arranged for the outbound flight to Manila or an onward connection.

Included

  • Accommodations as indicated / Meal as indicated / Transfer and
  • Sightseeing tours / Boat rides / A separate * multi-lingual guide is
  • provided for a minimum of 4 full paying person.

Not included

  • Domestic air ticket is not included.