Guinsiliban

Welcome to Guinsiliban, the smallest but mightiest municipality of Camiguin Island, where history, tranquility, and untouched coastal charm come together in perfect harmony. Nestled at the southern tip of the island, Guinsiliban may be tiny in size, but it’s big on beauty, bursting with cultural soul, scenic coves, and stories that trace back to watchtowers and warrior tribes.

Guinsiliban is your front-row seat to Mount Hibok-Hibok’s majesty and the glistening waters of Macajalar Bay. Its name comes from the old Visayan word “Guinsiliba-an,” meaning “place of watching,” hinting at its strategic role during the Moro raids. Today, it’s a place to watch the sun rise, life slow down, and worries melt away.

• Guinsiliban Watchtower Ruins – A historical relic overlooking the sea
• Old Spanish Church Ruins – Echoes of faith from colonial days
• White Sand Beaches and Hidden Coves – Quiet, scenic, and perfect for kayaking or meditation
• Mountainside Trails – With views of nearby islands and lush greenery
• Coral-rich Dive and Snorkeling Spots – Untouched marine beauty awaits offshore

Guinsiliban holds deep Camiguin traditions, with a strong sense of community, faith, and heritage. The people are friendly, modest, and proud of their fisherfolk roots, passing down stories through both song and stone.

Locals primarily speak Cebuano (Bisaya), with many also fluent in Filipino and English. The town keeps its language simple and warm – just like its people.

Food in Guinsiliban is fresh, simple, and soulful. Expect coastal and garden-inspired delights like:

• Kinilaw nga Isda – Fresh fish ceviche with vinegar, ginger, and chili
• Inun-unan – Tangy fish stew with vinegar and spices
• Paksiw na Pugapo – A classic island favorite
• Camote Tops Salad – Drizzled with calamansi and tomatoes
• Banana-based kakanin – From nilusak to sweet suman sa ibus

Guinsiliban joins the island-wide Lanzones Festival every October, but also honors its own town fiesta for Nuestra Señora del Rosario every October 7. Expect street parades, fluvial processions, community dances, and local food feasts that blend religious devotion with pure island joy.

From harana-style serenades to lively drumbeats during fiestas, music in Guinsiliban is heartfelt and homegrown. Gospel choirs, karaoke nights, and youth bands keep the spirit alive from church to coast.