Mambajao

Welcome to Mambajao, the beating heart and capital town of Camiguin, where volcanoes, waterfalls, white-sand islands, and heritage charm all come together. It’s a place where every corner feels like a postcard, and every meal tastes like a celebration. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, soaking in hot springs, or dancing with locals during festivals, Mambajao will wrap you in tropical warmth and keep you coming back for more!

Mambajao is nestled at the foot of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, a majestic stratovolcano, and surrounded by lush forests, coastal wonders, and charming colonial streets. It’s the largest town in Camiguin and serves as the island’s main hub for travel, culture, and culinary delights.

• White Island Sandbar – A pristine, uninhabited island with a backdrop of volcanoes
• Ardent Hot Springs – Soothing natural pools fed by Mt. Hibok-Hibok
• Mount Hibok-Hibok – A favorite for hiking and panoramic views of the island
• Old Spanish Church Ruins – Remnants of a 19th-century church destroyed by a volcanic eruption
• Sunken Cemetery – A hauntingly beautiful seascape marked by a giant cross
• Katibawasan Falls – A 250-foot waterfall surrounded by lush jungle

Mambajao blends colonial charm, island traditions, and the enduring resilience of its people. After all, this town survived volcanic eruptions and still shines. The locals are known for their hospitality, creativity, and deep spiritual roots that manifest in everything from daily routines to grand fiestas.

The locals speak Cebuano (Bisaya) as their primary language, with Filipino and English widely understood, especially among tourism workers. Expect a warm “Maayong buntag!” (Good morning!) wherever you go.

Mambajao’s cuisine is a tropical fusion of sea, farm, and tradition. Don’t miss:

• Pastel – Soft buns filled with sweet yema (custard)
• Surol – A chicken coconut milk soup with herbs
• Binaki – Corn tamales wrapped in corn husk
• Kinilaw na Isda – Fresh raw fish ceviche with vinegar and chili
• Kiping and Turrones – Crispy local snacks perfect with native coffee
• Lanzones – Sweet golden fruit that put Camiguin on the map

Every October, Mambajao bursts with energy during the Lanzones Festival — a colorful tribute to the town’s most beloved fruit. Expect street dancing, parade floats, beauty pageants, food fairs, and lots of lanzones tasting. It’s a tropical carnival of joy and tradition!

From kulintang and bamboo instruments to acoustic serenades and Visayan love songs, Mambajao’s music scene is as laid-back as the island breeze. Local youth perform in town plazas, while cultural groups preserve tribal and colonial-era tunes during events.

• White Island and its iconic sandbar views
• Mt. Hibok-Hibok hiking and Ardent Hot Springs
• Sweet pastel buns and lanzones fruit
• Sunken Cemetery and Spanish ruins
• Lanzones Festival and warm Camiguin hospitality