Mantigue Island

Short Description

Mantigue Island is just about 4 hectares in land size. The white powdery beach glows from afar, creating a brilliant sight as you approach Mantigue. Mantigue is sometimes also called Magsaysay.

Time and Distance

Mahinog is 14 km south of Mambajao. A motorela covers this distance in 20 minutes. The boat ride from Mahinog to Mantigue lasts for another 20 to 30 minutes.
Some dive resorts like the Camiguin Action Geckos organize boat trips for divers and snorkelers to Mantigue.

Equipment

Swimming suit, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Snorkel, mask and fins for snorkelers and a bit more for divers.

What to see

Mantigue Island is rather an experience than a sight-seeing tour. Mantigue is inhabited by 10 families, all related to each other. Since 2009 the government tries to get these people off Mantique and make them settle around Mahinog on Camiguin island. So, the small school with two little classrooms has disappeared. The whole tourism business has become more professional but has still very human dimensions.

In earlier years you could sleep at a family's home on the island. The family members took care of you and provided you with a boat to Mantigue. They did cook for you and lent you some snorkeling gear for a minimum price. These families still maintain peace and cleanliness in the island but are not allowed anymore to accommodate guests..

The island is surrounded by a gleaming white beach of powdery coral sand. The clear waters reveal the hard and soft corals and sea weeds that surround the island, making it ideal for swimming., snorkeling and diving. In the center of Mantigue is a lush, green mini-forest filled with wild grasses and several trees and plants.

What to do

If you know the so popular beaches in the Philippines like Boracay, Puerto Galera, Panglao, and Palawan and if you are tired of sharing a shoreline or beachfront with several other bunches of people, then Mantigue is the right place for you. On Mantigue you can feel like Robinson Crusoe and the local people will have their fun to play your Fridays.

The newly created Mantigue Island Nature Park invites you to discover a unique scenery. Discover the dense tropical coast forest in the center of the island. And if you have a bit of chance, you may see one of the Marine-Turtles nests or even the newly hatched youngsters speeding to the sea.

If you can, that means, if you have some time left, stay 2 or 3 days on Mantigue Island. It will do good to your physical and mental health.

Costs

Transportation:
Rent a motorela to Mahinog PHP 150
Boat trip Mahinog-Mantigue-Mahinog PHP 500
Mask, snorkel, fins for one day PHP 50
Camiguin Action Geckos offer the Mantigue day trip (incl. meals, drinks, snacks) for PHP 1100

Ariane full of energy