Mount Hibok-Hibok

Mount Hibok-Hibok rises on Camiguin and reaches about 1,332 metres; it is a stratovolcano and dome complex with several craters and numerous hot springs. The mountain and adjacent peaks form the Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument, designated an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2015. The island has a long volcanic history, with recorded eruptions in the 19th and 20th centuries that reshaped settlements and created features such as Mount Vulcan and the ruined village of Gui-ob. Visiting the mountain means entering a lush, often mossy montane forest with acidic soils, steaming springs lower on the flanks, and evidence of past dome-building eruptions.

The indigenous Kamigin Manobo are considered the original inhabitants of the mountain area and the volcano is monitored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology through local stations. Trails are maintained for recreational hiking but the volcano is active and subject to alert-level changes; check current warnings before planning. The usual trailhead is reached from the Mambajao/Ardent Hot Springs area and hikes commonly take 3-5 hours to the summit on steep, sometimes muddy paths.

On the approach you will pass hot springs, crater viewpoints and secondary cones; the island is small so summit views can include nearby sandbars and surrounding islands on clear days. Expect tropical conditions with frequent rain; trails are best during the relatively drier windows and wet with slippery sections at other times.

• Kanangkaan and Itum craters: Distinct crater rims and moss-covered depressions show the volcano’s past dome-building and Peléan eruptions in the mid-20th century.
• Ardent Hot Springs area: A common jump-off with accessible thermal pools and geothermal features at the mountain’s lower slopes.
• Summit panoramas: On clear days the summit looks out to offshore White Island and toward neighbouring islands such as Bohol and Siquijor.
• Mossy crater and montane forest: The summit crater area is often moss-covered with shrouding clouds and a cool, humid forest environment.
• Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument: The protected area includes adjacent peaks, unique plant communities and walking routes through volcanic terrain.

The island of Camiguin is reached by ferry or plane from northern Mindanao or nearby islands; the province capital and usual service point is Mambajao, from which the main trailheads and visitor offices are reached. For surface connections, ferries depart Mindanao ports such as Balingoan to Camiguin, and there are sea links with Bohol (Tagbilaran) and other regional ports. Larger regional hubs on Mindanao include Cagayan de Oro for onward land and sea connections.

Camiguin has a small airport near Mambajao; from the town the last stretch to the usual jump-off at Ardent Hot Springs is by local road, taxi or motorbike and then a short approach to the trailhead. A permit from the DENR office in Mambajao is required for hikes; hire a local guide or arrange transport and the permit in town before starting the climb.

• Obtain the required DENR permit in Mambajao before hiking and carry proof with you.
• Trails can be steep, narrow and muddy after rain - wear sturdy shoes and expect slow progress on slippery sections.
• Hire a local guide if you are unfamiliar with the route; guides help with navigation and local safety practices on an active volcano.
• Check the current PHIVOLCS volcanic alert level and local weather before setting out, and postpone the hike if authorities advise against it.
• Bring rain protection and sufficient water; even short sunny spells can be followed by heavy showers in this rainforest climate.