THE UNIQUE AND MOST alluring beauty of the Camiguin Island in the Philippines has been spotlighted as one of the New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2026, recognized for its breathtaking natural attractions and rising global appeal.
The volcanic island, which has no traffic lights but plenty of lush mountain peaks, black-sand beaches, and towering coconut palms, is a paradise for water lovers with white sandbars, hot and cold springs, waterfalls for bathing, neon clams, and abundant sea turtles.
Recent improvements—like the widening of the scenic 40-mile road and the opening of the island’s first beach boardwalk in Mambajao—are enhancing its visitor experience. The island also offers rich local culture and heritage, including a sunken cemetery, eco-farm tours, a lanzones fall festival, and new sports tourism events like a triathlon.
Camiguin ranked number 37 on the list of 52 must-see global destinations for 2026.
Other notable spots featured include Revolutionary America, Warsaw, (Poland), Bangkok, Osa Peninsula (Costa Rica), Bandhavgarh (India), Dallas, Route 66 connecting Chicago and Los Angeles, Saba in the Caribbean, Poblenou in Barcelona, Vietnam, Melbourne (Australia), and Big Sur (California, among others worth adding to your travel radar in 2026.
BEST ECO-TOURISM HUB
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) views Camiguin as a prime example of “limitless adventure” and sustainable island management.
Their narrative focuses on the island’s evolution into a world-class eco-tourism hub through strategic infrastructure and community-led initiatives:
- Isle Visit Campaign — A play on the phrase “I’ll visit,” this campaign emphasizes the island’s readiness for global travelers with modern upgrades like the widening of the 40-mile circumferential road and the opening of the first beach boardwalk in Mambajao.
- Island Born of Fire — The DOT highlights the unique volcanic geography—seven volcanoes within a tiny province—which has gifted the island with rare natural contrasts like the Ardent Hot Springs and Sto. Niño Cold Springs.
SMART ISLAND VISION
Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo have touted the island’s digital transformation, including an E-ticketing system for sites like Mantigue Island and QR-coded entry systems to manage tourist flow sustainably.
The DOT is promoting the island’s burgeoning Dive Tourism (mapping new sites and adding a hyperbaric chamber) and Sports Tourism, specifically the upcoming Ironman 5150 Camiguin in May 2026.
Citing the latest New York Times perspective, Camiguin Island as viewed by writers and editors based on. tourist and traveler’s paradise lovers as “The Water Lover’s Paradise”Ranking Camiguin at No. 37 on its 52 Places to Go in 2026 list, the NYT frames the island as an idyllic, low-impact escape that retains its charm while modernizing.
SIMPLY BREATHTAKING
The New York Times highlighting their story — emphasizes the island’s tranquility, describing it as a volcanic sanctuary “without a single traffic light,” filled with lush peaks and towering coconut palms.
They specifically label it a “water lover’s paradise,” calling out the “treasure-chest-size” neon clams and the abundance of sea turtles around its pristine white-sandbar islets.
The NYT story touches on the island’s unique “fall festival” for the “sweet Lanzones” fruit and its haunting historical landmarks like the Sunken Cemetery.
ALTERNATIVE DESTINATION
While mentioning the improved roads and the new boardwalk, the NYT positions Camiguin as an “off-the-beaten-path” alternative to more commercialized Southeast Asian hubs like Bangkok or Vietnam.
In the Global Exclusivity the only Philippine entry on the NYT 2026 list. Camaguin Island comprises a diversity of volcanoes. Home to more volcanoes (7) than municipalities (5).
Recently Camiguin was recognized by the DOTfor its outstanding eco-leadership for having the Best Eco-Tourism Destination (Mantigue Island). Specifically timed road completions of its Infrastructures for 2026, and new visitor centers designed for the 2026 travel surge.