Guiob Church Ruins - Camiguin

Located along the National Highway in Barangay Bonbon, Catarman on the western side of the volcanic island of Camiguin lies the Guiob Church Ruins.

Guiob Church Ruins

Guiob Church Ruins details

When talking about church ruins in the Philippines, the first thing that comes to one's mind is the Cagsawa Ruins in the province of Albay. However, did you know that there is another must-see church ruin in the Philippines? Join me as we visit the province of Camiguin to check this out. 

Guiob Church Ruins - Catarman, Camiguin

Guiob Church is probably one of the oldest Spanish churches in the province, the church was constructed sometime in the 16th century.

The Backpack Adventures visits the Guiob Church Ruins

However, on the night of May 13, 1871, the nearby Mt. Volcan erupted with much ferocity. The eruption destroyed Cotta Bato (former name of Catarman) and claimed countless lives. Plato might have been in Camiguin that faithful day for what happened next was strikingly similar to his description of the final hours of Atlantis. During the catastrophe portion of the town slipped under the lashing waves of the sea.

The pillars of the old church ruins can still be seen today

The Guiob Church Ruins' belltower is also in ruins

Guiob Church was partially spared. Although it did not join most of its parishioners underneath the sea that day, the wooden and weaker parts of the church either burned or crumbled to the ground.

The small chapel inside the ruins

When the volcano calmed down and the fires died out. The beautiful town of Cotta Bato was almost flattened to the ground. One of those that remained standing was Guiob Church.

Kissing under the giant tree

All that was left of the once sacred establishment was the ruins of its church, bell tower, and convent. Today a small chapel was erected inside the ruins. Once more regular masses are scheduled in its Holy ground. My wife and I visited Guiob Church Ruins during our 7-Day Honeymoon Backpacking Adventure in Mindanao. 

Bought lanzones from the friendly locals

During our visit to the ruins of Guiob Church. I was greeted by some old ladies selling lanzones. It was from them that I learned about the tragic past of the church. You might laugh at me and point out at the info-marker placed in front of the ruins. You might be right that I could save time by just reading the info-marker but to tell you honestly, I have this passion for interviewing locals. Aside from gaining new friends, I also get the chance to listen to a more dramatic story.

Team Nicerio visits Guiob Church Ruins

For sweethearts, the ruins are also a good place to take pictures and of course to get married. Though I didn't marry my wife in the Guiob Church Ruins, I married her in some other "ruins" somewhere in Manila. Check this out for more of that story: Baluarte De San Diego

Guiob Church Ruins Entrance Fee

It's FREE to enter and explore Guiob Church Ruins.

Guiob Church Ruins Operating Hours

Although there is no definite opening and closing time, it is highly recommended to visit Guiob Church Ruins in the morning and avoid it at night for safety reasons. 

Why visit Guiob Church Ruins?

Although it's not as popular as the Cagsawa Ruins, Guiob Church Ruins is still a must-visit in Camiguin as it is one of the historical spots of the province. You can also visit it if you are on a pilgrimage around the province. 

Getting to Guiob Church Ruins:

Airline companies offer flights to Cagayan de Oro Airport (Laguindingan Airport).

From there, ride a van to Agora Market.  From there that will bring you to the Balingoan Port in Cagayan the Oro.

van fare to Agora: P250
van fare to Balingoan Port: P120

Board a fast craft going to Benoni Port.

Fast craft fare: P750-850

From Benoni Port in Camiguin, you have a variety of transportation choices. 

(It's a wise choice to haggle first before acquiring someone's services.)

Motorcycle: P400-500 a day

Motorela (tricycle): P1000-1500 a day

Multicab: P2000-2500 a day

Ratings:

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating