A popular viewpoint in Camiguin is the Tongatok View Deck, a small roadside pullout overlooking Tongatok Bay. It’s a common spot for tourists to check out the view and snap a quick photo to capture their time in Camiguin.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about visiting the Tongatok View Deck, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Tongatok View Deck Complete Guide
The Tongatok View Deck is a simple roadside pull-off with no entry or parking fees. There’s plenty of space to park your vehicle, making it a safe and convenient spot to stop, take in the view, and snap a quick photo. From the cliffside, you’ll get a unique perspective of the sea and Mount Vulcan.
Located along the Camiguin Circumferential Road between Mambajao and Catarman, this viewpoint is easy to visit as part of your journey around the island.
You will likely pass right by the Tongatok View Deck during your travels around Camiguin. It’s on the way to popular attractions like the Sunken Cemetery and the Old Church Ruins, so there’s no need to go out of your way to visit the view deck.
How to Get to Tongatok View Deck
When we first heard about the Tongatok View Deck, we had trouble figuring out its location. Despite being such a popular viewpoint, I couldn’t find it on Google Maps anywhere!
After some research, I discovered that it’s actually listed as “Chan Lookout Point” on Google Maps. The view deck has no signs or structures to mark the spot, so you wouldn’t even know you’re there.
To make things easier for you, I’ve included a map below with the exact location of the Tongatok View Deck, also known as Chan Lookout, so you can easily find it during your visit.
Tongatok View Deck: Our Experience
During our time in Camiguin, we passed by the Tongatok View Deck several times. It’s a roadside pull-off with plenty of space to park, and it’s hard to miss. The view of Tongatok Bay grabbed our attention as we rode by, and conveniently, the pull-off was right there waiting for us.
Another group of tourists was already there, and it seemed like a regular stop for most tours around the island. We walked up to the railing to take in the view. It was a peaceful afternoon, and I paused for a moment while looking over the calm sea. The sight of Mount Vulcan rising up in the distance made me wonder how the area looked before the 1871 volcanic eruption.
I launched my drone to get a different perspective. The aerial view revealed more of the bay. We snapped a few photos of ourselves with the view of the bay and Mount Vulcans as the backdrop, marking another moment in our Camiguin adventure.
Where to Stay in Camiguin
Most accommodations in Camiguin are located on the north side of the island near Mambajao. This is convenient because Mambajao is the biggest town in Camiguin and has the island’s only airport, making getting to and from Camiguin much easier.
Here’s where we would stay if we visited Camiguin again. It’s a place called Nypa Style Resort. We actually found this place because we had dinner at their restaurant one night, and their staff was kind enough to give us a tour of some of their vacant rooms. This place is set near Mambajao with beautifully kept grounds and immaculately clean rooms.
If you prefer to find your own place to stay, you can visit Booking.com to explore all your accommodation options in Camiguin.
What to Pack for Camiguin
Here are some of our must-have items you might not have thought of when packing for a trip to Camiguin.
- Crocs: During our time in Camiguin, I was so glad to have Crocs to protect my feet when exploring rocky terrain and chasing waterfalls. They are the ultimate shoe in the Philippines for a reason – many Filipinos wear them too!
- Snorkel: With all the amazing snorkeling spots in Camiguin, it helps to have your own snorkel set like this one if you plan to do some underwater activities! Plus, you won’t need to worry about renting a snorkel, which may be of… questionable quality.
- Sunscreen: For some reason, sunscreen is expensive in the Philippines and I’ve even encountered places selling fake sunscreen that doesn’t work! So I recommend bringing your own sunscreen to Camiguin.
- Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
- Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Camiguin! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.
Our Camiguin Google Maps Locations
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Are You Following Our Camiguin Blog Series?
We spent 8 days in Camiguin and found so many things to do there—from waterfalls to beaches, cold springs, and coral reefs. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Start planning your trip here: Camiguin Travel Guide
- Our Ultimate Guide to Camiguin: 16 Awesome Things to Do in Camiguin
- How to plan your Camiguin trip: 3 Days in Camiguin: The Perfect Camiguin Itinerary
- Our favorite place to snorkel in Camiguin is The Sunken Cemetery
- Our favorite day trip in Camiguin is Mantigue Island which is just a short boat ride away
- Camiguin’s best beach is at White Island
- Our favorite waterfall in Camiguin is Tuasan Falls
- If you want to walk through the mangroves on a web of boardwalks check out Katunggan Park
- How to rent a motorbike in the Philippines
I hope you enjoyed our guide to the Tongatok View Deck in Camiguin. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions! 🐸
