In Bonbon, Catarman, the coral-stone walls of a Spanish-era church stand roofless among trees and grass. This is what remains of the church of the old town that was destroyed in the eruptions of 1871–1875, when Mount Vulcan emerged nearby and the land around Catarman sank.
The walls, the base of the belfry and the arched openings make a quiet, atmospheric stop — and they give real meaning to the cross offshore at the Sunken Cemetery, a few minutes away.
What to see and do: Gui-ob Church Ruins
Walk the ruins
Wander through the old nave and look at the thick coral-stone walls, now covered in moss and ferns.
Learn the story of 1871
Contemporary illustrations of the eruption show how violent it was. The ruins, the Old Volcano and the Sunken Cemetery belong to the same event.
Photograph the light
Morning and late afternoon bring soft light through the trees.
How to get to Gui-ob Church Ruins
- On the main road in Bonbon, Catarman, between the Sunken Cemetery and the start of the Old Volcano walkway.
- Included on most land tours.
Insider tips
- A small entrance or donation box may be in place.
- Do not climb on the walls.
- Combine with the Sunken Cemetery for a 1–2 hour history stop.
Tours that include Gui-ob Church Ruins
These GetYourGuide experiences are the easiest way to see Gui-ob Church Ruins without arranging your own transport:
Private land tour from €102 Camiguin: Land Tour with Tongatok Viewpoint
A private day around the island by road, taking in its best-known natural and historical sights — the Sunken Cemetery, the church ruins of Gui-ob and more — with a stop at the Tongatok viewpoint. The lowest-priced Camiguin day tour on GetYourGuide when we checked.
- The Sunken Cemetery cross
- The old Spanish-era church ruins
- Tongatok viewpoint over the coast
Guided full-day tour from €110 Camiguin: Full-Day Adventure Across the Island Born of Fire
A guided full day around the island’s ring road: waterfalls, springs for a cooling (or warming) swim and the historic sites left by the 19th-century eruption, with time to enjoy the forested interior on the way. Listed under Tuasan Falls on GetYourGuide.
- Scenic landmarks around the loop road
- Swims in cold and hot springs
- Historic sites from the 1871 eruption
Private full-day tour from €231 Camiguin: Full-Day Island Tour & Optional Island Hopping
The most complete single day on GetYourGuide: a private ten-hour tour that can combine the land sights — falls, springs, the Sunken Cemetery and a turtle sanctuary — with island-hopping to White Island and Mantigue. Also the most expensive, so it suits small groups who want everything in one go.
- White Island and Mantigue Island
- A turtle sanctuary, falls and springs
- The Sunken Cemetery
