Scaling the Heights of Flavor: Why Nanaw Café is Camiguin’s Best Kept Secret
Nanaw Café: A Highland Escape Above the Shores of Camiguin
When travelers imagine Camiguin, the first images that usually come to mind are white sandbars, volcanic peaks, waterfalls, and the iconic Sunken Cemetery rising from the sea. The island’s coastline has long captured the attention of tourists searching for tropical adventures and postcard-worthy scenery. But hidden high above the beaches and coastal roads lies a quieter, more intimate side of the “Island Born of Fire.” For travelers willing to leave the shoreline behind and venture toward the mountain village of Binunsaran in Mambajao, a completely different experience awaits at Nanaw Café.
Perched high in the mountains, surrounded by cool air, dense greenery, and breathtaking views, Nanaw Café has become one of Camiguin’s most beloved highland destinations. More than just a café or restaurant, it is a sanctuary where nature, food, and slow island living come together in perfect harmony. Here, guests are invited to pause, breathe deeply, and experience Camiguin from an entirely new perspective—far above the bustling beaches and tourist crowds below.
A Journey Into the Highlands
Part of what makes Nanaw Café special is the journey required to reach it. Unlike beachfront restaurants that sit conveniently beside the main road, Nanaw Café rests deep within the mountainous highlands of Binunsaran. Getting there means climbing steep and winding roads that slowly reveal the cooler, greener side of Camiguin.
As travelers ascend higher into the mountains, the atmosphere begins to change. The tropical coastal heat fades. The air becomes noticeably cooler. Tall trees line the roads while mountain fog occasionally drifts across the landscape. For many visitors, the drive itself already feels like an adventure. The road leading to Nanaw Café offers glimpses of:
- Rolling mountain scenery
- Dense tropical forests
- Quiet hillside communities
- Panoramic coastal views
- The distant Bohol Sea
The climb creates anticipation, making the final arrival at the café feel even more rewarding. For travelers unfamiliar with mountain roads, hiring a local tricycle or multi-cab is often recommended. Experienced motorbike riders may enjoy the scenic ride, but the steep and winding paths require caution and confidence. Yet despite the challenging journey, nearly every visitor agrees on one thing: The view is absolutely worth it.
A Name That Perfectly Describes the Experience
The word “Nanaw” comes from a local term meaning “to look out” or “to view from above.”
Few names could describe the café more perfectly. Perched high above Mambajao town, Nanaw Café offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views anywhere on the island. From the open-air decks and rustic cottages, guests can gaze out toward:
- Mambajao town
- The Camiguin airport
- Rolling mountain landscapes
- The coastline below
- The endless blue waters of the Bohol Sea
On clear afternoons, the scenery feels endless. During sunset, the entire landscape transforms into shades of gold, orange, and deep blue. As evening approaches, the town lights below slowly begin to twinkle, creating a magical contrast against the darkening mountains. Even cloudy or misty days carry their own beauty.
When fog drifts through the surrounding trees and mountain air cools the atmosphere, the café feels almost hidden from the rest of the world. This peaceful and immersive setting is one of the biggest reasons visitors keep returning. Nanaw Café is not simply a place to eat—it is a place to experience stillness, beauty, and perspective.
Architecture That Blends With Nature
One of the most striking aspects of Nanaw Café is how naturally the establishment blends into its environment. Rather than overpowering the landscape with modern structures, the café embraces rustic mountain architecture designed to complement the highland scenery. The space features:
- Stone-walled cottages
- Wooden decks
- Open-air seating
- Natural materials
- Rustic island-inspired design
The architecture feels grounded and organic, allowing the surrounding mountains and forests to remain the true centerpiece of the experience. Guests often describe the atmosphere as:
- Cozy
- Peaceful
- Authentic
- Relaxing
- Deeply connected to nature
The cool mountain breeze flowing through the open-air spaces creates an environment that feels entirely different from Camiguin’s humid coastal areas. Instead of crowded beaches and noisy tourist hubs, Nanaw offers silence, cool air, and uninterrupted mountain tranquility.
A Menu Rooted in Camiguin Tradition
While the views alone are enough to attract visitors, the food at Nanaw Café is what truly transforms the destination into one of Camiguin’s culinary treasures. The café has earned a strong reputation for serving traditional highland comfort food deeply rooted in Camiguinon culture and Northern Mindanao flavors. Rather than focusing on trendy international dishes, Nanaw celebrates local ingredients, local recipes, and authentic island cooking traditions. Every meal feels warm, hearty, and deeply connected to the island itself.
The Famous Chicken Surol
No visit to Nanaw Café feels complete without trying its signature Chicken Surol. Among locals and returning tourists, the dish has become legendary. Chicken Surol is a traditional Camiguinon soup made using:
- Native chicken
- Coconut milk
- Ginger
- Hulas (oregano)
The result is a rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful soup that perfectly suits the cool mountain climate of Binunsaran. Unlike heavily commercialized dishes found in some tourist restaurants, Chicken Surol feels homemade and deeply cultural. The creamy coconut broth combined with the aromatic ginger and herbs creates a meal that is both hearty and soothing. Many guests consider Nanaw Café’s version one of the best on the island. For first-time visitors wanting to experience authentic Camiguin cuisine, Chicken Surol becomes an essential order.
Traditional Merienda: Puto Maya and Sikwate
Nanaw Café also embraces the Filipino tradition of merienda, or afternoon snacks. Among the café’s most beloved offerings is the classic pairing of:
- Puto Maya
- Sikwate
Puto Maya is a steamed glutinous rice delicacy infused with ginger, while Sikwate is thick native Filipino hot chocolate traditionally made from cacao tablets. Together, the combination creates a deeply comforting and nostalgic experience. The warm chocolate and soft rice delicacy pair beautifully with the cool mountain temperatures surrounding the café. For many Filipino visitors, the snack evokes memories of traditional provincial life and childhood merienda moments. For international tourists, it offers a delicious introduction to authentic Filipino comfort food culture.
Highland Flavors and Local Ingredients
Beyond its famous specialties, Nanaw Café’s menu features a variety of dishes inspired by local highland cooking traditions. Popular favorites include:
- Sinuglaw
- Caldereta
- Grilled dishes
- Fresh salads
- Local vegetables
One standout menu item is the café’s fiddlehead fern or “pako” salad. Pako grows abundantly in tropical and mountainous areas, and its fresh, earthy flavor reflects the richness of Camiguin’s volcanic soil. The use of local ingredients gives the food a freshness and authenticity that guests immediately notice. Every dish feels deeply connected to the island’s landscape and agricultural traditions.
The Beauty of Slow Living
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Nanaw Café is its pace. Everything about the experience encourages visitors to slow down. Unlike fast-paced restaurants focused on quick service and rapid turnover, Nanaw embraces a more relaxed “island-style” approach. Food is prepared fresh, which means meals may take longer to arrive. But surprisingly, most guests do not mind waiting. Because at Nanaw Café, the waiting itself becomes part of the experience. Visitors spend their time:
- Admiring the mountain views
- Feeling the cool breeze
- Taking photos
- Sharing conversations
- Listening to nature
- Disconnecting from stress
The café encourages guests to unplug from the fast-moving digital world and simply enjoy the present moment. This slower atmosphere feels increasingly rare in modern travel. And for many visitors, it becomes one of the most memorable aspects of their Camiguin journey.
A Perfect Escape From Coastal Heat
Camiguin’s beaches and coastal towns are beautiful, but they can also become intensely hot and humid during the day. Nanaw Café offers a refreshing alternative. Because of its mountain location, temperatures in Binunsaran are noticeably cooler compared to the coastline. Visitors often bring:
- Light jackets
- Sweaters
- Hoodies
especially during late afternoons and evenings. The cool highland climate creates a relaxing contrast to the tropical heat below. After days spent under the sun exploring beaches, waterfalls, and hot springs, many travelers appreciate escaping to the mountains for fresh air and tranquility.
A Café That Captures Camiguin’s Soul
What makes Nanaw Café truly unforgettable is how perfectly it captures the spirit of Camiguin itself. The island is often called the “Island Born of Fire” because of its volcanic origins. At Nanaw Café, visitors can feel that volcanic identity everywhere:
- In the fertile soil producing fresh ingredients
- In the towering mountain landscapes
- In the cool highland climate
- In the peaceful atmosphere shaped by nature
The café represents a quieter and more reflective side of Camiguin—one that values simplicity, authenticity, and connection to the natural world. It reminds visitors that the island’s beauty extends far beyond beaches and tourist attractions. Sometimes, the most meaningful experiences are found high in the mountains, surrounded by cool air, comforting food, and silence.
Nanaw Café is more than a scenic restaurant hidden in the highlands of Camiguin. It is a place where food, nature, culture, and slow living come together to create something truly memorable. From its breathtaking panoramic views and rustic mountain atmosphere to its comforting traditional dishes like Chicken Surol and Puto Maya with Sikwate, every part of the experience feels deeply rooted in the identity of Camiguin. For travelers seeking more than just beaches and island tours, Nanaw Café offers something far more meaningful: a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the peaceful soul of the Island Born of Fire from above the clouds.