The Camiguin forest rat has small, nearly naked ears, relatively large forefeet, and long, wide hindfeet (3). The relatively short tail, which measures less than the head and body length, is almost entirely hairless (3).

The scientific name of this species, gamay, means ‘little’ or ‘small sized’ in the local Philippine language, and refers to the Camiguin forest rat’s small size compared to other Bullimus species.