Camotes Island: Our Trip to the Lost Horizon of the South
Summer is not just the time to go to places to relax, unwind and soul searching. You can have all the days you want, all the time you need and all the places to visit.
Since I was in college, I always wanted to visit some bigger islands here in Cebu. Human combustion isn’t real. At least, that’s what my science professors in college and high school said. Yet, somehow, I felt like I was on the verge of bursting into flames as the dry season was about to officially kickoff. With Metro Cebu heating up environmentally and politically, I had a craving for a refreshing escapade to get away from the hot spell. And, as I was going through a multitude of options, a beautiful idea flashed into my mind. Why not take a plunge at the famous beaches and trendy places in Camotes Island here in Cebu?
Since I was in college, I always wanted to visit some bigger islands here in Cebu. Human combustion isn’t real. At least, that’s what my science professors in college and high school said. Yet, somehow, I felt like I was on the verge of bursting into flames as the dry season was about to officially kickoff. With Metro Cebu heating up environmentally and politically, I had a craving for a refreshing escapade to get away from the hot spell. And, as I was going through a multitude of options, a beautiful idea flashed into my mind. Why not take a plunge at the famous beaches and trendy places in Camotes Island here in Cebu?
So, I, together with my laag buddies, ventured into the neigboring town, Camotes Cebu, and released our happy hormones at Lake Danao, Paraiso Cave, Busay Falls, Buho Rock Resort, Santiago White Beach, Mangodlong Rock Resort, and Tulang Diot Island. It was last exactly one year ago (from my date of writing today- April 7-9, 2018) that we discovered a couple of picture-perfect spots.
Camotes Island, sometimes known as the Lost Horizon of the South, is a group of islands not far from Cebu. The first and second time I went there, it was still a quiet island with beautiful white sand beaches and I saw only a hand full of other foreign tourists. After barely 8 years, I decided to go back to the island, this time for three days. I was already excited to see how it developed and how it changed over the years.
Welcome to the the Lost Horizon of the South - Camotes, Cebu!
But before that, here's a simple trivia.
Did you know where the term "Camotes" come from?
There was a story that the term "Camotes" got its name from the Spanish visitors who asked the people on that certain place or farming locals about the name of the island. The people thought that the Spaniards were asking about what they were digging. So they answered them "Camotes", which means a sweet potato termed by Filipinos, and by that - the name of the island was created.
I was a bit shocked and just laughed knowing how the name of the island was created, despite of that, it is still the island I always wanted to visit.
For our Camotes Island Tour, we did not really avail a tour package, but instead our group just agreed to rent a multicab/jeepney that will take us to different beautiful spots in the island. We only spend more or less 1,000 per person for the whole island tour (excluding accomodation, entrance fees and cottages). So off, we traveled to different famous destinations riding this jeepney:
"Adventure is always within you - Let it out, be free, live and explore the whole new you"
But before that, here's a simple trivia.
Did you know where the term "Camotes" come from?
There was a story that the term "Camotes" got its name from the Spanish visitors who asked the people on that certain place or farming locals about the name of the island. The people thought that the Spaniards were asking about what they were digging. So they answered them "Camotes", which means a sweet potato termed by Filipinos, and by that - the name of the island was created.
I was a bit shocked and just laughed knowing how the name of the island was created, despite of that, it is still the island I always wanted to visit.
For our Camotes Island Tour, we did not really avail a tour package, but instead our group just agreed to rent a multicab/jeepney that will take us to different beautiful spots in the island. We only spend more or less 1,000 per person for the whole island tour (excluding accomodation, entrance fees and cottages). So off, we traveled to different famous destinations riding this jeepney:
We only had a chance to stay in Camotes for 3 days and 2 nights but everything was absolutely worth it. I’ve got to witness the beauty hidden in Camotes because of the sceneries and tourist spots - - - among of which are these 7 beautiful tourist destinations that I will share with you. Here it is.., check it out.
Day 1
1. Lake Danao Park
The first spot that we visited where we had a lot of photographs, photo shoots and fun! It is located at the northern part of Pacijan Island.
It is one of the most breathtaking places to enjoy together with your loved ones. It is a perfect place especially to lovers due to its romantic scenes, that's why this lake is also called as the Lovers Lake. There is also a picnic area and other activities offered.
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| the islet tour w/ these ladies: Mam Delia, Mam Buena, Manilyn, Mam Joy, Mam Siton, and Mhiere |
Local government of Camotes requires an entrance fee of PHP 10-15 per person for maintenance purposes - (Of course, to maintain the beauty of the park and the lake.) If I am not mistaken, it allows visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Activities offered in Lake Danao Park:
Duck Ride - P50 single and P100 tandem (30 minutes)
Kayaks - P200 good for 4 persons (30 minutes)
Crocodile Ride - P200 good for 4 persons (30 minutes)
Horse Back Riding - P50
Islet Tour
Back to the first time I saw this lake,it's as wide as this and rest assured you will be safe because there are no crocodiles or other stupid creatures.
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| we were also surprised to see some animals like pigeons, turkeys, birds and peacocks as we roamed around the park... So, it's also like a mini zoo! Wow! |
Photos are just a perfect way to remember the happiest and memorable experiences...
While we stayed at our cottage, we saw an old woman carrying these species. (I forgot the name of the snake & the bird). If you want to touch them, you need to pay around PHP 50.00.
When you come here, you will surely be amazed in everything about Lake Danao Park
2. BUHO ROCK
Tourist and visitors should never missed this place due to its perfect coral rock formation. This perfect destination is located at Poro, Camotes Island. It has a ship shape that makes this place super unique. As I have known, this resort was abandoned but currently taken care by the government.
Entrance: PHP 20 per head
So this is the view as you entered the Buho Rock. For you to get an early exercise, you need to take a walk through this winding stair to reach at the ship-like structure.
Then you will get here...
Divers and swimmers should never miss this cliff-diving spot with 20-feet high or ---- the 40-feet high! (Disclaimer: I am not a swimmer, so don't ask me how it feels to dive at this high! hahahaa!)
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| This is the diving spot with 40 ft.high. I just envy my friend, Welvin, here...for being brave in diving such a very high cliff 😂 |
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| Another other diving spot with 20-feet high |
It is truly a must-see place because of the view that allows you to see the perfect horizon. You can enjoy by swimming, having a picnic with family and friends, cliff-diving, snorkeling, drinking, talking/singing, or simply by watching.
These are some of the photos taken at Buho Rock:
....And this ends our tour at Buho Rock.
As we traveled to our next destination, I took a perfect view that shows perfect shades of blue combined with green coconut trees and more trees.
It is true that #WOLO - We Only Live Once - So why not make the best out of it?
3. PARAISO CAVE
3. PARAISO CAVE
Before we end the first day of our tour, we went to Paraiso Cave at San Francisco, Camotes were we've seen an underground cave. Entrance fee is : PHP 15-20 only, collected by the locals living near the cave.
Upon entering the entrance gate, one sees beautiful manicured gardens, with nice shady places for picnics, photo opportunities and plenty of seating, which is welcome once you have come out of the caves.
Also,upon entering the cave, you need to be extra careful and watch your head as your way to the cave is quite slippery. However, you'll be satisfied because the water in the underground pools (which were partially developed) is so cool and refreshing! There's no problem with the ambiance because the cave is well lit, the roof height was sufficient for most taller people. Indeed, a perfect place to have some relaxation!
Upon entering the entrance gate, one sees beautiful manicured gardens, with nice shady places for picnics, photo opportunities and plenty of seating, which is welcome once you have come out of the caves.
Also,upon entering the cave, you need to be extra careful and watch your head as your way to the cave is quite slippery. However, you'll be satisfied because the water in the underground pools (which were partially developed) is so cool and refreshing! There's no problem with the ambiance because the cave is well lit, the roof height was sufficient for most taller people. Indeed, a perfect place to have some relaxation!
With that 3 tourist destinations, we considered it an absolutely perfect 1st day of our tour!
As we went to the convent in San Francisco (place where we stayed), unluckily, signals were not available! However, for me, it is a great way to escape from the stressful reality even just for a moment!
We prepared for our dinner and it was quite dark since we arrived around 7:00 PM at the convent.
Day 2
As early as 6am, we already woke up and take a bath and ate our breakfast at the convent, and with all smiles, we were ready to finish what we started - a 2nd day of our tour at these 4 amazing places:
1. BUKILAT CAVE
Another natural cave in Camotes. A little bit history of this cave, this was used as a shelter to the people living in this island during Japanese invasion in the Philippines.
For a Php5-10 range entrance, you can already enjoy the icy-cool water of the cave.
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| We're so thankful to Fr. Rey for providing us healthy meals and a good stay at d convent |
Day 2
As early as 6am, we already woke up and take a bath and ate our breakfast at the convent, and with all smiles, we were ready to finish what we started - a 2nd day of our tour at these 4 amazing places:
1. BUKILAT CAVE
Another natural cave in Camotes. A little bit history of this cave, this was used as a shelter to the people living in this island during Japanese invasion in the Philippines.
For a Php5-10 range entrance, you can already enjoy the icy-cool water of the cave.
It is a really nice cave, not really deep underground but really large and with a big lake you can swim in and light openings creating a mystical atmosphere. In the 70s, mass used to be held there. The water is coming from the sea, so if you go during low tide (in the morning) who won't see much water, it's better to go in the afternoon.
The water of the cave are believed by locals to have healing effects.
2. BUSAY FALLS
The fall is on the border of the jungle and the farm area. It really let me feel nothing else than jungle vibes. There were no people around at all. The whole blue colored pool was ours! This is definitely better than all those big, impressing falls full of people. Maybe the fall is just small but it feels like a place from a Disney movie.
3. MANGODLONG ROCK RESORT
It was already 12:30 in the afternoon when we arrived at the resort. So we just have some sight seeings and photo sessions since we have to take our lunch outside later on that day.
Mangodlong Rock Resort is located in serene fisherman village of Mangodlong , San Fransico Camotes, its about 2 hectares of land. It isn't as big as it would be however the resort has tons of interesting scenery.
When you reach the resort you can rent out rooms however for us since we already had a place to stay you can choose to pay their Entrance fee of 40 PESOS. You'll then be greeted with the breath taking view of the rock cottages.
There, you can find nippa hut cottages, with small sari-sari stores, and a videoke/karaoke and boats for rent in order for you to enjoy your stay.
You can play Frisbee, badminton, volleyball and all other activities because of its wide space open for everyone. Do sunbathing, getting tan, strolling around with not much cash needed. Perfect place to save buddy!
We just had fun doing photo ops., swimming on the beach, and watched people who were having fun. We enjoyed the view and moved on to our next destination - the market at Baywalk (of course we were already hungry after that). It was almost dark that it gave me the chance to view the sunset there.
Day 3
TULANG DIOT ISLAND
Our tour will not be complete without having a dip in the waters of this newest attraction in Camotes- the Tulang Diot Island. So, we dedicated our third day to this very amazing island.
This is the most secluded beach in Camotes Cebu and is definitely a must try for travelers with a tight budget. All you need to do is to go to Tulang Daku and ride a boat that will only cost you 10 pesos each passenger for one way and another 10 pesos when you get back from the little island. There is no entrance fee but if your with a large group you will need to rent a picnic table for 150 pesos.
The place was really picturesque and very serene. The beach was well maintained by the friendly locals so expect it to be so clean. You can call it a private beach since there are only a few tourists who comes to the place,maybe because they are not offering overnight stays nor do they have hotels near the area. This is the place for you to be alone and to spend time with yourself since the serenity and the rustic atmosphere will captivate you. The beach is also known for its white beach and clear waters.
These are just few tourist spots in Camotes Island that I am pretty sure you'd love to visit. We may have stayed for a very short time, but the memories and experiences are always treasured and kept inside our hearts and minds.
Escaping from a stressful world of reality is what we really need. We can do this simply by diverting our attention to some God's wonderful creations. Wondering in #unknown places might help us to broaden our understanding in our daily life. As we travel, we do not need any set of rules, we just have to do what we love to do, no expectations, and no stressful routines to follow. To travel is to be free.
We need adventures in life, break the barriers that separate us from the nature who calls us to relax, and explore more on people's lives.
That is why I am encouraging each and every one of you to be free and enjoy the life God has given us in the means of travelling and having fun adventures with your loved ones.
Let me leave you with a quote, "To Travel is to Live, so Live the life you have always wanted"
Here's our flashback video..thank you for watching! Hope you enjoyed!
The water of the cave are believed by locals to have healing effects.
2. BUSAY FALLS
The waterfall called Busay Falls is just 10 minutes walking away from the entrance. The path isn't steep but during the walk you have to cross two little streams walking over the rocks which offered us a way to the opposite side of the river. The sun rays shined perfectly down on the plants and trees to show the nature to us on it's greenest. I felt like it just came out of a movie. And than we saw the falls, small but magical!
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| The green surroundings we passed by during our walk back to our multicab |
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| the trek to the falls..goofing around my laag buddies...#ngangapamore |
3. MANGODLONG ROCK RESORT
It was already 12:30 in the afternoon when we arrived at the resort. So we just have some sight seeings and photo sessions since we have to take our lunch outside later on that day.
Mangodlong Rock Resort is located in serene fisherman village of Mangodlong , San Fransico Camotes, its about 2 hectares of land. It isn't as big as it would be however the resort has tons of interesting scenery.
When you reach the resort you can rent out rooms however for us since we already had a place to stay you can choose to pay their Entrance fee of 40 PESOS. You'll then be greeted with the breath taking view of the rock cottages.
4. SANTIAGO WHITE BEACH
We stayed here for an hour since it is getting dark. It is located at the center of Poblacion, San Fernando, Camotes. This is one of those beaches in Camotes with a longest stretch of white sand. Also, it is open to public with affordable entrance fee!
There, you can find nippa hut cottages, with small sari-sari stores, and a videoke/karaoke and boats for rent in order for you to enjoy your stay.
You can play Frisbee, badminton, volleyball and all other activities because of its wide space open for everyone. Do sunbathing, getting tan, strolling around with not much cash needed. Perfect place to save buddy!
We just had fun doing photo ops., swimming on the beach, and watched people who were having fun. We enjoyed the view and moved on to our next destination - the market at Baywalk (of course we were already hungry after that). It was almost dark that it gave me the chance to view the sunset there.
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| sunset at the baywalk |
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| the market near Baywalk Camotes |
Day 3
TULANG DIOT ISLAND
Our tour will not be complete without having a dip in the waters of this newest attraction in Camotes- the Tulang Diot Island. So, we dedicated our third day to this very amazing island.
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| we rode a pumpboat in going to the island |
This is the most secluded beach in Camotes Cebu and is definitely a must try for travelers with a tight budget. All you need to do is to go to Tulang Daku and ride a boat that will only cost you 10 pesos each passenger for one way and another 10 pesos when you get back from the little island. There is no entrance fee but if your with a large group you will need to rent a picnic table for 150 pesos.
The place was really picturesque and very serene. The beach was well maintained by the friendly locals so expect it to be so clean. You can call it a private beach since there are only a few tourists who comes to the place,maybe because they are not offering overnight stays nor do they have hotels near the area. This is the place for you to be alone and to spend time with yourself since the serenity and the rustic atmosphere will captivate you. The beach is also known for its white beach and clear waters.
I just left my heart in Tulang Diot! 😂 ❤😎
---- And our Camotes tour comes to an end!----
These are just few tourist spots in Camotes Island that I am pretty sure you'd love to visit. We may have stayed for a very short time, but the memories and experiences are always treasured and kept inside our hearts and minds.
Realizations:
We only have limited time on Earth, making it best would help you realize that life is always better when you travel.
Escaping from a stressful world of reality is what we really need. We can do this simply by diverting our attention to some God's wonderful creations. Wondering in #unknown places might help us to broaden our understanding in our daily life. As we travel, we do not need any set of rules, we just have to do what we love to do, no expectations, and no stressful routines to follow. To travel is to be free.
We need adventures in life, break the barriers that separate us from the nature who calls us to relax, and explore more on people's lives.
That is why I am encouraging each and every one of you to be free and enjoy the life God has given us in the means of travelling and having fun adventures with your loved ones.
Let me leave you with a quote, "To Travel is to Live, so Live the life you have always wanted"
Here's our flashback video..thank you for watching! Hope you enjoyed!
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