Summer is here again! And once we hear the word "summer", all we can think of are planning the perfect get-away, going to the beach, having a long vacation, and just relaxing. And speaking of beaches and summer get-aways, I am proud to present to you my favorite Island, my hometown, tantananan, Camotes Island! ☺
Camotes Island is consist of 4 municipalites each of whom have their own tourist spot to boast. It is a 2hr boat ride from Danao City, your home away from home. :)
Read on as I list down places that you can visit.
Municipality of San Francisco
Baywalk - located at the town proper, you can eat, chill, and relax with friends here. It's also nice to come here by nighttime.
Timubo Cave - one of the many caves you get to discover in the Island. I like its cool waters. ☺
Lake Danao Park - some of the activities you will enjoy here are kayaking and horse back riding. They have swimming pools too! ☺
SanTiago White Beach - one of the pristine white sand beach in the Island. And no entrance fee needed! All you have to pay for are the cottages. :)
Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort - infinity pool you say? They have it here. Lounge in the resort all day and soak in its beauty. ☺
Other Places to visit in San Francisco includes:
Mangodlong Beach Resort (just beside Mangodlong Paradise)
Kalbaryo - if your into mountain trekking, then this one is for you. You will pass the Stations of the Cross along the way
Tulang Beach - an island in the island. This white beach is worth the boat ride once you get there.
Bakhaw Beach - offers cheap accommodations by the beach. I guess this beach is not yet developed but beautiful nevertheless.
Paraiso Cave and Holy Crystal Cave - some of the caves that you can explore.
Municipality of Poro
Buho Rock Resort - for the adventurous you, Cliff Diving baby! ☺
Other Places to visit in Poro includes:
My Little Island Hotel - your typical mountain hotel.
Municipality of Tudela
It is a shame really that we weren't able to visit tourist spots that Tudela has to offer. But since this is my hometown, I guess we'll have plenty of time later.
Must visits in Tudela are:
Busay Falls - albeit not that high, it is still nice to witness curtain of water falling down.
Bukilat Cave - one of the beautiful caves in the island. It is best to visit there during the holy hour (3-4pm) where light seeps through the cave. It looks immaculate.
Tudela Viewpoint - an accommodation option in Tudela. Located where the old Tudela lighthouse have been,you will surely enjoy the view from the top. Also, they have a swimming pool to boot.
Municipality of Pilar
As I have said earlier, Camotes Island is consists of 4 municipalities, the 4th one being Pilar. This municipality is near Ormoc and Leyte and one has to ride a boat for 1hour from Tudela to get there.
Map of Camotes
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Itinerary
How to get to Camotes Island
- Boats going to Camotes Island docks at Danao city so you have to go there.
- To get to Danao, you can ride a Bus from NorthBus Terminal (40php) and you will be dropped off at Danao Port.
- Another option would be is to ride a V-hire from SM (50php) and it will take you to Danao terminal. From there, you can walk to the port or ride a trisikad.
- Or you can opt to bringing your own car and take it with you to Camotes.
- Once in the Danao Port, buy boat tickets going to Consuelo Port, Camotes.
- The most favored transportation is Jomalia Shipping Lines, a RORO boat that is big enough to transport passengers, buses, cars, cargos and the likes. The earliest boat leaving for Consuelo departs at 5:30am and latest at 5:30pm. They have a 9:00pm trip every Fridays-Sundays. Travel time by boat is about 2~2.5hours.
- Others modes include Super Shuttle Ferry (Danao Port) or Ave Maria Pumpboat (Oano Wharf, Mandaue)
- Once you arrive at Consuelo, you can ride a habal-habal and negotiate your way to a Tour in Camotes (usually cost 500php for the tour plus 200php for gasoline). Multicabs are also available for large groups. Also, if you know how to drive a motorcyle, they also have one for rental. Or better yet, contact the resort you are staying and ask if they have tour options or a ride you can rent.
Hope you have a great time exploring the Island! ☺
