Camotes Island, Cebu | DIY Travel Guide

When you hear Cebu, what comes to mind?  Canyoneering to Kawasan Falls? Swimming with Whale shark and sardines? Bantayan and Malapascua Island?

What if I tell you there's another island with white beaches, caves with clear water, a lake and cliff jumping spots near Cebu City worth exploring? Known as the "Lost Horizon of the South", most Filipinos doesn’t even know this place exists. Since it is relatively unknown, the island preserved its natural beauty. This is Camotes Island.

While browsing the web for budget-friendly, under-the-radar destination in Philippines. I stumbled upon Camotes Island.  Curious about the name, I went on a deep-dive about the island. When I saw the natural attractions this island has to offer plus considering cost and accessibility, we decided to give Camotes Island a try. Our plan was a 3 days 2 nights trip including the travel from Manila to Cebu and vice-versa.

There are few resorts in the island and we’ve selected Santiago Bay Garden & Resort. The reason for this is that the resort has a pool with a view and access to the famous Santiago Bay Beach. During high-tide, you’ll see a clear turquoise water. When the tide is low, the vast white sand beach appear.

We checked in and went to Santiago Bay Beach to try one of the local eateries near the beach. I really enjoyed our lunch because of the view, laid-back vibe and the authentic local cuisine.

We tried dishes like “Sutukil” which means Sugba or grill, Tuwa or stew, Kilaw or cooked with vinegar. My favorite “Sinuglaw” or a mixed of grilled pork and fished that was kinilaw. Lastly “Puso”, rice cooked in a woven coconut leaves. Also had the sweetest mango shake for a very affordable price.

After lunch, we hired a “habal-habal” to do a half-day tour to visit Busay Falls and Buho Rock Resort. On our way, we passed through a highway in the middle of a Mangrove Forest. This highway connects the town of San Franscisco and Poro.

We arrived at the trail going to Busay falls. Then a local warned us that it was not safe to proceed further due to the rain the night before. A possible flash-flood may follow. We also saw that the river water was muddy. This means that even if we proceed, we cannot enjoy Busay Falls and its clear blue waters.

We continued our journey to Buho Rock Resort. Don’t expect too much because the resort looks under-maintained and there is no beach on this part. The reason for our visit here is the cliff jumping spot - 18ft and 40ft cliff.

At first, I watched tourists and locals do their jumps. We are at the 18ft spot and noticed that the tide was low. One local told me it is safe as long as you land within the safe zone while pointing somewhere in the water.

Just to be sure, I’ve asked them to jump first so I can see the safe spot. Without hesitation, they did their acrobatic jumps.

So when it’s my turn, I walked slowly on the plank while gathering courage to jump. As I stood at the edge of the plank, that’s the only time I recognized the amazing view in front of me - vast clear sea and the horizon. Took 1 full breath and jumped.

When the local kid asked me if I will try the 40ft cliff, I told them “pass”. I have tried 50ft cliff in Kawasan Falls but factoring the low-tide during that time made the jump a little bit sketchy. We stayed on the sideline for a while and took videos of tourists who are brave enough to do the 40ft cliff.

Then, we asked our tour guide to drop us off in the town of San Francisco Baywalk for dinner.

There are several barbeque stalls and eateries in the area. Plastic tables and chairs are placed next to the barrier near the sea. We ordered different kinds of local barbeques, “puso” and soft drinks. 

It was raining when we started day 2. We’ve contracted a random trike to do a modified tour for us. Our itinerary includes: Timubo Cave, Lake Danao, Paraiso Cave, Amazing Island and Mangodlong Rock.

When we arrived on our first destination – Timubo Cave, the sun was already up. It was still early and there were no tourist in the area.

A short trail from the entrance of the cave to the natural pool. No tour guide needed because there’s already a man-made steps and lamp that will guide you inside the cave.

It was dark and a little bit scary. But when we’ve reached the natural pool, the mood changed instantly. The clear blue water was captivating. I’ve tried to capture the beauty of this cave the best I can. Unfortunately, I only had a GoPro during this trip and we all know GoPro is not the best in low-light condition.

Lake Danao – This is the largest lake in Visayas Region. Also known as the Lover’s lake. Lush vegetation, sound of birds, insects and occasional monkey howl in the background and a view of the serene lake - a perfect spot to unwind.

Some of the activities available are kayaking, boating and trekking. We skipped the activities this place has to offer because we still have several destinations scheduled that afternoon. We ate our lunch here before moving to our next cave.

Paraiso Cave - This is situated in a private area. Same with Timubo Cave, development in the cave can be seen through the stairs and railings. The path from the cave opening to the pool is shorter than the Timubo Cave.

Also, lighting in this cave is much better. Stayed inside the cave for a while, swimming in a chest deep, clear blue water.

Amazing Cave – the last cave in our itinerary. Located inside a resort, this cave is my favorite among the 3. You only need to take several steps from the opening of the cave to the natural pool.

Inside, we followed as the tour guide swam further to a narrow dark channel. At the end, we dove under a rock to access a much bigger pool.

What I love about this cave, is the wide cave opening and only a few steps to the cave pool. Natural light complements the clear blue water of the cave.

Our last stop, Mangodlong Rock Resort. This resort has its own private cove with white sand beach, a pool and a giant rock on the right side protruding to the sea.

My favorite part here was sitting on the rock’s edge, the sight of the vast sea and a soothing sea breeze. It was therapeutic.

For our final day, same with our El Nido trip, we didn’t plan any adventure. Our goal was to relax in the infinity pool of Santiago Bay Garden and Resort before going back to Manila.

I enjoyed the cave experience in Camotes Island. But I really prefer to see a place in its natural beauty. Those man-made changes at the entrances, trails and steps will make it tourist-friendly but takes away the magic of seeing something for the first time in its rawest form. I’d still recommend visiting this hidden paradise. I love the slow–paced environment, only a handful of resorts and no fast food restaurants. This give the authentic island life experience.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CAMOTES ISLAND

The best time to visit Camotes Island is during dry season. This is from December to May. This is crucial because a clear day would show the crystal clear water of the beaches and caves.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO CAMOTES ISLAND

• Comfortable clothes

• Beachwear

• Swimwear

• Protection from the sun

• Sandals / Slippers

• Snorkeling gear

• Tumbler

• Camera / Action Cam

• Flashlight

HOW TO GET TO CAMOTES ISLAND FROM MANILA

To get to Camotes Island from Manila, take a flight to Cebu. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 25 minutes. Then from Mactan Airport, proceed to Mactan Wharf in Island Central Mactan Mall via taxi. Travel time is 5 minutes. Buy tickets from the ticketing booth of Jomalia Fastcraft inside the mall and wait in the tent near the docking area. Ferry ride is 1 hour 15 minutes.

CAMOTES ISLAND BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for a 3 days 2 nights Camotes Island trip is around Php5,000.00 per person. Assuming the room is Php2,000.00 per night and budget for food is 500 pesos per meal for two people. Air fare is not included. See expected costs below:

•  Jomalia Fastcraft (Mactan to Consuelo) – Php500.00/pax

• Trike to Santiago Bay Garden and Resort – Php50.00/trip

• Tour

  • Habal-habal – Php500.00/day

    • max of 2 pax plus driver

    • can be self-drive

  • Trike – Php1,000/day

    • max of 4 pax plus driver

    • Prices vary depending on the places you will visit.  There is a standard itinerary but you can choose the places you want to visit.

  • Multi-cab – Php2,000.00 – Php3,000.00

    • For bigger groups

    • Prices vary depending on the places you will visit.  There is a standard itinerary but you can choose the places you want to visit.

• Buho Rock Resort Entrance Fee – Php20.00/pax (Adult), Php10.00/pax (Kids)

• Timubo Cave – Php15.00/pax

• Lake Danao - Php15.00/pax

• Paraiso Cave – Php35.00/pax

• Amazing Island and Beach Resort – Php75.00/pax

• Mangodlong Rock Resort – Php40.00/pax (Free entrance if you are a guest in Santiago Bay Garden and Resort)

NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING CAMOTES ISLAND

• Mactan Wharf is different from Cebu Pier 1. To be sure, inform your driver that you are going to Island Central Mactan Mall. This is pretty close to Mactan International Airport. Around 5 minutes ride.

• Once you exit Consuelo Port, there will be plenty of tricycles waiting for tourists. They also provide the tours within the island. We’ve talked to some, to get an idea of the pricing. It appears that tours are standardized.

• There are local stores where you can buy supplies on the island. But don’t expect they have all brands or items. To be sure, bring everything you need.

• Signal is weak in most places.

• There are no fast food restaurants in Camotes Island. Try eateries in the island and experience authentic local cuisine.

• Food here is fresh and cheap.

• Food is not included in tours. Ask your guide where to eat.

• Cash Basis.

• Camotes Island trip is very affordable but bring plenty of cash before the ferry ride. I think there’s only 1 ATM in the island.  

CAMOTES ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS

• There are several ports to Camotes Island. But If you are coming from Manila, best option is Mactan Wharf.

• Bring Gopro for the water activities. For the lowlight issue in the caves, it is best if you can bring your own headlamps or flashlights.

• You should try “Puso”, “Sinuglaw” and “Sutokil”.

• It would make a difference if you include your tour guides when ordering food during tours. Food in the island is pretty cheap.

• Planning on cliff jumping? Schedule your visit to Buho early morning when the tide is high.

• Schedule your trip during dry season.

• Mangodlong Rock Resort is a sister company of Santiago Bay Garden and Resort. If you stayed in Santiago Bay Garden and Resort, entrance to Mongodlong Rock resort is free and vice versa.

• Do not leave trash behind.

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See you on my next adventure…. Peace!