Isla Isla lang: Camotes Island
00:19:00
The crisp and fresh wind blew across our faces on October 2nd 2012. I can still vividly recall the eye-opening and serene nature of Camotes Island. So, with heavy and bulky backpacks on, skipping heart beats and our ever so trusty helmets, we hopped on to the motorcycle and drove up North to Danao. We stopped over this small-scale restaurant just along the street. With grumbling stomachs, we checked out the catch of the day! Unlike the blood shot eyed fishes we normally come to see in supermarkets, the ones in Danao have clear eyes and such conspicuous sea water smell that even the word fresh would be considered an understatement. As soon as the fish was taken fresh off the grill and served on the table, we excitedly ripped open our puso (hanging rice) and tore through the fishes' hot , white flesh with our plastic covered hands. What a satisfying and almost sweet P180-peso meal.
Immediately after eating, we rushed to Danao port only to find out that the next trip was still on the next hour. So, with no time wasted, we bought our tickets for the RoRo (Roll in - Roll out) Boat and went around the quiet, unfrequented town. We were practically our own tour guides! And just like that, 60 minutes passed by quickly.
Awesome Work of Art outside Danao Church.
Lighting Candles, Making Wishes, Saying Prayers
It was a 2-hour boat ride from Danao to Consuelo, Camotes. Upon docking the pier, the light blue to almost aquamarine effervescent water welcomed us. The golden rays of the sun gushed forth from the sky and shone through the water which reflected shadows of the boat we were on. The sand on the shore was glimmering with the warmth of the sunlight. Our hearts dropped with elation. Say hello to three days of unmoved bliss!
Map of Camotes
On the way to our hotel, the prolific native varieties of trees and other vegetation were very much prevalent and provided the roads with good old natural shade. Sari-sari stores were already visible as we drove closer and closer to Santiago Bay, our hotel. It was only 9:00 a.m. We had the whole day waiting for us! We presented our reservation slip (you can book online) at the front desk and the polite lady handed us the key to our room. Hurray for today!
We unpacked our bags and took a nap to ready ourselves for the worry-free day ahead. No monotonous work. No raucous traffic. That day, we were free as birds. Our so- called temporary abode had a snug couch outside. The terrace provided us with a panoramic view of the lazy beach. The tide was low and the sun radiated through the cotton-candy like, bulbous clouds. It was nearly 11 a.m when we glanced at the clock, so we headed out to lunch. The heat of the sun was high and scorching and I literally felt the moisture on my skin evaporate. But as you know, we didn't go there to lurk under or find shade, not even chase the clouds' fast - moving shadows. Like camels in the desert, we kept heads (and sweaty foreheads) up and went on. For sunny days are, without question, far better than rainy ones when you're on vacation.
We reached the town proper just when the clock struck 12. We had lunch at a carenderia (local cafeteria) near the City Hall. Being budget travelers, we didn't dine in the resort's restaurant, as it was a bit expensive...and the food was just, well, okay..they served Filipino cuisine as well. The dishes we had were: Adobo, Plain Rice, some sauteed vegetables and best of all, shrimp paste with iba (commonly known as uyap in Cebuano lingo). All were good enough to satisfy our bellies. This carenderia was also like a convenience store because it sold canned goods, noodles, instant coffee and some toiletries. We bought some just in case hunger pangs would strike. For a person who HAS to have small feedings every two hours or so, these were quite vital to me. (laughs)
Months before planning this Camotes trip, we did some research about this laid back and scenic island. First stop was Bay Walk. Bay Walk is recreation spot of Camotes. If you want to experience the cool night time breeze and soothing milieu, then this is the place to be. It has a lot of benches and light posts around. Not to mention the monkey bars where children could literally "hang around"..as they say. The carenderia I mention earlier was just a few meters away, too. Basically, that's just it. Nothing much to see here.
The asphalt road made it easy for us to go around. Although, areas that were far off had rough trails. Gasoline stations were quite uncommon here, if you need to gas up, you have to search for side vendors that sell gas in Coke or Sprite bottles, it cost us around P30 - P40.00 per liter. Don't expect to see gas stations in every corner like we do in cities. We acquainted ourselves through the lone roads that were sheltered by the canopies of tall trees. The woody flora was very noticeable as we went deeper and deeper into the outskirts of nowhere. You never get this in Cebu. Back to the Santiago Bay it was for us as we were enervated after a day's going around. We noticed there were some restaurants on the beach side. The locals were very welcoming and the owner of the place where we ate cooked really scrumptious seafood! Squid and Raw fish cooked in vinegar and coconut milk (kinilaw), puso, tinuwang isda (fish soup). It was all anything but ordinary. On top of that, we had full view of the beach while having dinner. It was a marvelous way to end our first day.
The bright sun greeted us a good morning the following day and the cold shower was incredibly invigorating. We departed after breakfast. The heat of the sun neutralized the coldness of the water from the shower. As we went around, we saw a van heading towards the same direction as us and we decided to follow it. We reached Timubo cave, quite unexpectedly. We didn't have the slightest idea that such place existed. Timubo Cave is an underground cave in Sonog. There's a winding staircase that leads you to the clear water below. There's also a statue of the Virgin Mary at the corner of the cave. Entrance fee? P10.00 only. We emerged out of the cave wet and let the warm breeze and sunny day do the drying for us. The next few stops were all surprising as we did not have any specific tourist attractions to go to. The road was our guide and it led us to some pretty awesome spots. Lake Danao, which is also called "Lovers Lake" because it is a secluded place. It is the biggest natural lake in Cebu and is a good place for picnics...and lovers, of course! ;) But before that, we went up this mountain so we could get a panoramic view of it. I can't remember the name of the place, but you'd have to pass by many corn fields to reach it. If you want to find good places to visit, you can ask the locals. They know the place more than you'll ever do. You get to stop by ones that aren't very well- known but are a must-see. We topped off our day having dinner by the beach and we had some ice cold RH beer after. The night was young and so were we. ;)
Last day at isla paraiso. We went to Mangodlong Rock resort after breakfast and maximized our last few hours in this island paradise. If you booked with Mangodlong Rock resort, you can freely visit Santiago bay and enjoy their side of the water, or vice versa. These two are like sister-resorts, each beach front is different. Mangodlong's sand is better than that of Santiago Bay. However, you can't miss Santiago Bay's food! Back to Cebu it was for us. It was a bit depressing, really. It was such a short period of revitalizing and relaxation. So, 'til we meet again, Camotes. We took the same Roro to Danao with more memories added to our travel bucket.
It is so surprising that not many people outside Cebu know about this beautiful island. If you come to Cebu, give this place a chance. You won't regeret it!
For your reference:
Santiago Bay
San Franciso, Camotes
No traffic here!
We unpacked our bags and took a nap to ready ourselves for the worry-free day ahead. No monotonous work. No raucous traffic. That day, we were free as birds. Our so- called temporary abode had a snug couch outside. The terrace provided us with a panoramic view of the lazy beach. The tide was low and the sun radiated through the cotton-candy like, bulbous clouds. It was nearly 11 a.m when we glanced at the clock, so we headed out to lunch. The heat of the sun was high and scorching and I literally felt the moisture on my skin evaporate. But as you know, we didn't go there to lurk under or find shade, not even chase the clouds' fast - moving shadows. Like camels in the desert, we kept heads (and sweaty foreheads) up and went on. For sunny days are, without question, far better than rainy ones when you're on vacation.
We reached the town proper just when the clock struck 12. We had lunch at a carenderia (local cafeteria) near the City Hall. Being budget travelers, we didn't dine in the resort's restaurant, as it was a bit expensive...and the food was just, well, okay..they served Filipino cuisine as well. The dishes we had were: Adobo, Plain Rice, some sauteed vegetables and best of all, shrimp paste with iba (commonly known as uyap in Cebuano lingo). All were good enough to satisfy our bellies. This carenderia was also like a convenience store because it sold canned goods, noodles, instant coffee and some toiletries. We bought some just in case hunger pangs would strike. For a person who HAS to have small feedings every two hours or so, these were quite vital to me. (laughs)
Months before planning this Camotes trip, we did some research about this laid back and scenic island. First stop was Bay Walk. Bay Walk is recreation spot of Camotes. If you want to experience the cool night time breeze and soothing milieu, then this is the place to be. It has a lot of benches and light posts around. Not to mention the monkey bars where children could literally "hang around"..as they say. The carenderia I mention earlier was just a few meters away, too. Basically, that's just it. Nothing much to see here.
The asphalt road made it easy for us to go around. Although, areas that were far off had rough trails. Gasoline stations were quite uncommon here, if you need to gas up, you have to search for side vendors that sell gas in Coke or Sprite bottles, it cost us around P30 - P40.00 per liter. Don't expect to see gas stations in every corner like we do in cities. We acquainted ourselves through the lone roads that were sheltered by the canopies of tall trees. The woody flora was very noticeable as we went deeper and deeper into the outskirts of nowhere. You never get this in Cebu. Back to the Santiago Bay it was for us as we were enervated after a day's going around. We noticed there were some restaurants on the beach side. The locals were very welcoming and the owner of the place where we ate cooked really scrumptious seafood! Squid and Raw fish cooked in vinegar and coconut milk (kinilaw), puso, tinuwang isda (fish soup). It was all anything but ordinary. On top of that, we had full view of the beach while having dinner. It was a marvelous way to end our first day.
It's Mr. Krabs!
Not so white sand on this side because it was a -ber month.
Good morning!
Look what we found!
The bright sun greeted us a good morning the following day and the cold shower was incredibly invigorating. We departed after breakfast. The heat of the sun neutralized the coldness of the water from the shower. As we went around, we saw a van heading towards the same direction as us and we decided to follow it. We reached Timubo cave, quite unexpectedly. We didn't have the slightest idea that such place existed. Timubo Cave is an underground cave in Sonog. There's a winding staircase that leads you to the clear water below. There's also a statue of the Virgin Mary at the corner of the cave. Entrance fee? P10.00 only. We emerged out of the cave wet and let the warm breeze and sunny day do the drying for us. The next few stops were all surprising as we did not have any specific tourist attractions to go to. The road was our guide and it led us to some pretty awesome spots. Lake Danao, which is also called "Lovers Lake" because it is a secluded place. It is the biggest natural lake in Cebu and is a good place for picnics...and lovers, of course! ;) But before that, we went up this mountain so we could get a panoramic view of it. I can't remember the name of the place, but you'd have to pass by many corn fields to reach it. If you want to find good places to visit, you can ask the locals. They know the place more than you'll ever do. You get to stop by ones that aren't very well- known but are a must-see. We topped off our day having dinner by the beach and we had some ice cold RH beer after. The night was young and so were we. ;)
Lake Danao on a hot day.
Hidden somewhere in the middle of Camotes, Val Hal.
there's a long slide beside this bridge. The tide was high so it was a bit dangerous to go swimming.
Virgin Mary inside the Cave.
Timubo Cave.
Last day at isla paraiso. We went to Mangodlong Rock resort after breakfast and maximized our last few hours in this island paradise. If you booked with Mangodlong Rock resort, you can freely visit Santiago bay and enjoy their side of the water, or vice versa. These two are like sister-resorts, each beach front is different. Mangodlong's sand is better than that of Santiago Bay. However, you can't miss Santiago Bay's food! Back to Cebu it was for us. It was a bit depressing, really. It was such a short period of revitalizing and relaxation. So, 'til we meet again, Camotes. We took the same Roro to Danao with more memories added to our travel bucket.
It is so surprising that not many people outside Cebu know about this beautiful island. If you come to Cebu, give this place a chance. You won't regeret it!
For your reference:
Santiago Bay
San Franciso, Camotes
Mobile: +63917-3292448
Room Rates (As of 2013)
- Standard Non-Aircon - PhP 1,000 nett good for two (2)
- Standard Aircon - PhP 1,500 nett good for two(2)
- Oceanview Aircon - PhP 1,700 nett good for two(2)
- Deluxe - PhP 2,000 nett good for two (2)
- Deluxe Family - PhP 2,600 nett good for three (3)
- Bayview -PhP 2,800 nett good for two (2)
- Villa Standard - PhP 2,500 nett good for three (3)
- Villa Family - PhP 5,000 nett good for five (5)
- Bungalow - PhP 3,000 nett good for three (3)
Boat Schedule from Danao (Jomalia Shipping / Ro-Ro Boat)
Danao Port to Consuelo, Camotes
Departure - Arrival
- 5:30 AM 7:30AM
- 8:30 AM 10:30AM
- 11:00 NOON 1:00PM
- 2:ooPM 4:OOPM
- 5:30 PM 7:30PM
- 9:00PM 11:00PM
Consuelo, Camotes to Danao Port
Departure - Arrival
- 4:00AM 6:00AM
- 5:30AM 7:30AM
- 9:00AM 11:00AM
- 1:00PM 3:00PM
- 5:00PM 7:00PM
- Car fare in boat from Cebu to Camotes
- 4 Wheels – around 1,500php
- 2 Wheels – around 800php
Ticket: P180.00 per person (as of April 2015)
Contact number (Jomalia Shipping) : (032) 346-0421
Contact number (Jomalia Shipping) : (032) 346-0421
6 comments
I've always wanted to go there.
ReplyDeleteWooo. Mas nice ang vigan! I hope to go to vigan someday. hihihi
Deletehaha, richkid man ng nka Vigan dha oist. :D
DeletePretty Awesome <3
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelllle.. :D
Deletegreat places + good company = happiness
ReplyDelete