Going to Camotes is somewhat taking an off the beaten path, at least for non-Cebuanos. The islands’ landscape is relatively rural and the development is exclusive only to resort operators. Public transport is serviced mostly by habal-habal or motorcycle taxi.

Nonetheless, white strips dot the edges of its stunning foliage of greens. The interesting cave systems and the remarkable rock formations make Camotes Island one of the must-visit places in the Visayas.

The Camotes Group of Islands (Poro, Pacijan, Tulang Diot, and Ponson Islands) is under the jurisdiction of Cebu Province with four municipal division under its umbrella namely; San Francisco, Poro, Tudela, and Pilar.

How to get to Camotes Island

From any point of the Philippines, take a flight or ferry to Cebu City. Flights to Cebu are available from Manila, Clark, Iloilo, Kalibo, Caticlan, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Ozamis, General Santos, and Davao.

From Cebu City, you have two options to get to Camotes. The most convenient option is to take an OceanJet ferry from Cebu City’s Pier 1. OceanJet has three daily trips to Poro Port in Camotes. The Cebu-Camotes route are scheduled at 06AM, 10AM, and 3PM while the return trips are scheduled at 08AM, 12PM, and 05PM (as of March 2016).

The regular rates are as follows:

• Open air – ₱335
• Tourist class – ₱380
• Business class – ₱550

For more information, call OceanJet at these numbers: (032) 255 7560 | +63 917 638 0000 | +63 922 857 5500, or visit www.oceanjet.net.

Another option is to take a ferry from Danao City port. To get to Danao City from Cebu City, you can take a Danao-bound van at SM City Cebu’s GT Express Terminal or take any northbound bus from the North Bus Terminal. The fare is around ₱50 and the travel time is up to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The Danao-Camotes route has multiple daily departures and arrivals. The closest port to Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort or Santiago Bay Beach Resort (the two most popular places to stay in Camotes), however, is Consuelo Port. Refer to the following table for the Ferry Schedule.

Return schedule are as follows:

Fares:
Jomalia Shipping: Aircon – ₱200 | Economy – ₱180
Supper Shuttle: ₱200
MCBA Junmar: For Poro, Nonok, and Sunog – ₱200 | For Danao – ₱350
Senior Citizens, students and children (3-10 y/o) are subject to their own respective discounts

Things to Do in Camotes

Here are the list of places of interest in Camotes

• Mangodlong Rock and Beach – Entrance is free if you stay at Mangodlong Rock and Beach Resort and its affiliate. Naturally-formed rocks adorned both ends of the short strip of white beach. At high tide, another adventure unveils – cliff diving.
• Santiago Bay is perfect for beach bumming. The bay has a long strip of white beach with shallow waters.
• Timubo Cave – The main feature of Timubo Cave is the natural pool beneath.
• Holy Crystal Cave – Get marveled with the interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations of the Holy Crystal Cave.
• Lake Danao – You can go boating and explore the surrounding sheds of Lake Danao.
• Buho Rock – If you’re up for some adrenaline pumping adventure, cliff jumping at Buho Rock may interest you. The clear water below the rock is also ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
• Bakhaw beach – Coconut trees lined up the stretch of white sand beach of Bakhaw. The secluded location and the rustic feel is perfect for your noteworthy beach retreat.

Where To Stay

Mangodlong Rock Resort
Address: San Francisco, Camotes Islands
Booking: www.Agoda.com/MongodlongRock (click to view hotel rates)

Mangodlong Paradise Resort
Address: San Francisco, Camotes Islands
Booking: www.Agoda.com/MangodlongParadise (click to view hotel rates)

Santiago Bay Garden and Resort
Address: Barangay Santiago, Camotes Islands
Booking: www.Agoda.com/SantiagoBayGardenResort (click to view hotel rates)

Coco Grove Nature Resort and Spa
Address: San Francisco, Camotes Islands (near Mangodlong Rock)
Booking: www.Agoda.com/CocoGroveCamotes (click to view hotel rates)

Camotes Flying Fish Resort
Address: Barangay Cagcagan, Poro, Camotes Island
Booking: www.Agoda.com/CamotesFlyingFish (click to view hotel rates)

Notes and Reminders

• Local public transportation is habal-habal or motorcycle. Getting from one tourist spot to another will cost you at least ₱50.
• There are no banks and ATMs in the island.
• Cellphone signal is weak on some areas. Getting a data connection could be depressing.
• There are regular electricity interruptions.
• Summer is the best time to visit.

Unang nilathala nuong panglabintatlo ng Octobre 2015.