The Captivating Camotes Island
An island located at the northeast of Cebu that holds captivating beauty and serenity that will surely delight you. After my trip from Sumilon Island, I decided to visit another island — this time on the east side of the province. Let's go!
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Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
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How to get there
Cebu City to Camotes Island (Updated 2019)
There are two ways to get there:
- Fastest Way
1. The fastest way to the island is from the airport straight to Mactan Wharf
From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport:
Take a taxicab to Island Central Mactan Mall. The wharf is right behind the mall.
Another option if you don't have much luggage is the yellow multicab (mini jeepneys) right outside the airport. Alight (exit) at Marina Mall and across the street is the Island Central Mall, then make your way behind the mall to the wharf.
Airport to Island Central Mactan Mall (aka "Island Mall") by car/multicab: 5 – 10 minutes
Ticket Kiosk location: behind Island Central Mall, walk 5 minutes to Cebu Yacht Club’s port area
Boat Fare: 500 PHP – 550 PHP
Travel time to Consuelo Port (on Camotes Island): 1 hour and 30 minutes
When you arrive at the port, you have to pay a port terminal fee which is less than 10 PHP.
Boat Schedules:
Mactan Wharf to Consuelo Port: 9AM and 1PM.
Consuelo Port back to Mactan Wharf: 11AM and 3PM.
- For Locals
2. For locals and brave souls, make your way to the port of Danao City
From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport:
You can take a taxicab to go to Danao Camotes Ferry Terminal. Estimated fare is 250 PHP –350 PHP, depending on traffic. Or take a multicab North-bound to Danao City.
Alternatively, if you're familiar with Uber and/or Lyft, then you can download and use the mobile app, Grab, to book your transportation.
Drop off: Danao Camotes Ferry Terminal, Danao City, Cebu, Philippines
Travel time (bus/private car): 1.5 – 2 hours
From the Danao Camotes Ferry Terminal (daily boat trips):
Boat Fare: 180 PHP – 250 PHP (prices may have changed)
Travel Time to the Island: 2 hours
Vehicles can be loaded onto the boat. Fees vary based on the size and weight of the vehicle.
Boat Schedules:
Port of Danao City to Consuelo Port: 5:30AM, 8:30AM, 11:00AM, 2PM, 5:30PM and 9:00PM.
Consuelo Port to Port of Danao City: 4AM, 5:30AM, 9AM, 1PM, 3PM and 5PM.
Always check the weather conditions before traveling to the island!
Tips
- Power outlets: are commonly type A, with standard voltage 220 V and frequency 60 Hz. Be sure to bring a universal plug adapter!
- Money matters: We recommend getting your currency exchanged via Western Union (WU) since you'll get a better rate than at the airport. You can send your travel budget to yourself and pick up the exchanged amount at the local WU.
Survival Terms
- CR is the term for the toilet
- Salamat means "thank you"
What to do in Camotes Island
Where To Go
1. Check out the islet of Tulang Diot, Entrance fee: 10 PHP - 20 PHP
2. Camotes Island Caves (Entrance fee: 20 PHP - 50 PHP)
- Bukilat Cave
- Paraiso Cave
- Timobo Cave
- Holy Crystal Cave, Entrance fee is free
3. Santiago White Beach/Santiago Bay Beach
Entrance fee: Free
4. Lake Danao
Opening Hours: 6AM - 6PM (daily)
Entrance fee: 15 PHP - 25 PHP
Enjoy Kayaking, boating, horseback riding and Lake cruise. Most activities range from 50 PHP - 150 PHP, while the cruise is around 500 PHP for 15 persons.
5. Cliff Diving at Buho Rock Resort- my friend did this one!
Entrance fee: 30 PHP - 50 PHP
6. Busay Waterfalls
Entrance fee: 10 PHP - 20 PHP
Where to Stay in Camotes Island
Mangodlong Rock Resort
We stayed at 2 different resorts, the first being Mangodlong Rock Resort located in the village of Mangodlong, Heminsulan, San Francisco on Camotes Island. The resort stands on 2 hectares of extensive coconut-shaded garden close to the beachfront.
Waking around I saw a very good-looking hut that sat beside a coconut tree. There was also a mermaid sculpture that can only be seen during low tide. Maybe when the tide is high, bizarre things can happen like it coming to life and swimming around the area. So when you go out swimming during high tide, don't mistake it for a big fish.
Across the resort and separated by the blue sea is a coral islet with tropical huts spread out and connected by a sand bar from the beach. The resort offers an ideal combination of intimacy and laid-back island atmosphere. It is a few minutes from the town, port of San Francisco and city of Poro.
Santiago Bay Garden and Resort
The second resort we stayed at was in Santiago Bay Garden and Resort which I highly recommend to everyone. Located in Santiago, San Francisco on Camotes Island, this 19-bed resort houses 2.5 hectares of lush greenery that will surely capture everyone's hearts.
Room rates start around 1,000 PHP and up to 5,000 PHP. They have good customer service and facilities. I personally love their infinity pool just around the corner and the billiard's hall overlooking the seaside.
A few minutes from the town and the ports of San Francisco and Poro is a garden where you can walk around and watch the ocean dance. The scenery was breathtaking — the pristine white sand, the crystal blue waters and the scent of the place will relax all your tense muscles.
I like the island vibe in Camotes. It makes you feel like you're in paradise away from the bustling city of Cebu. If you're going through something in life, take a vacation. Be kind to yourself as I was to my situation.
This is nowhere related to Santiago Beach Resort but here goes: Ahahaa. I've been going through some bad experiences and I want to let it out. We can't trust other people right away; we have to set some boundaries. Some people pretend not to know anything but they know exactly what they're doing. I was totally blind and they've abused the kindness I've shown to them. I trusted one person to stand right beside me but it turned out I was wrong. Those eyes I love most are the very same eyes that hid behind the shadows when darkness swallowed the emptiness. Despite the troubles, I've felt the island of Camotes has surely eased my soul and healed an open wound before it got infected. All in all, I was able to enjoy my trip.
Let Camotes Island heal your soul and I hope you get to visit the island soon.
(Please contact the resorts for more information; this is not a sponsored post).
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
If you still have one more day to spare why not go Wakeboarding at Danasan Eco Adventure Park in Danao City.
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is to Bantayan Island: Cebu's Mini Boracay, this time on the northwest side of Cebu.
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this is interesting to begin summer 2013. my group is choosing a nearby white sand resort. we're thinking about camotes or cebu island hopping vs sipalay white sand resorts
ReplyDeleteThis resort has a wide stretched of white sand and a good spot if you like to play some beach games. Compare it to other resorts they offer more affordable prices.
Delete