Camotes Island

CAMOTES ISLAND

(an island worth falling for)

One more shot before summer ends, and my final stop before the rainy season arrives is the beautiful Island of Camotes. I have been to several white sand beaches, but I now have my personal favorite amongst all – CAMOTES! To tell you honestly, the word beautiful is an understatement. Up to this writing, I still can’t put to exact words the beauty I just witnessed last weekend that every time I remember it I just want to start racing my way back to the island.

I can talk about how magically beautiful the island is endlessly, but words aren’t enough – you have to see it for yourself and fall deeply in love with the place just like how I feel ATM. The island offers plenty of places to discover, and it isn’t limited to beaches with pristine crystal clear waters and wide stretched fine white sands. To start with, below were our destinations in our Camotes tour.

Paraiso Cave – A man made, but well maintained little garden and a cave with a cute dipping pool down under.

Lake Danao – A wide lake with some water activities to enjoy such as kayaking and many more. You can also enjoy horseback riding and they also have a pool.

Timubo Cave – Due to the summer heat - I must say, it was one of the highlights of our tour! The underground water is just cool enough to quench the heat. We stayed longer here.

Agora Baywalk – You can’t tour Camotes without dropping by here. There are plenty of BBQ stalls nearby where you can feast to the fullness of your heart.

Santiago Bay – Finally, the no. 1 highlight of our escapade and the very place that had my heart racing like a teenager who just saw her ultimate crush! My heart leapt into my throat the moment I saw this jaw-dropping view (and I even think I left my heart there-lol)!

Those were just the places we visited during our short getaway. There are still more to discover though, such as Bukilat Cave, Buho Rock, Busay Falls, Mangodlong Resort, Old Churches, and many more!

Since it is peak season, we bought our tickets (to & fro) a week before our scheduled trip. We boarded Jomalia Shipping Lines. On our way to Camotes, we got the first trip at 5:30 A.M. and on our way home, we got the 1:30 P.M. trip. Fare is 180 Php for economy and 200 for tourist class. Fare is discounted for children 10 below, students and senior citizens. Rates are subject to change without prior notice though.

I found a no. online and contacted the driver who is happy to arrange a tour for us. We paid 2,500 for our day tour (12 pax in total). You may reach Kuya Gary at 09486221877 or 0996088829. He is a very nice & friendly guy to deal with.

Kuya Gary and his multicab :)

Other Expenses:

Lake Danao entrance fee: 25 Php

Paraiso Cave: 25 Php

Timubo Cave: 25 Php

That is pretty much it. We stayed at Santiago Bay Garden & Resort (you may contact them for their rates). We had our meals at Pito’s Sutukil - just along the shoreline, plenty of eateries are lined up there to choose from or you can dine at the resort itself (your choice really). However, Pito’s is a must try. (just saying!).

Just a warning though, you might want to tell them an hour prior your preferred time to have your meal as it literally almost took forever for them to prepare our meal- hahaha. Good thing we were not very hungry by then – lol!

Overall, the whole experience was just super-duper AMAZING! Will I go back to Camotes? Hell yes - hahaha! Jokingly aside, yes – I will definitely go back there sooner than later. The place is a pop for almost anything. May it be beach weddings, team buildings, soul searching, R&R or even for some California dreaming, name it – you got it!

MAY GOD BLESS US ALL!