Camotes Island

Islands of Camotes: A Package Destination

Camotes is located southwest of Leyte, east of Cebu Island and consists of three major islands namely Ponson, Poro and Pacijan Island. It is well-known for its unspoiled destinations and pristine white sand beaches. 

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Aroused by the desire to visit the place, I immediately pack my things and grab my two friends to the island. BER months may be considered as the coolest season of the year and months filled with rainy days but this thought never once bothered us in pursuing our trip to Camotes Island. Fortunately, the weather was pretty fine and the sun shining effervescently was perfect for our three-day (3) vacation. 

Just last November 2015, we explored the islands of Camotes and after wandering around, I feel the need to write a travelogue about its beauty which I know can pleasurably exalts one’s mind and spirit.

Reaching the islands of Camotes

Tacloban City is only an hour drive from my hometown. From the city terminal, we rode a van bound for Ormoc City. Left at 8 am in the morning, we reached the Ormoc City port in two (2) hours. However, we were a bit late and the first trip to the island had already left 15 minutes ago. Still we decided to buy tickets and book the next trip which leaves at 1 in the afternoon. Before we reach our destination at Poro Island in Camotes, the passenger boat docked at Pilar port in Ponson to drop its passengers and unload other materials transported from Ormoc City which actually took us an hour. After that, we finally reached Poro port where a lot of habal-habal drivers are waiting to drive tourists around the island. Some actually served as your local tourist guide around Camotes. 

Note: 

Tacloban City to port of Ormoc City – 2 hours

From Ormoc to Camotes – 3 hours

Pilar Port in Ponson Island, Camotes, Cebu

Cheap but a total package destination for tourists!

Well yes, from the title itself, Camotes is a total package destination I could ever suggest to you. And here’s why.

Below are the tourist spots we’ve visited at Camotes Island during our trip:

1. Bukilat Cave – This was our first destination in Poro Island. Bukilat Cave vaunts its cold water which comes from a mysterious source, however some said the cool water just came from the dews of its stalactites. 

The cave is situated in McArthur, Tudela, Poro Island in Camotes. Entrance fee: P10

2. Busay Falls – It is a small waterfalls which is popular among local and other tourists. It is a twenty (20) minute walk from the street of Brgy. General, Tudela. There is a mini manmade pool where you can enjoy dipping into the icy-cool water from the falls. There are also mini cottages which provide tourists a place to stay for awhile. Entrance fee: P10

3. Buho Rock Resort – For diving enthusiasts, don’t miss the chance to visit this coral rock formation. From the viewing deck, you need to walk a lofty stairway going down to the main structure for cliff diving. Cottages, tables, and chairs are also available for use. You’ll also be mesmerized viewing the skyline and surely admire the breath-taking panorama from the top. Entrance fee: P20

4. Mangodlong Rock Resort  – I love the rock formations finely and naturally built along the shore where small tropical nipa cottages were constructed, impeccably comforting for us to stop and rest for a while. It is a quiet and a relaxing place for honeymoon lovers and family outings. It is located at San Francisco, Camotes. 

Entrance fee: P20

5. Timubo Cave - This was my first time visiting an underground cave. We trekked down to this cavern through a staircase with bulbs lighting up our way down to the bottom. This narrowed path leads us to the pool of the cave beneath, which is astoundingly beautiful. The water was cool and refreshing excellent for swimming. Entrance fee: P10

6. Lake Danao – The place offers water activities like kayaking, boating, and others. We actually rent a kayak and stroll around the lake. It costs us P50.00 per hour. There is also a snack bar where meals and snacks are served at the counter. We actually took our lunch here during our second day in the island before we went to our last destination. Entrance fee: P20

7. Santiago Bay or Santiago White Beach – It is actually a public beach so we did not pay any entrance fee, but parking our service vehicle charges us P5.00. This fine white beach has shallow waters so you still need to walk meters away from the shore to be able to swim. It is perfect for taking pictures with the beautiful rock formations as your background and is the best spot to relax in cottages free of charge. It is located at San Francisco, Pacijan Island, Camotes, Cebu.

We actually went back to Buho Rock after we explored Santiago Beach because my friend wants to dive there. And forsooth, we forgot to go to Tulang Diot because of our limited time for vacation. I have office work after that so I can’t be absent the next day. It was actually a small island just 15 minutes away from the shore of Tulang Daku which is great for swimming and you can immerse underwater using a snorkeling mask, sighting beautiful marine fishes underneath.

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So if you'll decide to go to a ‘package tourist destination’ where you can find different natural spots, try visiting the islands of Camotes. If you want to visit caves, you’ll discover natural underground chambers here. Falls? You can also find it here although it is not as big or tall as you want it to be, but the cool water will surely relax your body. There are also diving activities in the island for people who want this kind of adventure. Furthermore, you can find water activities at Lake Danao, and walk on the white sand beaches of Mangodlong and Santiago Beach or hop to another island, the Tulang Diot. The place is basically a package deal of natural tourist spots! 

NOTES:

1. If you have someone who knows how to drive, rent a motorbike so it will cost you less in touring around. Some allows you to rent their motorbikes for P500.00 a day. If you're in a group of 5 or more, you can rent a multicab (pakyawan rate) and contact Sir Rama. (09204377540)
2. Book a hotel ahead of your scheduled trip. Most hotels are fully booked especially during summer vacations.
3. You can buy food at local carenderias in Poro or Pacijan Island. 
4. If you want to visit all tourist destinations, plan a four (4) or five (5) day vacation to completely tour the islands of Poro and Pacijan or include Ponson Island in your itinerary too. 

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia
• Philippine Airlines

Note: You can visit Camotes island via passengerboat in Cebu also.

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses bound for Ormoc City. The city's terminal is just beside the port area. You can go directly and purchase tickets at the booth. Tell the in-charge of your desired Camotes island destination - whether at Pilar port or Poro Island. 

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