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. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content. 

Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

CALAG-ITAN FISH SANTUARY, 

HINUNANGAN SOUTHERN LEYTE

Getting there:

The route to the fish sanctuary is a two (2) and a half hour drive from Tacloban City passing through the Abuyog-Silago Highway. You can find southbound PUVs (Public Utility Vehicle) which travel to St. Bernard, Southern Leyte traversing the municipality of Silago. Just thirty (30) minutes away from this town, you’ll see a tarpaulin-made signage at the right side which states the road going to the fish sanctuary.

Eco-Tourism Destination

After our trekking adventure at Laguma Rock in Silago, Southern Leyte, we went to this local marine sanctuary at Brgy. Calag-itan to look into some marine fishes protected under the government of Hinunangan. The Calag-itan Fish Sanctuary was one of the other marine protected areas in the municipality and serves as a permanent asylum and shelter for the protection of fish in the area. Although it is a refuge sanctum for marine resources, the place became a local eco-tourism destination for fish interaction.

The place looks like an old pier. There are also small beach cottages where you can stop and stay for a while. Across the sanctuary were the islands of San Pedro and San Pablo of Hinunangan noticeably sighted from the area. You will also see mangroves and beach rocks on nearby coastal shores. 

We've seen small, black and yellow-striped saltwater fish, “molmol” or parrot fish which comes so big and brightly colorful, and the “pakol” or triggerfish which inhabits the shallow coastal waters of Calag-itan. There are also some other kinds of fish but these types were the ones frequently seen. So bring with you snorkeling masks or diving equipment to surely enjoy looking at these beautiful fishes and sea coral underwater.

The management allows fish feeding at the sanctuary as well as diving or swimming but please be reminded not to harm them.  

Notes:

1. Entrance Fee: P10.00
   Cottages: Ranges from P100.00 to P300.00
2. Fishing is strictly prohibited.
3. They only allow bread for fish feeding. So make sure to buy some before going there.
4. Bring snorkeling mask or diving gears. You certainly should not miss sighting fish and other marine creatures below the water surface. If you have underwater cameras, then it is much better!

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

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses which transports to St. Bernard, or Hinundayan, Southern Leyte. Land travel to Hinunangan takes about three (3) hours from the city.

Note: Make sure that the PUVs pass by Silago or Hinunangan. There are buses which head to St. Bernard via Sogod, Southern Leyte.

CEBU CITY VIA ORMOC CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Ormoc route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via large transports or fast crafts). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships and just three (3) hours for fast crafts. The city’s bus terminal is just beside the port area so you can directly go to the terminal and ask drivers which vans and buses go or pass by Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. 

For promo fares and other details:

OceanJet
Roble Shipping
SuperCat

Weesam Express

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Baybay, and Hilongos, Leyte. 

Laguma Rock, Silago

UNEXPLORED: LAGUMA ROCK IN SILAGO, SOUTHERN LEYTE

Aerial view of Laguma Rock. Photo credits to JahrixCultureEcotourAdventure.

Reaching there: 

Previously, the only paradise I knew about Southern Leyte where I can find beautiful beaches and exquisite views were at Canigao Island, Padre Burgos, or in Sogod Bay which is prevalently known as the haven of whale sharks and other beautiful aquatic creatures in the province. However, I got the chance to visit Silago, Southern Leyte because we have friends who were from this town. This opportunity made me discover an exciting sensuous pleasure of the other part of the south. We actually stayed at Brgy. Hingatungan, Silago for days and sought adventure at Laguma Rock.

The road to this tourist destination is a two (2) hour drive south from Tacloban City. As you reach the proper town of Silago, Southern, Leyte, you can find “habal-habal” (highly improvised motorbike used as public transportation and can possibly carry 5-6 passengers, at least) drivers who can take you to Brgy. Laguma, Silago. There you can rent motorboats or find some local guides who will take you to Laguma Rock.

Journey to Laguma Rock

In our trek to the rock structure, we stopped at Brgy. Lawaan to greet a friend and to find someone who will take us to Laguma Rock. Luckily, some fisherfolks agreed to take us but with “pakyawan” (all-in fare or rent for the whole boat) rate using their own fishing motor bancas.  The journey to the rock from Brgy. Lawaan took us 20-30 minutes but this actually depends on the sea or weather conditions. If you were exactly from Brgy. Laguma, it will only take 5-15 minutes since the nature-built tourist spot is located at a short distance from the shore of Brgy. Laguma and Brgy. Salvacion. 

Leaving Brgy. Lawaan. (Thanks to all locals who went with us to Laguma Rock)

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(2)

Pictures (1) and (2). Local guides preparing the boat to unload passengers to Laguma Rock

Laguma Rock (which took its name from its place) is also called by the locals as “Bato Dako” in their dialect which means ‘Big or Large Rock’. It is likewise called “Pelada Rock” and commonly called as ‘Snake Island’ because sea snakes dwell on holes and frequently seen by locals sleeping or resting between rocks. Moreover, marine feathered vertebrates are also seen hovering and circling above the island, searching for food and building their nests on the rock. 

Amazing view of the rock structure facing the coast of Brgy. Laguma and Salvacion, Silago, Southern Leyte

Bird seen gliding over "Bato Dako"

Tourists taking pictures at the top of the rock structure

Stunning vista from the top!

We climbed up until we reach the upmost of Laguma Rock. The view was outstanding and perfect for photography aficionados and adventure enthusiasts. You can find angles and places to click your camera with and take beautiful picturesque scenery at the top. The magnificent panoramic view was very worth it! 

Notes:

1. There were no boats which regularly take tourists and certainly no boats can be rented unless you find someone who will agree to take you there. The “pakyawan” rate depends on the owners of the bancas.
2. Best time to go there: Early morning so big waves won’t hammer the boat in going to Laguma Rock. There were also no cottages so don’t expect white sand beaches coz it is purely a rock structure only.
3. Wear life-jackets especially for those who don't know how to swim. There is no wharf which will help you unload passengers off the banca. Seek help of locals who will escort you there and be your guide in helping you discharge your company from the boat.

4. Bring with you snacks and other necessities needed while you are there like beach hat, climbing gears, etc. (Tip: You can buy food and drinks at the town proper of Silago, Southern Leyte )
5. Be careful. The hard, uneven surface and coarse texture of the rock can seriously bruise and cut your skin so make sure to wear proper outfit.

6. Be cautious and watchful. Sea snakes live in between rocks and when disturbed can be very dangerous.
7. For diving enthusiasts, please seek advice from your guide in which part is safe for cliff diving.
8. Lastly, do not forget to take some pictures. The view is stunning and very spectacular, based on my experience. 

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

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses which transports to Silago, Southern Leyte.

CEBU CITY VIA ORMOC CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Ormoc route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via large transports or fast crafts). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships and just three (3) hours for fast crafts. The city’s bus terminal is just beside the port area so you can directly go to the terminal and ask drivers which vans and buses go or pass by Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. 

For promo fares and other details:

OceanJet
Roble Shipping
SuperCat

Weesam Express

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Baybay, and Hilongos, Leyte.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.