Camotes Islands : a Hidden Paradise of eastern Cebu

ellamielle (47)in #philippines • 7 years ago (edited)

"Camotes"

is known as the Last Horizon of the South, located east of Cebu main land, southwest of Leyte and north of Bohol. It has 3 major islands, Poro, Pacijan and Ponson Islands.

A place full of sparkling white sand beaches, gorgeous underwater gems, historical caves and lake, unique culture and adorable people.

Brief History

“Camote”, replied the island ancestors when asked by the Spaniards about the name of the place. The natives were harvesting sweet potatoes (camote) then and thought that the Spaniards were asking what they were digging. That was how the group of islands got its name according to local folklore.

History as claimed by residents

Residents also claims that Magellan and Lapu-lapu's battle happened at Santiago. Why? history books says that there is a long period of low-tide, reason why Magellan's vessel can't go near. There are no records in Mactan Island regarding its shores diurnal characteristic unlike Santiago's. We stayed over night at Santiago and we actually saw it in our eyes, low tide is more than a day. Also, its location would somehow support the speculation. Camotes is nearer in Leyte, where Limasawa is located and played a role during Spaniard colonization.

Pet-friendly Travel Spots

Santiago White Sands

No cottage fees. You can also build your own tent for over night stay. It has a vast sparkling white sand beach. Tide is diurnal. It is low tide most of the time. This is where the battle of Lapu-lapu and Magellan happened as claimed by elderly residents. Place is safe for pets, there are no mosquitoes. Amazing!
There are shops nearby for tattoo, henna tattoo, pub, local cuisines, etc.

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Boho Rock Resort

No entrance fees. No corkage fees. Great for cliff diving.
Walking distance to Camotes Electric Company.
It has an overlooking scenery. Rare Mola-mola fish can be seen here (rare).
Feuer enjoyed chasing birds, but of course we did not let him kill them.

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Caves

Timubo Cave

A brackish underwater cave, it has staircases all the way down to the "pool".
Safety measures are practiced so people with heart ailments are not allowed.
Even though salt water and fresh water meets, it is still crystal clear.
Feuer enjoyed swimming, the water is not too cold nor hot.

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Bukilat Cave

Seawater comprises the pool but it is way deeper than 'Timubo'. It has a steeper staircases going down.

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Lake Danao

From the local folklore of Nong Isyong and Nang Isyang, the lake formed and encapsulated its charm.
The Lake has a lot of activities to offer. You can try kayak, boat paddle, boat pedal, an inflated pool balloon and zip line.
Owned by a Bangladesh national but prices are maintained by the local government.
There are 3 resident crocodiles there. There's a pool and cottage for guest use.

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Mangodlong Paradise Resort

This is by far, my most favorite resort in Cebu. We stayed overnight for only Php1500 with welcome drinks for 4, breakfast and a comfy queen sized bed. They allowed Von Feuer inside our suite, you can also bring your furry pet there :)
You can do beach volleyball, jetski and banana boat ride. They also charge Php100 for barbecue. Just bring your marinated meat or fish and they will do the job for you. Internet and cellular network is good in here.
We got a chance to meet Alice Dixson, too!

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Last but not the least Tulang Diot

I really love this island! If you are dreaming of visiting Coron, Palawan, Tulang Diot offers the same sparkling white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Diving is great, too!
It is only a 5minute boat ride from Tulang Dako, Esperanza.
You can also witness fierce flying fish crossing the island from Tulang Dako to Tulang Diot.
In this part, you can already see Leyte. You can buy freshly-caught fish here from residents.
Unlike Palawan, Tulang surprisingly isn't hot. It doesn't feel humid. Its a mixture of fresh air and cold breeze in here.
Feuer enjoyed his time in here, he even fell asleep on the beach!

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