My Camotes Escapade 1

ღღČяїstinEεїз Tuesday, April 22, 2014 16 Comments Edit

The Camotes Islands are a group of islands in the Camotes Sea, Philippines. The island group is located east of Cebu Island, southwest of Leyte Island, and north of Bohol Island. It is 34 nautical miles from Cebu City and part of the province of Cebu. (wikipedia.com)

Some view from Santiago Beach Resort
Santiago Beach Resort is for me the best resort in the island.
The resort have so many stairs. Great for morning hiking!

Low tide at Aikawa Beach Resort

Look someone drowned. lol It's because he jumped directly at the waves. So funny 'cause his friends took a group selfie with him after the life guard saved him. True friends!!! ahhaa

One of the his friends had an awesome tattoo. Just gotta took a picture of it before he notice hahaha.

The resort had awesome jetskis and swimming pools. I just can't remember the name of the resort :( sorry!

Casterly Rock! lol

Snapshots from Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort

Too bad the resort have to lie low because of the damages it got from the typhoon Yolanda :(

Having read that Camotes Islands was hailed as the last horizon and the poet's lost heaven, the place made me very curious that it became one of my dream travel destination. After almost a year of saving and serious thought, I pursued one of my life's dreams. To go there alone! haha. Everybody in the house thinks I'm on drugs or lying when I told them I'm going to Camotes alone.
I'd be a hypocrite to deny that the idea of travelling alone doesn't scare me at all, but I just can't stop the wanderlust within me. I was thirsty of the clear waters and aching to step on the white sands of the islands so I know I need to go there (alone or not).
My travel plan was half-baked as I do not plan it thoroughly. It's hard to find a comprehensive article online about going there (most articles published were old and updated). I didn't have the chance to talk to someone who has been in the island too. Nevertheless, I still went there.
Of course, I took so many photographs that I can't possibly compile them in a post. The photographs above are pictures of beautiful beaches from the different resorts I visited. I'll post another set of photos soon from the different activities I did in the island and about the locals. Below is an updated 'How To Get There' notes and tips I wrote based on my experience.
I hope this post will help you if you have plans in travelling to Camotes. And of course, I hope you enjoy :) If you have been to Camotes, tell me, have you seen a little piece of heaven?

Snapshots inside the ferry boat. 'Wag mag expect ng bonggang barko! The boat is small and it's hard to find a good seat if you'll arrive late. If you have seasickness, don't worry, the boat attendants will provide free plastic bag (for your vomit of course!lol)

How To Get There (notes/tips*):
(Based from my personal experience)

Take a boat from Danao Port going to Camotes. - How to get to Danao Port? Take a V-hire from SM City Cebu going to Danao. Just tell the driver to take you to the terminal. (*V-hires do not go directly to the port. You'll know you're in the terminal once you see Gaisano Danao. From the terminal, you can either walk your way to the port or ride in a pedicab.

* V-hire Fare: 50php; Pedicab fare: 10php

Once you get to Danao Port, buy a boat ticket going to Camotes. From my own experience, ONLY Jomalia Shipping Corporation operates a boat ride going to Camotes. One boat at a time.

* Boat schedules: 6:30AM, 9:00AM, 11:00Am, 2:00 PM, 5:00PM

* Boat Fare: Aircon-200php, Non Aircon-180php

* When buying a boat ticket be VERY EARLY as tickets sold out very early especially during peak seasons. (I arrived at the port at 8:45AM but when I got there, boat tickets from 9:00AM to 2PM were already sold out. Good news is that there are some "under the table" tickets for sale. Some guys will approach you for a ticket of your desired schedule but those tickets are sold twice as much as the original price. They usually sell the ticket from 300-350php. To avoid that kind of problem, just be very early. Jomalia Shipping does not sell tickets in advance and doesn't give any priority numbers.)

All boats from Danao Port docks in Consuelo. The ferry ride going to Camotes will take about approximately 2 hours.
Once you get in Camotes, a lot of motorcycle drivers awaits you. Depending on where you will be going, but in my case I paid 100php going to Himensulan.
If you already booked for a resort, you don't have to worry then because their V-hires will take you to their resort.

* A tour all over the island via motorcycle costs 600php (if you're alone like me but of course, cost may vary)