The Philippines has 7,107 islands. It sure will not run out of islands, known or unexplored. And whether you are in Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao, the three major islands where those 7,107 islands are scattered, you will most likely wound up in an island, one way or the other.
An example would be the Camotes Island located east of Cebu Island, north of Bohol Island and Southwest of Leyte Island. It is described as a group of islands, four major islands to be exact, is found in Camotes namely, Pacijan, Poro, Ponson and Tulang Island and is actually made up of four towns, namely, Poro, Tudela, Pilar and San Francisco – that form part of the province of Cebu.
A paved road joins Pacijan and Poro Islands while Ponson Island is separated by the Camotes Sea and is found about 4 kilometers northeast from Poro Island. North of Pacijan Island is Tulang Island.
Camotes Island is defined by crystal clear pristine waters, sugary-white sand and spectacular sunset views, which for many years have been unexplored, remote and remained Cebu’s best kept secret. In recent years though, the local tourists have discovered the islands and to date has become a top tourist destination picked by foreign travelers due to the unique experience one will have when in Camotes Island.
What to See in Camotes Island? With four towns and four islands to explore, Camotes Island has more on its plate than the other island destinations in the Philippines. Some of the interesting places to explore are:
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photo by: bestphilippinetouristspots.com Lake Danao. Lake Danao is shaped like the number 8. It is the largest lake in Cebu and in the Visayas region. This freshwater lake is located in the northern part of Pacijan Island and has an area of 680 hectares body of water. It’s rather secluded location earned it the title, “Lovers’ Lake” as the peaceful and romantic ambiance cannot be dismissed. It is likewise great for family bonding. It offers an 18 km eco-trail, biking and hiking pathways that surround the entire perimeter of the lake. Others may want to go ‘hook and line’ fishing while at the lake. The lake is abundant with flora and fauna which makes it an ideal venue for bird watching.
- Borromeo Beach. The beach is a vast stretch of sugar-white sand, located in Bakhaw, Esperanza in the town of San Francisco in Cebu. It’s wonderfully not crowded and visitors can generally enjoy the quiet and tranquil ambiance. Visitors can take pleasure at the lush landscape with all the natural fauna and flora. Snorkeling will get you close to the rich marine life underneath the emerald green blue waters. Designed to accommodate families and friends, Borromeo Beach rents out individual rooms or the entire house complete with all facilities that will make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
- Bukilat Cave. This is Tudela’s pride and one of the main attractions of Camotes Island – an underground cave with several natural pools for swimming, ancient stalactites and stalagmites. The underground beauty is unmatched.
- Timubo Cave. This is a great site for the adventurous souls. It has very cool, clear and clean water inside. Ideal for taking a dip.
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photo by: travelingslippers.blogspot.com Mangodlong Beach is a white-sand beach located in the fisherman’s village at Mangodlong, Himensulan in the town of San Francisco in Camotes Island.
- Buho Rock. This is perfect for the adventure seekers who wants more adrenaline rush. This is a cliff diving spot in Camotes Island which is located in the town of Poro. A Php. 20 is collected as an entrance fee to maintain the surroundings’ cleanliness as this is an abandoned resort.
If you think the activities in Camotes Island is still not enough, take a dive into the Blue Waters of Malapascua Island also found in Cebu just a few hours away from the Islands of Camotes.
