Our travel to Camotes Is. was a memorable experience. It was the second island I visited since birth, the first one was Camiguin. Similar to other small islands I saw in pictures and as I experienced at Camiguin, it is very small indeed. (Yes, that was a joke) But other than being small it is still very rural in the state that there are only few residents and houses.
The travel is somewhat taking an off beaten rocky path with full of mysteries to what awaits. We traveled the whole island within just 1 and a half day. Most of it was travelling on the rocky road with virgin sceneries. Majority of the the island was trees, small houses (except for more populated areas). This small, underpopulated island shouldn’t be underestimated . Even how small it is, its wonders are in the contrary. The whole place was filled with different types of caves, a lake, beautiful beach resorts and of course these resorts won’t be made possible without their fascinating landscape, beaches and sea shores. .
The Camotes Group of Islands (Poro, Pacijan, Tulang Diot, and Ponson Islands) is under the jurisdiction of Cebu Province with four municipal division under its umbrella namely; San Francisco, Poro, Tudela, and Pilar. Though we only traveled San Francisco and Poro.
How to Get there:
There are three ways to get to Camotes from the mainland Cebu:
1. Motorized Boats
This is available in Mandaue City at Ouano Wharf. This is a small fast boat that can possibly outrun and be much faster than ferry. However, it can also be slower and dangerous esppecially during bad weathers.
The pumpboat leaves Ouano Wharf at 11AM for Poro Port in Camotes Islands. Another pumpboat leaves Danao Port for Consuelo, Camotes at 10:30AM.
2. By Ferry Boat/Fast Craft (Ocean Jet)
This is the ride we chose to go to Camotes Islands. The boats are available at Pier 1 in Cebu City. when getting to Camotes Islands, is available at Pier 1 in Cebu City.
Trip time is 1hr. and 30 mins. The Fastcraft leaves at 9AM and 5:30PM from Pier 1 in Cebu City for Poro Port in Camotes. Make sure to book your ride early on and check for changes in schedules. As of us, we forgot to book early on thinking that we can just walk in and book just before departing. Unfortunately, as early as 5 AM the ticketing booth is already crowded or sometimes the tickets are out.
(Note: Returning from Camotes to Cebu City at 8am and 5pm)
~One way fare is 380.00 Php.
Aznar Boat also travels daily from Pier 2 (Cebu Port) in Cebu City at 9AM. If you are getting a hard time finding a jeepney at your location, riding a taxi is much more convenient.
The advantage of this option is that it travels straight from Cebu City-Camotes through boat with less hassle.
3. By Super Ferry Boat from Danao City
If you prefer to travel by road and sea, this is the right choice to take.
Travel time from north terminal to Danao City through bus is approximately 2 hrs plus the travel time from Danao City port to Camotes through ferry is about 2 hrs as well.
The closest port to Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort or Santiago Bay Beach Resort (the two most popular places to stay in Camotes), however, is Consuelo Port. Refer to the following table for the Ferry Schedule.
Danao to Camotes
| Ferry Schedule | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure | Origin Port | Destination (Camotes) | Vessel |
| 05:00AM | Danao Port | Poro Port | Super Shuttle Ferry |
| 05:30AM | Danao Port | Poro Port | Pumpboat |
| 05:30AM | Danao Port | Consuelo Port | Jomalia Shipping |
| 09:30AM | Danao Port | Puertobello Safran and Poro | MBCA Junmar 3 |
| 11:30AM | Danao Port | Consuelo Port | Jomalia Shipping |
| 12:30PM | Danao Port | Nonok, Sunog, and Cawit | MBCA Junmar 2 |
| 01:00PM | Danao Port | Poro Port | Super Shuttle Ferry |
| 02:30PM | Danao Port | Consuelo Port | Jomalia Shipping |
| 03:30PM | Danao Port | Puertobello Safran and Poro | MBCA Junmar 3 |
| 05:30PM | Danao Port | Consuelo Port | Jomalia Shipping |
Return schedule are as follows:
| Camotes to Danao Ferry Schedule | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure | Origin Port | Destination (Danao) | Vessel |
| 05:30AM | Consuelo Port | Danao Port | Jomalia Shipping |
| 08:30AM | Consuelo Port | Danao Port | Jomalia Shipping |
| 09:00AM | Poro Port | Danao Port | Super Shuttle Ferry |
| 01:30PM | Consuelo Port | Danao Port | Jomalia Shipping |
| 02:30PM | Consuelo Port | Danao Port | Jomalia Shipping |
| 05:00PM | Poro Port | Danao Port | Super Shuttle Ferry |
| 05:00PM | Consuelo Port | Danao Port | Jomalia Shipping |
| 05:30PM | Danao Port | Consuelo Port | Jomalia Shipping |
| ***we have no information of the return schedule for Junmar 2 & 3 | |||
Fares:
Jomalia Shipping: Aircon – ₱200 | Economy – ₱180
Supper Shuttle: ₱200
MCBA Junmar: For Poro, Nonok, and Sunog – ₱200 | For Danao – ₱350
Senior Citizens, students and children (3-10 y/o) are subject to their own respective discounts.
(Schedules credits to www.freedomwall.net)
Travel Itinerary:
Mangodlong Rock and Beach – Entrance is free if you stay at Mangodlong Rock and Beach Resort and its affiliate. Naturally formed rocks adorned both ends of the short strip of white beach. At high tide, another adventure unveils – cliff diving.
Timubo Cave – The main feature here is a cool natural pool beneath. It is known for its narrow and short passage towards the inside of the cave.According to local residents, the name of the cave came form the word “Mubo” which means short in Bisaya because only short ones can fit.(But a 5.8ft tall guy like my Dad entered and got out of the cave without a hassle)
Santiago Bay – Perfect for beach bumming. Santiago Bay has a longer strip of white beach with shallow waters. This spot is usually crowded.
Bukilat Cave – one of the main attractions in Camotes Island known for its amazing rock formation . Bukilat cave is a larga cave with a hole at the top letting the vibrant rays of the sun to come through making an stunning glare of light. The cave also has water inside. Its location nearing the coast, I suspect it was brackish water .
Bakhaw beach – Coconut trees lined up the stretch of white sand beach of Bakhaw. The secluded location and the rustic feel is perfect for you noteworthy beach retreat.
Lake Danao – this is my favorite spot. You can do a lot of things like boating in different types and style, crocodile and monkey watching and explore the surrounding sheds. It is a great place to relax and transcend in peace.
Resorts to stay:
Mangodlong Rock Resort
Address: San Francisco, Camotes Islands
Booking: www.Agoda.com/MongodlongRock (click to view hotel rates)
Mangodlong Paradise Resort
Address: San Francisco, Camotes Islands
Booking: www.Agoda.com/MangodlongParadise (click to view hotel rates)
Santiago Bay Garden and Resort
Address: Barangay Santiago, Camotes Islands
Booking: www.Agoda.com/SantiagoBayGardenResort (click to view hotel rates)
Coco Grove Nature Resort and Spa
Address: San Francisco, Camotes Islands (near Mangodlong Rock)
Booking: www.Agoda.com/CocoGroveCamotes (click to view hotel rates)
Camotes Flying Fish Resort
Address: Barangay Cagcagan, Poro, Camotes Island
Booking: www.Agoda.com/CamotesFlyingFish (click to view hotel rates)
Local Transportations:
Local transportation in the vicinity are Habal-Habal and Tricycle. Renting Multi-cabs are common to tourists that wants to explore aroung the island with less hassle. Others bring their Private cars but you have to pay about Php 1200 to the ferry.
Try our Bantayan Island Travel Guide and Aguinid Falls Travel Guide
Memento Vivere 