2023 Camotes Islands Travel Guide: Itinerary, Tourist Spots, Tours

Hanggang saan aabot ang 20 pesos mo?

Be found in the “Lost horizon of the South”. Camotes Islands, a group of islands in the Camotes Sea, Philippines, is now one of the summer’s most budget-friendly destinations in Cebu. Giving us more than its great beaches, its known natural caves, lakes and falls will connect you to the raw beauty of nature.

With just ₱20, you can enter and experience one of these great finds in Camotes Islands.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Top 10 Attractions in Camotes
2. How to get to Camotes?
3. Motorbike or car for rent in Camotes
4. Where to stay in Camotes?
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The details on how to get to Camotes Islands from the Cebu mainland can be found right after the list.

1. Santiago White Beach

Its wide stretch of beach line makes it look like a giant pool during the high tide. A low tide reveals its vastness added with the clear blue waters — it’s truly one of the most magnificent beaches in Cebu.

Entrance fee: FREE

How to get there?

In the southern part of Camotes, Santiago Bay is 8.6 km away from Consuelo, San Francisco. Ride a motorcycle since it is the easiest way of transportation there or rent a motorcycle, tricycle or a van.

2. Lake Danao – “The Lovers’ Lake”

The lake is guitar-shaped and is touted to be the largest lake in Cebu province. It has deep blue waters and a serene aura with its singing birds and the breeze.

Several activities can be enjoyed when visiting this place such as kayaking, boating, horseback riding, among others.

• Entrance fee (park): ₱15 per head
• Opening hours: 6am-6pm daily
• Kayaking: ₱50
• Horseback riding: ₱50
• Pedal boating: ₱150 (30 mins)
• Sakanaw/Lake Cruise: ₱500 (15 pax)

How to get there?

From the wharf, ride a motorcycle for more or less 15 mins. The lake is actually part of the Lake Danao Park which is just a kilometer away from the entrance.

3. Tulang Diot Island

An islet secluded in the northern part of Camotes Island. The white sand, sandbar and cerulean blue waters looks like a paradise for your own.

• Environmental/Entrance fee: ₱10 per head
• Cottage Rental: ₱500 per day
• Tables with 4 chairs: ₱150 day
• Tent space: ₱150 per tent (overnight, bring your own tent)

How to get there?

From the Consuelo Port, ride a motorbike going to Tulang Daku – fare is ₱100. Once you reach Tulang Daku, ride a boat to Tulang Diot – ₱10 per head only, 5-10 minutes to the island.

For more info: https://sugbo.ph/2018/tulang-diot-island-camotes-cebu/

4. Buho Rock Resort

A unique ship-shaped coral rock formation. Situated in a public beach resort, the view of the horizon and sunset is magnificent. It is known as a cliff diving site at a height of approximately 50ft.

The winding stairs you’ll have to take towards the blue waters will make the jump all the more worthwhile.

• Entrance fee: ₱20 per head (₱10 for kids)
• Opening hours: 8AM to 5PM daily
• Note: No corkage. You can bring food and snacks.

How to get there?

It is located in Poro, Camotes Islands. Approximately 27 mins from the Consuelo Wharf. You can ride a motorcycle, tricycle or just rent a ride for transportation.

5. Timubo Cave

The entrance to the cave is a small hole to get you underground. Inside the Timubo Cave lies the cold water of its cave pool up to about 6ft deep where you can swim to your hearts content and also visit the grotto.

You will certainly be in awe of the stalactites and stalagmites that’s decorating the cave.

Entrance fee: ₱20 per head

How to get there?

Timubo Cave is located inside the Lake Danao Park. You can take a motorcycle from the Consuelo port to Lake Danao Park for about 30 mins and then towards the entrance of the cave.

6. Busay Falls

The small beautiful falls has a cold clear natural pool. The place can be reach after a 10-minute hike. You can also dive as it is 8-10 feet deep. Like your own pocket-sized falls, it allows the guests more privacy and a peaceful swim.

Entrance fee: ₱10 per head

How to get there?

Far from Consuelo, it would take 30-50 mins to the falls depending on the ride. A motorcycle is much faster.

7. Paraiso Cave

Already developed, it is quite smaller than Timubo Cave. Paraiso Cave is an underground cave but sits in the middle of a private property. The water pool inside can be chest-level. Cold, clear and clean, three qualities that makes you want to go under and dive in.

Entrance fee: ₱50 per head (

How to get there?

This is very near the Consuelo Wharf. Only 9 minutes away if you have a ride but you can also take the motorcycle which is a lot faster.

8. Bukilat Cave

A secluded cave known for its streaming natural light from its roof opening. The sun light gives life to the cave, lighting up the stalactites and stalagmites along with its rock formations.

Entrance fee: ₱20 per head

How to get there?

The cave is on the other side of the islands Consuelo Wharf. It’s quite far. You can ride a bus from Consuelo Wharf to the municipality of Tudela or Tudela proper for P70 and then ride a habal2x/motorcycle for P50 or depending on the deal for 30-45 mins.

9. Holy Crystal Cave

The cave has eight levels which can be covered by one and a half hour. It has great formations of stalagmites and stalactites which is what creates the breathtaking crystal-like formations.

It is said that the water inside the cave have some miraculous or magical properties of sorts which is why it is named “Holy Crystal Cave”.

Entrance fee: Free

How to get there?

Holy Crystal is very near Consuelo Wharf and Lake Danao. It is located in Brgy. Union, San Francisco. By taking a motorcycle, you will arrive at the cave in less than 20 minutes.

10. Mangodlong Rock

A combination of intimate moments and laid-back times. This rock is a part of Mangodlong Beach Resort. It is quite small but breathtaking in its own.

With a sandbar linking it to the beach, the rock formations that seems to float on the clear green sea is a sight to behold across the beach itself. Tropical open huts decorate the surface of this rocks where you can get the full blast of sea breeze.

Mangodlong Rock Resort is a few minutes from the town and ports of San Francisco and Poro.

• Entrance fee: ₱20 per head
• Water activities: Snorkel, kayak, wind sail, diving

How to get there?

Another one near the Consuelo Wharf. Approximately 8 minutes away if you have a ride or a motorcycle which is abundant in the port, you just have to get a right deal.

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How to go to Camotes Islands?

You have three (3) options going to/from Camotes Islands:

• OPTION 1: OCEANJET FAST CRAFT
  – Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  – Cebu Port: Pier 1, Cebu City
  – Camotes Port: Poro, Camotes
  – Advantages: Take this option if you want to arrive faster, and you live/stay near Pier 1 or SM City Cebu or you’re from Southern Cebu.
• OPTION 2: JOMALIA RORO/EXPRESS
  – Travel Time: 2 hours
  – Cebu Port: Danao City Port
  – Camotes Port: Consuelo, Camotes
  – Advantages: Take this option if you want to save 50% on transportation, if you’re willing to travel or you’re from/near Danao City.
• OPTION 3: JOMALIA FAST CRAFT
  – Travel Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  – Cebu Port: MACTAN WHARF of Island Central Mactan Mall
  – Camotes Port: Consuelo, Camotes
  – Advantages: Take this option if you want to arrive faster, and you live/stay near Mactan.

Option 1: OCEANJET FAST CRAFT

• Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Cebu Port: Pier 1, Cebu City
• Camotes Port: Poro, Camotes
• OceanJet Contact Numbers: (032) 255 7560 / 255 0115 / 0917 638 0000 (Inquiries only / No online or phone bookings)

OCEANJET FAST CRAFT – 1.5 HOUR TRAVEL TIME
CEBU (Pier 1) to CAMOTES (Poro)	CAMOTES (Poro) to CEBU (Pier 1)
Schedule 1: – ETA: 6:00 AM (Pier 1 CEBU) – ETD: 7:30 AM (Poro, CAMOTES) – Open Air: PHP 500 – Business Class: PHP 800 Schedule 2: – ETA: 3:00 PM (Pier 1 CEBU) – ETD: 4:30 PM (Poro, CAMOTES) – Open Air: PHP 500 – Business Class: PHP 800	Schedule 1: – ETA: 8:00 AM (Poro, CAMOTES) – ETD: 9:30 AM (Pier 1 CEBU) – Open Air: PHP 500 – Business Class: PHP 800 Schedule 2: – ETA: 5:00 PM (Poro, CAMOTES) – ETD: 6:30 PM (Pier 1 CEBU) – Open Air: PHP 500 – Business Class: PHP 800

Option 2: JOMALIA RORO / EXPRESS

• Travel Time: 2 hours
• Cebu Port: Danao City Port
• Camotes Port: Consuelo, Camotes
• Jomalia Contact Numbers: (032) 346-0421 / 0949 163 0892 / 0995 107 1720 (Inquiries only / No online or phone bookings)

Rates:

• For adults, Economy: ₱220 (₱250 for aircon)
• For Seniors/PWD, Economy: ₱157 (₱179 for aircon)
• For Students, Economy: ₱176 (₱200 for aircon)
• For Minors (3-10), Economy: ₱110 (₱125 for aircon)

Option 3: JOMALIA FAST CRAFT

• Travel Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Cebu Port: MACTAN WHARF of Island Central Mactan Mall
• Camotes Port: Consuelo, Camotes
• Jomalia Contact Numbers: 0949-163-0892 / 0995-107-1720 (advance booking is allowed, but should be at least 2 days prior)

Route 1: Mactan to Consuelo, Camotes (FASTCRAFT)

• Departure: 8:00 AM & 12:00 PM, Daily
• Rates:
  – For Adults: ₱500/person (Economy and Aircon)
  – For Senior/PWD: ₱360/person (Economy and Aircon)
  – For Student: ₱400/person (Economy and Aircon)
  – For Minors (ages 3-10): ₱250/person (Economy and Aircon)
• Travel time: ~ 1 hour and 15 minutes

Route 2: Consuelo, Camotes to Mactan (FASTCRAFT)

• Departure: 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM, Daily
• Rates:
  – For Adults: ₱500/person (Economy and Aircon)
  – For Senior/PWD: ₱360/person (Economy and Aircon)
  – For Student: ₱400/person (Economy and Aircon)
  – For Minors (ages 3-10): ₱250/person (Economy and Aircon)
• Travel time: ~ 1 hour and 15 minutes

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Top 10 Attractions in Camotes
2. How to get to Camotes?
3. Motorbike or car for rent in Camotes
4. Where to stay in Camotes?
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VEHICLES FOR RENT / TOUR AGENCIES

These services are often found in front of known resorts and hotels

• Rent Motorbikes: ₱400-P500 (1day/exclusive of gas)
  – 0906-799-5939 (Anthonie Pagobo); 0948-054-2491 (Thommarg Ottoquez‎)
• Multicab w/ driver: Estimated is ₱3,500 (inclusive of gas, up to 17pax)
  – Try contacting these multicab for hires: 0912-764-3936 (Belinda Peroso), 0919-808-6661 (Ann Impas), 0912-764-3936 (multicab for hire), 0938-425-2821, 0905-658-1074 (John Alvin Senior)
• DISCLAIMER: We are NOT connected nor affiliated to any of these tour agencies / vehicle rentals. The numbers are found on Facebook. Usually these contacts also offer day tour packages in Camotes Islands.

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Where to stay in Camotes Island?

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Top 10 Attractions in Camotes
2. How to get to Camotes?
3. Motorbike or car for rent in Camotes
4. Where to stay in Camotes?
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