With summer just around the corner, there’s no better time than now to prep your bikinis, refill your sunblock, and plan your itinerary! And if you are looking for your next adventure, consider a round trip to the spectacularly isolated island of Camotes.
Why Choose Camotes Island
Okay, I’ve been to Camotes twice now and I have never enjoyed the island as much as that second visit. Although, I love the people I was with and the memories I created on the island for both getaways, but I don’t know, I felt extra connected to this little province the second time around.
Maybe because the second time I was there, the itinerary wasn’t as packed and hectic as the first time. It was a rather slow yet delightful three-day adventure. Every scenery we went to, I made sure to experience it; I made sure I was there.
But that’s the beauty of Camotes Island; it can either be your slow, intimate, pleasant solace or your crazy, actively exhilirating adrenaline. I love how you can find comfort on the island regardless of the type of person you are, as if you belong there.
How to Go to Camotes Island
This, for me, is the most stressful part of going to Camotes. In a nutshell, to get to the island, we went to Danao port by bus and rode a cargo ship that’ll take us to Camotes port. If you don’t opt for the fast craft with a fare half higher than that of the cargo ship, you’ll be annoyed by the wait time.
The cargo ship prioritizes boarding vehicles and other cargo stuff. So passengers are the last to get aboard the ship. There’s no seat arrangements so you have to fight your way through the queue to make sure you have a better seat. And, you have to know; there’s always a lot of passengers going to Camotes. If you don’t mind spending an extra 500 pesos back and forth for fare, I say, choose the fast craft for more ease of travel.
Where to Stay in Camotes Island
Now, let’s talk about accommodation. You can’t barge yourself and your little group into Camotes without reserving a place to stay. That’s like the first step into a recipe for disaster. Although most accommodations there are fairly affordable, I would suggest actually going for a cheaper place to stay, especially if you don’t plan on staying that much in your room. Savings, am I right?
Booking.comThe second time I was in Camotes, we stayed at Ana Jean Lodging House. I do recommend staying there, especially if you are with seven to ten people. Our room was huge, beds were comfortable, the communal kitchen was open. But, I got to say that the best part of that accommodation is its inclusion of four motorcycle rentals. So, with Google Maps app displayed on our phones, we explored the place at our own leisure.
During my first visit to Camotes, though, my workmates and I stayed at Aladdin Beach Resort. I LOVE IT THERE TOO! And if I were to decide, I’d stay there until the short trip was over. That’s how pretty the lodging was and it’s got everything I wanted. They had a balcony overlooking the pool and beach. The barkada (group) room was enormous; the bathroom was so huge. There was a restaurant and store in the vicinity. It was already perfect, at that. But since there were no transport arrangements provided by the resort, we had to rent a multicab and a driver to tour us around.
Transportation and accommodation are really the biggest areas you’d be spending in when you go to Camotes.
Waters to Dip, Things to Try, Places to Wander in Camotes Island
There’s so much of Camotes that a three-day trip is not enough to cover. But here I’ll share with you the views I’ve seen and places I’ve been in from my first and second trips there. I’ll try and paint a picture of the best experiences I’ve had in every corner of Camotes I was able to behold. I’m taking you with me, read on to join the tour.
Buho Rock
Where are my non-swimmers at? This sea is not for us, especially at high tides and without life jackets. If I were to describe Buho Rock, I’d say it’s a cliff overlooking the sea. It doesn’t have a shoreline, and it’s covered with rock formations that made me feel both terrified and amazed.
When I think of Buho Rock, the first time I was there, I only remember how exhausting it was to climb all those stairs when we decided to leave. Perhaps, because we were carrying our packed lunches, bags, and everything.
The second time, though, we carried little to none stuff. We arrived there at around four on our rented motorcycles. It was no longer crowded and we enjoyed the dimming view of the sky as it welcomed the night.
Lucky for those friends who could swim, they enjoyed diving on the cliff over and over. Where was I? Taking pictures and videos.
Paraiso Cave
It’s the one place I’ve been to with the most expensive entrance fee. At a hundred pesos, believe me, it was already expensive compared to the other Camotes spots. Outside the cave, it’s a landscape; it’s basically greenery. There were swings, tables, and chairs you could use for free.
While in the cave, the water was majestic blue, even if there’s not enough light to illuminate it down there. When we took a dip, it was refreshingly cold. It felt nice dampening your hot and sweaty skin due to the slight air underground.
Lake Danao
A sight-seeing spot in Camotes. You can’t swim around the moss green lake, but you can try the activities they have in store, like ziplining, horseback riding, and swan boat pedaling. Oh, and they have a mini zoo too!
There’s not much I could say about Lake Danao, since it’s a place you don’t really stick around that long.
Mangodlong Beach Resort
Another resort in Camotes that has a pool. Although I’ve been there twice, I haven’t really tried their pool.
But the view though! It’s my second favorite destination in Camotes. I always bring a book when traveling, and that one time I was reading to the view of Mangodlong, I was content. Reading always makes me happy, but it’s a different kind of happiness when you get to do it on the beach.
Bukilat Cave
I was there only once. Not that I didn’t like it there, but it was my least favorite. Maybe because there were few time and head restrictions following the outbreak of Covid-19, which is understandable. I don’t know; I just felt like I didn’t get to have enough time to be there.
Tulang Diot
I’ll say it again, I’ve been to Camotes twice. But on both occasions, Tulang Diot was my favorite part of the trip. However, on the second instance, I realized a few imperfections of this little island, like you have to pay 30 pesos for one gallon of bath water, pay 10 pesos every time you need to use the bathroom with water supply, or bring your trash with you and throw it across the island because they do not have trash bins there.
But outside those imperfections, Tulang Diot is a spectacular island. The softness of the white sand feels like cotton as it brushes against the sole of your feet. The gleaming water of blue and emerald green and its coldness on your skin is therapeutic. I’d happily ignore all the bad sides of the island any day as long as I get to have one perfect sunny day there.
Booking.comThese sum up my Camotes story. Thanks for sticking around! Check out my other travel stories to find out what goes on inside a scribbler’s head as she experiences and feels every place she’s never been before.