Have you been to the Camotes Islands in Cebu?

Santiago Bay, Camotes Island

The Camotes Islands are some of the most underrated islands in the Philippines. Most tourists who visit Cebu head to the more popular islands of Bantayan and Malapascua (which are both amazing in their own rights) but less make it to the Camotes Islands.

How to get to the Camotes Islands from Cebu

Getting to the Camotes isn't as easy as the other main islands. From Cebu City there has been a fast craft that goes during the peak season and only runs for a couple months (do check with Golden Ferries for the latest updates), the rest of the year the best way to get there is via Danao City in Cebu's north, around an hour and half drive from the city. They have regular ferry runs from there to the Camotes Islands.

Camotes Resorts

Most of the resorts in the Camotes are small, low key and are located in two main areas. One being around the beautiful Santiago Bay area, here you can find a number of cheap options, some of the resorts are built on the hill overlooking the bay providing amazing views. The other area that has a few resorts is at Mangodlong, which is home to some of the newest resorts on the island. Dotted around the Camotes you can also find a number of more secluded resorts. For a list and guide to all the resorts in the Camotes just visit the link at the top of the page (entitled Camotes Islands). There is a full run down of the resorts as well as video and photos to give you a better idea.

Camotes Island Tourist Spots

The best thing about the Camotes is its beaches, beautiful and unspoilt. Santiago Bay is just gorgeous! The tide comes in and it's wonderful to swim at, flat, without many waves. During the summer months, the water is so crystal clear. There are other beaches worth checking out as well, such as the lovely Bakhaw Beach and the tiny island of Tulang. All these you can see on the video on the main page link again. Camotes has a couple of caves worth visiting, Bukilat Cave and Timubo Cave. Lake Danao and Buho Rock is nice for great views and swimming. You may also want to check out Panganuron Falls as well.

If you do have time to make the trip to the Camotes Islands it is well worth it, especially if you want to escape from the city or the fast pace of the world! Enjoy the tropics, the way the locals do, slow and relaxed!