I thought it was my last "hurrah", but not yet.
 |
| Tickets to Camotes. Yay! |
It was a surprise back-to-the-province kind of day when my family decided to bring me back to our hometown, Cebu. I was caught off-guard since I don't have the right budget to travel with them. Lucky for me, they managed to book me a flight MNL-Cebu v.v. I told my girlfriend about the trip, and she's willing to pay for her fare and the rest of the expenditures will fall under me. So she came with us. (wee!)
BACKGROUND OF THE TRIP
The original plan is to visit Moalboal. It is located in the southern part of Cebu, famous for it's green environment and serene waters. Although, our hearts were telling us to visit Camotes, an island located in the north eastern part (crossing Danao water) and take a ship (RORO) to reach it.
Our clan "MOLDE" originated in the province of Catmon, towns away from Danao city. Most of the people there are from our clan. Since my mom and dad (including me) are used to traveling north of Cebu, we opt to take a route we're quite familiar. So we decided to pack our things and rendezvous to Camotes.
HOW TO GET TO CAMOTES ISLAND
We didn't took off Manila without prior research. So we did a little scanning over the internet including most of the bloggers and Cebu websites on how to easily get to Camotes Island.
 |
| Camotes Island located East of Cebu (c) owner |
If first time travelers opt to visit Cebu, most of them think on how to easily get to Camotes without going to the north. Few of our research tells audience that there is a ship going to Camotes at 9:00 PM at one of the ports of Cebu. Although, there are blogs stating that the ship is set to sail at 9:00 AM. There are discrepancies in information so we did another thorough research.
Then I remembered everyone in Cebu way back, they were telling us that the port in Danao is the best way to get to Camotes. So I did another Google-ing, and confirmed that the port in Danao is indeed the best way to get to Camotes on a daily and scheduled basis.
We did an early check out in our place in Cebu city proper and the earliest bus trip to depart from northern bus terminal.
Upon arrival at Danao port, you will be asked to board a RORO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) ferry going to Consuelo port (Camotes) carried by JOMALIA SHIPPING LINES.
Passenger ticket expenses going to Camotes:
Danao Port - Consuelo = P 200.00 (aircon) OR P 160.00 (non-aircon ECONOMY)
+
Terminal Fee = P 5.00
*Note: Same expense from Consuelo - Danao
ARRIVAL AT CAMOTES ISLAND
Upon disembarking the ship, there are two modes of transportation; it's either you take a habal-habal (riding a single motorcycle) or take a multicab. Drivers will welcome and voluntarily ask you to ride their vehicles.
We decided to take a multicab because I'm a huge guy (well, they said LOL) and both my parents are not comfortable taking the habal-habal since they're both SC's. We decided to hire a multicab.
The multicab driver asked us if we have a tour guide to get us around the whole island. We said we don't have yet so he offered us a tour rate. He gave us P 1,500 price to tour us on to four (4) great destinations in Camotes. We decided to go at it. He also suggested that we should stay at SANTIAGO BAY for it is the best resort there in Camotes. We decided to give it a shot too.
I won't be describing how serene and untouched the island of Camotes is. The road itself can describe how remote the area is. Take note, as of our stay, only Globe lines are working there. Smart subscribers will not be able to receive and send any texts/calls from the island. (Not sure about Sun tho'.)
SANTIAGO BAY, CAMOTES ISLAND
We disembarked at the famous Santiago Bay resort. Best word to describe? A-W-E-S-O-M-E. It's a nice, quiet and cozy place for people who wanted total relaxation during their stay in Camotes. It also boasts a good view of the ocean, relaxing ocean breeze, and amazing view of the sunrise.
When me and KC (my girlfriend) are busy taking pictures of ourselves, my parents decided to book us a FAMILY DELUXE room which cost P 2,600 per night. Not bad for a (me self-labeling) top class resort in a quiet island.
TOUR AROUND THE ISLAND
There are four destinations recommended by the tour guides to go in Camotes; (1) Mangodlong Rock Resort, (2) Lake Danao Park, (3) Timubo Cave and (4) Camotes Baywalk.
If you're staying at Santiago Bay, it'll be a free entrance to go inside Mangodlong Rock Resort. Reason? Santiago Bay and Mangodlong are both owned by a same person. How cool is that?
Mangodlong flaunts a sturdy cove with great clear waters. When I say clear, it's definitely CLEAR. You have to see for yourself.
Next destination is Lake Danao Park. It's a well-developed park, with a cozy lagoon where you can rent boats to do some romantic stuffs. They offer horseback riding as well. Since it is a park, you can do some picnic activities best suited for family and friends. Entrance fee is P10.00 per head.
Up next is Timubo Cave. It's a well-developed cave equipped with stairs. Probably they formed the limestones to become stairs. It's a downhill trek BUT once you're down, crystal clear cave waters will shock you. It's cave waters is very cold and extremely relaxing. Though the cave warns travelers because of it's less air, this is a good place to relax for young people. Entrance fee is P20.00 per head.
After which we head over to the town proper of Camotes. The town mimic's Manila's famous Baywalk. What to do in Baywalk? Of course, you walk - the bay.
As our stay concludes, we took a dip at Santiago Bay's pool and appreciated the beauty of the Camotes' beach.
Verdict? It is indeed a non-developed island overall, but it's worth the visit!
I won't be describing how serene and untouched the island of Camotes is. The road itself can describe how remote the area is. Take note, as of our stay, only Globe lines are working there. Smart subscribers will not be able to receive and send any texts/calls from the island. (Not sure about Sun tho'.)
SANTIAGO BAY, CAMOTES ISLAND
We disembarked at the famous Santiago Bay resort. Best word to describe? A-W-E-S-O-M-E. It's a nice, quiet and cozy place for people who wanted total relaxation during their stay in Camotes. It also boasts a good view of the ocean, relaxing ocean breeze, and amazing view of the sunrise.
When me and KC (my girlfriend) are busy taking pictures of ourselves, my parents decided to book us a FAMILY DELUXE room which cost P 2,600 per night. Not bad for a (me self-labeling) top class resort in a quiet island.
TOUR AROUND THE ISLAND
There are four destinations recommended by the tour guides to go in Camotes; (1) Mangodlong Rock Resort, (2) Lake Danao Park, (3) Timubo Cave and (4) Camotes Baywalk.
 |
Mangodlong flaunts a sturdy cove with great clear waters. When I say clear, it's definitely CLEAR. You have to see for yourself.
Next destination is Lake Danao Park. It's a well-developed park, with a cozy lagoon where you can rent boats to do some romantic stuffs. They offer horseback riding as well. Since it is a park, you can do some picnic activities best suited for family and friends. Entrance fee is P10.00 per head.
Up next is Timubo Cave. It's a well-developed cave equipped with stairs. Probably they formed the limestones to become stairs. It's a downhill trek BUT once you're down, crystal clear cave waters will shock you. It's cave waters is very cold and extremely relaxing. Though the cave warns travelers because of it's less air, this is a good place to relax for young people. Entrance fee is P20.00 per head.
After which we head over to the town proper of Camotes. The town mimic's Manila's famous Baywalk. What to do in Baywalk? Of course, you walk - the bay.
As our stay concludes, we took a dip at Santiago Bay's pool and appreciated the beauty of the Camotes' beach.
Verdict? It is indeed a non-developed island overall, but it's worth the visit!
 |
| Majestic view of the sea from Santiago bay |
 |
| Thanks for visiting my site! See you again next time! |
###
No comments:
Post a Comment