The Wonders of Camotes Island

The "Lost Horizon of the South" as it was once known is a beautiful island in the northeastern side of the province of Cebu. I was so curious to roam around the island. I've been here before but I only stayed at the resort and didn't went around the place. This time I was very excited since finally I would have the opportunity to discover the wonderful place with my berks!

"Camote" is a Cebuano word that means sweet potato. This was how the place got its name.

When the Spanish troops came to the island, they asked the natives what the place was called. They then replied "Camote", because they thought the Spaniards asked what they were doing. That's how the island was named.

AROUND CAMOTES ISLAND

Going around Camotes Island wasn't possible without a private transportation. Transferring from one resort to another takes time and as for me I would discourage taking public transportation. Aside from the fact that it's time consuming, it's also uncomfortable.

THE BAYWALK

The place was more like the baywalk in Manila and in SRP, Cebu City. The sun was at its hottest point when we got here. Nevertheless, we didn't mind the heat and just marvel at the place. This was unique to the island being the only baywalk in Camotes. Just next to it was the Agora, a wet market where visitors and locals purchased goods before going to the resort.

The Baywalk was estimated to be about 300m stretch from the main road. It has monkey bars available too for leisure and of course, I didn't missed it. It was fun to felt like a kid again.

 BUHO ROCK RESORT

I was looking forward to visit Buho Rock Resort. I've seen photos of this through the net and on my friends online albums and they were all true. I was amazed at the ship-like shape of the resort. Buho Rock was under the care of the local government since this was already an abandoned resort. The coral rock formation was just extraordinary and the water was clear and glittering. Before we get to the structure, we first descended a number of concrete stairways. Cottages was built along the area for those who wanted to stay to have lunch or try some water activities such as snorkel, dive, or swim. We didn't stay  too long though.

It was only us who came to the place at that time which was a good thing since we could have better pictures because there were no competition. The entrance fee was also minimal. I would love to try the signature "cliff diving" of the resort as what I've read on the net but as I got closer to the cliff, I thought it was scary.
LAKE DANAO PARK

 The "Lovers Lake" as it is called maybe because of the location of Lake Danao. The place was peaceful and calm really suitable for couples and families, such a beautiful place to be. When we got here there were already few groups who came before us and it took sometime for us to get a good photo. Nevertheless, luck still was on our side since we were the first ones to ride the famous "Sakanaw"or a boat ride to get visitors around the lake for a better view.

During our boat ride a kid was selling this "Malagkit" sort of food. It didn't cost much so we bought everything he brought and it actually tasted good.

Lake Danao is a freshwater lake and is the largest lake in the Visayan region. The cruise headed for this tiny islet. All of us disembarked and took a jump shot photo. The place was nice and cute really far away from the noise of the crowd. It was just kind of spooky since we literally felt the earth moved beneath us. The islet was like floating and so we get back to the boat smoothly, afraid that the land might sink.

TIMUBO CAVE

The idea of swimming inside Timubo Cave excites me. This was located in Brgy. Sonog and inside was a clear water pool which was also a natural drinking water of the people in the place. The opening of the cave was just enough for an adult to pass through. It was a bit dark and slippery and so we had to go down slowly. The pipes and wires were visible in the ceiling of the cave. 

The water level was about 5 ft. I wasn't good at swimming so I have to hold on to my berks for support. The water was cold enough and very clear. There was a part of the cave that seemed dark and our guide told us the water was already deep. We stayed there for about half an hour. There was nothing much to do except to swim. The place was small and good for small groups. When we got there, there were some people who came in noisily and it was uncomfortable since their voices echoed inside. There was also a grotto inside the cave. I was just amazed how the place came to be. 
THE HEALING CAVE

We dropped by to this intriguing healing cave. We didn't went for a swim since the smell of sulfur, which was believed to have healing properties, was very strong.
SUNSET IN CAMOTES ISLAND

From where we stayed the view of the sunset was mesmerizing. It was just perfect for an afternoon delight with friends around.

Camotes Island was fabulous. It wasn't just swimming and water activities that we have explored, there were wonderful adventures as well that made the island much fascinating. Our stay here was perfect!


Ciao!!