2019 • 02 • 21

Cebu is a popular destination. It comes as no surprise because the island has many historical attractions, eco-tourism activities, and most of all, beautiful beaches. One of the places you can add to your itinerary is the Camotes Islands. This group of islands is one of the premier destinations whenever people visit Cebu. It has beautiful beaches with clear waters, swaying trees, and white sand that’s soft enough for you to laze around in. It also has other attractions that are worth adding to your itinerary.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Mactan Cebu International Airport (Cebu)

By Air

1. There are direct flights from Manila to Cebu that are frequent throughout the day and the week.
2. Once in Cebu City, there are two options to get to Camotes Island — via Pier 1 or via Danao Port.
    
   Via Pier 1: Board an Ocean Jet from the city’s pier 1 to get to Camotes Island. The shipping lines rates are P335 for the cheapest tickets and P550 for business class.
    
   Via Danao Port: Boats bound for Camotes Island from this port cost around P180-P200 for either non-aircon or with air conditioning; travel duration may take up to 3 hours, depending on the weather.

By Sea

1. If you failed to get a cheap ticket to Cebu, you can get to this Visayan city by land and sea. 2Go operates a Manila to Cebu route on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The cheapest ticket is approximately P1050 one way for the tourist class.
2. Once in Cebu City, there are two options to get to Camotes Island — via Pier 1 or via Danao Port.
    
   Via Pier 1: Board an Ocean Jet from the city’s pier 1 to get to Camotes Island. The shipping lines rates are P335 for the cheapest tickets and P550 for business class.
    
   Via Danao Port: Boats bound for Camotes Island from this port cost around P180-P200 for either non-aircon or with air conditioning; travel duration may take up to 3 hours, depending on the weather.

Getting around Camotes Islands, it may cost you P50 for habal-habal ride from one destination to the next. You can also rent a multicab for up to P3000 for the day depending on group size.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: It depends on where you choose to go and stay on the island. Some areas have no entrance fee.
• Camping Fee: It depends on the resort. Some of them allow camping, some don’t.
• Cottage Rental Fee: Rates vary from one resort to another.
• Tourist Attraction Fees: Timubo Cave (P25 entrance fee); Danao Lake (P15 entrance fee, P50 kayak rent, P500 boat rent good for 10 pax, P150 cottage rent, P20 picnic table rent); Bukilat Cave (P10 entrance fee)

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Don’t Miss

• Camotes Island is an ideal place to go diving and snorkeling because of its diverse underwater ecosystem.
• Beach lovers would also have a good time on the island as there are good places to lounge around and swim such as Mangongodlong, Santiago Bay, and the islands of Ponson, Pacijan and Tulang.
• Explore the caves of Holy Crystal and Timubo.
• Discover what Lake Danao has to offer.

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Don’t Forget

• Bring cash as there are no ATMs on the island, and accommodations and small restaurants don’t accept credit card payments.
• Mobile phone signal is weak and electricity outages may happen, so charge your devices or bring power bank.
• Leave nothing but memories and foot prints.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• If you have a day or so to spare, explore the historical streets of Cebu, eat lechon, visit the Taoist temple before returning to Manila.

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Where to Stay

Here are some of the recommended resorts that you can find in Camotes Islands according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Mangodlong Paradise Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Camotes Flying Fish Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Santiago Bay Garden and Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Mangodlong Rock Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Cebu Hotels