#Summer2016 Starter: Camotes

My high school barkada and I went on to continue our annual tradition of group
backpacking. This year, we decided to go and re-visit Camotes Islands as a summer
starter.

Camotes Islands, known to be the Lost Horizon of the South, is a group of islands
located at the eastern part of Cebu province. Traveling to Camotes has become more
convenient after Oceanjet, a local fast craft company, started plying a daily route from
Pier 1 in Cebu City. A roundtrip ticket only costs P760 per person and you can even slash
off P100 if you book tickets in advance.

Welcome party

Transport. Hiring a multicab is the best means to go around the island since the
key destinations in Camotes are located at quite a distance from each other.

Accommodation. Beach resorts abound in the island but if you prefer a quiet and
exclusive nook, I recommend that you stay in Borromeos Beach House. We went for
their K2 House despite it being a bit rustic because we could have the whole place all to
ourselves. For Php 2,500 a night, the house already had two rooms, two toilet and bath, a
living area and a kitchen. The white sand beach is also just a few steps away.

View from the house

Photo by Mark Nituda
 Sunsets and silhouette
Photo by Camille Jayme

Walking on sunshine
Photo by Darlene Santiago

Food. Pitos Sutukil in Santiago Bay is a must-go! I still cannot forget how
everyones faces lit up the moment we were served with our orders. Reasonably priced
in generous helping, Pitos sugba, tuwa and kinilaw will surely leave you craving for
more.

Pitos Sutukil
Photo by Kevin Galvez
 Activities. There is a long list of things to do in Camotes. Aside from lazing by the
beach and enjoying its pristine waters, the island also has other natural attractions to
boot like THE Lake Danao and Santiago Bay and a score of underwater cave pools, cliff-
jumping and dive sites.

Paraiso Cave
Photo by Mark Nituda

Cost. Another good thing about Camotes is that prices are relatively cheaper. But
do bring a handful of cash since entrance fees are collected left and right.

Overall experience. Camotes is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to

take a quick break away from the busy life in the metro.

The squad #summer2016

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CAMOTES HOLY WEEK ADVENTURE

March 24 (Thursday) 26 (Saturday), 2016

TRAVEL DETAILS
Ocean Jet
Daily trips P760/person, roundtrip (P660 if advance booking)
Cebu to Camotes 6 am
Camotes to Cebu 5 pm

ACCOMMODATION
Borromeo Beach Resort - 09997035704
K1 (room good for 2 with shared kitchen and living area) = Php 2,500/night
K2 (Resthouse with 2 rooms, kitchen and living area) = Php 2,500/night

ITINERARY
Day 1 March 24, Holy Thursday
Arrive at Poro, Camotes ETA 8 am
Lunch at Pitos Sutukil in Santiago Beach
Check-in at Borromeo Beach
Camotes tour
Dinner
Rest

Day 2 March 25, Good Friday

Breakfast
Beach
Lunch
Continue with Camotes tour
Dinner
Rest

Day 3 March 26, Black Saturday

Breakfast
Check-out
Lunch
Board Ocean Jet ETD 5 pm
Home

WHERE TO GO
Camotes tour multicab 09303598910
Baywalk
Santiago Bay
Lake Danao Park 10 pesos entrance fee, 150 pesos boat ride for 2, P100 swimming pool
Timubo Cave P15 entrance fee
Paraiso Cave P20 entrance fee
Alta Vista Highest point in Camotes
Mangodlong Rock Resort P15 entrance fee, P200 Day tour
Mactang beach - where the battle between Lapu-Lapus and Ferdinand Magellans troops took place.
Cliff diving at Buho Rock P25 entrance fee
Mt. Calvary 14 stations of the cross
Poro Museum

EXPENDITURES (PER PERSON)

Accommodation
Borromeo Beach Resort x 2 nights (5 persons) P1,000

Transportation
Ocean jet roundtrip ticket 660
Activities
Camotes tour multicab (P3,000/3 days) P600
Entrance fees P200

Food (P100/meal/person)
Meals (2 breakfast, 3 lunch, 2 dinner) P700

SUGGESTED POCKET MONEY P3,160