Cebu is peppered with amazing smaller islands that offer absolutely beautiful coastlines and wonderful natural resources that rejuvenate the soul. These smaller islands are the most significant factor as to why Cebu hailed among the best islands in the world. One of which is the charming Camotes Island, located between the main island of Cebu and the island of Leyte.

An hour or two ferry ride from the mainland of Cebu or from Mactan Island, Camotes boasts of beautiful white sand beaches, mysterious underground caves, waterfalls, and the largest freshwater lake in Cebu, Lake Danao.

When staying at The Beach Villa 1 or The Beach Villa 2, Camotes Island is on full view on a sunny day right across your villa, making it a definite must on your itinerary when you wish to go island hopping. A yacht or catamaran is yours to enjoy, so you get your very own exclusive transport to visit the stunning beaches and caves in Camotes.

 

What to See in Camotes Island

 

The Beaches

Whether you want to have a hearty picnic on a white sand beach with other tourists or sunbathe by yourself in a secluded, rustic beach, Camotes has every kind of beach for you.

Santiago Bay, the most popular and the largest beach in Camotes, and is one of Cebu’s most stunning beaches, is lined with resorts and restaurants so you won’t have any problem looking for a place to eat here. The shoreline is already wide and large, but it’s during low tide that you’d want to truly enjoy the beach as it’s described as a dissipative beach: which means the shoreline is tenfold larger during low tide. The best way to stroll around Santiago Bay is definitely on barefoot, as the sand is soft, powdery, and white, and the water is a perfect azure color and crystal clear in the shallow water.

For a more secluded option, Bakhaw Beach is definitely on top of the list. It’s easily accessible, but there are no establishments here – this means no resorts and no restaurants, and just a couple of native cottages and local stores to buy some snacks and drinks. The sand is also white and powdery, and the water as crystal clear and blue as Santiago Bay.

If you wish to have a more private beach experience, head over to Ponson Island, which is the least traveled to among Camotes’ smaller islands, It is rustic and raw, with only a few inhabitants on the island. The water is perfectly clear, and the sand is powdery white, as well.

If you’re an avid diver, Camotes is relatively unexplored. A 1990 ferry wreck, underwater caves, and 85 meter-walls are yours to explore when scuba diving, as well as plenty of beautiful corals and large schools of fish. For snorkeling, head over to Buho Rock in Poro where crystal clear waters await. There’s no beach in Buho Rock – you’d need to either jump 6 meters from a rock or slowly make your way down from the cliff.

 

Caves, Waterfalls, and Lake Danao

There are a handful of underground caves in Camotes that are a must-visit. Bukalit Cave is the most popular and the largest, while Timubo Cave is accessed through a relatively small hole on the ground.

For waterfalls, there are two noteworthy spots, which are Panganuron and Busay.

Lake Danao, one of the largest lakes in the entire Visayas region, is excellent for kayak-riding, fishing, and rafting.

 

Camotes Island’s charm rests in its unspoiled raw beauty, lovely locals, and its list of beautiful natural resources that make for the perfect island getaway.

Featured image credit: flickr.com/90449163@N04