TravelQ #1 - Welcome to the Lost Horizon of the South - Camotes, Cebu, Philippines

queenjventurer (50)in #travel • 6 years ago

"Adventure is always within you - Let it out, be free, live and explore the whole new you"

Summer is not just the time to go to places to relax, unwind and soul searching. You can have all the days you want, all the time you need and all the places to visit.

Since I was a child, I always wanted to visit the place where my father was born - at Poro, Camotes.

That's why this weekend getaway together with my colleagues was one of the highlights of my travel adventures!
It is indeed, "A dream come true!"

Welcome to the the Lost Horizon of the South - Camotes, Cebu!

But before that, here's a simple trivia.

Did you know where the term "Camotes" come from?

There was a story that the term "Camotes" got its name from the Spanish visitors who asked the people on that certain place or farming locals about the name of the island. The people thought that the Spaniards were asking about what they were digging. So they answered them "Camotes", which means a sweet potato termed by Filipinos, and by that - the name of the island was created.

I was a bit shocked and just laughed knowing how the name of the island was created, despite of that, it is still the island I always wanted to visit.

For our Camotes Island Tour, we accepted the tour package offered by the "Sanchez Island Resort" with 1,500 PHP/head for 10 persons. As part of the package, we traveled to different famous destinations riding this jeepney:

I only had a chance to stay in Camotes for 2 days and 1 night but everything was absolutely worth it. I’ve got to witness the beauty hidden in Camotes because of the sceneries and tourist spots - - - among which are these 7 beautiful tourist destinations that I will share with you. Here check it out.

1. Lake Danao Park

The first spot that we visited where we had a lot of photographs, photo shoots and fun! It is located at the northern part of Pacijan Island.

It is one of the most breathtaking places to enjoy together with your loved ones. It is a perfect place especially to lovers due to its romantic scenes, that's why this lake is also called as the Lovers Lake. There is also a picnic area and other activities offered.

Local government of Camotes requires an entrance fee of PHP 10-15 per person for maintenance purposes - (Of course, to maintain the beauty of the park and the lake.) If I am not mistaken, it allows visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Activities offered in Lake Danao Park:

Duck Ride - P50 single and P100 tandem (30 minutes)
Kayaks - P200 good for 4 persons (30 minutes)
Crocodile Ride - P200 good for 4 persons (30 minutes)
Horse Back Riding - P50
Islet Tour

We rode a boat to get to the Islet where the view is so fascinating and mesmerizing!

View of the Lake Danao Islet from afar.

This is my first time to see a lake as wide as this and rest assured you will be safe because there are no crocodiles or other stupid creatures.

As we arrived at the islet, our tour guides (unfortunately, I do not have a photo of them) helped us to take our perfect shots as they climbed at the coconut trees. Isn't it amazing?!

These are some of the photos taken by our 2 professional tour guides - NOT using a drone!

It wouldn't be perfect without a perfect jump shot!

Photos are just a perfect way to remember the happiest and memorable experiences...

As we got back from the islet, you can see this old woman who carries these species. (I forgot the name of the snake and the birds). If you want to touch them, you need to pay around PHP 50-100.

When you come here, you will surely be amazed in everything about Lake Danao Park.

So now, let's move to the next tourist destination which is...........

2. Santiago White Beach and Public Bakhaw Beach Resort

We stayed here for an hour since it is getting dark. It is located at the center of Poblacion, San Fernando, Camotes. This is one of those beaches in Camotes with a longest stretch of white sand. Also, it is open to public with affordable entrance fee!

There, you can find nippa hut cottages, with small sari-sari stores, and a videoke/karaoke and boats for rent in order for you to enjoy your stay.

You can play Frisbee, badminton, volleyball and all other activities because of its wide space open for everyone. Do sunbathing, getting tan, strolling around with not much cash needed. Perfect place to save buddy!

A groufiieeee.!!!

We had fun, we played "Pinoy Henyo" and we watched people who were having fun.
We enjoyed the view and moved to our next destination which is......

3. Timubo Cave

Before we end the first day of our tour, we went to Timubo Cave at Sonog, San Fernando, Camotes, that can be found in the middle of the farm with lots of coconut trees with a simple printed board.

Entrance fee is : PHP 15-20 only, collected by the locals living near the cave.

No Foods, No Drinks, No Smoking Allowed!

I was not able to take photos since my phone battery was drained that time. For you to see what's inside the cave here are some of the photos (not mine). Source

Upon entering, you need to be extra careful and watch your head as your way to the cave is quite slippery.
However, you'll be satisfied because the water is so cool and refreshing!
Indeed, a Perfect place to have some relaxation!

All Wet and Wild! Groufie before going home!

With that 3 tourist destinations, we considered it an absolutely perfect 1st day of our tour!

As we went to the resort, unluckily, signals were not available! However, for me, it is a great way to escape from the stressful reality even just for a moment!

We prepared for our dinner and it was quite dark since we arrived around 7:00 PM at the resort.

Indeed, it was GREAT TIME!

2nd Day of the Tour

As early as 5 in the morning, we watched the day view in the resort where we stayed. I was surprised by what I saw because of its natural view and peace while walking around the place. It was so peaceful and calm.

Our day is as calm as the sea

Super clear and dazzling water

Our view from the outside

More coconut trees

With lots of coconuts!

And a super greenery view

Super delicious breakfast was served! Our Filipino way of eating breakfast!

Actually, this is our first day in the resort. The caretakers are so generous and kind as they talked a lot about the places in Camotes and they are so friendly to all of us.

Since we need to continue the tour, we took a farewell photo at this lovely place!

With all Smiles, we were ready to finish what we started - a 2nd day of our tour at these 4 amazing places:

4. BUHO ROCK

Tourist and visitors should never missed this place due to its perfect coral rock formation. This perfect destination is located at Poro, Camotes Island. It has a ship shape that makes this place super unique. As I have known, this resort was abandoned but currently taken care by the government.

Entrance: PHP 20 per head

As what I have previously mentioned, this city is the birthplace of my father and I am excited to visit this place. So this is the view as you entered the Buho Rock. For you to get an early exercise, you need to take a walk through this winding stair to reach at the ship-like structure.

Then, you will get here.

Divers and swimmers should never miss this cliff-diving spot with 20-feet high or ---- the 40-feet high! (Disclaimer: I am not a swimmer, so don't ask me how it feels to dive at this high! hahahaa!)

This is the diving spot with 40-feet high!

Another other diving spot with 20-feet high

It is truly a must-see place because of the view that allows you to see the perfect horizon. You can enjoy by swimming, having a picnic with family and friends, cliff-diving, snorkeling, drinking, talking/singing, or simply by watching.

These are some of the photos taken at Buho Rock:

....And this ends our tour at Buho Rock.

As we traveled to our next destination, I took a perfect view that shows perfect shades of blue combined with green coconut trees and more trees.

There is something about the ocean that connects to my soul where I feel like I am completely lost in a positive way.

It is true that #WOLO - We Only Live Once - So why not make the best out of it?

The 5th destination that we visited is.........

5. Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort

This is another beach resort located at San Fernando, Camotes, one of the best places to find a perfect white beach and fine clear water. It has a wide space perfect enough for any activities together with your friends or family.

If you visit at this place, you will be satisfied with its fine sands, crystal clear water and the foods they served.

For some people who wants to enjoy more, they offer activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, diving, wind sailing and more..

Here are some of the photos taken at the place.

It feels so good to see happy faces!

There is an octopus slide you can use to get to this spot!

If you wish to stay and visit at this place, you may refer to their official site found here, Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort

A Taste of Paradise

For our 6th destination, I was very amazed about its long stretch of white sands and shoreline even during high tides!

I am talking about.........

6. Santiago Beach Resort

This resort is located at San Francisco, Camotes Islands. A perfect place to let your stress out and a best escape plan to take a break from your hectic schedules. This is one of the most popular resort in Camotes where tourists and visitors love to do lots of water activities to this super-duper wide beach and blue dazzling waters. It's fine and powdery white sand reached to even a kilometer! Totally WOW!

As you can see, the white sand/shoreline is still so far from my back. I am not totally afraid to swim because it is still not deep and the water is just up to my belly even at that distance. Perfect for a swimmer like me!!!

It is open to public and as part of our tour package, I am not sure if we paid an entrance fee for this resort. However, if you plan to stay at this resort, you may see this accommodation information from ILink.Ph

And for our last destination, I can totally say - Amazing!, because this 7th place is at.........

7. Amazing Island Cave

Entrance - PHP 50 for Adult and PHP25 for Children

Amazing Island Cave was just a newly developed cave last 2017 located at Lucbon, San Fernando, Camotes and privately owned by a Christian family.

Well, yeah ~ From the word itself - it is truly Amazing!

I have no photos aside from the entrance gate of Amazing Island Cave because phones were no longer allowed inside due to high tide and the water in the cave reached the top part of the cave. We were advised to swim deeper and watched our head to avoid injuries.

As you entranced the cave, there is just a narrow space and you need to have a life jacket (those who do not know how to swim must have) -- but still need not to worry because there were guides who will help you until you reached the most beautiful part of the cave!

The water is so cool, fresh and clean because this cave is connected to the ocean. That is why during high tides, safety is a MUST! They will guide you, put some sign boards and lights so you can fully enjoy the time while inside the cave!

It is so unique, scary, challenging, exciting and full of fun and thrills at the same time!

---- And our Camotes tour comes to an end!

Finally! We're done!

These are just few tourist spots in Camotes Island that I am pretty sure you'd love to visit. Why don't you come and find out more? Just give it a try and have fun! Because.....

It is always more Fun in the Philippines!

We may have stayed for a very short time, but the memories and experiences are always treasured and kept inside our hearts and minds.

Stress-free smiles are what this opportunity has given us!

Even at the port, the scenic view is so amazing!

I ended the day with a shot of the sunset as we traveled back to Cebu.

Realizations:

We only have limited time on Earth, making it best would help you realize that life is always better when you travel.

Escaping from a stressful world of reality is what we really need. We can do this simply by diverting our attention to some God's wonderful creations. Wondering in #unknown places might help us to broaden our understanding in our daily life. As we travel, we do not need any set of rules, we just have to do what we love to do, no expectations, and no stressful routines to follow. To travel is to be free.

We need adventures in life, break the barriers that separate us from the nature who calls us to relax, and explore more on people's lives.

That is why I am encouraging each and every one of you to be free and enjoy the life God has given us in the means of travelling and having fun adventures with your loved ones.

Let me leave you with a quote, "To Travel is to Live, so Live the life you have always wanted"