Lying 33 nautical miles northeast of Cebu City in central Philippines is a small piece of paradise --- the archipelago of Camotes. Four islands comprise the Camotes group: Pacijan (San Francisco town), Poro (Poro and Tudela towns), Ponson (Pilar town) and Tulang (an island barangay of San Francisco).
In prehistoric Philippines, the coastal settlements in these islands were at the crossroads of civilization: vibrant trading communities and important ports of call for artists and artisans. Southeast Asians and Chinese merchants have come to do business with local traders, mostly fishermen and farmers, as evidenced by a whole pre-Hispanic village excavated in Poro town in the 70s.
The oldest parish in Camotes Islands in Poro is dedicated to Sr. Sto. Niño.
In 1521, a few days after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines for Spain, history dawned over Camotes islands. After the historic Mass in Mazaua (Limasawa) Leyte, the expedition’s official chronicler Pigafetta wrote on his journal that the flotilla of five ships dropped anchor on the coast of Polo (Poro), near Pozon (Ponson) and Ticobon (Pacijan) islands, to wait for Kolambu, the chieftain of Mazaua. The group then proceeded to Zubu (Cebu) where Magellan erected a wooden Cross to symbolize Spain’s Christianization in the Far East.
Today, sun-worshippers and nature pilgrims have discovered the charm of Camotes. They come to revere its supremely beautiful beaches and lake; and revel in its rich culture and history celebrated in songs and stories by a warm and friendly people.
Santiago Bay Garden and Resort (Tropical bliss)
The peaceful village of Santiago, San Francisco is Camotes’ first tourist enclave, home to Santiago Bay Garden and Resort, a 2.5 hectare of lush greenery. This 19-bedroom resort is charmingly tucked in a profusion of landscaped exotic foliage overlooking a wide, white sandy beach and a dazzling blue ocean. The resort successfully and effortlessly blends nature with friendly hospitality. It is a few minutes from the town and the ports of San Francisco and Poro.
Mangodlong Rock Resort (A taste of paradise )
Nestled in the serene fishermen’s village of Mangodlong, Heminsulan, San Francisco, the resort stands on 2 hectares of extensive coconut-shaded garden close to the beachfront. Across the resort and separated by a blue sea is a coral islet with tropical huts spread out, connected by a sand bar from the beach. The resort offers an ideal combination of intimacy and laid-back island atmosphere. It is a few minutes from the town and ports of San Francisco and Poro.
Greenlake Park (Nature at its best)
On the beautiful bank of Lake Danao in the sleepy village of Union, San Francisco, lies Greenlake Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts and artists. This lake resort sits on a 1.5 hectare of ancient hardwood mangrove forest, and projects a charming serenity that is truly unforgettable and very relaxing. Birds sing and dart on trees overhead, butterflies flutter around, and fishermen go about their daily ritual --- things rarely seen in today’s fast paced life.
Getting there
Cebu is a peaceful city which makes it a very ideal business and vacation destination. It is well connected and is served with major carriers through direct international flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea. It is also a few hours away from Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur, ensuring ease of air access for vacations and holidays. There are also direct domestic flights to and from Manila and other Philippine cities. From Cebu where the Mactan International Airport is located, the Camotes group of islands is easily accessible through short sea travel. There are daily trips from the ports of Danao City (motorized banca), from Mandaue City Ouano wharf (motorized banca) and from Cebu City Pier 2 (ferry boat).
Chartered flights to camotes are offered by Mactan-based companies.
Schedule of Trips
Cebu-Camotes
Danao City Port
to Consuelo Port 6 am and 10 am daily (motorized banca)
to Poro Port via Puertobello* 6:20 am daily (motorized banca)
to Sunog Port 11 am daily (motorized banca)
(*dismembark at Puertobello if you plan to check in at both resorts)
Mandaue City Ouano Wharf
to Poro Port 12 noon daily (motorized banca)
Cebu City Port (Pier 2)
to Poro Port 9 pm daily (ferry boat)
Cebu City Port (Pier 1)
to Poro Port 9:00 am and 5:30 pm daily (Fastcraft)
Ouano Wharf
to Poro Port 5:30 am and 1:00 pm
From these ports, you can hire motorcycles (called habal-habal) and multi-cabs. Make sure you have agreed the fare/rental before you go. Or you can request the resort van to pick you up.
Camotes-Cebu
Consuelo Port
to Danao City Port 6 am and 11 am daily (motorized banca)
to Danao City Port 11 am daily (motorized banca)
to Cebu City Port (Pier 2) 11 am daily (ferry boat)
to Mandaue City Ouano Wharf 5 am daily (motorized banca)
to Cebu City Port (Pier 1) 6:00 am and 12:00 nn daily (Fastcraft)
to Ouano Wharf 5:30 am and 1:00 pm
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