Camotes Islands

The Camotes are a small island group in the Philippines. Administratively, they are part of Cebu Province but they are some distance east of Cebu Island (63 km from Cebu City), actually closer to Leyte.

The islands, municipalities and barangays of the Camotes

Until recently these islands did not get many tourists, though they have some fine beaches and dive sites. Now there is considerable development with several resorts and quite a few resident foreigners.

Understand

The group includes three main islands and one small islet. The islands of Pacijan and Poro are joined by a causeway; Ponson is separate, a bit to the north. There are several ports around the islands:

  • Poro is the main port, where the ferry from Cebu City arrives.
  • Consuelo, for the service to/from Danao
  • Pilar, for Ormoc on Leyte

In addition, at some other places, such as Kawit, the pumpboat is just pulled up onto the beach.

Fishermen at work at Nonok beach

Talk

Cebuano (also called Bisayan) is the main language of the islands. English is also widely spoken.

Get in
  • Oceanjet. fast ferry three times a day to/from Cebu City. Departure to Cebu: 8AM/noon/5PM (from Poro Port), ₱380 + ₱5 port tax. Scheduled travel time is 90 minutes, but the journey takes at least 2 hours (if you want to continue to Tagbilaran, the 10:40AM connecting ferry is a close call - better plan to proceed at 11:40AM). Ticket office at Poro port opens at 7AM.
  • Super Shuttle ferry to/from Danao on Cebu Island (3 hours). Departs Poro at 5PM. Departs Danao 1PM.
  • Jomalia Shipping lines to/from Danao to Consuelo port (4 times a day).
  • there is also a ferry going to Ormoc.

Get around

Rent a scooter for ₱300 a day or get a driver with a multicab.

See
  • Lake Danao (small entrance and parking fee; restaurants available)
Entertainment equipment at Lake Danao
  • Timobo Cave (₱30)
  • Santiago Beach (restaurants available)
  • Bukilat cave
  • View point and calvary near Timobo cave

Do
  • Walk around Poro town. Enjoy the beaches. Have a swim in the sea.
  • Rent a scooter (₱300/day + gas) and explore the island.

ATM
  • Development Bank. near the market in Poro town has a 24-hour ATM.

Only VISA cards accepted. No MasterCard withdrawal. If you run out of money and you don't have VISA card, you can use online money transfer of Western Union, top up it online with your credit card and withdraw money from LBC branch in Poro near the port. Fee is 5 usd/eur.

Eat

If you are looking for midrange restaurants, choice will be limited to the resort restaurants. Cheap eateries with lower prices and hygiene standards can be found around the island, especially at the beaches (e.g. Santiago beach) and in Poro (market area).

Drink

Sleep
  • Big Z Pension House. Poro Town. near the port. big fan double rooms with shared bathroom. ₱350 a night.
  • Sea View Pension House. Poro Town. Phone 099057552398. fan double rooms with shared bathroom ₱300 a night.
  • Mangodlong Paradise Resort. South of Consuelo port. Best resort quality- and pricewise on the island. From ₱2500.
  • RMS Travelers Inn. Pamatasan (400m from San francisco town Public market) . dorm bed for 289 per person. fan double room with own bathroom from 400. free wifi. a good clean low-cost place for backpackers to stay.

Stay safe

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