Camotes Island doesn't ring a bill, especially to those who are outside the Visayas region. Recently though it hogged the headlines following the tragic motorboat incident that claimed the lives of at least 61 passengers (as of today). Reports say that passenger boat M/V Nirvana bound for Camotes Island capsized a few minutes after it left Ormoc port on July 2, 2014.
...and so my memories of that little-known island all began to rush back to me. Sometime in 2013 I was whisked away to that island without any extra clean clothes on my backpack.
...and so my memories of that little-known island all began to rush back to me. Sometime in 2013 I was whisked away to that island without any extra clean clothes on my backpack.
From Danao Port (approximately 2 hours travel by land from Cebu City proper), we boarded a Ro-Ro vessel off to Consuelo Port in Camotes Island. This was what the port looked like at that time:
Travel time from Danao Port to Camotes Island took us approximately two hours on-board the Jomalia ferry. One-way ticket cost Php180 per person for non-aircon and Php200 for air-con accommodation.
We left Danao Port at 8:00 a.m and arrived at 10:00 a.m. As of 2015, however, I found some changes in schedule. This might help those who want to visit the island:
Danao to Consuleo, Camotes:
- 5:30 AM
- 8:30 AM
- 11:00 NOON
- 2:oo PM
- 5:30 PM
- 9:00 PM
Consuelo, Camotes to Danao Port:
- 4:00AM
- 5:30AM
- 9:00AM
- 1:00PM
- 5:00PM
As we reached the Consuelo Port, we rented a multi-cab to take us to Santiago Resort and ride us around the island. A motorcycle or tricycle can be a good option to roam around the island to see its hidden wonders including the island's fine beaches. (Motorcycle is the main transportation in the island.)
Timubo Cave should not be taken out of the itinerary. This natural cave is simply amazing. With its clear, cool water underground (and for a 10-peso environment fee), swimming would definitely be fantastic. I actually soaked myself in the blue waters of that pool-like cave for hours.
The sun was about to set when we went out of the cave. Feeling fresh and rejuvenated, we went to the Agora market from the Timubo Cave to take our dinner. The Agora place was just too beautiful and too relaxing to ignore...(to be continued)
