Where It All Began: A Journey to My Father's Hometown, Carnaza Island

Have you ever felt like a place is your home even though you've never been there? Like every time you see a photo or video of it online, you suddenly feel this positive vibes and feel like there's a deep connection between you and that place? This is how I feel whenever I think of an underrated island in the northernmost part of Cebu—Carnaza Island.

Since I was a kid, I have always heard about Carnaza Island because it is my father's hometown. He was born and raised there before he left to attend college and work in Cebu City. Although he hasn't been back to the island for a long time since starting a family here in Danao City, Cebu, many of our relatives from there are still contacting him. They often called him every month to check on us and invite us to come to the island, especially when the fiesta is near.

Whenever I see photos and videos about Carnaza Island online, I can't help but be filled with pride. Even though it is not as famous as Boracay or Siargao, there are still some people who have been there and they say nothing but admiration. However, not having been to the island yet makes me feel like something is missing. I feel incomplete yet as I have not fully connected with my father's roots. I haven't met our relatives on my father's side in person and I haven't been to the place he once called home yet.

Until one day, the opportunity came. Finally, our family decided to visit Carnaza Island for their fiesta in May. In my mind, this is the right time to experience the true beauty of the island and meet our relatives.

So get ready and join me as I take you on a journey to discover the hidden gem of the Cebu archipelago—the turtle-shaped island called Carnaza Island!

How to Get There?

To get to Carnaza, you can take a bus going to Maya or any bus that goes through Daanbantayan at SM City Terminal in Cebu City. Just tell the conductor that you will get off at Tapilon Port. If you have a car, you can follow the driving direction from Waze or Google Maps.

When you arrive at Tapilon Port, you have to take a public boat that costs P200 to cross the island. If you are with a group, you can take a private boat depending on the number of passengers and where you are going after Carnaza.

Fun fact: When we went to Carnaza, it was funny to find out that some of the boatmen there knew my dad! It's his neighbors and friends who are very happy to see us.

Meet Carnaza Island

As we sailed toward Carnaza Island, we had a perfect boat ride, we glimpsed the clear waters of the island and it filled me with joy. I was very happy to see the cleanliness of this ocean— which I think is an important thing that locals and tourists should take care of in the years to come. When we arrived at the island, I couldn't hide my joy when I saw the white sand and the people on the island, who were busy celebrating the fluvial procession for San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of the island.

Before we went to the famous Carnaza Eco Park Resort, we decided to stop by the house of one of our relatives to have breakfast. From Danao City, we left at 4:00 AM and arrived at the island at 9:00 AM. Upon our arrival, many of my father's friends and relatives happily invited us to stop by their houses and eat. I can't count how many times they invited us, and I'm glad to feel the warmth of their welcome—it felt like one big family despite the fact that we were separated by distance.

After a few hours of chatting and bonding, we hopped back on the boat again, but this time, from one of our relatives who had a boat, we were going to Carnaza Eco Park Resort. Apart from this resort, there are other beautiful spots on the island like La Manok Island and Twin Beach, but this time, we chose to stay at the Carnaza Eco Park Resort for this trip.

At the Carnaza Eco Park Resort, the entrance fee is P200 for adults and half price for children. One of the things that make this resort stand out is their wooden sheds, which can be rented for P200 per night. There are also different types of rooms to choose from—rooms for 4 people are P2900 per night, while family rooms good for 10 people are P5000. If you want to bring your own tent, the space fee is only P50.

The best part of the resort is their seafood! They sell fish that you can have them cook for you, and the cooking charge is only P300. As a family, we enjoyed Tinuwang Isda or fish stew that they cooked—very tasty and affordable, especially since there were a lot of us there.

After a delicious lunch, we walked around the resort and took pictures. Then, we went to the sea to swim while talking with the family. We made the most of our time on the Island. Every moment was filled with joy and gratitude for the beautiful scenery and the warm hospitality of the people of Carnaza Island.

Farewell to Paradise

And the day has come when we have to leave this paradise. My heart felt heavy as we left the Island I had long considered my home as well. But I promised myself that this wouldn't be the last time I'd visit here. One day, I will bring my family, friends, and maybe a special someone back here. So, as I left Carnaza, I carried with me the memories that I will forever cherish.

I can truly say, in Carnaza Island, with white sand and crystal clear waters, the views are absolutely perfect. If you are looking for a Boracay or Siargao-like beach in Cebu that is affordable and has friendly and welcoming people, Carnaza Island is for you. A place where you can take Instagram-worthy photos and videos. So what are you waiting for? Don't miss out, plan now and bring your loved ones to Carnaza Island!

That's all for tonight's virtual tour to Carnaza Island, everyone. I'd really appreciate it if you could upvote, comment, and reblog my blog. Thank you so much, Hivers and have a fabulous night ahead!