Hello, Hive Friends! This is me again Kri, your travel mom. It’s been a while since i last posted here in this platform, shall I say i am in hiatus for almost 2 months i guess? But Heeeey! I'm back with more budget-friendly " tipid" tips and lifelong adventures. For this adventure blog, I'm thrilled to share one of the most treasured island vibes with my family, an awesome travel adventure with you.

When you hear Cebu, what comes to mind? Canyoneering to Kawasan Falls? Swimming with Whale shark and sardines? Bantayan and Malapascua Island?

What if I told you there's another island with white beaches, caves with clear water, a lake, and cliff-jumping spots near Cebu City worth exploring? Known as the "Lost Horizon of the South," most Filipinos don’t even know this place exists. Since it is relatively unknown, the island has preserved its natural beauty. This is Camotes Island.

This travel blog is not my first visit to Camotes, but the opportunity to share this experience with my family makes it much more unforgettable. It's a huge blessing for me because not everyone can travel with their loved ones, whether you agree or disagree.

The Camotes Islands, a lesser-known Philippine Island located in Cebu, offer calm, clean, and much-needed fresh air for vacations. Our family decided to take a week-long trip to this tropical paradise, and we were not disappointed. The Camotes Islands have something for everyone like it has a magical enchanted aura to offer, from beautiful beaches to green scenery.
Our Journey Begins

Our vacation began with a charming ferry journey all the way from the port of Danao City Cebu to Camotes Island. Some travelers opted to ride a ferry from Pier 3 Cebu City since it's convenient for them and it's all up to you which port do you prefer either near and convenient.

While we expected and prayed for a smooth sailing trip, little did we know we encounter some unanticipated challenges along the way. The open sea and rainy season made it more exciting and adventurous than usual, and some passengers felt a little green around the gills, so I suggest to search an accurate weather forecast before traveling, especially on beach and island trips.
Despite the unanticipated challenges, bumpy stretch journey, and nausea, we were grateful for the wonderful smiles and greetings from all kinds of folks. The overall experience was enjoyable and paved the way for our island exploring.

Exploring the Islands

As our ferry reached the amazing island, we were taken aback by the crystal-clear lake and beautiful sand. It looked like something out of a dream, and we were able to see it on a postcard! We stayed at a relaxing beach resort for five days. The accommodations were very comfortable and clean, and the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating.

In our case, our family chose to rent a jeepney-style vehicle because we have more than ten passengers and it is more convenient for us since we have kids and the elderly. This was not just a convenient mode of transportation but also an unforgettable and real experience. It was not only inexpensive, but it also allowed us to engage with people and experience daily life on the island. Overall, we had a wonderful experience on our journey since the rooms were quite snug, clean, and comfortable, and the hotel personnel was nice and accommodating. That was excellent!

The enchanting Camotes Islands are perfect for nature lovers, beachgoers and adventurous people. We island hopping to Mangodlong and Poro Islands. They had amazing white sand beaches, clear water, and lots of cool sea creatures. We spent our days swimming, diving, and relaxing under palm trees.

The enchanting Camotes Islands are perfect for nature lovers, beachgoers and adventurous people. We island hopping to Mangodlong and Poro Islands. They had amazing white sand beaches, clear water, and lots of cool sea creatures. We spent our days swimming, diving, and relaxing under palm trees.

One of its tropical islands, is the marvelous Mangodlong Island. It had quiet and unique beaches and super white sand. The water was so clear and beautiful that we couldn’t help but jump in. We went snorkeling and saw lots of colorful fish, dolphins, and even a sea turtle.

Poro Island was also aesthetically pleasing to our souls and hey! It has a lot of biodiversity to offer, and if you are an adrenaline junkie like me who loves extreme adventures, it's huge cliffs that are perfect for you. We, the youngsters (HAHAHHAHA), also went to the top of the island and enjoyed breathtaking views of the neighboring islands and the ocean.

We had a great time island hopping in the Camotes Islands. We relaxed on the beach, found secret spots, and went snorkeling in the clear water. It was indeed a great soul quenching adventure!

Adventure Awaits

Speaking of adventures! If you're seeking for adventure, the Camotes Islands are ideal. We had an ATV excursion through the countryside. We visited waterfalls and had incredible views of the islands. It was an excellent way to explore the area. We are also very thrilled to drive through their magnificent trails, smokey valleys, and beautiful streams. It was really enjoyable and exciting! The scenery was really stunning, and I couldn't ask for more.

We also tried on their kayaking adventure through the mangrove forests, which was a peaceful and serene experience. When we paddled through the waterways and saw lots of different biodiversities and varieties of birds like kingfishers, herons, egrets and many more (to be honest, I am not good at remembering those species thou! short memory loss, I guess HAHAHAHA). We also saw their famous mangrove forest, which is home to crabs, shrimp, and fish ( I can still imagine the taste of their mouthwatering fresh plates of seafoods). Mangrove forests are important for protecting the coast and providing a home for many animals.

Our kayaking and paddling recreational activities throughout the mangrove forests were not only an incredible chance to connect with nature, but also a fantastic way to learn about the need of preserving these fragile ecosystems. As we paddled through the quiet waves, we couldn't help but feel peaceful and tranquil. The encounter was absolutely memorable.

Local Culture and Cuisine

To learn about the local culture, visit San Pedro Church and Bakhaw Eco-Park. These places are beautiful and show the island’s history and nature. The San Pedro Church is a popular place for locals and tourists.

They also have Bakhaw Eco-Park is a peaceful place with plants, birds, and butterflies. Trust me when I say it’s great for relaxing.

To experience the local culture, talk to the people and try their food. The Camotes Islands are known for their seafood, pork belly, and lechon. Don’t miss the chance to try these foods and experience the warm hospitality of the people.

A Family-Friendly Destination

The Camotes Islands are great for families not only safe for kids but it is also enjoyable and relaxing for those who is traveling with senior citizens. The beaches are safe for swimming, and there are many fun things to do.

Our family trip to the Camotes Islands was amazing! The islands were peaceful and relaxing. They had beautiful beaches, green landscapes, and friendly people. The Camotes Islands are a hidden gem. If you’re looking for a memorable vacation with nature, adventure, and culture, we recommend visiting the Camotes Islands.

So, stay tuned for more practical, budget-friendly travel tips. Xiao!

To always Love,

Momshie Kri