Last time, we checked out Heaven Cave as well as Amazing Island Cave. Just a refresher both caves could be found in Camotes Island. If you check out a Philippine map, this island might be closer to the Province of Leyte but it is still part of Cebu. Just to be clear! 😉
You're probably tired of hearing another cave exploration from me. "There's more?" I could hear you scream those words from where I'm comfortable sitting now. Haha! But yeah, our spelunking adventure on the island of Camotes continues today!
Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride! 😁
But first, a friendly advice
If you could remember, we rented a scooter for our 3-day road trip in Camotes. I've said this before but I'll say this once again. If you're doing solo or traveling with your partner, it's best to explore Camotes in a scooter or motorcycle. Or if you're traveling in a bigger group, renting a car or getting a tour package that includes transportation on the island is the best tip I could give you now. Don't dare to explore via public transportation if you're traveling on a budget. I was shocked to see how big Camotes is but without difficulty, we went to as many as six (6) destinations all in one day. Thanks to my boyfriend for driving us around. 🤗
Where's the cave?
We reached Paraiso Cave and I was like "Where's the cave? Is there even one?" The thing with the caves here in Camotes is you'll be surprised they exist. Unlike caves that I've been to in the past, caves in Camotes are mystically hidden underground. There's no massive rock gateway as tall as a mountain or even a hill where one will enter in order to reach the inner chambers whatsoever. In Camotes, all four caves we've visited could be accessed by going a few meter below the ground.
By the way, Paraiso when translated into English means paradise. I don't know why they named this place as such but we'll see later on if this cave indeed offers a piece of paradise.
Paraiso Cave, I must say, offers the most welcoming atmosphere among all caves we've visited; from the moment we stepped inside its gated compound, it felt like coming home. There's a well-organized and well-maintained garden that deserves a quick limelight on its own. We'll explore more of the garden later!
Walking inside after paying the dues, the garden which was at full bloom when we visited greeted us. The surrounding was just covered in green trees, green plants, green grassy lawn wherever you look. And for any nature lover like me, it's the place to be.
If not for the big signages, I could've missed the point of coming to this place, the cave! But it's impossible to miss the huge manmade stone signage spelling out Paraiso Cave placed right on top of the cave's opening. As you can see in the photos, even this part of the cave had been carefully landscaped which makes the entire place breathable and relaxing.
Then finally, we made our way inside Paraiso Cave. Both Heaven Cave and Amazing Island Cave were spectacular. But as always, I'm still excited to explore more. And Paraiso Cave gave me just what I'm looking for.
Just like the two previous caves we've explored, Paraiso Cave is well ventilated so you'll never have to be afraid of meeting bats out of nowhere. In fact, I haven't noted the presence of bats.
The property's management carefully built cemented/wooden tables and benches inside the cave that served as cottages for some tourists. There were hard hats for those who'd like to be protected inside. My imagination brings me into a mining area. Lol! We didn't wear one of those, tho. But they look cool! 😅
Then a few more meters down, we reached the last part and the biggest part of the cave where a natural pool awaits. If you'll look closely at the next photos, you'll observe that rocks inside the cave were either carved or reinforced (with cement) to create a safe stairway from the entrance up to the pool area. They even used sturdy wood as baluster/handrails.
They also installed these artificial mushroom-like lamps all over the cave. So cute, right? 😁
The Main Event
Paraiso Cave is pretty straightforward; you go down a few meters from the one and only entrance then tada! The main and the one and only explorable chamber of this cave will welcome you with its equally enticing natural pool. Unlike both Heaven Cave and Amazing Island Cave, there are other chambers you can explore! But worry not as this might be the best cave pool you'll ever encounter!
Now, look at that! It was so satisfying to see this pool just a few meters (not more than 15 meters, I guess) below the ground. I believe the pool's depth changes depending on the tide but when we were there, it was perfect for swimming. Some smaller kids even jumped into the water.
After taking a few shots, we joined the group of tourists who were already in the pool. I couldn't hide my excitement at this point and took a dip right away. The water was cold, as one could expect from natural pools. But it's manageable. We spent the next few minutes enjoying the pool!
I guess we've now come to the part where I'll be talking less and just allowing the photos on this trip to speak for themselves. 😉
As you can see from the previous photos, there were plenty of tourists when we arrived. We wanted to get uncrowded photos so we waited until everyone vacated the cave's pool area and took the photos you're about to see.
It was already beautiful earlier but when I took the photos without anyone in the pool, magical is an understatement for Paraiso's charm! Look at that view! 😍
It took me a while to stop myself from taking photos. I just couldn't believe that this place exists and it took me more than two (2) decades to find out about its existence. I know, what a shame! If only we could extend our stay, it'd been nice to stay here a bit longer.
The garden
Time to move forward to the next destination, but before that, we explored the garden some more. As I mentioned earlier, it's well-kept but it's on a different level. They're serious with their garden works around here. There's a small playground for kids and a swing for adults whenever you're bored with the ordinary chairs.
I also heard that they're offering rooms for an overnight stay here, too.
If you are hungry or thirsty, they got you covered! Isn't this place a paradise indeed? You'll be the judge! 😏
Above all else, I salute the management of this destination; it's evident that the place has been run with careful planning and maintenance. This is something all other caves lack, just in my opinion.
I hope I was able to give justice once again to this beautiful destination in Camotes Island. Appreciate you being with me on this tour! See you in the next one! 😊
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