Travel to the Philippines : what to do in Camotes Islands ?

The Camotes Islands are little known by tourists (sometimes even by the Filipinos themselves), but it’s a very quiet place in the Philippines, untouched by mass tourism. These two islands are known for their many caves and white sandy beaches. To visit Camotes, I stayed for 3 days, which is more than enough time to do all the activities, but you can also stay an extra day if you want to dive and relax.

How do I get to the Camotes Islands ?

By ferry : there is a ferry between Cebu and Camotes that takes 2 hours and costs 500 pesos (€8) per person, or from Danao, a town to the north of Cebu.

Practical information :

It’s worth noting that the network on the island is pretty poor. Hotel wifis are often unstable and there are quite a few areas without a network. I hired a scooter when I arrived at the port, as it’s the best way to get around the island. When you arrive, take the road and a 2-minute walk from the port, you’ll find a rental shop for 350 pesos a day. For 3 days, you can negotiate the price.

What to do in Camotes Islands ?

Santiago Bay Beach

This is clearly the most beautiful beach in Camotes, stretching for several hundred metres. When the tide is low enough, you can see sandbanks, which gives this beach its charm. I really liked the little stalls by the beach where you can enjoy a beer or juice in a pleasant atmosphere.

Buho Rock Resort

Not far from here, I recommend a trip to Buho Rock Resort for a little adrenalin. It’s a 30-minute scooter ride. To get there, you’ll cross the road in the middle of the magnificent mangrove swamp that covers part of the island.

Entrance to the resort costs 30 pesos (€0.60) and there are two 3-metre diving boards below, and a 10-metre diving board for the brave ! Be careful not to jump 10 metres at low tide.

Lake Danao

Located on Pacijan Island, this is the largest lake in the Visayas region, covering 148 hectares. Entrance costs 50 pesos (€0.80). I really liked this place, surrounded by vegetation and very relaxing. You can also do various activities such as zip-lining over the lake or kayaking.

Bukilat cave

This is the most impressive cave in Camotes and also one of the best known. The height is impressive and there are two main pools, connected to the sea and surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites. If the tide is high enough, you can swim inside without any problem. If, like me, you come at low tide, the cave is completely empty and you won’t be able to swim at all.

Paraiso Cave

Located at the northern tip of the island, this is the second most popular cave for tourists in Camotes. The descent is steep, but very quick, and you end up in a natural pool with crystal-clear water. I was amazed at how clear the water was inside. If you’re lucky, you may be the only person inside. I’ve been here twice : on Sundays, the cave is packed with locals coming for a swim, but if you come during the week, you might find yourself alone. Be careful, the pool is also connected to the sea and at high tide you’ll be up to your chest in water. Admission costs 50 pesos (€0.80).

Timubo Cave

This is a little-known cave for tourists, because it’s quite small. But for me, it’s one of the most beautiful! It’s quite a long way down to the pool at the very bottom of the cave. It takes about 5 minutes to descend, and then you have to cross a small pool to reach the natural pool. I was there at low tide, so the water was only up to my calves, but at high tide you’ll probably be up to your waist in water. At the end of the pool is a magnificent natural pool and a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Lizzie’s Cave

This is a very recent cave, having opened at the end of 2023 ! I really enjoyed the experience, as it’s very different from other caves : here, there’s no natural pool to swim in, but a real underground exploration, between limestone formations, stalagmites and stalactites. The entire visit is accompanied by a guide and lasts around 15-20 minutes. You don’t need to be claustrophobic, as the passages are sometimes narrow in the rock, but it was interesting. You should also bring suitable footwear, as most of the tour is done with your feet in the water and the rocks are not very pleasant if you are barefoot.

Tulang Diot Island

This is a small islet to the north of Camotes, perfect for snorkelling in turquoise water and white sand. I took a boat from Tulang Dako beach (it’s easy to find as it’s signposted). The crossing takes 5 minutes and there are several fares :

• 40 pesos per trip if you take a waterbus with local workers. But to be honest, I don’t think this option is open to tourists…
• 200 pesos per person for a return trip, but you’ll have to wait until the boat is full.
• 1000 pesos for a private boat for the return trip.

I took the private option because I didn’t want to wait 2 hours hoping someone would arrive. There’s a small bar on site where you can have a drink or a snack.

Where to eat/drink in Camotes ?

As on many islands in the Philippines, the food isn’t incredible. I didn’t find many good restaurants on the island, but here are the best ones for me :

• Hidden Huts restaurant : this is the restaurant in the Hidden Huts hotel. The food is really excellent and very competitively priced ! I loved the tuna croquettes as a starter and the vegetable curry !
• Gian’s Bakeshop : this little roadside bakery is great if you’ve got a sweet tooth. The prices are unbeatable, being around 5 pesos. I loved the coconut-filled brioche and their banana bread.
• Nena’s Grill And Drinks : if you want to have lunch by the beach in Santiago Bay, this is the best option as you’ll get real food and not just snacking.

Where to stay in Camotes ?

• Mangodload Resort : For me, this is the most beautiful hotel on the island. The pool overlooking the sea is magnificent and the restaurant is delicious. I really liked the green setting, which is very relaxing. However, if you’re in high season, I’d recommend booking well in advance, as the hotel quickly sells out.

• Hidden Huts : located in the north of the island, this hotel offers cabins in a very quiet and intimate setting. Comfort is fairly basic, but there is air conditioning, and the location is good. Breakfast is not included, as it is à la carte, but it is really excellent (special mention for the tuna pancakes).

I hope this article will help you find out what to do in Camotes during your trip. Enjoy your stay ❤️. If you like Asia, take a look at our other travel guides on the Philippines or my 10-day itinerary in Laos !

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