Camotes is waiting

CEBU, Philippines – Its fresh air is like an angel’s breath that soothes and refreshes. Its clear waters, interesting landscape and natural environment wink an invitation. And its hospitable people beckon, “Dali! Dazon kamo sa isla sa Camotes!” (Welcome to Camotes!)

This small group of islands is part of Cebu province. Camotes is some 34 nautical miles away from the province’s mainland, a two- to three-hour trip by ferry boat from Danao City or from Pier 1 in Cebu City. And there are current plans to make Camotes accessible by small planes.

How Camotes got its name is an interesting story. The place was originally known as “Purô,” a Waray-waray word for “island,” the people from neighboring Leyte Island being some of the early inhabitants. When the Spaniards came and asked a native farmer harvesting “camote” (sweet potato) what the place was called, there was understandably a language barrier.

The farmer didn’t understand the foreign colonizers’ question and instead offered them a basket of his crop as a friendly gesture. Reportedly, the Spaniards were familiar with “camote,” since the crop is also found in Spain. Now, they thought “camote” was the name of the place. Hence, they officially declared the island ““Isla de Camotes,” the Island of Sweet Potatoes.

The Camotes island group is composed of Pacijan, Poro and Ponson islands, and the smaller islet of Tulang. It is divided into four municipalities: San Francisco, Poro, Tudela, and Pilar. Each town has wonders waiting for visitors to discover.

The Pacijan Island – the Municipality of San Francisco – has the biggest inland water formation in the Visayas, the Lake Danao. Known as one of the cleanest in the region, the 86-hectare lake allows visitors to go swimming, fishing, kayaking etc. Local families also go there for get-togethers and to celebrate special occasions.

The caves in the town have also been attracting adventure-seekers. One such cave is the Timubo, which has a six-foot-deep lagoon of turquoise blue waters inside. Friendly locals serve as tour guides to the cave. So, visitors may enjoy swimming in the lagoon under watchful eyes.

Most of all, San Francisco town is popular for its sugar-white sand beaches. The natural beach at Santiago Bay Garden and Resort, in Barangay Santiago, is a long stretch of sand, perfect for sunbathing or strolling or camping, and the seawater for swimming, kayaking or snorkeling.

For its part, Mangodlong Beach Resort has a more exclusive feel. The resort is located on a fishing village in Barangay Heminsulan. It’s a kind of a cove with unique rock formations, white sand beach, and tranquil sea away from it all – conducive for self-reflection or soul-searching on one hand, and a carefree fun experience on the other.

There are other pristine beaches around the island. Bakhaw Beach in Barangay Esperanza is really inexpensive. A mere 35-minute land trip from Consuelo port, the beach is ideal for backpackers looking for adventure.

On the neighboring island of Poro stands a landmark – the old Poro Church. Built in 1849, the church has been witness to the historic reconciliation between the feuding Taga-Maktang and Tag-Anito tribes. The coming together of the tribes is re-lived every third Friday of January in a merrymaking called the Tagbo Festival.

Boho Rock Resort, in Barangay Western Poblacion, has three-level diving cliffs, ranging from 12- to 30-feet above sea level. Jumping from these cliffs surely requires a tough gall but is also raises one’s self-esteem.

And there’s the natural grotto inside Bukilat Cave at Barangay McArthur, in Tudela town. The place has been a favorite destination of both the local people and visitors for religious and fun activities. The clear water of the cave’s lagoon reflects its beautiful stalactites and stalagmite formations.

Ponson Island, or the Municipality of Pilar, is a 15- to 25-minute boat ride from the Poro Island. White sand beaches abound here, too, particularly in Barangay Kawit. The island has been devastated during the Japanese occupation in the 1940’s. Yet, the old houses of Spanish and American designs can still be found, many of which are still being used as residences.

There’s a lot more to be discovered and enjoyed in Camotes. But a great experience can never be fully told – it has to be tried. For anyone who wants to try... Camotes is waiting.