ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE AND ITINERARY TO CAMOTES ISLAND
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
A group of islands in the Camotes Sea, Philippines. – Camotes Islands
The island group is located east of Cebu Island, southwest of Leyte Island, and north of Bohol Island. It is 34 nautical miles (63 km; 39 mi) from Cebu City and is part of Cebu – Wikipedia
It is home to the famous Bukilat Cave and Lake Danao.
Traveling to Camotes Island for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money and maximize your time. This guide will also make sure that you get the best out of your money while traveling to the Island.
Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown, recommended hotels/places to stay, things to do/places to visit, and lots of extra travel tips.
Get Started
How to get to Camotes Island — By plane + Van, Camotes Island can be reached on an hour flight + an hour van ride from Cebu. Camotes Island has no airport so you need to travel by boat or airplane.
Always book your hotel early — Avail low rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon 2-3 months before your travel departure. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.
Check discounts and prices online — Save money by checking discounts on tours & airport/hotel transfers. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.
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Spend 2 days or more — While it’s possible to explore the highlights of the island in a day, consider planning at least 3 days to tour the beaches.
Save More while Traveling — I’ve included a lot of money saving tips on this guide. You can actually save more when you do not include attractions that has entrance fees. You can achieve cheaper expenses by knowing where to find and book the attractions.
Getting around Camotes Island — There are a lot of transport and tour options available whether you want to go with a private tour or a do-it-yourself trip. You can even go full local and try the motorcycle/tricycle commute to get around or stick with packaged tours that can offer a hassle-free experience.
Grab is not offered in this area.
See more blogs & travel guides
Pre-Travel Guide
✓How to get to Camotes Island?
✓ How to get around Camotes Island?
✓ Should I book my Camotes Island hotel online?
✓ What to prepare for a trip to Camotes Island?
✓ How to find cheap flights to visit Camotes Island?
✓ When is the best time to visit?
✓ Travel Must-Haves
✓ Money-saving tips
How to Get to Camotes Island
✓ OPTION 1 (BY VAN/BUS)
Entry Point is in ORMOC PORT.
CHECK FAST CRAFT SCHEDULE & FARE HERE
- From the port, walk to Ormoc City Terminal near the Ormoc Public Market/2go Express ticketing.
- Then, ride a tricycle going to PUNTA PORT. Be sure to inform the driver that you will hop off at PUNTA PORT for Camotes. Fare is PHP 10.00 – PHP 20.00. Travel time is about 8 minutes.
- At Punta Port, ride the KGC Ferry bound to Poro, Camotes. The fare is about PHP 300.00. Travel Time is about 1hr 50mins.
- At Camotes, hail a motorcycle, tricycle, or just rent a ride for transportation to your destination.
✓ OPTION 2 (BY BOAT W/ BUS/VAN)
Entry Point is in CEBU PIER 4 via HILONGOS.
CHECK FAST CRAFT SCHEDULE & FARE HERE
- From Pier 4, ride the Slow Boats (Roble Shipping Lines or Gabisan Lines) & Fast Boat (MV Superjoy) bound for Hilongos. Fare is about PHP 310.00 ( SGD$ 6.89, US$ 6.2, € 5.17) – PHP 2,000.00 ( SGD$ 44.45, US$ 40, € 33.33) for Slow Boats and PHP 550.00 ( SGD$ 12.23, US$ 11, € 9.17) for Fast Boats/Crafts. Travel Time is about 5-6 hours for the slow boats and 2-3 hours for the fast boat.
- Then walk or ride a motorcycle to Hilongos Public Terminal.
- At the Market, ride a bus/van to Ormoc City. Travel Time is about 2 hours.
- At Ormoc City Terminal, walk towards Ormoc Public Market/2go Express ticketing.
- Then, ride a tricycle going to PUNTA PORT. Be sure to inform the driver that you will hop off at PUNTA PORT for Camotes. Fare is PHP 10.00 – PHP 20.00. Travel time is about 8 minutes.
- At Punta Port, ride the KGC Ferry bound to Poro, Camotes. The fare is about PHP 300.00. Travel Time is about 1hr 50mins.
- At Camotes, hail a motorcycle, tricycle, or just rent a ride for transportation to your destination.
✓ OPTION 3 (BY BOAT W/ BUS/VAN)
Entry Point is in CEBU PIER 4 via BAYBAY.
CHECK FAST CRAFT SCHEDULE & FARE HERE
- From Pier 4, ride the Slow Boats (RORO Ferries) & Fast Boat (MV Superjoy) bound for Hilongos. Fare is about PHP 310.00 ( SGD$ 6.89, US$ 6.2, € 5.17) – PHP 2,000.00 ( SGD$ 44.45, US$ 40, € 33.33) for Slow Boats and PHP 580.00 ( SGD$ 12.89, US$ 11.6, € 9.67) for Fast Boats/Crafts. Travel Time is about 5-6 hours for the slow boats and 2-3 hours for the fast boat.
- Then walk to Baybay Transportation Terminal.
- At the Terminal, ride a VAN/BUS to Ormoc City Terminal. Fare is about PHP 200.00 ( SGD$ 4.45, US$ 4.0, € 3.33)
- At Ormoc City Terminal, walk towards Ormoc Public Market/2go Express ticketing.
- Then, ride a tricycle going to PUNTA PORT. Be sure to inform the driver that you will hop off at PUNTA PORT for Camotes. Fare is PHP 10.00 – PHP 20.00. Travel time is about 8 minutes.
- At Punta Port, ride the KGC Ferry bound to Poro, Camotes. The fare is about PHP 300.00. Travel Time is about 1hr 50mins.
- At Camotes, hail a motorcycle, tricycle, or just rent a ride for transportation to your destination.
✓ OPTION 4 (BY BOAT W/ BUS/VAN) (OCEANJET FAST CRAFT)
Entry Point is in CEBU PIER 1
– Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
– Cebu Port: Pier 1, Cebu City
– Camotes Port: Poro, Camotes
– Advantages: Take this option if you want to arrive faster, and you live/stay near Pier 1 or SM City Cebu or you’re from Southern Cebu.
✓ OPTION 5 (BY BOAT) (JOMALIA FAST CRAFT)
Entry Point is in MACTAN WHARF of Island Central Mactan Mall
– Travel Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
– Cebu Port: MACTAN WHARF of Island Central Mactan Mall
– Camotes Port: Consuelo, Camotes
– Advantages: Take this option if you want to arrive faster, and you live/stay near Mactan.
✓ OPTION 6 (BY BOAT & PRIVATE CAR/VEHICLE) (JOMALIA RORO/EXPRESS)
Entry Point is in DANAO CITY PORT
– Travel Time: 2 hours
– Cebu Port: Danao City Port
– Camotes Port: Consuelo, Camotes
– Advantages: Take this option if you want to save 50% on transportation, if you’re willing to travel or you’re from/near Danao City.
-This roro can take your car to Camotes.
- Just use the “WAZE” or “GOOGLE MAP” app to navigate your way to Danao City Port & Camotes.
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How to get around Camotes
1.By Habal-Habal or known as Motorcycle
Good for couples. It is much better if you can drive it yourself.
2. By Van
It can accommodate up to 10-13 passengers. If you want to rent tour the island using the van, it will costs you around Php 2000-2500 or $40-50 per day.
3. By Multi-Cab
It can accommodate up to 8-10 passengers. If you want to rent tour the island using the multi-cab, it will costs you around Php 1500-1700 or $30-34 per day.
Should I book my Camotes Island Hotel Online?
My answer will always be YES. You can save money by checking discounts online. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.
What to prepare for a trip to Camotes Island?
Sunblock— If you don’t have a plan in getting yourself tan, then bring some sunblock to protect your skin from the suns UV rays.
Hats and Eye wear — Protect your eyes from the heat of the sun.
Cellphone Waterproof Case — You don’t want to drench your phone w/ saltwater.
Rent a GoPro – If you are in Cebu, my friend can rent you one here.
Food – Although there is a convenience store in the island, it is much better to bring your own foods and drinks.
Powerbank & Batteries – Electricity on the island only runs from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Tent – Even if you are not staying overnight, just bring. It can lessen your expenses.
Snorkel and Scuba diving gears – Bring your own.
How to find cheap flights to Cebu or Leyte?
Start your search on Wego, Momondo, and Skyscanner.
Also, check Tacloban promo alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold up to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date & are often only available if you book directly with the airline.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
In my experience, March – June are the best months to visit Camotes Island since rainfall is less in those months.
Travel Must-Haves
✓ Google Map App – A life-saver for me because without it, I might get lost.
✓ Google Translate – Super powerful app. Translate anything.
✓ Gps-Guided App – Tour the city like a local with this app.
✓ Sunscreen – Protect yourself from sunburn or much worse – Cancer.
✓ Pocket Wifi or Sim Card – The convenient of searching anything is a go-to. Please don’t forget this baby. It is a life-saver for me though.
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Money Saving Tips
Get a good map and explore the city on your own tour — You can tour the city at your own pace plus you can choose from a variety of options. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Camotes Island that don’t cost a dime.
Drive a motorcycle — This is the cheapest way to get around.
Stay at hostels or airbnb — If you are travelling alone or by group of 3, hostels are best for you. But, if you are travelling in group of 4 or more, then airbnb is best for you. I have calculated the difference and airbnb ones are best for group of travellers.
Where to Stay in Camotes Island?
| TOP RATED PLACES TO STAY IN CAMOTES ISLAND | |
|---|---|
| Mangodlong Rock Resort | Splurge / Camotes Island. See discounts |
| Buho Rock Resort | Mid-Range / Camotes Island. Check Rates |
| Flying Fish Resort | Budget Hostel / Camotes Island. Check Rates |
| UnderPHP 2,000 | Best Camotes Island Apartments — For 4 or more travelers looking for decent yet affordable accommodations and does not like crowded hostels.See rates & reviews |
| UnderPHP 1,000 | Best Camotes Island hostels & budget hotels — affordable places to stay for backpackers/solo travelers.See rates & reviews |
Where to book
Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to avail cheaperst prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:
Camotes Island Itinerary
Guess what? I am such a joiner for this trip. Did not look it up online again.
We came from Ormoc so our route will be – Ormoc to Camotes (obviously). Our Itinerary looks a bit messy because there is only 1 available trip in going to Camotes via Ormoc.
Day 0.5: En route to Camotes via Boat from Ormoc
| Time | Activity |
| 11:00 am | Meet at the Punta Port |
| 12:00 nn | Departure time |
| 1:30 pm | Arrival at Poro, Camotes Island |
Day 1: Buho Rock Resort and San Francisco Bay Walk
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 2:00 pm | En route to Buho Rock Resort |
| 3:00 pm | Arrived at Buho Rock Resort |
| 4:45 pm | En route to San Francisco Baywalk |
| 5:15 pm | Arrived at San Francisco Baywalk |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner at San Francisco Baywalk |
| 7: 30 pm | En route to our friends’s residence |
| 08:00 pm | Free Time |
A lot of restaurants and BBQ stations are in San Francisco Baywalk. It is much better to dine here.
Day 2: Camotes Island tour + Cave Hopping
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0400 am | Wake up Time and Prepare |
| 0600 am | Puto Time |
| 0830 am | Arrived at Amazing Island |
| 0945 am | Arrived at Heaven Cave |
| 1015 am | Arrived at Mangodlong Rock Resort |
| 1130 am | Arrived at Santiago Bay |
| 1230 nn | Lunch at Santiago Bay |
| 0100 pm | Arrived at Lake Danao Camotes |
| 0230 pm | Arrived at Tulang Diot for Sight Seeing |
| 0300 pm | Arrived at Timubo Cave |
| 0440 pm | Arrived at Bukilat Cave |
| 0630 pm | Dinner |
| 0800 pm | Free Time |
Day 3: Going Home
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0400 am | Wake up Time and Prepare |
| 0600 am | Breakfast |
| 0700 am | Arrived at Poro Port |
| 0945 am | Arrived at Ormoc City |
Our trip just took 2 days.
3 Days 2 Night – Camotes Island Budget Expenses (for 6 people)
Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 1-Day itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.
Prices below are ‘per person’, calculated based on a group of 6 people sharing the travel expenses.
| Transport expenses breakdown | |
|---|---|
| PHP 835 | Multi-cab Fare |
| Activities/Attraction costs breakdown | |
|---|---|
| PHP 20 | Entrance fee per person for Buho Rock |
| PHP 15 | Entrance fee per person for Lake Danao |
| PHP 30 | Entrance fee per person for Mangodlong Rock Resort |
| PHP 60 | Entrance fee per person for Heaven Cave |
| PHP 100 | Entrance fee per person for Amazing Island |
| PHP 5 | Entrance fee per person for Timubo |
| PHP 20 | Entrance fee per person Bukilat |
| Budget Trip Expenses Summary | |
|---|---|
| PHP 835 | Transport |
| PHP 1600 | Accommodations — Since we stayed at a house of my bestfriend, then its free. |
| PHP 800 | Food — Full meals x 3 days for 2 days |
| PHP 250 | Activities — Admission tickets/entrance fees on selected activities above. |
| PHP 3,485 | Total — Including all expenses above for 2 days and 1 night |
| Other fees to take note of | |
|---|---|
| PHP 50 | Motorbike Fare (one way) |
| PHP 300 (one way fare) | Roble Shipping Fare |
* Prices subject to change without prior notice
What to do in Camotes Island
Check out these Must-Do activities in Camotes Island.
1. Swim in the cold waters of Bukilat Cave
2. Instagrammable rock formations at Buho Rock Resort
3. Swim underground at Heaven Cave
4. Swim and be Amazed at Mangodlong Rock Resort
5. Go Visit Mama Mary at Timubo Cave
6. See the wonders of Lake Danao
8. Chill and Unwind at Santiago Bay
9. Swim at Amazing Island
10. Cave Hopping
11. Chase Sunset at Tulang Diot
1. Swim in the cold waters of Bukilat Cave
The Camotes Island group actually has eight natural caves. But, Bukilat Cave is the most prominent among these caves as it is the largest cave to ever exist on the island.
Read more: Bukilat Cave
2. Instagrammable rock formation at Buho Rock Resort
If you are into cliff diving, this is the perfect place for you. You can have your unlimited cliff diving or simply go on swimming under the beautiful rock formation at Buho Rock Garden and Resort, Poro, Camotes Island.
Read more: Buho Rock Resort
3. Swim Underground at Heaven Cave
A sign will greet you at the entrance saying “Heaven Cave”. You won’t easily spot it based on my experience because there is another entrance in the place. Just like the other cave, you will descend a couple of stairs to actually swim in the cave.
Read more: Heaven Cave
4. Swim and be amazed at Mangodlong Rock Resort
At Mangodlong, one can experience the wonderful sunset of Camotes. The warm color of the sun and the reflection of the beach make it very spectacular during the afternoon at this resort.
Read more: Mangodlong Rock Resort
5. Go Visit Mama Mary at Timubo Cave
They say that there is an image of Mama Mary inside the cave so I went inside and see if it was true. Indeed, it is.
Read more: Go Visit Mama Mary at Timubo Cave
6. See the Wonders of Lake Danao Camotes Island
LAKE DANAO CAMOTES or the LOVERS LAKE is said to be the largest lake in Cebu province. It has deep blue waters and a serene aura with its singing birds and the breeze. Several activities can be enjoyed when visiting this place such as kayaking, boating, horseback riding, among others.
Read more: See the Wonders of Lake Danao Camotes Island
7. Visit San Francisco Baywalk
Among the nicest bay walks and the nicest place to spend a few hours (ideally during lunch and sunset) in Camotes.
8. Chill and Unwind at Santiago Bay Beach
The Santiago Bay Beach, a public beach with a long white-sand shoreline. The fine and powdery white sand stretches for almost a kilometer.
9. Swim at Amazing Island
The cave is very unique since it is connected to the ocean. If the ocean is in high or low tide, the water inside the cave is at the same level as well..
Read more: Amazing Island
10. Cave Hopping
This resort has access to a pool and beach.
Read more: Cave Hopping
11. Chase Sunset at Tulang Diot
This is like the Virgin Island at Bantayan Island because you need to ride a small boat to reach the island. It is nice to spend time here as the beach has white sands.
TIPS, NOTES AND REMINDERS
- Bring extra clothes so that in every corner, the outfit is different.
- Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowd.
- Bring water so that you can’t be dehydrated.
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Dispose of waste properly so bring a trash bag if possible.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
Read More: 101 Things to Do in Cebu
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without Shellwander’s notice. Should you know the updated information, please message me on Facebook.
WHAT’S NEARBY?
✓ Aladin White Beach Resort
✓ Bakhaw Beach
✓ Borromeo Beach Resort
✓ Nagub-an Beach
✓ Nonok Beach
✓ Paraiso Cave
✓ Ocean Heaven Resort
✓ Himensulan Beach
✓ Bano Beach Resort (BBR)
✓ Santiago Bay Garden Resort
✓ Santiago Public Beach
✓ Masamayor Beach House
✓ Camp Wagi
✓ Tulang Diot
✓ San Fran Baywalk
✓ Mabini Beach
✓ Quarry View Park
✓ Busay Falls
✓ Villa Alicia
✓ Eco Dome Archival
✓ Consuulo Wharf
✓ The Northeast67 Glamping Resort
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🏷️10% OFF [SALE] Oslob Whale Shark Watching from Cebu City or Mactan Island
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MAP TO HELP YOU LOCATE NEARBY ACTIVITIES
A budget of 3500 for the Camotes! How’s that?
Always remember to “Develop your One Days to Day Ones!“
XOXO,
