For those who have never been, get ready to add Camotes Island to your bucket list!
Source: choypictures, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Traveling to one of Cebu’s most enchanted locations is about to get easier and more convenient!
The Cebu Provincial Capitol and the local government units of Camotes Island officially started construction of the proposed airport terminal for the island on December 10th, 2024.
This new airport connects the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Camotes, accommodating both private and passenger airlines of up to 80 people.
It will stand on a Capitol-owned 27-hectare property in San Francisco. However, negotiations are ongoing for the Capitol to purchase nearby lots to expand its area.
Once completed, this will be the second island-based airport terminal in Cebu, after the Santa Fe Airport. This year, it officially introduced direct flights from MCIA to Bantayan Island.
The domestic airport will hopefully boost the island’s economy, particularly with tourism, which is one of the island’s main sources of income.
According to an article on Sunstar Cebu, Fifth District Representative Vincent “Duke” Frasco mentioned that the development of the airport should also be beneficial to locals, since it provides even more job opportunities. (2024)
The airport will cut travel time to Camotes significantly, as it can only be accessed through a three to four hour boat ride from mainland Cebu.
Today, the easiest way to go to Camotes is through a ferry at the Danao Port or through an OceanJet at Pier 1 in Cebu City.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is also handling the construction of the runway, which was initially funded at Php265 million.
HISTORY OF CAMOTES ISLAND
The name Camotes comes from the island’s abundance in sweet potatoes (locally called camote). It then became a popular meeting place for fishermen and farmers to trade with businessmen from neighboring islands.
It was also used as a Spanish settlement in the 16th century, as seen from the historic Spanish-inspired buildings that still stand today, like the churches and numerous ancestral houses.
It is believed that several locals on the island previously formed their own militia groups to aid Filipino rebels during the battle for independence.
Soon after, Cebuanos discovered the beauty of Camotes, giving it the nickname “The Lost Horizon of the South” because of its untouched natural locations.
It’s known primarily for its serene white sand beaches and preserved heritage sites. There are also a handful of caves and waterfalls around the island.
Similar to Bantayan Island, Camotes offers a relaxing laid-back vibe for a simple lifestyle, perfect for a soothing vacation. With no major development projects, it’s peaceful enough for anyone who wants a quick escape to paradise.
Camotes Island is a mini archipelago, with three main islands (Poro, Pacijian, and Ponson) and a small islet called Tulang. These were later divided into four municipalities, namely: San Francisco, Tudela, Poro, and Pilar.
PLACES TO VISIT ON CAMOTES ISLAND
- Santiago White Beach
A long stretch of beach in San Francisco, accessible directly through the port of Camotes Island. It serves as a public plaza for people to walk around and explore.
Along the path, you will find several peaceful beaches with barely any people. The soft white sand and turquoise waters add to the serene ambiance, making swimming a memorable activity on the island.
- Lake Danao
Once considered one of the country’s cleanest and greenest lakes, this body of water is famous as a spot for kayaking and other boat rides.
A study says that Lake Danao is free from wastes and pollutants, maintaining its clean environment and abundance of plants. Washing and bathing are prohibited, and only paddle boats are allowed. (2013)
- Timubo Cave
A picturesque cave with a freshwater river flowing through two chambers. It’s accessible through a stairway on a field where locals grow their crops.
It is notable for the image of the Virgin Mary that’s been put up with artificial flowers surrounding it, where guests can pray and offer gifts.
*****
Have you ever wanted to travel to Camotes Island but thought the journey was too taxing? Once the airport is finished, visiting the island will be less of a hassle.
Details have not been announced regarding the flight schedules, but expect travel time to be less than an hour. You can also save up on expenses, since you no longer need to go all the way to the province to get there.
That being said, locals are looking forward to experiencing Camotes Island. It is, after all, one of the many go-to vacation spots in Cebu.
REFERENCES:
Codis, Denise Mae P. 2024. “Residents ‘to benefit’ from Camotes airport.” Sunstar Cebu.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/residents-to-benefit-from-camotes-airport.
Tanduyan, S. N., Andriano, B. T., & Gonzaga, R. B. (2013). “Lake Danao, San Francisco, Cebu as cleanest and greenest lake: Its development, problems and prospects.” LakeCon2011: Building on the pillars of Integrated Lake Basin Management (Second National Congress on Philippine Lakes).
https://repository.seafdec.org.ph/handle/10862/5853.
