SkimChix - island life

In the middle of Camotes Island sits one of the largest lake in Visayas and Mindanao, Lake Danao. A park has been built for visitors to savor the beauty of this serene lake. A small dock has been constructed to let visitors get a closer look of the lake. A speed boat was also rented when we arrived and maybe for a quick tour in the lake.

The park itself has a wide area for kids to play or for groups to rest for a while after some traveling done in the island. And the entrance to the park is ten pesos and you can enjoy the calm beauty of the lake.

Timubo Cave of Camotes Island


Camotes Island is not only blessed with white sand beaches but also caves are abundant in the Island. We actually visited one cave, and that was the Timubo Cave. It is a dry entry, two way cave. Meaning, it has the same entrance and exit.

The cave is really not that big, and the stalactites and stalagmites are not grandeur either. But what makes this cave interesting is the pool of cold water. A very nice way to freshen up after hours of travel and having been exposed to the heat of the sun. The water is not deep nor shallow, just enough to swim around and enjoy the water.

Entrance to the cave cost ten pesos, I hope I remembered that right. And we reached the place through a rented multicab.

Camping out at Camotes Island in Borromeo Beach Resort

During our visit at Camotes Island, we stayed near Borromeo Beach Resort. It has a vast stretch of white sand and the place is not crowded. We arrived at the place just before sunset and I was overwhelmed with the beautiful colors playing in the background. From yellow to orange to red and to violet. Almost all colors are present. Unfortunately during this time the battery of my camera went out. (sigh sniff) At least I still got some pictures worth sharing from this place.

We just pitch our tents in the shore facing the beach.And when we woke up, we were greeted by another spectrum of light coming from the rising sun behind us. Cebu Island has an amazing view from where we stayed and unfortunately I wasn't able to capture it.

It was magical, waking up with such a nice view. And the water was cool, very refreshing, and school of fish are very abundant. The place was very serene, got my doze of peace and tranquility.

Another interesting place in Camotes Island is Mangodlong Beach Resort. It still boost of same white sand beach that made Camotes famous and with the added attraction of big rocks scattered in the sea topped with small cottages and connected by bamboo made bridges. On those big rocks you'll have a 360 degrees view of the place. Crystal clear blue waters on most part and the white sand on one side.

Corals are also very visible when you're on top of the rocks. And you'll also be tempted to jump from the big rocks where the clear blue water awaits.

The entrance to the place is 15 pesos, it has a small pool mainly for kids because it is only about 3 feet height. I still need to go back to the place to ask for the rate. :D

One cool way to relax and chill out this summer. Good for families and friends.

I call it an impromptu outing since it was a last minute decision to join the OSI Team in there outing to Camotes. My canceled climb to Osmeña Peak and fun run in my hubby's company was a blessing in disguise. I was able to experience this island paradise.

Paradise indeed! The very first time I step in the white sand beach of Santiago Beach Resort, it reminds me of Boracay, another island worth visiting. I got to feel the fine white sand under my feet, and Oh! the cool crystal waters too! It was my first time to be in the beach after 3 weeks, and with the white sand and crystal clear water it was worth the wait and the patience to discipline myself to be allowed for this trip.

The long stretch of white sand is public so you don't have to pay anything to enjoy the beach but if you prefer to stay overnight, its safer to rent a room or pitch a tent inside a resort. Unfortunately I wasn't able to ask the rates for their rooms.

I have promised myself that I'll be going back to Alegria to explore the place. I have heard that Alegria has a lot of things to offer when it comes to Eco-tourism. They have white sand beach, fish sanctuary, caves and mountains.

This time I went back to climb and explore Mt Lanaya one of Alegria's mountain, traversing Legaspi trail. From the main road we traveled approximately 45 minutes to the foot of the mountain. From the foot to the peak of the mountain, it was an all assault trail. With very loose sand and gravel. Some would even sort to crawling the loose ground just to make sure that they wouldn't slide to the bottom of the mountain. Trees were of little help since there's only a few that can be use as support.

We fought the sun's heat as we continued to climb the mountains with wild bushes on our sides. Lunch were eaten during our small breaks. And even with 3 liters of water, it was not enough to quench our thirst.

But it was all worth it when we reach the top. It feels I'm on top of the world. In front of me is a breath taking view. I got to see the neighboring Negros Island, the sea that separates Negros and Cebu, and the surrounding mountain range.

The air is fresh and the feeling is revitalizing. These are the very reason that attracted me to climb mountains.

Sun Set at Kota Beach, Madridejos, Bantayan Island

The far end of Bantayan Island is the town of Madridejos. Third and last town in the island. Its actually an hour ride from Sta Fe Pier to Madridejos. One of the places that is worth visiting in this town is Kota Beach Resort.

It has a board walk leading to a small tower in the middle of the sea during high tide or corals during low tide. Situated at the far end is a lighthouse still in the middle of the water. Such a nice place to stroll and unwind after tiring day in the island. During low tide, sea water would fill the holes with marine life of varied sizes forming small pool or ponds. Colorful fishes are trapped and it seems you are looking in your own pond.

The sky can create beautiful hues before and after sunset. Plus the added beauty of a magnificent light house. I am dreaming of having another photo shot with this same spot someday. Because this has been the best place for sunset watching in the Island.