Chasing our Camotes Dream

I have happy childhood memories of family vacations spent in Cebu. Going to Cebu would automatically mean long distance travel for a church visit to Pitalo, San Fernando, Cebu where my Dad's relatives are from. Unfortunately, our family trips have been limited to Metro Cebu and the southern part of the island. And a year ago, I started reading a lot of good reviews about Camotes Island, which is located on the eastern part of mainland Cebu. I mentioned it  to Glenn that I wanted to go there and as usual he said yes. It was included on our travel list but with no definite travel date. Until burnout led me to resign from my job days before our Cebu trip for a family vacation. I asked him if he wanted to extend our stay in Cebu to go to Camotes Island since I no longer have a job to get back to immediately. After two hours he called to tell me that he has bought another ticket for a later flight date. My Superman turned what was supposed to be a 4-day vacation into 7 days just so we can celebrate my corporate freedom.

There are two ways to go to Camotes Island, one is by taking a ferry in Ouano wharf in Mandaue City which will take you to Poro port. Or travel for about 45 minutes to Danao City then transfer to a motorized boat for a two-hour trip to Consuelo port in San Francisco, Camotes Island. The fare which is 180 pesos, is the same regardless of the type of boat.  I originally wanted to leave thru Ouano wharf since my sister's place is also in Mandaue but our contact person at the resort advised us to take the ferry at Danao port since it it will dock at Consuelo which is just 15 minutes away from Santiago Bay Garden & Resort compared to if we take the ferry in Mandaue which will take us to Poro port. Transportation cost if we arrive at Consuelo port is a mere 50 pesos for a habal-habal compared to 150 pesos if we dock at Poro port.

So off we went to SM Cebu for the V-hire terminal that took us to Danao port for 50 pesos. The van will drop passengers at the terminal in front of Gaisano mall. We then took a "trisekad" for 10 pesos each. We arrived minutes before the 11:00am departure of the RJR ferry. We immediately paid the 180 fare plus 5 pesos for the terminal fee and sailed away. 

The summer sun was scorching when we arrived at the resort. I felt the beginnings of a migraine but it surely disappeared when this scene greeted us. Glenn's reaction when  he set his eyes on this scene was to asked me if we can extend our stay.

The resort's pool with Santiago Bay in the background.

We had a late lunch at their restaurant which has an overlooking view of Santiago bay. They have a limited selection on their menu with prices ranging from 95 to 250 pesos. Their breakfast meal typically costs 80 pesos.

Clear and blue waters of Santiago Bay.

We took an afternoon nap and woke up with the beach's  different persona.

Low tide in the beach

Our overnight stay at one of Cebu's best kept secret was truly a relaxing one. The view and the atmosphere will make you want to return. If you crave for quiet and peace on your vacation then go to Camotes Island. 

Goodbye paradise, for now.