Camotes : Divulging Myriad Spots in the Plum Island of the Queen City
Camotes Island, located in Northern Cebu, has diverse top-notch spots and notable backgrounds that made it the Plum Island of the Queen City. It has bountiful agricultural and aquatic sources of living. It has safe and clean environment that are maintained throughout the years. Camotes has four habitable islands with three major islands that distinguish every municipality. It has rich and notable contributions to national history. There are also breathtaking hill spots that surround the island. Camotes is known for its freshwater lake, well-known cold caves, white sand beaches and quaint rock formations that entice tourists to visit the island. It has bracing waterfalls that show how much the nature love the island. It has also a wide mangrove trees for marine life survival and conservation that are necessary in keeping the essence of importance to nature.
Bountiful Agricultural and Aquatic Sources of living
Resident’s main sources of living are farming and fishing. The wide area for agricultural plantation are present in the island. The island’s fertile soil, moderate climate and abundant water for irrigation make it ideal for planting root crops. Farmers used traditional methods of cultivation and growth in order to produce high-quality crops that can be sold outside the island. Some crops that are produced and sold are coconut, corn and rice.
On the other hand, fishing is also an important livelihood of Camotes’ residents. As a coastal area, various marine species like tuna, squid and shrimp are prolific in the area. Same as farming, fishermen also used traditional methods such as hand lines and nets. Fishermen still used wooden boats to go out to sea. There are a lot of sources of living that are present in the island because of the safe and clean environment that is ideal for human survival.
Safe and Clean Environment
Camotes Island is a home of diverse groups of flora and fauna that surround and define the life of the island. As an island that attracts tourists and entertain guests, Camotes promotes safe and clean environment that ensures the safety and tidiness of the guests as well as to the people living in the island. Proper peace management and waste disposal are done in order to maintain the good status of economy. Initiatives from local government to address environmental threats such as organic farming, eco-tourism and conservation campaigns as ways of mitigating and minimizing life destructions.
Government and non-government organizations are in one aim in raising awareness in preserving the natural beauty of Camotes Island. As a result, policies and programs are made for these to work and go through. With the unity and teamwork of the people, natural resources and spots that helps the economy of the island will be preserved and kept for the future generations to enjoy these enchanting island. Camotes is not a single island but comprises of four islands that will create attention to adventure-seekers.
Four Comprising Islands
Camotes Island is composed of four main islands that offers distinct and unique features and attractions that makes the island a must-visit destination for travelers. The first and the largest of the four is the Poro Island which is the most developed that serves as the island’s commercial center. Pacijan Island is the second largest and is known for its rolling hills and unyielding coastlines. Ponson Island, located between Poro and Pacijan, is home to several smaller beaches and unique rock formations and caves. Last and relatively undeveloped island is Tulang Diot Island that is located in the eastern side of Camotes which has crystal-clear waters and several small fishing villages that surrounds the area. These islands comprised Camotes Island that had also gone through a notable history that contributes to the present Camotes Island everyone known.
Rich Historical Heritage
One thing Camotes Island has is the remarkable history that the island has played. Camotes Island was one of the islands which colonizers wanted to take control because of the abundant resources the island had. The island was a stronghold of the revolutionary forces who sought to free the country from the Spanish colonial rule. The island was also the site of several battles between the Philippine Revolutionary Army and the Spanish colonial forces.
On the other hand, Camotes Island was once described as a ‘basket of archaeological finds’ that helps anthropologist to discover the life before modern times in the country. Various artifacts are found in caves like pottery, shell, bronze, as well as bones which they believed primitive people used to lived before. The interesting yet notable history of the island was also one of many reasons why travelers specially discoverers wanted to explore. However, Camotes Island serves the best spots to tourists specially its breathtaking hill spots that is best for hiking and camping.
Breathtaking Hill Spots
Aside from being a coastal town, Camotes Island also has several breathtaking hill views that serves the drop-dead natural features that one can experience in exploring the area. Some popular panoramic hill spots in the island are best for hiking and a perfect spot for peace of mind. These views are worth the time to visit and witness the stunning scenery it offer to tourists. Here are some of the enthralling hill sites that are located in different areas of the island:
- Kalbaryo Hill. This hill is located in the largest island which is Poro and features the statue of the stations of the cross making the crucifix of Jesus Christ the last station at the topmost part of the area. Tourists as well religious people visit the place in order to pray. On the other hand, regular visitors visit the place because of the astonishing view of the island it serves that are very pleasing to the eye.
- Binongkalan Hills. These hills are located in the town of Tudela which offer eye-opening features to hikers and adventurers. It also serve the view of the sea and the nearby islands that enclose the island.
Freshwater Lake
As a coastal place, it is not impossible for Camotes Island to have different body of water that can attract guests. In the area, there is one known lake which named as the biggest lake in Cebu. This lake is prominent to guests because it is the best spot to relax while enjoying the undeniable beauty of the nature.
- Lake Danao. This lake is a freshwater lake located in the northern part of Pacijan Island. Measuring an area of 1,680 ac., this body of water is not only the largest lake in Cebu but also in the Visayan Region of the country. Guests can go boating, kayaking or simply appreciating the view through strolling.
Well-known Cold Caves
Camotes Island is a home of several caves with its unique and distinct features that are ideal for cave enthusiasts and explorers to further witness the attractions of the place. These caves serves the crystal clear water that is an absolute spot for swimming. Each of these caves have different quality of relaxation that entice people to dive and dip. Here are some of the most preferred cave spots that can glimmer your eyes and chill from stress:
- Bukilat Cave. This cave is one of the most prominent tourist attraction of the island which offers its underground pool that is ideal for swimming. The stalactites and stalagmites that shivers as the light pass through made the surface of the cave brighter.
- Paraiso Cave. Another cave is the Paraiso Cave. This cave is the most developed cave attractions of the island. There is a restaurant and bench areas for people who wish to stay longer in the cave. There is also a delineated waterfall inside the cave. Paraiso Cave is deceptively deeper than Bukilat Cave.
- Heaven Cave. Heaven Cave is not as famous as other caves yet it is still a worthy spot to visit and explore. It is best to swim in the surface during high tide to swim properly and enjoy the clear water it is proud to have.
- Amazing Island Cave. This cave is relatively larger than the other caves so tourists can swim around its big space. You can also bring some underwater instruments like snorkel because it is deeper than the other cave spots. It is ideal for divers who wants to discover the underwater life in the place. If you think you can not swim deeply, you can use life jackets provided.
- Timubo Cave. Timubo Cave is the least developed cave spot in the island which has a little more than a hole in the middle. This cave has a Catholic Grotto that can halt you for a while and pray first before swimming.
White Sand Beaches and Rock Formations
As a coastal area, this locale’s main attractions are its pristine beaches that is best for sunbathing and other aquatic activities that should be in the bucket list. Its explicit rock formations along the coasts led to the development of resorts which helped in creating new ways to enjoy the time while relaxing. Some white beaches in the island have an intricate rock formations which people utilized to new features that attract divers and swimmers. Here are some of the white sand beaches and amazing rock formations you should visit:
- Santiago Bay Resort. This magnificent white beach stretches out for hundreds of meters along the coasts of the island. When it is high tide, a crystal clear water will welcome you and tempt you to wade. This resort is best for groups like family and friends in order to enjoy group activities the resort offer. Some activities like beach volleyball, snorkeling, swimming and more.
- Bakhaw Beach. This beach is not much well-known to tourists but only the residents are the immediate guests in order to promote the beach. This spot has white beach and crystal clear water that is ideal for swimming. This beach is more quiet and peaceful which can be ideal for stress relieving. You can also bring your own food and have a quick picnic with your friends, family or yourself.
- Buho Rock Resort. This resort is not only famous for its accommodations but the thrill you can do while you’re in the place. The attractive rock formation that is connected in the resort became a perfect spot for cliff diving and jumping. Several thrill seekers wanted to experience this thrill not because of the activity itself but the view it give you and the clear water you will dive into.
Bracing Waterfalls
The amazing combination of water and land led to the creation of waterfalls that not just cool your stressed minds but also give you the best moments of adoring the wonderful gift of nature. Camotes Island has also offered other spots where different body of water await you. One body of water is waterfall. It is where water comes from a high point flows down to the river. These waterfalls that are present in the island are underrated but has admiring spots that await you. Here are two of the worthy waterfall areas of the islands you should visit:
- Busay Falls. This mini-waterfall is popular for local and foreign tourists and offers the best relaxation you deserve. This cold falls has a beautiful turquoise water that captivates you to dive or jump in. There is a spot to dive but watch your step as you go there.
- Panganuron Falls. Another waterfall that you should go is Panganuron Falls. This fall is situated in the forest of the island which needs you to be more patient in going. This fall is yet to vet to be discovered and promoted in order to be known to tourists specially waterfall lovers.
Wide Mangrove Area
Being a coastal area, it is necessary for the people to not only receive blessings from the ocean but also to bring back those blessings to the nature. One thing the island never lost is their wide mangrove plantation that are necessary for marine animals. The island’s Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve aims to create a defense and act as shield against climate change and other disasters like storm surge, tsunami among others. This area has been preserved and protected in order to avoid other major catastrophes that may happen. This mangrove forest saved and protected lives of the residents that is why sustainable development and preservation plans are strengthen.
Camotes Island is truly a home of lustrous and exquisite natural views that not just please the eye but also hype up your comfort. This island produces variety of agricultural and aquatic foodstuffs that became their main sources of livelihood in the area. Promoting safe and clean environment in order to keep the people away from harm. Camotes Island has four different composing islands which offers diverse spots and views for tourists and explorers. The island had made a big contribution to the history of the country that helped in concluding the past life of the people. Aside from being a coastal area, hill spots that serve breathtaking scenery around the island. It is also known to have the largest freshwater lake in the region. The island is a home for well-known cold caves that is good for chilling out. The white sand beaches and rock formations that satisfy tourists in doing activities like cliff diving. The bracing waterfalls that are yet to be discovered and must-have in the list and its space for conserving the nature through their wide area of mangrove plantation. This island may not be as famous as its neighboring islands yet this island is worth the time to visit because it does not have one pride that can show you but it has more to offer you as you continue your trip. Nature is really good when you are also good to nature and Camotes Island is a true witness.