Camotes Island—often called the Lost Horizon of the South—is a quiet, unspoiled destination in the Visayas that remains largely under the radar. Without the crowds and commercial trappings of better-known tourist spots, the island offers raw natural beauty, friendly locals, and a welcome sense of solitude. It is an underrated gem where nature’s abundance overshadows the lack of costly tourist traps.

Determined to test just how far P2,500 could take me, I set out on a solo trip to Camotes and discovered a memorable weekend that blended lake views, cave adventures, and sun- drenched beaches—all on a budget.

Getting There

While Camotes Island may feel worlds away from the bustle of Cebu City, getting there is surprisingly manageable. The journey itself is part of the charm—an easy escape from the city into a more relaxed, nature-filled pace of life.

My trip began at the North Bus Terminal. Taking the northbound bus from the city, we headed north to Danao Port, located roughly 30 kilometers away. The ride took about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Vans are faster, but buses are more affordable and offer more luggage space.

A few carriers operate ferry services from Danao Port to Consuelo Port on Camotes Island, with Jomalia Shipping being one of the most reliable options. While it is considered affordable and straightforward, I spent a modest portion of my budget on it. The trip takes 2.5 hours.

Once onboard, expect a scenic cruise with views of the sea and occasional glimpses of neighboring islands like Leyte and Bohol. Seating is usually open-air, and passengers can upgrade to air- conditioned cabins for a small fee.

Arriving at Consuelo Port, the gateway to the Camotes Islands from Danao Port, you’ll find yourself at the doorstep of a four-island archipelago: Pacijan, Poro, Ponson, and the tiny Tulang Diot. Pacijan and Poro, the most developed of the group, are conveniently linked by a land bridge. At the port, habal-habal drivers, tricycles, and motorbike rentals await. Many resorts offer pick- up services for an additional fee.

For a refreshing change from the usual beachside stays, I chose to spend the night by the serene Lake Danao, checking in at Papa Tasie Lakeside Hotel and Park on Pacijan Island. Tucked away beside one of Camotes’ most scenic natural landmarks, the hotel offers a unique stay that blends nature with quiet charm. With a lake view and easy access to the park’s amenities, it was like hitting two travel goals simultaneously—comfort and adventure.

The park offers budget- friendly activities perfect for solo travelers or laid-back adventurers. A gentle paddle boat ride on the lake is a peaceful way to take in the lush surroundings, while the on-site mini- zoo adds a casual, family-friendly element to the visit.

Go Underground: The Caves of Camotes

One of Camotes Island’s most captivating draws lies beneath the surface—its network of limestone caves, each with its own story. With eight documented natural caves scattered across the islands, cave hopping here feels less like an activity and more like a quiet rite of passage.

Fortunately, several caves are clustered within short distances of each other, making it easy to visit a few in a single outing. Timubo Cave is perhaps the most well-known, and for good reason. A natural underground pool glistens at its heart, offering a cool swim for those lucky to arrive at high tide.

Nearby, Heaven Cave lives up to its name with tranquil wading pools and soft light filtering through its chambers. For a touch of raw adventure, head to Lizzie’s Cavern. Less refined and more rugged, this subterranean wonder reveals fossilized clams and seashells, along with striking stalactites and stalagmites that add a sense of ancient mystery to the journey.

Bring a flashlight—and a sense of wonder.

Sun, Sand, and Solitude: Camotes’ Free Beach Escapes

For travelers who crave quiet stretches of coastline without the crowds or the cost, Camotes Island delivers a shoreline experience that feels effortless and indulgent.

The island’s white-sand beaches are unspoiled and mostly accessible; my patch of paradise without spending a peso. There are no entrance fees, no bustling resort barriers—just the horizon and the gentle rhythm of the waves.

Bakhaw Beach, Heminsulan Beach, and Santiago Bay Beach are local favorites. Each offers wide-open views and a sense of escape that’s hard to come by on more tourist-trodden shores. I packed light: swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera were all I needed to lose myself in the simple, natural beauty that makes Camotes a true coastal retreat.

Fuel Your Adventure

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on the island’s vibrant food scene. In Camotes, affordability meets flavor, with meals that showcase the island’s fresh, local ingredients.

Before setting off on the tour, I took the time to enjoy a meal and fuel up for the day ahead. Luckily, my accommodation has an affordable lakefront restaurant serving value meals and stunning views of Lake Danao and its picturesque floating cottages. Their unlimited rice menu was especially a godsend because, starting at just P125, I could already last for the day feeling full and energized.

I also didn’t have to worry about not packing snacks beforehand, as most spots often have stalls that sell various options. The beaches did not fall short of locals peddling delicious treats, such as Salvaro, a local delicacy made from fried cassava drizzled with caramelized coconut syrup. I got myself burgers, sandwiches, and cold soft drinks in the middle of my beach and cave hopping.

I went to the local favorite, San Francisco Baywalk, a breezy, open-air stretch along the water where food stalls and modest eateries serve everything from grilled seafood to local snacks. You can sit down with a hot meal, a cold drink, and a sweeping view of mangrove wetlands stretching into the sea.

Whether paddling across a peaceful lake or crawling through a cavern lit only by your headlamp, Camotes Island proves that you don’t need the luxury to feel the magic of a destination—all you need is the right kind of adventure.

Even though my budget didn’t allow me to visit other must- visit places in Camotes, such as Tulang Diot Island and other caves like Bukilat Cave, the solo trip was still a great experience. That’s the proof that adventure, joy, and connection do not have to come with expensive price tags.

The next time you can save up a couple of thousand pesos from your paydays, consider going on a memorable getaway to Camotes Island and see how far it takes you!

Camotes Getaway Budget

From transportation to local eats and scenic spots, here’s how to make the most of a weekend adventure—all for under P2,500.

• Cebu to Danao bus: P100 return
• Danao to Camotes: P600 return
• Habal-habal or motorbike whole-day rental: P400
• Papa Tasie Lakeside Hotel and Park overnight stay: P700 via Agoda • Lake Danao Paddle
• Boat: P60
• Timubo Cave: P75 | Heaven Cave: P75 | Lizzie’s Cavern: P80
• Meals (late lunch, dinner, and breakfast): P300
• Snacks: P100

GRAND TOTAL: P2,490