As someone who finds her little cave (aka my room) as one of the few places I prefer spending my time the most, going outdoor and doing activities that involves me getting soaked under the rays of the sun rarely happens. I probably lack tons of vitamin D in my body. I even sometimes joke to myself that I may have vampire blood in me since I avoid sunlight.
Seriously, kidding aside, I believe the main reason why I most preferably choose to stay at home is because I easily get drained around big crowds. It feels like the crowds are sneakily sucking my life energy out of me. I am not being dramatic here, I’m telling you. I guess it is just how introverts are, so please understand your little introvert friends if you have one, when they start to zone out in public all of a sudden.
For that very reason, when I choose to take part in outdoor adventures, I usually pick ones that allow me to be one with nature. Philippines is composed of many islands with its beautiful beaches.
Right across Danao City is where you can find Camotes Island. I wouldn’t say Camotes Island is a total undiscovered gem because it is quite popular with some foreigners too. The amount of tourists that go to this island varies every month. I am just lucky to almost have the island all for myself and my family during our visits, usually around the month of July. I love the tranquility that the island offers to its human admirers. The natural creations on the island—the caves, the falls, the lakes, the sea, and the mountains—are thoroughly preserved by the people, which I truly appreciate.
Now, bluckle up my friends as I take you around with me in this little adventure!
Caves
During our stay, my family and I explored some of the caves that can be found in the island. We went inside and explored Heaven, Timubo, and Paraiso Cave. To witness the distinct beauty of the three caves is such a blessing. The silence surrounding the caves allows you to hear every droplet of water hitting the ground, the squeaking of the bats, and the sound of the running water that feels like music ringing in your ear. Those sounds altogether created a melody for us—an unforgettable melody that will always remind us of existing underground treasures like these. Alongside those melodies is the presence of the sparkling diamond-like aura that the rock formations give off once hit by light. My family and I took a quick dip in its sparkling waters and imprinted the beauty of the caves on our memories.
How it looks from the inside?
How it looks from the inside?
Lake
We also had a funny encounter with this lake carrying a name that is very familiar to us—the Danao Lake. The depth of the lake is quite terrifying for me honestly; to not be able to see its bottom makes you imagine things and creatures that may come at you. And that reminded me of life itself, the unpredictability that comes along with life and beauty sometimes gives us fear and anxiety. However, it is also important to remember that at times, we also need to face those things, get into the boat, and do kayaking because that’s the only way to truly appreciate life and the lake right in front of us.
Danao Lake
Let's go kayaking!
Tulang Diot Island/Beach
In this kind of adventure, you cannot miss the island-hopping. We hopped into the boat and let it lead us to Tulang Island, where we got to enjoy dipping ourselves in the waters and soaking ourselves under the sun.
The sparkling combination of the crystal clear emerald and sapphire-like waters is one of the many features I love about this place. It makes you want to wish for a tail and be a mermaid (especially when you don’t know how to swim) to take a deep dive into the waters.
Tulang Diot Beach
Leaving my footprints behind on its white sand was indeed memorable for me! I can still feel the warmth of the sand and its tiny grains on my feet. I honestly felt like the main character from one of my favorite Shoujo animes, having fun at the beach during summer haha.
Santiago Beach
Now, finally! To my most favorite place in Camotes, the Santiago Beach.
Can you take a guess why this one is my favorite?
Well, first and foremost, this beach has no entrance fee. It means that you can take dips in its waters anytime you want.
Second, there are a lot of seaside restaurants nearby that offer scrumptious foods for you to enjoy.
Lastly, the most important reason is that this is the widest beach I’ve been to in Camotes; thus, you can easily find your own space there to enjoy with your friends or family without bumping into the other guests.
Additionally, the scenic beauty you can get from this place early in the morning is a total masterpiece.
Delish Foods in Camotes
In every adventure, food is another important thing one should not miss. What could be the best way to end your vacation in Camotes other than enjoying the scenery in front of you with delicious foods in your mouth?
Here’s the list of foods I enjoyed savoring with my family:
The savory seafood that will forever remind me of the waves and of the clear waters of Camotes. And the sour taste of Sinigang that will remind me of the caves and the lake.
The breakfast combo meal that will remind me of the soft bed and pillows I slept on during our stay.
The sweet Halo-halo and other treats that will remind me of the refreshing wind and life I had in Camotes.
For our last treat before leaving Camotes, we devoured a whole pizza and fruit shakes. The perfect combination of a savory and sweet taste of this meal perfectly put an end to our vacation.
The place, the foods, and the accommodation make trips like this a good one. But as for me, it is the people who I spent my time with savoring all of these wonderful things that made this little adventure of mine worthwhile and memorable. Now I know why Camotes Island feels like home to me, and it was because the people I'm with during my trip there are the ones who I hold close to my heart—my family.
Camotes Island is a place still full of wonders that I have yet to discover. The places that I've been to during our short trips are just some of the wonderful things that this island has to offer. It has indeed been an unforgettable fun little trip for me and my family. To be surrounded by nature is the best way of healing. When life gets hard, turn to nature, for it will give you the warmest hug you need, and by then you'll realize how loved you are.
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