Camotes Island, Cebu

Camotes is definitely off the beaten track. It is at least 3 hours travel from the nearest major city, Cebu - 1 hour by land, 2 hours by sea. One can only imagine how difficult and time-consuming visiting the island must have been in years past, before the advent of modern transport. Until a few years ago, there is no other alternative but to travel by pump boat. Now there is RORO (short for Roll On, Roll Off), where not only passengers can be transported but also heavy machineries, trucks, cars, etc.

Times are definitely changing. With the introduction of these modern modes of transport, travel time is being cut in half and the island is becoming more accessible.

my first RORO ride

If I would have it my way however, I would still prefer Camotes to retain its raw appeal - its sleepy, old town vibe. Too much development, as is often the case with unregulated economy, mars the environment, changing the landscape beyond recognition.

a typical scene of the countryside

I'm lucky to have visited the island before tourists start flocking. Camotes is one of the islands in the country touted to be the next big thing.

The challenge for the locals is how to develop sustainably - balancing modernization with zero or minimal impact to the environment.

It is interesting to note that Camotes earned accolades for spearheading sustainable initiatives, such as community-based industries sourcing local materials. It is also number one in the entire country to have implemented strict solid waste management, effectively imposing proper waste disposal measures, segregation and recycling. The island is also a model in disaster risk management for LGU's, and was recognized by the United Nations for its efforts, awarding it the campaign champion in that field. See related story here.

Here are snapshots of some of the landscape, concentrated mainly in the SanFran (San Francisco) area - the island's main town, among its 4 sub-divisions.

I thought it important to take these images as it may not be the same a few years from now.

A weary city-dweller's idea of a perfect R&R - pristine beaches, fresh air, lush greeneries, peace & quiet - can all be found here. That is why I am so keen for the island to preserve its character.

kaoaling/kawaling keeps guard of the once bustling 
port of san isidro, by the bantayan sa hari

little Champ inside the "Bantayan sa Hari" (watchtower)

my nephew Champ

Oh, and before I forget, one of the things I love is that the food here is the freshest, not to mention cheap. There's a row of restaurants by the San Isidro beach where you can sample fresh produce, and be eaten SuToKil-style, as what the locals call it:

Su-gba (for grill),
To-wa (short for tinola or broth with vegetables), and
Kil-aw (kilawin, raw meat pickled in vinegar).

I am yet to try the famous coconut crab that my ig-agaw or agaw (cousin) has been raving about (well, technically he's my uncle, but about 2 or 3 years younger). I'm sure to sample that on my next trip here.