Santiago Bay Garden Resort, Camotes Island, Cebu

Santiago Bay shores

Camotes Island is located east of Cebu Island, southwest of Leyte Island, and north of Bohol Island. The island is famous of its tourist destinations and sugary beaches. The islands are are collectively called “The Lost Horizon in the South” because of its unspoiled beauty.

When you set foot in Camotes, you will greatly noticed that the island has remained remote and untouched. The place offers a laid back vibe, perfect for relaxation.


How to Get There

Head to North Bound Terminal Station located at Subangdaku, Mandaue City Cebu. Hop on a bus going to Danao City (most of the buses that will pass by Danao City have 'Bogo' written on the signboard.

North Bound Terminal Station, Mandaue City

In our case, we rode the Ceres Liner (non-aircondition). The fare for non-aircondition bus to Danao City is Php40.

Another means of transportation is to ride the V-Hire from SM City Terminal. The V-Hire will drop off at Gaisano Capital Danao City. Fare is Php50. From Gaisano, ride a tri-sikad going to Danao Port (locally known as 'Pantalan') for Php10. Riding V-Hire is not advisable when travelling very early in the morning because the mall is not yet open.

You can also take a jeepney from Cebu City to Danao.

Travel time is approximately 1 hour.

En route to Danao City will pass by the towns of Consolacion, Liloan and Compostela.

The Danao Port is located on the National Highway and it's impossible to miss. A public boat will bring you to Consuelo Port in Camotes. Ticket fare for Jomalia Shipping Lines is Php180 for non-aircondition and Php200 for airconditioned room. Check the schedules of the boat's departure. Make sure that you arrive at least an hour before the estimated time of departure to catch your desired schedule. Expect longer lines on ticket counter during peak seasons.

Jomalia Shipping Lines Schedule

Habal-habal (motorbike) can take you to your resort for Php50 per person. There are plenty of them when you arrive at the Consuelo port.


Places to Stay

There are many resorts in the island like Santiago Bay Garden, Mangodlong Paradise, Mangodlong Rock Resort, Masamayor and many more. But among these resorts, we have chosen Santiago Bay Garden.

Santiago Bay Resort is a 2.5 hectare of lush greenery. The resort is a beautiful landscape of exotic foliage overlooking a wide, white sandy beach and the ocean.

Santiago Bay Resort offers the following rates:

*Rates updated February 2013. May change without prior notice.

Standard Non-Aircon - PhP 1,000 nett good for two (2)
Standard Aircon - PhP 1,500 nett good for two (2)
Oceanview Aircon - PhP 1,700 nett good for two (2)
Deluxe - PhP 2,000 nett good for two (2)
Deluxe Family - PhP 2,600 nett good for three (3)
Bayview -PhP 2,800 nett good for two (2)
Villa Standard - PhP 2,500 nett good for three (3)
Villa Family - PhP 5,000 nett good for five (5)
Bungalow - PhP 3,000 nett good for three (3)
*Extra person: PhP 200/person (for non-aircon); PhP 300/person (for aircon). Maximum 1 extra person allowed per room.

We stayed at an OceanView Room located on a 2nd floor. From the balcony, you can see the infinity pool and the ocean.

View from our room

The resort  has two (2) infinity pools. The other pool is located near the reception area..

Other infinity pool

They also have a mini garden that is beautifully landscaped.

More pictures of the resort:

Crystal clear waters of Camotes 

Ocean View Rooms

Resort's Restaurant

This cute dog is enjoying the water.

Grilled Tuna Belly for lunch. Big servings!

Pito's Sutukil - beside Santiago Bay resort. Good place to eat lunch and snacks.

Pito's Sutukil Menu

Stairs below the resort's restaurant will lead you to the shores.

The resort offers basic amenities. Rooms are not luxurious and limited food selection on their menu. However,  this is a great escape from the noise of the city, perfect for a short trip - weekend getaway!

To go back to Cebu City, ride a motorcycle from the resort to Consuelo Port. Buy your ticket on the ticket booth within the port area. When in Danao, you can cross the street from Danao Port and hail a bus to Cebu City.

You can also ride VHire but you need to go to Gaisano Capital Danao. Ride a tri-sikad to Gaisano Capital Danao. Fare is Php8. The Vhire Terminal is located at the back of Gaisano Capital. The Vhire will drop you off at SM City Cebu. Fare is Php50.

Vhire Terminal - Gaisano Mall of Danao

There are other places to visit and activities to be done in Camotes. I hope to go back here soon ^_^