Camotes Islands: A Foray On A Star Fish-Ridden Paradise

The Philippines is composed of 7,107 islands, and three of those islands were the Camotes Islands. This collective group of islands is composed of San Francisco Island, Poro Island, and Ponson Island. Each of these islands has its own tourist attractions, but San Francisco has the most number and dominates, so it is there that I'll take you.

I failed miserably on my goal to become a lone traveler, because as what happened before my future travels have been work-centric and facilitated and financed by the company that I am working with. Once a month we have a company outing that takes us to places near and far. And this time we only need to travel one island away to visit the almost paradise of San Francisco in Camotes Islands.

Camotes Islands

The big adventure started early as we headed North toward Danao City port. Our itinerary kicked-off the moment we docked on San Fernando Island port -- the scene can already make a tourist gape and drool. The two-day trip was almost not enough to enjoy all the wonders of the island.

Some of the highlights included a refreshing deep in Timubo Cave with its pristine, clear, and cold waters. The caretakers of the cave shared that it used to be a hideout for friendlies and enemies (of course at separate times) alike during the Japanese Occupation of the country.

Swimming in the clear waters of Timubo Cave.

Not having enough play time with bodies of water, we headed to Lake Danao Park, where I had my first ever solo kayaking experience. It didn't took me long to learn and enjoy it -- it feels like I was born to do it. The only downside is my fear of the unknown in the depths of the lake: crocodiles and other beastly creatures kept popping on my head. But I braved all those and was able to reach the small island on the far side of the lake, where I have a short solo moment, reflecting on such experience.

Lake Danao Park

After all the harrying and fun, we took an inn at the Santiago White Beach Resort to rest our aching yet contented bodies. Night has fallen, but the fun never ended there. What happened during those dark hours would only stay on that island.

Santiago White Beach Resort

Come morning we enjoyed the beach and the company of friends that made this trip all the worth-while. The beach water's so clear I could see the white sand at the bottom of it. It was so clear that we could see a lot of the titular star fish mingling among sea grasses. We caught and collected a few for a while, and then let them go once again after our naiveté has waned.

Star fish on my head.

The sun was not so hot that time so it was a pleasant beach splashing for us. During low tide sandbars pop-up like mushrooms and it was perfect for folks hoping to have some skid-boarding moment. It was all any beach buddy could hope for.

Sandbars + Skid-boarding = Match Made in Heaven

When the soul was temporarily fulfilled and our spirits lifted, we headed back home where we were greeted by a dramatic sunset -- the troubles of the city life almost forgotten. The sunset almost looked like an erupting volcano, complete with mushroom cloud and magma flares.

Bloody Sunset: Blood has been spilled tonight.

All the while I was thinking I should go back in this place on my own -- and live up to being a lone wolf, a lone traveler.

Osmeña Peak, Cebu: What the Fog and Fireflies Told Me

I was a groupie person when I was in my teens, so I didn't really get the idea of people opting to be alone and doing things their way at their own pace and time... Until I became so immersed with my books that I have no time to socialize with my long time friends. It felt like I was unintentionally burning bridges...

Sunset viewed on top of Osmeña Peak, Cebu.

Then came a time that books could not satisfy the restless soul in me anymore. I was in for some outdoor adventure and the calling of nature is so strong I could not restrain it further. But there is one problem: the friends that I once had are now either enjoying their own lives or have bitterly forgotten me. It was my own fault for that matter.

A nice view of the wide open space.

There was no choice really, since I couldn't call on for some old company. So I longed to travel alone. But I couldn't be alone on my first adventure, since I have no significant experience on outdoor traveling. Along with a few company and friends, we skirted the heights of the Osmeña Peak, the highest point in Cebu in terms of elevation.

While at the top of the mountain, I witnessed a grandiose scenery even the books couldn't match, an experience even the high fantasy stories couldn't tell and a life outside the four corners of my room.

There was fog that night, and the fireflies accentuated the ghostly backdrop with wraiths of fire. They whispered to me... This could be my life, just like what Gandalf told Bilbo in The Hobbit: "The world is not in your books and maps. It’s out there!"

And this is my journal, my stories and struggles in fulfilling such pursuit.