Sun, sand, sea in Cebu

Sun, sand, sea in Cebu

By MA. GLAIZA LEE

The placid Lake Danao in San Francisco town of Camotes Island (Photo by CHERYL BALDICANTOS)

MANILA, Philippines -- If you still haven’t had enough of the sun, sand, and sea, why don’t you pack your swimwear, take a trip to Cebu, and explore its many pristine white beaches and other wonders?

While Cebu continues to be one of the top tourism brands of the country, even surpassing some of the most popular destinations, there are other places in the belle city of the south that most people are oblivious to or have no knowledge that such clandestine spots exist.

So, why don’t you start your aquatic journey in Pinamungajan? Located between the towns of Aloguinsan and Toledo, it is about two hours drive away from Cebu City via the Naga-Uling Road or the Carcar-Barili route.

A traveler’s treasure trove, Pinamungajan conceals nature’s riches that are only waiting to be uncovered by adventurous souls. If you’re looking for stunning waterfalls and dark crevices to explore, then this is the place for you.

One of the most visited caves in the town is the Kamangon Cave. The name of the cave came from the Cebuano word kamang which means to crawl. Plunging into the dark crevices of this cave is no joke. One needs to creep on the ground and move at a snail’s pace to get inside.

While it is quite a challenge to enter this cave, the wonders inside are definitely worth it. The huge stalactite and stalagmite formations are a sight to behold. Its gleaming ceiling and walls are nature’s gifts to humankind.

Be forewarned: While these wonders are enticing to touch, keep your hands to yourself. The oil and dirt from your hands can damage the formations which took thousands of years to form. Just one touch of the finger and these formations will die.

Other caves worth exploring are Pangi, Limod, Udlom, Kabyaw, Sinungkulan, Nagkawa, and Naglapus.
After exploring the dark underworld, head to the Tajao Wharf and take a 20-minute boat ride to the Campalabo Islet, a one-hectare pristine sand bar surrounded by diverse marine flora and fauna. During low tide, the white-sand strip is visible from the shores of Pinamungajan.

Another paradise is the Camotes Island, which lies in the northeast of Cebu City. The island is composed of four small islets namely, Pacijan, Poro, Ponson, and Tulang.

According to local tales, Camotes got its name when some Spaniards asked the native islanders what the island was called. Thinking that the foreign invaders were asking what they were putting in their basket, they answered camotes; hence, the name of the island.

Most travelers who have discovered the charm of Camotes often come here to marvel at the stunning beaches and lake as well as to experience the rich culture and history of the town celebrated through songs and stories by the warm and friendly town folks.

Visit the Pacijan Island and discover the freshwater lake inside the islet, Lake Danao. The 700-hectare fresh body of water is the biggest and only natural lake in Cebu. A bird sanctuary, it is home to the purple heron and the Philippine wild duck.

During the month of March, the locals celebrate the Soli-soli Festival. The soli-soli is a lake grass that grows along Lake Danao which the residents use for weaving baskets and other products.
Can’t get enough of these aquatic wonders? Head on to Sumilon Island.

The island has a natural lagoon teeming with high mangroves and natural caves which are often used by fishermen as a refuge during stormy weather; hence the name of the island which means to take refuge.

Surrounded by crystal blue water with a magnificent underwater view of thriving marine ecosystem rich in flora and fauna, the Sumilon Island is a popular dive site in the Visayas. In fact, it has four major dive spots: Garden Eel Plaza, Nikki’s Wall, Coral Landscape, and Julie’s Rock. The different spots provide a panoramic view of the aquatic world, including stunning coral reefs and tropical marine animal species, with occasional sightings of black-tip sharks.

But what sets the island apart is its shifting sandbar. The sandbar changes its shape and shifts locations around the island depending on the season.

On the southern part of the island are the lighthouse, a historical watchtower built in the 19th century to warn the towns people about the coming slavers and marauders,  and the Baluarte.

A few kilometers away from the busy district of Bogo City is a small, enchanting island that is fast becoming a favorite dive site because of its stunning aquatic garden.

A secluded coralline islet situated between Cebu and Leyte, the Capitancillo Island was named after an American navy captian, named Captain Cillo, whose ship was anchored on its shores during the war.

The island remains uninhabited, but some fishermen use the island as a haven. They usually head to this island to have their lunch, take a break from fishing, to fix their nets, and sometimes to dry their catch. The only structure that can be found in the island is the solar-powered lighthouse, sitting amidst the remains of an old structure which was built in the 1950s.

Of course, there are other tourist destinations in Cebu that are worth exploring, but that’s another story.