Scared of the darkness no more| Camotes Island, Cebu (Part 4)

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✨Hola, Hive!✨

I've been complaining early last week about how physically and emotionally exhausted I was. I felt I'd drained all the energy my body could store. The last four days were considered holidays here in the Philippines. We celebrated Holy Week, an important Catholic event. I had my dose of recuperation during this long holiday. Although I could only wish a few things to have never happened in the first place. Nonetheless, I got what I badly needed, a time to rest and regain physical and mental vigor and strength. While others chose to travel, I intentionally spent the holiday at the home of which each day's highlights have been sleeping, exercising, reading, journaling, cooking for the kids, fixing my wardrobe, and of course, eating! haha

Now that I'm as lively as the earliest flying bird, I want to take you on another captivating and, from my point of view, scary adventure on the island of Camotes!

An island of caves

It was our 2nd day in Camotes Island. Previously, we've visited Mangodlong Rock and Lake Danao and today, we're going to explore some more!

If there's one thing that fascinated me a lot about Camotes is the fact that it has countless caves which tourists could explore. There are caves on the hillside while there are also those that are near oceans. Today we are going to explore Amazing Island Cave.

Although in a general sense main roads in Camotes are already paved, some smaller roads leading to the inner parts of the island are still left muddy, rocky, and uncemented. My amazing boyfriend got his driving skills tested when it rained the night before our little exploration. As I previously mentioned, he's been in Camotes a few times before and for the same reason, I left the itinerary to him and trusted we'd make the most out of our trip.

Before 9 am, we arrived at our destination. Before anything else, let me just give you the friendliest trip when visiting the Amazing Island Cave: Be prepared to pay for uncanny fees. One thing that I instantly observed is that there were a lot of fees, you pay for an entrance fee, parking fee, fee for the lockers (you can't bring your things to the cave). And you pay to different people/stations lol! I found it incovenient really. 🙄

As the management was controling the crowd inside the cave, tourists took turns in exploring the cave. Prior to our turn, we explored the resort first. Not more than 100 meters from the entrance, there are old and from what I've seen abandoned cottages. Not really sure if they're abandoned but they look dilapidated and dirty.

It was low tide; it was evident the area's covered with dark seagrass which isn't at all appealing to me. We didn't swim in the ocean as our main reason for coming here is the cave. My boyfriend, as supportive as he's always been, took photos of me by the beach. Lots of them, haha!

We further explored the cliffs and found a spot for diving. It doesn't look that scary because it ain't too high. I even willingly stepped on the narrow platform.

Then we went back to check if it's our turn already. Unfortunately, we weren't called in yet so we took more photos near the entrance of the cave with its huge signage as our background.

Then we went inside. Please be reminded that they require all tourists swimmers and non-swimmers to wear life jackets as part of the cave is submerged in water and the only way to explore it is to swim across. You'll see later, so read on! 😁

At this point, I was already excited and scared all at the same time. If you've come across my previous posts, you'd think that I'm the most adventurous kid in town. You may be right but you're wrong, too! Haha! I'm scared of lakes and rivers and now another revelation: I'm scared of caves as well! I can recall the sea of anxiety I had to endure when we explored a dark, narrow cave in Talisay City, Cebu. I'm afraid of the darkness and the silence surrounding caves. I'm also scared of anything that crawls. And there's a huge possibility that I'm meeting all that I'm scared of inside caves! I say #neveragain but this time, my boyfriend assured me that it's not dark and it'll be worth the palpitation. I may be scared but I'm always up for any challenge!

When we descended and saw the inviting color of the water, I immediately concluded that my boyfriend's not lying. This is worth the trouble I'm in! The fear melted right there and then. There's no use to fear such a magical place. Soon the fear was replaced with excitement.

At first I thought this is all the cave has to offer but I learned that we had to go through a small tunnel-like opening not more than 20 meters away from where we're at to reach the main chamber of the cave. The only way to reach the innermost part of the cave open to tourist is to swim through the cold freshwater (I tasted the water and it's not salty, it must be freshwater! Lol!)

We had to be very careful as the way's narrow and rocky. In no time, we reached a spacious hollow chamber. It might not be as tall as the ones I've visited (such as the caves in Puerto Princesa, Palawan) but it's pretty and less scary. The resort/cave's management installed lightbulbs all over the cave. If you want the raw spelunking experience, you might not get that here. But if you're like me, this is the best spot for you!

We explored the cave more, moving from one part of the chamber to another. There were shallow parts and there were deep parts but I preferred to take off my life jacket as it hindered my explorations. The photos below could give you an idea of the beautiful sceneries you'd see a few meters below the ground but tell you what, there's more when you see it with your own eyes.

More photos of us enjoying the place:

And some more...

The place is definitely a must visit if you are in the island of Camotes. It might be notable for the fees the management collects from the tourists but I could just set that fact aside and enjoy the place! Now hearing that made me forget I fear caves in the first place! 😂

I'm afraid that's all we'll be able to explore today. But don't you worry for I'll be back for more Lulinghayaw sa Cebu with Patsitivity featuring bigger caves in Camotes Island!

You're awesome for staying until the end! Love lots! 😍

Patsitivity _{Living life intentionally every single day, she believes that there’s no limit to one’s potential. Right now, she’s on the loose for the pursuit of endless holistic self-growth and development. She wants to light the way for others. She believes there’s no better way to leave a legacy than to pay it forward.
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