Things to see and do Camotes Islands

Before moving on from Pacijan Island to Poro Island, why not stop for a moment in the bustling city of San Francisco. Tourists here can be counted on the fingers of one hand, so it's pleasant to observe, chat and take your time. Along the pier, a huge hall houses the daily market: fruit, vegetables, spices, fish and meat, you name it. It's worth dropping in at lunchtime, when several street-food stalls surround the market.

At 680 hectares, Lake Danao (not to be confused with Lake Ormoc) is the largest lake in the Visayas. You can't swim here, but you can rent a kayak. The other main activity is a zip-line over the lake to one of its islets. There are two restaurants serving Filipino cuisine. To be honest, the complex is a bit derelict (the resort is abandoned, which is amazing to see), so you're unlikely to spend more than an hour there. However, it's well worth the detour to admire the view and chat with the locals.

Tulang Diot Island is probably one of the most peaceful islands in the Philippines, whether you're looking for a dream spot, a paradise island or simply something off the beaten track (or off the travel guides and blogs). From the road just north of San Francisco (Pacijan), the silhouette of Tulang Diot beckons: what is this islet, offshore, surrounded by turquoise water? Rest assured, the island can be reached by banca in just five minutes. The seabed is home to many small, colorful fish and even a few turtles. For swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing, the island's wide, circular beach of powdery sand awaits you. On the beach, you'll find a hut that doubles as a bar and a sari-sari, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and some local fare. Strolling through the narrow streets of this small village is a pure delight, as the locals are more than delighted to see travellers. There's no water or electricity here, and even fewer vehicles. Life has remained simple and calm, with roosters crowing and laundry drying on the patios. It's possible to sleep in tents (or without) on the beach if you wish (remember to bring your own equipment), or to spend just a few hours there in the afternoon. It's even possible that some of the locals, after making friends and exchanging a drink or two, will invite you to spend the night with them. An end-of-the-world feeling guaranteed. You leave Tulang Diot filled with a gentle serenity.

This is one of the Camotes Islands' best-known beaches. With its white sand and crystal-clear, temperate waters, set between rocks and overlooked by the Santiago Bay Resort on the right, it ticks all the postcard beach boxes. Picnic tables are set up, and a few restaurants are on the right. Swimming and snorkeling are possible, but check the tides. At low tide, the view is superb, but swimming is difficult. The sunset is magnificent.

It's an abandoned resort maintained by the locals. Camotians love to swim and picnic here. The main attraction is Buho Rock, a large coral rock shaped like a ship moored to the cliff. Access is via a staircase. Small bridges and huts have been built. It's possible to swim in the sea at the heart of the cliffs. When the tide is high, you can try your hand at cliff jumping from the diving boards, or just watch the cliff jumpers. Thrills guaranteed.

Bakhaw is divided into two beaches: the one on the left is a beautiful white sandy beach and the one on the right is, at certain times of the year, a rocky beach, as for a few months the sand retreats into the sea before returning to the beach and covering the rocks. On site, a sari-sari to buy a drink or a snack and a few locals working or napping depending on the time of day. The water is crystal-clear, warm and the view is sublime. Be sure to come in the evening for the sunset, which is a magnificent sight every day.

It's one of the eight caves in Camotes and one of the most easily accessible, as well as being one of the prettiest. There are only a few steps down, and no need for a guide. A beautiful skylight illuminates the cave, giving the water an almost unreal color. Bathing in the midst of these stalagmites and stalactites is a real experience. Legend has it that the grotto contains a treasure - we'll leave you to find out. What is certain is that, during the Second World War, the cave's inhabitants used it to hide from the Japanese.