Carnaza Island generated lots of buzz when it was featured in a fantastically luring way but we found out that some of which were actually just misleading overrated blurbs. We had a great deal of realizations over our little misconceptions in this trip. Let me share some tips in getting there and enjoying the untouched beauty of the island hassle-free.
 |
| a glimpse of Carnaza Island |
 |
| Beach at the Barrio |
1. KNOW WHERE TO STAY.
As of this writing, there are three accommodation options for a guest while in the island.
- Carnaza Eco Park - this is a popular choice not just because it is the only resort in the island but also because of the cool features of the resort such as the wooden tents, air-conditioned rooms, electricity and shower facility (most accommodations don't have this) and tent rentals. Wooden tents cost around Php200 and room/cottages cost Php2,900 good for 3-4 people.
- Camping on Public Beaches - a better choice for an adventuresome backpacker; aside from being cost effective, it is also a way to get a dose of vitamin sea. The calming effect of the sea breeze and the gentle sound of the rushing waves are definitely incredible! However, like most adventurers would say, you camp at your own risk but it's quite comforting to know that people here are friendly. They even have an unofficial motto: One Island, One Family. In addition, defecating places might also be a consideration with this option.
- Renting a Place / Inn - best choice (for us) if you want to be a little comfortable with your stay in the island. It is also economical and with good people (like a family) surrounding the area, safety will never be an issue with this option.
On a personal note...
We were supposed to stay at Carnaza Eco Park but we changed plans after a certain contact person,we saw online, told us that the resort was fully booked for the entire week (quite unusual since it was a weekday). We were disappointed but it was actually a blessing in disguise. Upon arriving at Sitio Barrio (where boats are docked), we began exploring the place and asking people for alternative accommodations and luckily we found a few. We found a small pink house (Ate Cecil's place) with its own toilet, kitchen, living room and one bedroom all by ourselves. I would definitely recommend this place not just because its really clean and pretty but the people there treat you like you're their relatives on vacation for only Php 300 /person/day.
 |
| Where we stayed |
Drawbacks:
Electricity is not available 24 hours but the owner told us that we can request for a generator and pay for at least 2 liters of crude oil/petroleum for Php47/liter - that's on top of the accommodation rate.
Since we were occupying the entire house upstairs, our water supply was not consistent so we had to go downstairs to take a bath but the owners often fill water storage upstairs for toilet needs.
Electricity is not available 24 hours but the owner told us that we can request for a generator and pay for at least 2 liters of crude oil/petroleum for Php47/liter - that's on top of the accommodation rate.
Since we were occupying the entire house upstairs, our water supply was not consistent so we had to go downstairs to take a bath but the owners often fill water storage upstairs for toilet needs.
2. VERIFY THE CONTACT PERSON.
Before believing everything that's posted online, always verify if you have the right information. Refer to official websites or Facebook pages of the resort only.
On a personal note...
We called someone named Meredith (not sure exactly of the spelling) and told us that Carnaza Eco Park was fully booked for the entire week. When we went there, only a few guests were there because it was a weekday. Later, we found out that the lady we contacted was not connected with the resort and she only had tent rentals. Anyway, we were still grateful because it was some sort of a blessing in disguise that we were able to stay in the Barrio instead of the Eco Park.
3. TRY ISLAND HOPPING.
The best experience you shouldn't miss is the island hopping since you get to visit amazing beaches just around Carnaza with no entrance fee at all. There are a lot of boatmen who could offer island hopping from Php1000-Php1500 and get a tour around the island.
 |
| Goin on an island hopping |
PLACES TO VISIT
- Skull Cove- white-sand beach with a mysterious cave where two human skulls rest. Wished I'd known its history but the boatmen also didn't know. It's part of Carnaza Eco Park but guess what, we went there without paying any fees [maybe because it was on a weekday so they don't expect guests]
- Kailina Beach - public white-sand beach where you could camp and explore the crystal clear waters. It's highly recommended by locals.
- Sitio Barrio - this is where you disembark from Tapilon Port. While most people just pass by the place and go directly to Carnaza Eco Park, I'd say it's a potential hub for affordable and great accommodations. They got places to stay for a night (or even longer), small restaurants, fresh seafood in the morning (available upon request), a small cliff overlooking the sea (great sight to behold), better (public) beach compared to the Eco Park, and nice people everywhere.
- Sitio Daanbarrio - where you can find dining areas and even a karaoke place. You have to get a motorcycle ride for this either from the Eco Park or Sitio Barrio. Fare is at Php 30.
- La Manok Island - you shouldn't miss the sandbar here!
 |
| The Barrio |
 |
| Inside the Skull Cove |
 |
| Beach at the Skull Cove |
On a personal note...
My favorite was La Manok Island because of its sandbar that seems to connect two islets. We went on a weekday so it seemed that the island was all ours, you know what I mean, no photobombers! LOL. Never miss this in your itinerary.
 |
| When it's low tide you could bask all day on the long stretch of sandbar that seems to connect the two islets |
CARNAZA ECO PARK IS NOT THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION.
This is purely based on personal opinion. After seeing the unbelievably long stretch of sandbar and white-sand paradise beaches around the island, we were expecting more from the Eco Park as it is the most famous among other destinations. After hopping from La Manok and Skull Cove, we went to Carnaza Eco Park to go swimming or beach bummin' or what not but we didn't really enjoy it because the seashore was really rocky - not ideal for swimming. We enjoyed the waves so much but our feet really hurt stepping on the rough surface. In less than 20 minutes we decided to go back to the shore and just rest.
 |
| wooden tents at Carnaza Eco Park |
 |
| beach bummin at Carnaza Eco Park |
 |
| goofin around with these two lads |
We paid Php200 and haggled for Php150 since we arrived late in the afternoon and we didn't wish to stay overnight or camp whatsoever.
I'd say the entrance fee wasn't worth the experience and amenities they had. We didn't want to spoil that wonderful sunny day so we made lemonades out of the lemons we had.
 |
| but I think they prefer to be called ladies |
We sat by the beach, gazing at the sunset while sipping our fresh buko juice (coconut drink).
Shout out to the two teenage staff who entertained us with their humorous punchlines and delivered
the buko juice to us straight from the coconut tree right to our tabletop!
4. BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULE.
From North Bus Terminal, get a bus ride to Daan Bantayan via Bagay. It will drop you off near Tapilon Port. Just never forget to remind the bus conductor; they are going to ask anyway upon reaching the town. You have to walk a few meters to the port and everyone there knows where the port is so you won't have troubles asking for directions. Ever since Carnaza Island became famous among vacationists, boatmen along Tapilon Port have become more aggressive in convincing passengers to pay for a special trip. Those who do not know the tricks of the trade will definitely fall for it. Although it's not totally bad to take the offer, it is noteworthy to know that there are legitimate (licensed) boats that will transport passengers to the island.
SCHEDULE:
TO CARNAZA
9:30 - 10:00 AM (passenger boat arrives at Tapilon Port from Carnaza Island)
9:30 - 10:00 AM (passenger boat arrives at Tapilon Port from Carnaza Island)
FARE: Php 200
TO TAPILON PORT (going home)
7:30 - 8:00 AM (passenger boat docks along Sitio Barrio, Carnaza Island; it takes time to load cargoes so it usually spends 30-45 minutes on the shore)
7:30 - 8:00 AM (passenger boat docks along Sitio Barrio, Carnaza Island; it takes time to load cargoes so it usually spends 30-45 minutes on the shore)
FARE: Php 150
Travel Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- the only schedule we have confirmed from the boatman himself
- all trips are on a first-come-first-served basis; there are no ticket reservations
- special trips with this boat is also available upon reservation but it costs more
On a personal note...
I could have preferred the legitimate passenger boat since it is bigger and safer because of the life vests available. Knowing it is registered under the municipality, you'd know who to call for and who's going to be accountable if anything happens. However, our group was convinced by one of the boatmen that there are no other passenger boats that would arrive at that hour so we hurriedly boarded on a pretty small boat with no life vests or any safety gears whatsoever. There were 13 of us excluding the 2 boatmen and the travel time was 3 hours and 45 minutes. Imagine the time we could have saved if we waited for the legit ride. The ride was exhausting but we didn't complain because we thought that was the normal travel time.
Going home, we had to hasten at around 7AM because the boat was already docked at the shore so we thought they were a bit early. Then we realized it had to be early to load cargoes and passengers plus we had to right on a little boat to get to the passenger pump boat because it was high tide. We embarked on the journey at exactly 8AM and we admired how people there were really prompt and made no delays as they promised.
 |
| on board! [this is the unregistered passenger boat w/out life jackets or any safety measures] |
 |
| had to ride on this little red boat to reach the passenger pump boat bound for Tapilon Port |
Bonus Tip:
We were delighted upon going home because we took the Sugbo Transit in Daanbantayan Bus and Vhire Terminal. This bus is far more comfortable than other buses or vans. Its seats are bigger and more comfortable, its air conditioning systems are all working, it has reliable wifi, and it has a USB charger for all your gadgets. How cool is that!
5. THE 1,000-PESO CHALLENGE IS NOT PLAUSIBLE
Unless you don't eat, your 1000-PESO will suffice for the trip; at least it would cover your transpo expenses. Missing the fresh seafood there is missing half a lifetime [exaggeration, I know] but you should try the fresh sea produce.
Now that Carnaza has become a famous destination in Northern Cebu, business comes into play. Rates of transpo and accommodation are a bit higher this time and everything else has corresponding fees, well, at least except for the public beaches. Perhaps, soon enough, the local government of Daanbantayan will charge tourists for entrance to public beaches [fearless forecast].
Now that Carnaza has become a famous destination in Northern Cebu, business comes into play. Rates of transpo and accommodation are a bit higher this time and everything else has corresponding fees, well, at least except for the public beaches. Perhaps, soon enough, the local government of Daanbantayan will charge tourists for entrance to public beaches [fearless forecast].
PRICE TAG:
Air-conditioned bus (North Bus to Tapilon) - Php217
Air-conditioned bus (Daanbantayan Terminal to North Bus) Php192
Boat ride from Tapilon to Carnaza - Php 200
Boat ride from Carnaza to Tapilon - Php150
Room accommodation including water/electricity - Php300
Island Hopping - Php1000 (in our case we divided it by 3)
Carnaza Eco Park entrance fee - Php150
Grilled seafood - Php100 (good for 3-4pax)
Value meals (resto/carinderia) -Php50 approx. (we dined twice)
TOTAL: Php 1, 680
- *this only reflects an approximate amount based on our own actual spending
All those tips mentioned above are based on my personal experience as a guest in Carnaza Island. Your experience may differ from mine. In fact, each traveler has a unique story to tell even when going to the same place twice. Each experience would be carved by a whole new timeline, a changed environment, and maybe another set of strangers or acquaintances. Now, perhaps you learn from others' reviews or POVs but as soon as you set your own trail, you're writing a whole new chapter that will always be incomparable from the rest. Go ahead write your own travel diary and just maybe, you'd shed some light for some people wanting to find their own imprint.
Till our next laag!
0 comments