Lake Danao, San Francisco

All 700 hectares of fresh water, it is the biggest and the only natural lake in Cebu. Home to the purple heron and the Philippine wild duck, the lake is a government-designated bird sanctuary. You can take a boat and picnic at the lake’s islet, or fish for tilapia and have it grilled at Green Lake Park or Lake Danao Park afterwards, which was developed by present municipal mayor, Hon. Al Arquillano.

Bukilat Cave, Tudela

Bukilat cave in the town of Tudela is one of the more explored caves in the town. There is a pool of water illuminated by natural skylights where guests can take a dip. The cave is an hour from the resorts.

Poro Church, Poro

The Church of Poro, the oldest in Camotes Islands, is dedicated to the Sto. Niño. The town was founded in 1701 and the parish was established in 1849. The church’s original belfry was destroyed and a new one was built in the 60s.

Buho Rock, Poro

Buho Rock in Poro town is a local government-run destination with cottages for day picnics. It is less than an hour from the resorts.

Soli-soli and bamboo weaving,
San Francisco

Residents in San Francisco town also weave bamboo into fish traps (bobo), baskets (bakat) and amakan, a sturdy panel of woven bamboo slats in fancy geometric designs used for walls and ceilings. Backyard factories are all within a short drive from the resorts.

Festivals in the Islands There are two major festivals in the islands. Tagbo Festival and Soli-soli Festival happen during the first quarter of the year. Tagbo Festival in January celebrates the founding of Poro town through a street dancing parade that reenacts the reconciliation of two warring tribes. Soli-soli Festival in March pays tribute to the soli-soli, a lake grass that grows on the sides of Lake Danao in San Francisco town. A street dancing with a choreography that imitates the movement, harvesting, and weaving of soli-soli is displayed in dazzling colors and intricate steps.