After two wonderful days of scuba diving with Camotes Fun Divers, I drove my scooter to the northern end of Pacijan Island (San Francisco, Cebu) to relax at Camotes Hidden Huts, the only overnight accommodation located at the coastal area of Sitio Cogon 1, Barangay Esperanza. Tucked away within vast coconut plantations and accessed by a 700-meter long dirt path from the main road, the low-key resort – owned and managed by a friendly and accommodating German couple – is situated inland on a narrow piece of land but located only steps away from Bakhaw Beach, a gorgeous, undeveloped 400-meter stretch of white sand along the northwestern coast of Pacijan Island.
Just north of Bakhawan are two more secluded, white-sand beaches: Taliwangbas Beach and Esperanza Beach. The popular tourist spots of San Francisco are also more accessible from Camotes Hidden Huts, such as Timubo Cave (4.9 km away), Tulang Island (5 minutes boat ride from Tulang Dako Beach, 3.8 km away) , and Danao Lake (5.5 km away) – the largest lake in Cebu province!
Most travelers to Camotes Islands gravitate to Santiago Beach, the most popular beach at the southern side of San Francisco, where most accommodations are clustered, but if you’re looking for total peace and quiet in an off-the-beaten-track location, Camotes Hidden Huts would be the perfect choice for you. The property is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring along your pet dogs and cats!
Amenities
The accommodation offers six bungalows built in the traditional style of a Filipino bahay kubo, but furnished with the creature comforts of a high-end resort such as a split-type air-conditioner, hot shower, and free wifi! They are set in a well-tended tropical garden with large ferns and flowering plants. At night, the gravel path that lead to the huts is lit up by lights triggered by motion sensors. At the front of the property, there is a separate bar called Anchorage and an open-air restaurant open to walk-in customers.
There’s no pool (who needs one if there’s a beautiful beach mere steps away!) but if you want a soothing dip, they offer a warm kawa bath with essential oils and freshly picked flowers for up to four persons for only ₱350. It’s a wonderful way to unwind after a long day exploring Camotes Islands!
Dining Options
The resort is located in a secluded area, and there are no restaurants or sari-sari stores nearby. So the most convenient option would be dine at their open-air restaurant, which is open to walk-in customers. They offer affordable Filipino and Western breakfast meals ranging from ₱110 to ₱150.
For lunch and dinner, the menu has great appetizers like calamari fried (₱150) and tuna fritters (₱100), sizzling dishes (₱220 to ₱300), and heavier main courses like chicken curry (₱240), adobo pork (₱200), and scallops in garlic lemon sauce served with rice or pasta (₱220). They also have pizza and vegetarian dishes.
Room Rates
Accommodation at Camotes Hidden Huts starts at ₱1,400 per night for a Bamboo Hut, good for two persons (breakfast not included). Find discounted rooms and check availability here!
How to Get There
Camotes Islands is a two-hour roro ferry from Danao City, north of Metro Cebu. Take a northbound bus (₱50, non-aircon) from SM City North Bus Terminal and alight at Sands Gateway Mall in Danao City, where the ticket counter and waiting lounge of Jomalia Shipping is located. The ferry line travels between Danao City and Consuelo Port (San Francisco, Pacijan Island) . From Consuelo Port, it’s a 30-minute ride by habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) or tricycle to Camotes Hidden Huts.
A practical and cost-efficient way to get around Camotes Islands – especially when you’re staying at a secluded accommodation like Camotes Hidden Huts – is to rent a scooter. Camotes Island Scooter Rental (Tel. +63 938 649 6913 ) offers rental scooters with bike helmets for only ₱400 per day, exclusive of fuel consumption. For guided tours by motorcycle, tricycle or multicab, contact Camotes Island Tour Guide by Lance. Camotes Hidden Huts also offers rental scooters, too.
Contact Details
Address: Sitio Cogon 1, Barangay Esperanza, San Francisco (Pacijan Island), Cebu Philippines
Contact Number: +63 961 598 6932
Website: www.camoteshiddenhuts.com
very good comments and detailed explanation- daghan salamat
Thank you for having me, Dani & Frank! I just fixed some typos and added more info on the nearest tourist landmarks. Malipayong Pasko ug Mauswagong Bag-ong Tuig! 🎄🎇