Poro, Camotes Islands: Caves, Beaches and the Porohanon Dialect
Travel and Community
Poro is the commercial and historical heart of the Camotes Islands, with limestone caves, forests and its own dialect. Here is how to explore it.
The Camotes Islands are a short sea crossing from mainland Cebu, yet they feel a world apart. Poro, the island group's main town, is hilly and green, with limestone caves and rocky shorelines.
About Poro
According to the Cebu Provincial Government, Poro is the central commercial, political and historical heart of the Camotes Islands. Unlike flatter islands, it has elevated terrain, deep limestone caves, dense forests and rocky coastal formations.
It is on Poro Island, northeast of the Cebu mainland, and serves as the island's administrative and commercial center.
Culture: Porohanon and the Panagbagat Festival
Poro natives speak Porohanon, a distinct dialect that the tourism page says shares more similarities with the languages of Masbate and Leyte than with standard Cebuano.
The town celebrates the Panagbagat Festival in honor of its patron saint, Santa Maria del Rosario. It commemorates the legendary unification of two formerly feuding tribes, the Tag-anito and the Maktang, into the community that became Poro.
Places to visit
- Mactang Beach
- Altavista Quarry View Park
- Buho Rock Resort
The tourism office also mentions Bukilat Cave and waterfalls as best explored from January to May.
How to get there
- Ferry from Cebu City: The tourism page says to go to Pier 1 for a direct OceanJet ferry to Poro Port.
- Via Danao: Take a bus to Danao City Port and catch a ferry to the Camotes. If driving, take the RoRo ferry to Consuelo Port and drive east into Poro.
Ferry operators, schedules and fares change, so confirm before travelling.
What to eat
Try the camote cookies, crisp golden cookies made from naturally sweet local camote (sweet potato) flour, a fitting souvenir from the Camotes.
The municipal tourism office can be reached at +63 945-435-1997.