turtle-shaped carnaza island

Panoramic view of the sea (Photo: by Cess Caneda)

carnaza island of daanbantayan

Carnaza Island is one of Cebu Province’s remote, secluded, but most sought-for islands. It has a white sandy beach and emerald waters.

Carnaza Island is an idyllic island belonging to Daanbantayan Municipality. It is famous for its verdant round hills, cool emerald waters, laid-back atmosphere, and utterly astonishing scenes and panorama.

This turtle-shaped island is about 173 hectare-wide and located north of the province. The Visayan Sea envelopes all sides of the island. One can hike or move around the island, that is, if you want a more active exploration to discover some reasons for its fame.

features of carnaza island

The topography of Carnaza includes coastal plains, mangrove areas, some lagoons, and verdant hills. The highest point on the island is about 55 meters above sea level (Wiki). The coastal plains and the semi-rounded hills, which composed that most extended portion of the island could be part of its attraction.

The island is composed of small government units called ‘sitios.’ The sitios include Candionesio, Carnaza, Daanbaryo, Linao, Liog-liiog, and Pantao.

The major plant species is the Ipil-Ipil tree which covers most of the slope area. The islanders plant coconut trees, cassava, banana, corn, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, and vegetables both for daily consumption and for sale.

Of course, animal species also make their home on the island. For example, some report says that there is a total of eighteen bird species living in such an environment. Some birds identified include the kingfishers, orioles, robins, wood swallows, starlings and more.

Relaxing & Fun Activities

You can do lots of relaxing, lazy, laid-back, active, and anything healthy for both mind and body on Carnaza Island. You can already guess, but just in case you want to be sure, the following are some of what you can certainly do…

Swimming - fresh and cool water; bring you a life jacket and swimsuit or trunk
Snorkeling - bring your gears: snorkeling, flippers,
Sunbathing - big towel and sunglasses, sunblock cream, summer hat
Strolling and hiking by the shore
Hiking in the forest, swamp areas, farming land area, etc.
Beach games - volleyball, dakpanay, etc.
Island-hopping - inquire from the Eco Park or locals for the service

Please, know that some areas are restricted to the public due to some reasons including conservation areas and non-public facilities.

Carnaza Eco Park Accommodation Rates

Some information you need to know for your comfortable arrival and stay:

Entrance Fee: 200 Pesos per guest

Tents - You may bring your own tent and bedding

Tent Rentals:

Off Season: 100 Pesos- rate offered by the staff of Carnaza Eco Park

Peak Season: 300 Pesos - rate offer by none staff of Carnaza Eco Park

• Rooms - You can rent a room suitable for 2 at 200 Pesos. There are twenty standard rooms (woodshed) all of them with uniform shapes and sizes.
• Air BnB - You have to search this facility online and book ahead
• Also, there are rooms with rates ranging from 200 to 1,500 Pesos. Maybe, you can ask around to see if some locals offer rooms for a cheaper rate.

Eco Park Tents

Contact Details
If you have decided to rent a room, then make your reservation or booking ahead of time.

You may search Air BnB, or call or email Carnaza Eco Park…

• Phone Numbers: 0936-731-6495; 0999-860-9761; 0936-731-6495
• Email Address: carnazaecopark@gmail.com

Ensure that you have a confirmation of your booking before your journey. If you have decided to pitch a tent, then you are secure.

Food & Drinks
Some say that the island sometimes could run out of food supply especially during peak season. Know when you are traveling there and decide whether you bring your own supplies or not. Yes, food and drinks are available at food stalls and some areas.

If you want the Eco Park Staff to cook your food, you have to pay them for the service - around 300 Pesos for the various menu at your preference.

Getting to Carnaza Island & Rates

From Cebu City to Tapilon Port (Daanbantayan)...

Step 1:
Head to Cebu North Bus Terminal and take the bus of your preference. It will take at most 4 (four) hours to get to the port area. Bus Fare: 500 Pesos at most for both ways. The bus destination is Maya-Bagay. Tapilon Port is in Maya.

Step 2:
Then take a boat going to Carnaza Island (boat fare: 150 Pesos) which could take around 2 hours. The first boat trip is at 7 and 10 AM, but the trip schedule could change depending on the weather condition.

Pump Boat renting (rent: 7,000 Pesos) is your alternative if you have a big group to save money. The boat can accommodate up to 30 people.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport T2

If you are traveling to Carnaza Island from outside (or already in) the country, you can take any international flight for Cebu. The province welcomes visitors at the newly built and opened terminal 2 - Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2.

On the other hand, the domestic flights are being accommodated only at Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 1.

From the airport, take a bus that will bring you to Cebu City and then take a taxi for Cebu North Bus Terminal. You can also hire a taxi to bring you to that same bus terminal. Just follow the two steps mentioned above.

Thanks for reading through this page and hope it helps. Please, share or like if you find this useful.

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