Camotes Islands

Camotes, Cebu, Philippines

Camotes, Cebu, Philippines Map showing location of Camotes islands within the Philippines
Geography
Location	Camotes Sea
Coordinates	10°40′N 124°24′E / 10.67°N 124.4°E / 10.67; 124.4Coordinates: 10°40′N 124°24′E / 10.67°N 124.4°E / 10.67; 124.4
Archipelago	Philippines
Total islands	4
Major islands	Pacijan Ponson Poro
Area	236.4 km2 (91.3 sq mi)
Highest elevation	388 m (1,273 ft)
Administration
Philippines
Region	Central Visayas (Region VII)
Province	Cebu
Demographics
Population	102,996 (2015 census)
Pop. density	440 /km2 (1,140 /sq mi)

Camotes Islands is a group of islands in the Camotes Sea, Philippines. The island group is located east of Cebu Island, southwest of Leyte Island, and north of Bohol Island. It is 34 nautical miles (63 km; 39 mi) from Cebu City and is part of Cebu. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 102,996. Population has grown 20.3% since 1990, equivalent to an annual growth rate of 0.93%.

Nearest landfall, from north end of Ponson island to southern Leyte, is about 7.2 kilometres (4.5 mi; 3.9 nmi). From Consuelo port to Danao is 32 kilometres (20 mi; 17 nmi) as the crow flies. From south of Pacijan to Bohol is about 47 kilometres (29 mi; 25 nmi).

Sometimes known as the "Lost Horizon of the south", within recent years Camotes has seen increased visitors and tourism and a growing expatriate community. Apart from natural attractions on land, there is also a score of dive sites around the islands.

Camotes Islands comprises three major islands and one minor islet, divided between four municipalities. On Poro Island are the municipalities of Poro and Tudela. Pacijan Island's sole municipality is San Francisco. Ponson Island's sole municipality is Pilar. Tulang Island is an islet and part of San Francisco. The main islands of Pacijan and Poro are connected by a 1.5-kilometre-long (0.93-mile) causeway. Ponson lies about four kilometres (2.5 mi) northeast of Poro, across the Kawit Strait. Tulang is located a short distance north of Pacijan.

The Camotes are low-lying with several hills, some used for telecommunications relay stations. The highest point is Altavista, 388 metres (1,273 ft) above sea level, on Poro. Pacijan has a large lake, Lake Danao, who at 650 hectares (1,600 acres) is the largest freshwater lake in the province.