One of a trio that makes up the Camotes Islands, Pacijan Island boasts the most prominent natural attractions. San Francisco is the island’s only town and is home to the majority of Pacijan’s population.
The island’s major attraction is Lake Danao, a guitar-shaped body of fresh water, the largest in the Visayas. Visitors can join 30-minute lake cruises, or hire a bicycle and follow the 10-mile trail that follows the bank.
While there are a few hotels and budget guesthouses in San Francisco, most visitors choose to base themselves on the lake and take advantage of the mid-range ‘resorts’ that are found here. Away from the lake, the islands many white-sand beaches play host to secluded beach houses.
The fresh-water fish are a nice change of pace for those who have been traveling the Philippines. Tilapia is a local specialty served in practically every restaurant.
Getting There & Away
Pacijan Island is connected to its neighbor, Poro Island, via paved road, so these two see plenty of overland traffic. Otherwise, ferries connect to Cebu (2 to 4 hours), where there is a prominent international airport with connections to capital cities across Southeast Asia.