A little over two hours by boat from mainland Cebu, the island municipality of San Francisco advocates for safe travel under a pandemic with a variety of nature destinations for visitors.
The town is located on Pacijan Island that forms part of Camotes and hosts the sweeping Santiago Bay with its wide swathe of fine white sand beach and clear shallow sea.
Clustered around it and throughout the island are accommodations that suit a variety of needs and budget. Visitors can choose from luxury resorts, unique hostels, secluded homestays, bed and breakfasts, and apartments.
With more people picking nature sites for getaways because of COVID-19, the town of San Francisco has a big potential for becoming a choice destination even under a pandemic, said Mayor Alfredo A. Arquillano, Jr. The Municipal Government is coordinating closely with the San Francisco Tourism Council and San Francisco Hospitality Association to improve travel facilities and services and ensure that health measures are in place as the town reopens to visitors.
With all health protocols in place and resort staff close to a hundred percent vaccinated, the town is ready to accept tourists, added Joel Pulvera, San Francisco Tourism Council President.
San Francisco tourist attractions
San Francisco’s top tourist attractions include the 648-hectare Lake Danao, white sand beaches, caves and subterranean lakes, and marine sanctuaries.
Lake Danao features such activities as a boat tour with a side trip to a central islet named Canlingiw, ziplining over the water, hydrocycling, and dining on floating cottages. Food may be ordered from the restaurants along the lake.
Beautiful sunrise over the Camotes sea. 
Underground lake in Paraiso Cave. 
Boardwalk lined with mangroves on the way to Camp Wagi floating restaurant. 
Entrance to Camp Wagi floating restaurant. 
Fine sand beach and shallow sea in Santiago Bay. 
Beautiful sunset in Santiago Bay. 
Setting sun over Santiago Bay 
The Papa Tasie zipline begins from a tower in the resort and ends at this small island within Lake Danao. 
Lake Danao boardwalk 
Canlingiw islet located within Lake Danao.
As the lone town on the Camotes island of Pacijan, a long stretch of San Francisco’s shoreline hosts beaches with fine sand and clear water. Aside from Santiago Bay, worthy of mention are Mangodlong, Heminsulan, Mesiyas, Nonok Beach, and Tulang Dako Beach. Just a 10-minute ride from Tulang Dako by motorized boat is Tulang Diot island, which hosts a marine sanctuary that’s perfect for snorkeling. This activity, however, will need clear seas and may not be possible in times of bad weather. The island is still a good venue for an outing and swimming even if waves are present.
Where to stay in San Francisco
The Residences in Mangodlong Rock Resort is a few minutes walk to Mangodlong Beach. Each unit features two bedrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen, and is good for groups and longer stays. 
Dining room and kitchen of the Residences in Mangodlong Rock Resort. 
Master bedroom in the Mangodlong Residences has its own shower and toilet. 
Soon to open Camotes Tourist Inn in San Francisco. 
The Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort is one of the high-end accommodations in San Francisco town. 
Coco Grove Nature Resort is located near Mangodlong Beach in San Francisco. 
With its big open space and greenery, the Coco Grove Nature Resort gives off a tranquil vibe. 
Spacious room in Ocean Heaven Resort. 
Ocean Heaven Resort walkway is lined with palm trees. 
Glamping fan room for only P500 per night at Camotes Backpackers Hostel. 
Food is excellent at Camotes Backpackers Hostel. 
Unique accommodation in RC Hutspot, Barangay Sonog, San Francisco, Camotes. 
Accommodation at Camotes Hidden Huts. 
Room interior in Camotes Hidden Huts. 
Entrance to Camotes Hidden Huts. 
Room in Papa Tasie Lakeside Park and Resort. Papa Tasie is located beside Lake Danao and offers ziplining among its many activities. 
Affordable family or barkada rooms at Esterlita’s Cottages. 
Paraiso Cave hosts a small subterranean lake that’s good for swimming. 
Isla D’ Tambayan promotes safe dining with outdoor tables.
The town also hosts underground lakes within its cave systems. Paraiso Cave has a small lake that’s reachable after going down a short flight of well-lighted steps hewn from rocks. The lake found inside the Amazing Cave is bigger and suited to more adventurous guests.
An interesting facility that is worth a visit is the Canlusong Airsoft and Gun-Club Firing Range. Visitors can test their shooting ability by signing up for a session. It offers several affordable packages and non-members are welcome.
Food, drink choices
Food in San Francisco is varied, scrumptious, and surprisingly affordable, whether served in standalone restaurants or in accommodation establishments.
Restaurants in the San Francisco Baywalk offer quite a selection: from pizza and pasta to samgyupsal and other Korean dishes to barbecue and seafood.
Resorts offer diverse choices in the menu and some even host buffets for lunch or dinner. Check out this list of restaurant choices in San Francisco.
Steven Lim, San Francisco Hospitality Association President, said he is optimistic about the town’s prospects particularly because all the tourism stakeholders are united in their promotion objectives.
Olah Pizza and Pasta serves delicious pizza topped with fries. 
Food selection in Sailor’s Pub at San Francisco Baywalk. 
Food selection at Sailor’s Pub in the San Francisco Baywalk. 
Isla D’ Tambayan burgers come in different colors. 
Sweet treat available in Isla D’ Tambayan. 
Food and drinks served in Isla D’ Tambayan, a popular hangout in San Francisco, Camotes. 
Shot for the go. This vodka mix is available is Camotes Hidden Huts. 
Grilled fish for breakfast in Camp Wagi floating restaurant. 
Breakfast in Camp Wagi floating restaurant.
How to get there
From mainland Cebu, San Francisco in Camotes is reachable by boat via the Danao City Port or Pier 1 in Cebu City.
Jomalia Shipping Corp. makes several trips between mainland Cebu and Consuelo Port in San Francisco. The Jomalia roll-on, roll-off vessel ferries both passengers and vehicles to and from the Danao City and Consuelo ports. Check the Jomalia FB page for booking inquiries or schedule changes.
Another option is taking the Oceanjet fast craft from Pier 1 in Cebu City to Poro Port, which is about a 20-minute drive from the San Francisco town center.
