Decided to step onto the sun-kissed shores of Bantayan Island. Nestled like a hidden gem in the Philippine archipelago. Located in the heart of the Visayan Sea, just 5 hours away from Cebu City. Far away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Bantayan Island offers a sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature's embrace.
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- Arrive in Cebu: All three major airlines in the country offer flights to Cebu, providing ample options for travelers.
- Transportation to North Bus Terminal: Use myBus, taxi, or GRAB to reach the North Bus Terminal. In our case, we opted for GRAB due to the early hour, 2:00 AM.
- Journey to Hagnaya Port: At the North Bus Terminal, catch a Ceres bus heading to Hagnaya Port. Alternatively, outside the terminal, vans are available offering rides to Hagnaya Port for P250. The travel time is approximately 4 hours.
- Ferry to Santa Fe Port: Board either the Island Shipping or Super Shuttle ferry bound for Santa Fe Port. We managed to catch the 5:00 AM trip, paying a fare of P325, including the terminal fee. The ferry journey to Santa Fe Port takes about 1 hour.
- Arrival at Santa Fe Port: Follow the covered walkway to reach the Tourism Office at Santa Fe Port. From there, you have the choice to hire a tricycle to your resort. Alternatively, as we did, you may be offered the option to rent scooters for P300/24 hours, allowing you to drive to your resort.
- Omagieca Obo-on Mangrove Garden (P65) - Stands as a testament to the island's commitment to preserving its natural wonders. Spanning across pristine waters, this lush mangrove forest serves as a vital ecosystem, providing a safe haven for countless species of flora and fauna. This is the spot where you'll find "Camp Sawi" and "Camp Wagi," renowned for being featured in a Filipino movie.
- Visit The Ruins (FREE) - You might casually pass by this spot on your way to Ogtong Cave, as it's conveniently situated along the road and open to all. These remarkable rock formations, shaped by a blend of natural erosion and human touch over time, have evolved into a popular tourist attraction and a notable local landmark. For the adventurous at heart, The Ruins offers an opportunity for cliff jumping.
- Ogtong Cave (P225) - Situated within the premises of Sta. Fe Beach Club, this cave provides a refreshing spot for a dip. It's a small cave where you can take a dip and take photos. It was nice but it wasn't as magical as what social media portrays it to be, but I'd still recommend to include this on your itinerary.
- Kota Beach for Sunset (FREE) - a captivating stretch of coastline, as per recommendations, this is the prime location for sunset viewing, and we made sure to experience it firsthand. Additionally, you'll find several resorts nearby offering accommodations, as well as restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or drinks while awaiting the sunset.
- Lounge at Virgin Island and Appreciate the beauty of Balidbid Lagoon (P1200 + P300 entrance for Virgin island) - Upon arrival at Virgin Island, you'll be welcomed by soft, powdery white sands. This serene haven offers a variety of activities, from soaking up the sun's warmth to leisurely shoreline strolls, and even partaking in water sports. There's a cliff jumping spot waiting to be explored. Accommodation options are available on the island as well. Highlight of my Bantayn Island trip would be Balidbid Lagoon, it was indeed a hidden paradise best appreciated from an aerial perspective – fortunately, we had a drone with us and we're able to capture its beauty.
- Chef Panyang at MJ Square - At MJ Square, there are numerous restaurants to explore, many of which feature enticing buy one, take one seafood deals. However, our top pick was Chef Panyang. This delightful restaurant stands out by offering all-you-can-eat meals filled with mouthwatering Filipino and seafood specialties, all for just P299.
- Other Places to Explore if you have more time: Paradise Beach/Sandira Beach, Hilantagaan Island and Cintarkan Island. Also if you have money to splurge you might also want to try
- Skydiving in Bantayan Island - Ideal for adrenaline junkies! Prices may vary; for inquiries, visit the Skydive Cebu website.
Exploring Bantayan Island for a day or two is made easy by renting a scooter, my preferred and I'd say the most budget-friendly way. So if you're seeking sun, sea, and sand away from the bustling crowds, consider adding this island to your travel itinerary.
If you find yourself with additional time to spare, consider visiting Malapascua Island during your North trip. It's an ideal destination for certified divers, offering the opportunity to dive alongside thresher sharks. Although we spent 48 hours exploring the island, we couldn't dive because we're not certified scuba divers yet! Stay tuned for a detailed blog post about our experience on Malapascua Island. 😊
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