Although I was able to travel here and some tourist spots of the Philippines in the later months of 2020, travel restrictions and requirements are a bit lighter this year.
Without further ado, let me show you the paradise called Bantayan Island in the Philippines.
Located in the northern part of Cebu mainland, Bantayan Island is just a small island with 3 towns namely Santa Fe, Bantayan Proper, and Madridejos. The island is remarkable for its powdery white sand beaches, rich cultural heritage, a fiesta celebrated during Holy Week, and its delectable danggit (dried fish).
How to Go to Bantayan Island
You can reach the island through a road trip of 3-4 hours from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port in San Remigio. Bus fare is at P245 one way. Ride a boat across the island to Santa Fe Port at P200 (one way).
Where to Go and What to Do in Bantayan Island
There is so much for your stay on the island. Options here may range from hitting the road to see the whole island, visiting its neighboring islands, and just lazing on the beaches.
Explore Bantayan Inland
Apart from frolicking the fine sand beaches of the island, you may explore inland.
Freshen Up in Ogtong Cave
Location: Brgy. Pooc, Santa Fe
Entrance Fee: P200
Take a dip in the refreshing water of the cave inside Ogtong Cave Resort. You may either pay the entrance fee to enjoy the resort’s amenities or stay overnight. The resort also has villas, swimming pools, a restaurant, outdoor tables and benches, and a beach area.
Mesmerizing Sandira Beach (previously name Paradise Beach)
Location: Brgy. Pooc, Santa Fe
Entrance Fee: P50
Visit the secluded paradise of the island in its southeast part. The beach will welcome you with its very fine, white sand and a panorama of blue and green hues where the sky almost kisses the sea. The coconut and other trees will give you shade from the sun’s direct hit. You will surely have a lot of spots for your Instagram posts here. This is one of my favorites every time I visit the island. Try to schedule your visit early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid the crowd.
Relaxing Omagieca Mangrove Garden or Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park
Location: Brgy. Obo-ob, Bantayan
Entrance Fee: P50
Walk through the bamboo-structured walkway of this eco-park passing through lush greenery. The park is known to many for the movie “Camp Sawi” where some of its scenes were shot in this area. Stroll around its 3.7 km stretch from CAMP SAWI until you reach CAMP WAGI.
Other activities you can do here are to eat at their restaurant, kayak around the area, and feed the fishes. The park also serves as a breeding ground for a lot of fish species.
The Ruins and Cliff Diving Spot
Location: Brgy. Pooc, Santa Fe
Entrance Fee: Free
The Ruins is an abandoned house of a German national left in the 1990s. Its dilapidated columns and walls are known for tourists as subjects for their photo-ops.
Just steps away is a cliff where adrenaline junkies enjoy jumping off. According to some locals, the sunset at this spot is also spectacular just like at Sugar Beach and Kota Park.
Food Venture at MJ Square
Location: Poblacion, Santa Fe
Satisfy your tummy with some of the dishes cooked and served Bantayan way. This is where you would be on a food venture. Indulge in different menus especially seafood and others offered BUY 1, TAKE 1 (as per my recent visit). You may find drinking hubs at this complex, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Souvenirs are plenty in this area so grab one for your family and friends back home. There are also other restaurants, cafes, and other food hubs nearby.
Never leave Bantayan Island without trying the balikad, a shell that can only be found here. It’s a must-try.
Lazing at Kota Beach
Location: F. Duarte St., Santa Fe
Entrance Fee: Free
If you just want to chillax from the whole day tour, you may just sit on the fine sand of the beach and embrace the marvelous view in front of you. Have snaps with the bunch and line coconut tree as your backdrop. Most tourists also frequent this area for something to eat and drink from the restaurants along the coast.
Watch the sunrise on this part of the island. You will definitely have a great day to start with.
Historic Saints Peter & Paul Church
Location: Brgy. Talisay, Bantayan
Entrance Fee: Free
Know more about the island’s culture and heritage with a visit to Saints Peter and Paul Church. The church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines that was built in the 1950s. Gaze the crafted architecture of the church – both interior and architecture – even its landscape. During Good Friday, the church holds a procession showcasing its life-size religious statues on the streets.
Behind the church is The Bantayan Parish Museum where the artifacts depicting the history of the island are preserved.
The infamous danggit is also one of the reasons for travelers and locals to come to Bantayan proper.
Laid-Back Madridejos Kota Park
Location: Madridejos
Entrance Fee: Free
Reach the northern tip of the island and watch the stunning beauty of the sunset. After several storms that left the park devastated, the park is setting off a new vibe to its visitors. It has an old fort (where tombs of the past soldiers are placed), a pier with an observation platform, beachfront with benches. There’s a lighthouse after the long strip of a footbridge over the sea.
Huts are available for stopovers and picnics as well as other structures still under construction.
Standup Paddle Boarding at Balidbid Lagoon or Secret Lagoon
Location: Balidbid, Santa Fe
Entrance Fee: P20
Locally known as Suba, Balidbid Lagoon is a scenic and serene spot where the river meets the sea. It is a saltwater lagoon that has an ocean inlet surrounded by mangroves.
My first visit to this lagoon last year was just a glimpse. This time, we went here for a standup paddle session with SUP Bantayan. It’s my first time to actually paddle around the huge area. You will enjoy paddling above the glistening clear water that allows you to see fishes and corals below. Try this activity other than swimming and you would not want to end the session. This may cost you P750 for three hours depending on what package you book.
Hop from One Island to Another
Book a boat to bring you to the famous Virgin Island and Hilantagan Island for island hopping. The rate is P1,000 for up to 5 pax in the boat. This is apart from an entrance of P500 when you docked and stay at Virgin Island. Your activities here may include beach bumming, swimming, diving, volleyball, snorkeling, fish feeding, and a short trek at the other side of the island passing through the jungle for a cliff dive.
Rent a Bike or Motorcycle
Go around the island at your own pace through a bicycle or motorcycle. This will cost you less compared to when you are booking a packaged tour. Just prepare your body for long paddling or driving. Don’t worry about the directions because there’s a net connection so you can Waze or google it. You may also get help from the locals who will teach you the directions.
Do you think you are now up for your next trip here on Bantayan Island? But before you go, check the travel requirements and weather first.
Travel Reminders and Tips:
Here are some tips and notes for a smooth adventure.
- Check the Tourism Office website or FB page of the island (https://www.facebook.com/LGU-Bantayan-LSI-One-Stop-Shop-638744763446097) for the requirements as it may change from time to time.
- Book your accommodation beforehand because any walk-in booking won’t be allowed.
- Tourists are required to present their confirmed booking of stay on the island along with the QR code to be given by the resort.
- You’ll be asked to buy round-trip tickets at the port.
- Register at Tourism Office upon arrival. Present your ID, QR code and confirmed accommodation, and pay for the environmental fee at P30)
- Always observe the health protocols (wearing a mask) around the resort and other public areas.
- Body temperature is checked upon entry and when you go outside the resorts.
- Always follow health and government protocols.
- Leave no trace other than your footprints on the sand.
- Be a responsible traveler always. Respect nature and the locals.