Bantayan Island is an island in the northern end of Cebu. It is an out-of-the-ordinary yet famous beach destination. The island comprises three towns, Sta Fe – the center of tourism on the island, Bantayan – the municipality covering the large portion, and Madridejos – covering the northern part. The island has various islets, with some nearby ones are reachable on foot during low tides from the Bantayan municipal port.
Splendid not only with white powdery sand, crystal blue waters, bountiful marine life, and eco-tourism site, Bantayan Island also have unique customs and tradition. If you’re looking for the sun, sea, and sand plus adventure for your next travel destination, Bantayan Island is the perfect place.
The Island is abundant in fish and valued as Cebu’s fishing ground – salted fish and dried fish are shipped every day to Cebu, Mindanao, Manila, and Negros for consumption. Seafood like scallop, hammer shell, crabs, and many more are also abundant on the island. The poultry industry is also flourishing, with thousands of eggs produced daily.
The mode of transportation on the island are tricycles, bicycles, and a few jeepneys. You may opt to rent a scooter when going around the island for more convenience.
Activities To Do In the island
Here are some activities to explore on the island, and some hotels offer most of these adventures, so better check with your hotel. I would also like to encourage tourists to support local businesses.
1) Island Hopping in Virgin Island
Virgin Island is a well-maintained private island and a 30-minute boat ride from Bantayan Island. With its untouched white beach and crystal clear waters, you undoubtedly have a glimpse of paradise. The entrance fee to this island is Php500.00 per 2 persons and will charge an additional Php100.00 per excess person. The rate does not include boat fees going to and coming from Virgin Island.
2) Visit Omagieca Mangrove Garden
The Omagieca Mangrove Garden is in Obo-ob, Bantayan, technically between the two towns of Bantayan and Sta. Fe. Learn and explore the importance of mangrove trees and how this helps marine life as the breeding ground for several fish species. You’ll pay an entrance fee of Php50.00 per person.
3) Beach Bumming
Bantayan Island is known for its spectacular white powdery sand and dazzling beaches. Beach bumming is something you can’t resist. When you are in Bantayan, sun + sea + sand + you = satisfaction. 👍😉
4) Ruins Cliff Diving
If you are looking for a cliff to dive in with a relaxing place to unwind and a picturesque view, this place is perfect for you.
5) Kota Park in Madridejos
If you are not into historical places and structures, this might not of your interest as there’s nothing much to see in this park. This is also a great place to watch the sundown.
6) Ogtong Cave
Ogtong Cave is a cave found inside Ogtong Cave Resort. The cave has clear freshwater, which makes it so relaxing to take a dip. Unlike the usual caves, which essentially are bat-infested, there is no sighting of bats inside Ogtong Cave. The entrance fee is Php200.00 per person.
Photo credits to Ogtong Cave Resort Facebook Page
7) Sunset Watching
Among the places I traveled so far, Bantayan is the best sunset location I’ve ever been to yet. Sunset watching is my most favorite activity on the island. I still have never seen sunsets as beautiful as on this island. Also, the sound of the waves at night is like a beautiful lullaby.
8) Saints Peter and Paul Church
Saints Peter and Paul Church is one of the oldest historical structures in the Philippines. Like other ancient structures, it is also made of coral stones. The church is 20-25 minutes away from Sta Fe and fronting Bantayan Town Plaza.
9) Sustainable Tourism at Bantayan Natures Park
Bantayan Island Nature Park & Resort promotes eco-friendly and sustainable tourism and exhibits the local flora and fauna of the island. The guests can unwind and de-stress by spending a pleasant time with nature and listening to birds chirping in its cave, pocket gardens, and private nooks.
10) If you are up for an extreme adventure, you can also try skydiving. You can check Skydive Cebu for booking details.
Accommodations:
Here are some accommodations you definitely must consider when going to Bantayan.
1) Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort
6) Sofia’s Beach Resort Bantayan Island
How to Get There
By Bus
From Cebu City, head to Cebu North Bus Terminal in its new location at SM City Cebu, and take a bus with the Hanaya Port route. Fare is around Php200/person.
From Hagnaya Port, proceed directly to the ticketing booth for your ferry ticket. The estimated fare is Php180.00/person. After purchasing your ferry ticket, log your name on the manifesto, and pay the terminal fee (Php15/person).
The estimated total travel time from the city to the island is 4-5 hours.
By Private Vehicles (Car Rental)
Car Rentals are also available from Cebu City to Hagnaya, and vice versa. The rate depends on vehicle capacity. You can alternatively check with the Department of Tourism for a list of accredited Car Rentals.
By Plane via Air Juan
Travel time will only take 40 minutes from Mactan Airport to Sta Fe. Air Juan will soon resume its direct flights around March to April 2021. For booking details and flight availability, please visit www.airjuan.com
Important Reminders
It is necessary to check the travel requirements and guidelines before going to Bantayan Island during this pandemic to avoid inconvenience on your travel. The Cebu Provincial government advised tourists visiting the island to secure a booking confirmation of their accommodation in advance. A confirmed booking is a requirement to purchase the two-way boat ticket going to the island.
Wearing facemasks and face shields in public places and transportations are mandatory. If you have concerns or questions, here are links to connect with the local offices:
Department of Tourism – Visayas Facebook Page
Sta Fe Tourism Office Facebook Page
LGU Bantayan Island Information
I hope that you will have a wonderful travel experience to Bantayan Island. Remember, a responsible traveler obeys rules and respect and protects lives. Have a blessed adventure!