BANTAYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | Resorts, Tourist Spots

 

BANTAYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | RESORTS , TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, HOW TO GET THERE

Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots

 BANTAYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | RESORTS, TOURIST SPOTS AND HOW TO GET THERE

One of my favorite vacation destinations in the Philippines is Bantayan Island. So peaceful and quiet, a perfect vacation getaway if you would want to run away from the noise of the city life. To many, it is known as an island paradise in the Philippines. Very recently, the island made so much noise when it was made as to the main shooting venue for a local film entitled “Camp Sawi”. Because of this, more tourists were lured to visit the island. The movie which starred Arci Munoz, Andi Eigenman, Bela Padilla, Yasi Pressman, and Sam Milby were taken in most places on the island. To name a few, these include Virgin Island, OMAGIECA of Brgy. Obo-ob and Kandugyap and Kota Beach Resort.

BANTAYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | RESORTS , TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, HOW TO GET THERE

Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots

But even before the movie was shown, the Island had already enticed many International guests.  Some of these tourists had fallen in love with the place and decided to stay for good on the island.

Amongst the many reasons why I love the island,  is its fresh seafood, so cheap and so abundant. I remember the first night we were hosted by my old friends Martin and Lanie Vaflor when she said she prepared scallops for us, I was already thinking that I can count the number of scallops on a plate. But was stunned when she served a huge bowl filled with scallops—we weren’t able to consume everything. I also like the laid-back lifestyle on the island—stress-free and perfect for vacation. No taxis are found on the island. So you must take a tricycle to get around. The simplicity of the place is simply amazing.

Bantayan Island is also known as the egg basket capital of the region. It has been producing eggs that supply commercial establishments in Cebu, Negros, Panay, and Leyte. You would know this the moment you pass by some poultry farms on the island. Just don’t mind the smell. Most of these poultry farms were destroyed during the Typhoon Yolanda, but luckily they have already fully recovered from the calamity.

BANTAYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | RESORTS , TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, HOW TO GET THERE

Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots

LANGUAGE
The locals of Bantayan Island speak Cebuano. However, they can speak well Tagalog or Filipino. While not everybody can speak well the English language, the majority can understand the language.

MONEY
The currency used on the Island (The Philippines in general) is Peso. You can exchange your dollars at the airport. There is only one ATM Machine on the island. It would be best to bring enough cash. Some resorts and restaurants do not accept credit cards.

INTERNET AND MOBILE CONNECTION

Big resorts have internet connections. Internet signals are also quite strong on the island. So, the possibility of staying online while having your vacation is not really a big problem.

TRAVEL TIPS

  • Bantayan Island has beautiful beaches, bring enough sunscreen with you.
  • Don’t forget to bring your dry bag when doing some island hopping
  • There are drug stores in the area, however, if you have some maintenance it would be best to bring enough of those medicines. What you are taking might not be available on the island.
  • Energy bars are very important when doing some Island hopping.

THINGS TO DO | BANTAYAN ISLAND TOURIST SPOTS

The three major towns of Bantayan Island namely: Santa Fe, Bantayan Proper, and Madridejos offer amazing interesting activities for any vacationers. Apart from their beautiful beaches, the following are a must-tries:

MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA FE

  • Try Snorkeling at the Marine Sanctuaries of the Island
  • Rent a boat and do some Island Hopping
  • Experience Natural Cave Swimming at Eden Resort
  • If you love the nightlife, you can do some Bar Hopping in various resorts on the Island

BANTAYAN PROPER

  • Don’t forget to buy “Danggit” at the Fish Market, they are fresh and very cheap
  • Try to visit very old and historical Saint Peter & Paul Cathedral

MUNICIPALITY OF MADRIDEJOS

  • Experience the beautiful sunset at Kota Park
  • Try to visit the fish market and see how cheap the scallops are.

HOW TO GET AROUND 

Getting around Bantayan is very easy and simple. Here are some tips:

  • Tricycles are the most common transportation used when navigating the Island.
  • Ask for your resort where you can avail of Motorbike Rental
  • Some establishments are Renting Out Bicycles. This is also a fun activity when on the Island.
  • If you are quite adventures there are Small Paddle-boat or “Banca” for rent in Bantayan Island

BANTAYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | RESORTS , TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, HOW TO GET THERE

Hoyohoy Beach Resort, Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots

BANTAYAN ISLAND TOURIST SPOTS

 

BANTAYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | RESORTS , TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, HOW TO GET THERE

BANTAYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | RESORTS , TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, HOW TO GET THERE

Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots

PETER AND PAUL CHURCH

One must-see destination when in Bantayan Island is the  405-year-old church, the St. Peter and Paul Church. In my recent visit, I took the time to linger at the place and inspect the beautiful details of this old church. The Church which is made of coral stone and bricks had stood the test of time.

For obvious reason, the people in Bantayan Island are mostly Catholic Christian. Aside from the fact that it has the oldest church in the Visayas and Mindanao, Bantayan Island is also named as the Lenten Capital of the Visayas. Tourists from various provinces visit Bantayan not only for its beaches but also to witness a unique holy week celebration. This is the only place I knew that people would prepare lechon during the holy week. During this time, almost all resorts double their rates.

BANTAYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | RESORTS , TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, HOW TO GET THERE

The Gate of the Kota Port, Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots

Inside the Kota Port/Park

Inside the Kota Port/Park [ Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots ]

KOTA PORT (PARK AND RESORT)

The Kota Port is one historical spot in Bantayan Island. This is where we stay when we visited Bantayan Island because they still offer some rooms during that time.  The Port is now converted into a park.   The entrance to the fort provides a good spot for visitors to have themselves photographed.

Unlike some other Filipino tourist sites, this one is free of souvenir sellers. Though as a tourist I want to take home some souvenirs aside from the photos I have taken.

Ogtong Cave Resort

I am not in my “senti” mode in this photo…Ogtong Cave Resort is just so quiet, that it gives you a moment to relax and reflect…

OGTONG CAVE

Ogtong Cave. As the name suggests, Ogtong Cave Resort is famous because of the cave found inside the resort. The place is relatively peaceful. It has beautiful cottages set amidst the beautiful garden and offers a beautiful view of the ocean. The cave has a concrete stairway, giving the guests an easy entrance.

Contact Information

Address: Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu Phone: (032) 4380165 Mobile: 09208999456

BANTAYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | RESORTS , TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, HOW TO GET THERE

The sugary white sand at the Sugar Beach, Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots

SUGAR BEACH

One of the most popular beaches on the island is the sugar beach. It has a long beachfront which makes it a favorite destination for many. Sugar Beach has various resorts which vary from the low cost to the expensive one.

Maias Beach Resort

Maias Beach Resort

MAIAS BEACH RESORT

Maias Beach is quiet and peaceful. It has a swimming pool which you can enjoy apart from the beach which is available anytime.   Maias Beach Resort has fully air-conditioned Cottages. They have only 6 cottages, so a prior reservation is a must to avoid frustrations of being denied especially during Summer and Holy Week.

the motorized boat from Cadiz City

the motorized boat from Cadiz City, Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots

HOW TO GET TO BANTAYAN ISLAND

FROM CADIZ CITY NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

From the Ceres Terminal in Cadiz, get a tricycle to bring you   New Cadiz City Port in Banquerohan. From Banquerohan, Cadiz a big motorboat will take you to Bantayan Island at approximately  2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on sea conditions.

Schedule of Banquerohan, Cadiz to Bantayan Island

SUPER SM EXPRESS 1, 2 and 3
Brgy Banquerohan, Cadiz City
Boat Fare: P290/person Departure
Time: 9:15 A.M. Daily Trip: Cadiz City, Negros Occidental to Bantayan Island, Cebu

Contact Numbers: 0929-8840-284 | 0922-7422-597 | 0919-7549-073

FROM CEBU CITY

From Cebu  City, you may take a bus ride at the North Cebu Bus Terminal. The travel time will take you about 3 hours to Hagnaya from which you can take the Island Express Ferry Boat for the 1-hour ride to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. Travel time to Bantayan Island is approximately  25 minutes. A Ro-Ro boat going from Hagnaya to Santa Fe is also available. You may opt to bring your car or SUV from Cebu all the way to Santa Fe.

Ferries are servicing the island from Hagnaya to the port of Santa Fe and vice versa daily. Travel time is approximately  1 and a half hours.

Fastcrafts are also available from Hagnaya to the port of Santa Fe and vice versa daily.  Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.

Ro-Ro Boats (Shuttle Ferry Service) is another option in going to the Island. You can take these boats from Hagnaya to the port of Santa Fe Boats. From the city to the port of Santa Fe. Travel Time is approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots

Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots

LIST OF BANTAYAN ISLAND RESORTS AND HOTELS  

Bantayan Island has various hotels and resorts ranging from the expensive ones down to the budget-friendly. Please take note that during the Lenten Season most resorts double or increase their room rates.

You can book your hotel/resort room in Bantayan island by clicking on the name of any of the resorts below. Take advantage of the discounts offered by these resorts

Amihan Beach Cabanas Resort 
A. Batobalonos Street  Cebu, Philippines, 6047

Anika Island Resort
F. Roska St.,  Philippines, 6047  

Bantayan Island Nature Park & Resort 
Sitio Kalubihan, Tamiao,  Philippines, 6052

Bantayan Huts
Braska street, Talisay Sta Fe

Baia Cafe B&B
F. Roska Street, Barangay Talisay, Santa Fe

Beach Placid Resort
F. Roska Street, Alice Beach, Santa Fe

Coucou Bar Hotel and Restaurant
Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines, 6407

The Coral Blue Oriental Villas & Suites
Batiancilla St, Talisay, Santa Fe

Hoyohoy Villas
F. Roska St., Barangay Talisay, Santa. Fe, Cebu

Kandugyap House by the Sea
Tourist Road, Barangay Pooc, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines, 6047

Maia’s Beach Resort
Basawon, Bantayan Town

Marlins Beach Resort
Roska Street 4, Santa Fe

Micky Santoro Hotel and Restaurant
Santa Fe, Talisay Boraska Street, Cebu, Philippines

Nanette’s Tourist Inn
Pooc Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island

Nordic Inn
Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

Randys Bantayan Island Grill & Chill Resort
333 F. Roska Street, Talisay

SF Cantina HotelBungalow
Barangay Pook, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines, 6047

Sunpool Residence
Poblacion F., Duarte Street, Cebu

St. Bernard Beach Resort
Okoy, Sta. Fe

Sta. Fe Guesthouse
V. Cabrera Street,  Cebu, Philippines, 6047

Sunshine Bantayan Garden Resort
Batiancila Street, Barangay Pooc, Santa Fe, Cebu

The Coral Blue Oriental Villas & Suites
Batiancilla St, Talisay, Santa Fe

Yooneek Beach Resort
Santa Fe, Poblacion, Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

nice cottages of Ogtong Cave Resort. These villas give the guests an amazing view of the beach [ Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots ]

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27 Comments

  1. The phone number dont work for some reason. Three of it.

  2. Fe Margarette Villaruel

    May I know the ferry trip schedule from Bantayan Island to Cadiz City Port?

    Your response would be highly appreciated. Thank you!

  3. Henry Burns

    Hi,
    A nice blog section is a great place for vacation…
    Thanks for sharing us

  4. Nice guide very helpful!

  5. I’m a purely Cebuano now a resident in Cagayan de Oro City for 23 years.
    I haven’t visited Bantayan Island yet.
    Are those mentioned budget resorts & hotels located in the beach front?

  6. Gerry Pacete

    Vise Versa the M/B Super SM same time from Cadiz 9:15 am, 1st come 1st serve.

  7. M. Carouchel

    Hi! Do you have any idea for the daily trip from Bantayan to Cadiz?

  8. Hi, please help. We will be travellinv to cebu on April. Our arrival would be at 1:00 pm… im really not sure of we can reach the last trip from hagnaya port to bantayan… Can you suggest the fastest way that we can take?

  9. Sarmistha Goswami

    This place looks beautiful and you have described it with a lot of details! Definitely very informative. Love this post! Thanks for sharing.

  10. Beautiful place. This post is useful for the travelers as you mentioned everything about the island in detail. Thank you so much for the share,

    Take care,

  11. Anna Freeman

    This looks so gorgeous! Thanks for sharing, I’m adding it to my travel list! 🙂

  12. Looks like a fun trip in Bantayan Island!

  13. Such beautiful photos!

  14. lorraine

    hi., do u know the schedule of boats travellibg to bantayan island from cadiz city port?ty

  15. OOOkay now I do not want to continue working. My mind is all the way in the Philippines. Somehow the Philippines remind me of Jamaica

  16. Hi! Is there a roro boat from bantayan to cadiz city?

  17. If it’s called sugar beach, you know it’s going to be good. I like the picture where you’re getting a chance to chill. It is actually rare to get to do that on any of our trips, which is a shame. I should change that a bit.

  18. I love your pictures of these exotic places. It makes me want to go there so badly. I would love to visit this place.

  19. Elizabeth O.

    The place is perfect for some rest and relaxation! It’s peaceful out there and I have always enjoyed the beach.

  20. Teresa Kunberger

    Wow, what a beautiful place! I would love to vacay there one day!

  21. Wendy Pence

    I love reading about places that I’ve never been. Especially those that are island destinations. This place is beautiful!!!

  22. bryan ermeo

    i love the beach of bantayan, i want to go their sooner.
    #advertising

  23. ay ang sad..bakit walang souvenir items? yun pa naman isa sa mga hinahanap ng mga tourists db

  24. likhang pinoy

    love Bantayan island!!!! Ogtong cave is great!!!!

  25. this place is very beautiful…away from the bustling metropolis and if you want to be stressed free, this is a place of choice…

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