Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots
Contents
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 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 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
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
BANTAYAN PROPER
MUNICIPALITY OF MADRIDEJOS
Getting around Bantayan is very easy and simple. Here are some tips:
Hoyohoy Beach Resort, Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots
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.
The Gate of the Kota Port, Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots
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.
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
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 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, Bantayan Island Travel Guide, Resorts, Tourist Spots
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 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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View Comments
The phone number dont work for some reason. Three of it.
May I know the ferry trip schedule from Bantayan Island to Cadiz City Port?
Your response would be highly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi,
A nice blog section is a great place for vacation...
Thanks for sharing us
Nice guide very helpful!
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?
Vise Versa the M/B Super SM same time from Cadiz 9:15 am, 1st come 1st serve.
Hi! Do you have any idea for the daily trip from Bantayan to Cadiz?
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?
This place looks beautiful and you have described it with a lot of details! Definitely very informative. Love this post! Thanks for sharing.
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,