It's Summer time once again! To the beach real quick! Some of you might have a lot of places in mind on where to spend your summer vacation either with friends or family. Philippines has 7107 islands for you to explore. You'd better start to exploring now or you'll miss half of your life! Hehe 😂 You might want to consider exploring one of the best islands in the Philippines, the one I can always call "my paradise" - Bantayan Island.
Truly, nature's effortless beauty never fails to keep us in awe. As I set foot on the island, I was already in love at first sight. A bed of fine white sand, palm trees, sea breeze, bluest ocean, the sound of the waves crashing to the shore, just me, the sand, sea and sunshine - taking it all in. Truly a paradise that keeps me coming back for more.
How to get to Bantayan Island:
Take a bus from Cebu North Terminal going to Hagnaya Port. Fare: Php 170. Travel time is approximately 4 hours.
Upon arriving at Hagnaya Port, buy tickets at Island Shipping or Super Shuttle ferry bound for Santa Fe Port. Travel time is approximately 1 hour. Fare: Php170. Additional Php10 for the terminal fee.
At Santa Fe Port, an Ecological fee of Php 30 will be collected.
From there, you can ride a tricycle to take you to your resort which will cost you around Php20-25. But if you have a shuttle service from your hotel, they will pick you up there.
Where to stay at Bantayan Island
Several resorts, pension houses, and guesthouses all around the island. You can find a basic room for as low as Php 400 per night. Campers are also welcome. Don’t have your own tent? you can rent one for Php 200.
Most suggested resorts to stay in were Anika Island Resort, Kota Beach, Budyong Beach Resort, Ritzy's White Beach Resort and Restaurant, and Nordic's Inn. You can check their rates at Traveloka.com
Places to go at Bantayan Island
1. Kota Park at Brgy. Poblacion, Madridejos, Batayan, Bantayan Island
"Kota" means "fort" which was used to be way back but it transformed into a park now.
Lawis is the old name of Madridejos.
Bontay Baywalk at Kota Park
Kota Park is also best known for it's beautiful sunset.
2. Kota Beach and Sand Bar at Santa Fe, Bantayan Island
Made known for its beautiful sandbar. This was the resort where "Camp Sawi" movie was filmed. The reason why some of the filipino tourists wish to come here
The best place to see the sunrise too
3. Paradise Beach at Santa Fe, Bantayan Island
Best place to get away from the crowd. Open from 9am to 5pm. Entrance fee for only Php 50.
4. The Ruins at Santa Fe, Bantayan Island
An abandoned structure with small cliffs located along side where you can go for a dive for free!
5. The Quarry at Bantayan, Bantayan Island
Extracted from mining a long time ago, created beautiful rock formations.
6. Omageica or Obo-ob Mangrove Garden at Bantayan, Bantayan Island
7. Ogtong Cave at Santa Fe Beach Club
Small cave sheltering natural pools.
8. Anika Island Resort Santa Fe, Bantayan Island
9. Virgin Island and Hilantagaan Island
Go island hopping at these famous Island in Bantayan. Price starts from Php 1000 for a day but you can still haggle for it.
Virgin Island
Hilantagaan Island
10. Manmade forest at Madridejos, Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island is also the perfect place to go to for Sky diving. It ONLY costs Php 18000 per head. How cheap 😆😆😆 reason why I did not try. hahahha.
's Travel tips 😉
Though I understand that when we travel, it's practical to budget everything beforehand. But remember this, as much as possible, Spend more if you can! If you have the means to try something, treat yourself and enjoy as much as you can. This way you can also help the locals.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my post Steemians! 😊 If I have missed something important or needs correction, please don't hesitate to comment it down. Upvotes and resteem are greatly appreciated! You are also free to follow me to see more of my travels in the future which I can share with you.
Yours truly,