After the school year ends we decided to have a short vacation and we opt to go to Bantayan Island. At first, we just want a staycation in one of the hotels there but one of our old friends contacted us to stay at their place so we could meet each other again. We consider their offer since it helps save our tight budget.
We're On our way
The next day we woke up at 4;30 am to prepare the remaining stuff since we already packed our things that night. We ride a bus from our place to SM city, it is a 30-minute trip. It's nice to travel early in the morning without heavy traffic. Thank God we catch up on the direct Ceres bus's first trip going to Bantayan Island. We travel for about 2 and a half hours from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port where our bus will board with us and sail towards the Island. We waited for half an hour until finally, we sailed, God is good He gave us as good weather.
Taken at passengers lounge in the barge
Almost there
It takes two hours until we finally reach the island which welcomes us with an amazing view, white sand beaches, and nice people. We ride the bus again until we reach the Municipality of Bantayan. Our host waited for us in the terminal and brought us to their home where they already prepared lunch. We take a rest for the whole afternoon and prepared for a prayer meeting that night.
We are about to disembark from the barge we see beautiful white beaches.
Our amazing host prepared lunch for us, let's eat!
The most awaited part
Early in the morning, we prepared the things that we need for the whole day exploring the Island. My husband is very excited cause we will be driving a motorcycle, and one of his plans is to tour the island renting one but for now, it's free.
Getting ready for a long adventure day.
Omagieca
The first stop is Omagieca or also known as Camp Sawi. It is a mangrove Park where thousand of "Bachao" trees are planted to prevent the place from strong winds. The water is crystal clear and full of life since it is not allowed for fishing. Camp Sawi, for this, is the place where they shoot the famous movie of Sam Milby, Bella Padilla, and Arci Munoz, a story of a broken-hearted lady.
White beaches
Then we ride to this white sand public beach, to rest and have some snacks and scallops. The weather cooperates with us until the rain pours. When the rain stops we continue our trip and we passed on this beautiful lagoon. Where kids are enjoying diving into the water.
Kids are enjoying on this beautiful lagoon.
Colina Isla de Bantayan
Our next stop is a very dumpy road going up to the highest level of the Island. After a very rough road, we reach a place where you never thought there was a place of haven. Colina Isla de Bantayan. It is located in the heart of Bantayan Island and is considered the highest point of the island. It was developed by a middle-class retiree couple for the purpose of having a resting place away from the buzz of the city. First, it was cleared with bushes including snakes but now it is planted with "tugas" trees and some fruit trees like jackfruit and mango. On top of the watch deck, you will be able to see the entire island including the other islets that comprise Bantayan. There were cottages also if you wanted to stay longer and inside of it are lots of antique collections, their entrance fee is only 50 pesos.
We were able to take pictures with the owner of the place Mrs. Santillan who is very generous and gave us one sack of apple mango
This is Colina Isla de Bantayan There many antique collections in this place.
Together with the owner of Colina sitting beside me and her grandson.
Uniquely Madridejos
The last stop is the northernmost part of the island the Madredijos watch tower. It was built by the Spaniards during the 16th-century defense against pirates who kidnapped natives and sold them as slaves.
The Kota of Madridejos I only take a pic on the upper part of the kota
We planned to go to different places but our tire got busted and we brought it to the nearest vulcanizing shop. Before going to Santa Fe we passed by a place where we saw children opening a blood clam "Litob', we stopped by and bought 2 kilos, we also tasted it, and it is very fresh. It's late in the afternoon so we decided to take a swim on one of the public beaches in Santa Fe.
The blood clam or "litob" farm so fresh.
It's swimming time
After swimming we head back home from Santa Fe at 8:00 in the evening. we got tired of the whole day Island tour so we sleep like a baby. We have to wake up early because we had to head back home to Naga.
It's worth the experience, we were filled with wonderful memories. It's good that sometime in a year we need to have a time out, and an Island vacation is a good option.
That's all for today Hiveans, and have a wonderful time reading. See you in the next blog!