Nowadays, people are more connected and spend more time in the electronic world and less in the natural world. I believe that people who are connected with nature are happier, healthier and smarter.
Nature is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Also, doing some outdoor activities such as biking, running, walking, swimming, etc. helps improve our physical health.
Situated at the west of the northern end of Cebu island. Approximately, 4 hours away from Cebu City is a laid-back place called Bantayan Island. An island which was divided into 3 municipalities namely, Bantayan, Sta fe and Madridejos.
Home for less than 150,000 people including the nearby islands (2010 census). Without the presence of Malls, traffic, and high-rise buildings. My short stay in Bantayan which is famous for its relaxing ambiance, fine white sands, and clear water. Totally renewed my connection with nature.
How to get to Bantayan Island?
Coming from Mactan airport, you can take a cab going to Cebu North bus terminal. Located at Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
From there. You have an option to take an Air-conditioned bus 160php with Free Wi-Fi or Van 170php going to Hagnaya Port. Food stalls are available inside the terminal.
Have a heavy breakfast if possible, since travel time is around 3 hours with 1 quick stopover.
From Hagnaya port to Sta Fe port is another 1-hour travel via Ferry for 170php plus 10php terminal fee. From Sta Fe port you can ride a tricycle going to your hotel.
Where to Stay in Bantayan Island?
Different kind of resorts ranging from budget to fancy one can be found on this island. Most of them are located in the municipality of Sta Fe. Prices are ranging from 500php (single fan room) to 5,000++/night
Recommended accommodations are Anika Island Resort, CouCou Bar Hotel, and Sunday Flower Beach Resort.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bantayan Island?
Many restaurants, carinderia (local eatery) and bars are available in Sta Fe. Best Restaurants that I tried are;
- HR Music Bar and Restaurant
- Recommended; Seafood curry.
- Balikbayan Restaurant
- Recommended: Crispy Pata
- Blue Ice Bar and Restaurant
- The liveliest place to drink on the island.
Other top restaurants at Sta Fe based on Tripadvisor are
- Caffe Del Mare
- Cou Cou
- Bavarian Beer Garden
What to Do in Bantayan Island?
- Swim inside Ogtong Cave
- Crystal Clear and warm water awaits you inside Ogtong Cave.
- Entrance fee is 100php
Swim and enjoy the white sand and crystal clear beach of Sta Fe
Coming from Sunday Flower. I highly recommend going to Sugar and Kota beach for swimming (left side facing the sea). It saddened me to see trashes everywhere. Mostly on the right side of the beach going to ogtong cave which is a residential area. I hope that locals and tourist will be more concerned about the environment.
Rent a bike or scooter
Thanks to Bantayan Island I learned how to drive a scooter. You can have your own tour around the island and drive as fast as you can. I rarely saw four-wheeled cars around the island so it’s safe even for first-timers. Enjoy the view and feel the fresh air while driving. Whole day rent is 250php but you will shoulder the gasoline.
Visit the oldest parish in Visayas and Mindanao; Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church
Initially constructed by Augustinian on June 11, 1580. This five-century old church is standing strong in the heart of the town. The church is made of corals and stones endemic in the island. If permitted, climb the belfry of the church to have a great view of the town
Relax and Do nothing.
YES! this is the best thing to do in Bantayan. Relax and do nothing. Since there was no crazy and wild nightlife here on the island. Once the sun has set the place is very quiet and relaxing.
While on the beach, grab a beer, play music or appreciate the very smooth sound of the waves and feel the fresh, cold air. Indeed, one of the best places to relax.
Other recommended things to do
- Do island hopping and visit Paradise beach and Virgin Island.
My trip to Bantayan will always be on top of my favorite places. This is the beginning of my travel exploration here in the Philippines this year.
I’m still hoping that the local government will be more serious in resolving this issue. I remember sending an email to DOT Cebu for them to take a look about this concern. I even received a confirmation that they will take a look about it. yet, was there a serious notable action taken so far?
Have you been to Bantayan lately? How was the condition of the beach area? I hope to hear something good this time.
[…] you’re looking for a relaxing place to stay and stunning beaches, I recommend Bantayan and Malapascua in the north. But, if you’re looking for adventure, you should definitely go […]
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[…] choose to travel via motorbike? I experienced driving a motorbike for the first time when I went to Bantayan, Island in Cebu. It was one of my most memorable […]
Hi Cai! Bring me here please haha hope to see you soon!
Hey! I’m free every weekends!
Lets set something up! x
Go! Push
I can’t claim I’ve heard of Bantayan Island before, but this post really tempted me to run a quick Google search for more. Some real top-notch pictures here. Hope you had a great time 🙂
Wooopps! thanks sanket. Appreciate that 🙂
Will make sure to travel bantayan this year. Thanks for sharing!
appreciate it Mark 🙂
Nice! I wish we could visit this place someday. 🙂
Thanks 🙂
I am visiting Cebu soon and didn’t actually know about this place. Its definitely a apart of my trip now 😀
Wooow cool 🙂
Air conditioned bus with Wi-Fi?! Sign me up. This looks a little piece of paradise. That’s bad news about Santa Fe’t trash, I felt the same at Halong Bay.
I hope that the local government fixed that issue. Owww I’m planning to visit halong bay also. Anytime soon 🙂
I love how clear the waters are in the cave! That’s amazing. It looks like the best place to unwind 🙂
Thanks Lauren 🙂
The beach and the water look amazing! A great place to chill out and relax. Thanks for sharing your experience. The how to get there information is very useful!
Thanks Elizabeth 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience in Bantayan Island. I will visit this place soon! Break from medical school. Haha 🙂
Hello! Hope you enjoy your trip! 😉
Hi, Cai. Thanks for sharing these details about your trip to Bantayan. Maybe you would love also to have a trip here in Negros. Check out Sipalay City, Cai. It’s our neighboring city and flocked with tourists too. http://kristinegavilano.com/a-taste-of-nature-at-sipalay-tower-perth-paradise-resort/
I’ve been wanting to visit and blog Sipalay. Target destination this year!
This is awesome! Will definitely consider Bantayan Island on our next visit sa Pinas. I agree, the place is very relaxing and the it makes you closer to nature for sure. Thanks for great post!
http://www.sweetcuisinera.com
Hi Melgie,
Thanks you will surely love your stay here!
Wow, what a nice place! I will love to swim on that super clear water. Hay, travelling is one thing we really can’t afford to do right now. We have work and other duties will be left behind sakali. And I can’t leave my son and mother for days.
Hi Mommy Maye,
Your family will surely love this place.. Im excited to see your up coming travels 🙂
I have to agree with you that bonding with nature is still the best way to relieve stress and much happier and healthier than those techie toys.
The place is really nice and a place that should be included in the list of domestic places to travel.
Thanks Allan 🙂 Now I miss vitaminSEA 🙂 hahaha
I have never ever heard of this place but O.M.G. it is BEAUTIFUL! I love any beach but the white sand is just gorgeous!
We have a lot of beaches here in the Philippines 🙂
I’ve been in Cebu, at taga Cebu ako at s Cebu ako pinanganak. Gustong gusto kung puntahan to pero di pa ako nakapunta.huhuhuhu nakakainggit ka naman.
Time to visit na Melisa.. I love Cebu.. Ang ganda and ang swerte ng Cebu island. Ang daming beaches and activity 🙂
I have visited the island before and I love the laid back vibe. My friend and I watched the sunrise, sunset, swam, roam around and eat. Oh, we shopped dried fish in the market. Life was in slow motion and I love it. I need to go back soon.
Agree Kat, Life was so slow in this island 😉
Great pool. Would love to partake in that! Seafood curry….sounds scrumptious!
Thanks Melody. It taste soo good 🙂
My husband visited Bantayan about 3 years ago with his friends. He didn’t enjoy it so much, but i think it was because it was poorly planned. Hope to get to visit it with him sometime.
I hope you will visit it again to create new memories 🙂
Certainly one of the best places I visited in Cebu though my first visit there was in typhoon affected areas. Would love to be there again and hopefully I know how to swim that time. 😀
Its never too late to learn how to swim 🙂
Wow, It looks really cool to swim inside that cave, I am sure that water is pretty cold, wish I could there someday
Hi bhuboy, Yup the water was indeed cold 🙂
This post is extremely helpful for people who wants to go there. Very informative. And wow that water looks so clear. I badly want to swim there also haha. Thanks for sharing this!
Lester | http://www.lesteronearth.blogspot.com
Appreciate it Lester 🙂
Incredible post, makes me feel like going back to the Philippines again. Managed to explore Luzon (from Pagudpud to Manila) by road. Hope to see the southern regions soon too.
Thank you! You will love the southern region 🙂
I love this place!!! Can’t wait to go back to Cebu! Xx
Looking forward to meet you Trisha 🙂
Another post about Bantayan. Wa. Kainggit. ? Would you mind me asking how much did you spend? I Wanna go at bantayan.
We were 3 when we went there. I think I didn’t spend more-than 5k all in for 4days 3nights
Wow! Saw my college FB post and they went to Bantayan also. Ha! I wish I can visit the Island soon.
Kaya mo yan! Claimed it!!! 🙂
Sobrang ganda! I’ve always wanted to visit but never got around to it. I hope soon. 🙂
Happy 2016!
Hi Lux Thanks appreciate your comment. Puntahan muna this year 🙂
What beautiful photos! I have never even heard od this island but am certainly putting it on my list.
Thanks Natasha.. Looking forward to see you here in the Philippines 🙂
The beach looks amazing…we don’t have clear water like that here. Lots of seaweed in the way.
Wouldn’t mind being in that bar with a tropical drink in my hand! 🙂
We have more surprising beach here in the Philippines 🙂
This sounds like a nice place for a relaxing vacation. I hope that the trash issue is resolved. Too many of the world’s most beautiful beaches are ruined by negligent behavior and lack of resources/ambition to do anything about it.
I agree Tracie. I wonder how people can afford to throw trashes everywhere. But I believe the issue has been address by the local government. Hopefully! Their action will be for long run.
I’ve never been but I am making a mental note of it. I’ve heard many wonderful things about it!
You will love it if your looking for place to relax 🙂
I’ve been to Cebu before but never to bantayan island. The place looks really nice and picturesque. Hehe. Whew, better start saving then! 🙂
Super gorgeous! I would love to travel here — it’s on our wishlist!
Will love to see you here 🙂
What a lovely place to go to for a relaxing vacation! I love that the bars are not like the hip bars you would normally see in the city. It adds to the charm. The beaches are really nice, especially the one with the white sand! And the Church! Majestic. 🙂
Thanks Elizabeth 🙂
We’re supposed to go here last April because because my husband had business trip in Cebu but my son was attending McDo Kiddie Crew and I don’t want him to miss the class. But I’ll take note all you suggestions just in case we will go back to Cebu again. 🙂
Your family will surely enjoy this place 🙂
Oh, this looks like heaven! Putting it on my list!
Thanks Susan 🙂
It looks amazing & now I want to book my favorite beach vacation in Cape Cod Mass.
Hi Rozbeads,
I googled Cape Cod Mass. It looks interesting 🙂
I have never been to Batayan, but it looks like my kind of place. So gorgeous, and the water, so crystal clear, hmmmm…dreaming…:)
Thanks Sabine you should visit this place one day 🙂
I’m looking forward to visit this place. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you for checking my article 🙂
I’ve been to Cebu last year but I wasn’t able to explore the place that much. I am planning to go back and would love to go to Bantayan Island.
Thanks for this post Carl. It’s complete and very informative.
And lastly, I agree that it’s better to enjoy what the island has to offer and just do nothing, leave your worries behind and just relax. 🙂
Hi Jon,
Thanks for the compliment. I’m so excited to see you in Bantayan Island. You will surely love it. I swear that’s the best thing to do in Bantayan 🙂
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing this in CS… ^_^
Hi Raymond,
Thanks for the comment Should you need any help. Feel free to message me. 🙂