Bantayan is now one of the most talked about island for those who loves to travel, who are beach lovers and needs a short weekend get-away.
It is located 3 ½ hours away from Cebu City. The island is composed of three towns, namely: Sta. Fe, Bantayan and Madredijos. Sta. Fe is where the whitesand beaches are located; Bantayan is where you can found the old church of St. Peter and Paul and Madredijos is where Kota Park is situated.
How to get there:
From Cebu City take a jeepney bound to North Bus Terminal – I saw jeepney #’s: 01K, 23D. Landmarks are Makro and SM. Don’t falter to ask around if you think you get lost.
Take the bus to Hagnaya or San Remegio, just tell the driver that you are going to Bantayan Island. You will then be drop-off to the port of Hagnaya where you will ride a ferry bound to Sta. Fe wharf. From Sta. Fe wharf, look for a reliable trike driver to take you to your resort, don’t hesitate to haggle for the fare and don’t just grab anybody’s offer right away because some locals will seize the opportunity to get bigger bucks.
What to expect/do:
Mostly of the resorts have white sand beaches. They also have very cheap accommodation packages. Along the town or nearby public market in Sta. Fe are small local bars, decent restaurants, videoke bars and some bbq stations. They even have seafood’s buffet style. Reasonable prices for food are not really a problem if you are in a tight finances just take a good pick that falls into your budget.
Have a look also for the oldest church in Bantayan,the St. Peter and Paul Church, just take a trike in going there because it is approximately 11kms. away from Sta. Fe with a fare of P20/person for the puclic transportation but if you opt to rent a trike in your own it is quiet pricey.
If you also like to explore in lighthouses and parks, go visit Kota Park in Madredijos for a good walk. From Sta. Fe go to town of Bantayan @ P20/person then go to terminal bound to Madridejos @P20/person also.
I’ve tried to check the floating restaurant, it is only situated near the Public Market. It is indeed the name of the bar and the one which is floating in the sea can only be open during summer season. Ogtong Cave is still one place recommended by locals. But swimming inside the cave is no longer possible since tourism already banned that activity for preservation of the cave perhaps.
Where to stay:
We opted to stay in Budyong Beach Resort; the place is not very classy but not also very cheap in terms of accommodation. For a detailed honest review of the place just follow my link in Budyong Beach Resort.
Some of the Resorts I saw:
Kota Beach – just infront Budyong Beach Resort
AJ Beach resort
Yoneek Beach Resort
Hoyohoy Villas
Moby Dicks (not beach front)
Bantayan Cottages (not beach front)
Nordic Inn (not beach front)
RR Lodging House (Not in beach front )
Detailed Expenses:
P110(aircon) P50(non-aircon) – bus from Cebu to Hagnaya(x2 since vice versa)
P140 – regular fare for the ferry from Hagnaya to Sta. Fe Port(x2 since vice versa)
P10 – terminal fee in Hagnaya; P5 terminal fee in Sta. fee in going back to Hagnaya
P15/person or P30/trike – from Sta. Fe wharf to your resort (x2 since vice versa)
P25/person – from Sta. Fe to Bantayan (x2 since vice versa)
P25/person – from Bantayan to Kota Park (x2 since vice versa)
Food – depends upon your food preference. But I budgeted myself @P250/meal
P500/night – accommodation
Motorbikes, scoters, bicycle are available for rent.
Prices: Motorbikes – P350/ day or P50/hour
It was indeed a very cheap trip. It is a good short weekend get-away from a very solemn place. And for those people who wants to get away from the hassled buzzled life in the city.
