Bantayan Island is located at the Northern tip of Cebu.
To get there, ride a plane going to Mactan International Airport in Cebu, take a cab going to North Bus Terminal, taxi fare costs below Php 200, for metered, if not traffic. Don't be tricked with fixed fare matrix coz it will be more expensive than the metered. At the terminal, take a Ceres Bus boarding for Port Hagnaya. Aircon bus fare is about Php 110.00. The bus leaves every hour.
Take a window seat so you’ll have to enjoy the full view of the country side of Northern Cebu.
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Port Hagnaya
(1) Super Shuttle Ferry. Roro or the "Biggies". They carry cars, trucks, and passengers. Travel time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. So if you get bored easily and prone to being sea sick don't ride this one.
(2) Island Ferry Shuttle. "Singko" or how the locals call it, exclusively transfers passengers daily. It is definitely smaller than Roro and its faster travel time makes it more friendly to tourists and locals.
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Bantayan Island
The island is consist of 3 towns namely, (1) Sta. Fe- where the white sand beach is located, (2) Bantayan- capital of the town, (3) Madridejos- best place to view the sunset.
There are plenty of good resorts in Bantayan, but we chose Beach Placid because of its nice reviews from previous visitors. And they were right.
Beach Placid. It's famous tagline "where the serenity starts" really stands for itself. It's perfect location makes it more appealing to beach lovers like me, and to people who wants to have privacy and enjoy the serenity of the environment.
The resort is located at the eastern part of the island which is good. Coz locals said that winds are stronger on the other side of the beach which sometimes can be bothering for your short stay. During our visit, last June 2010, the beach is very calm and we can't even hear waves at night. I wanted to give Beach Placid an 8.5/10 rating. Their free Port to Resort free transfers vice versa is just one of the freebies you can avail when you stay there. Upon arrival at the resort, staff were very polite. We easily got established a friendly relationship with them and we were treated like "King and Queen". Our needs were immediately met so its really a plus factor.
On the cottage cleanliness, I can give them a 7/10 rating. Room is clean, though I got disappointed with the appearance of the comfort room. Some of the bathroom fixtures were already rustic. And at one point, a newly arrived couple tourists requested to be transferred to another room coz of the black ants inside their cottage and its getting on their bed.
In my opinion, Bantayan Island is not just an ordinary beach that you commonly sea in Luzon. Visayas has the best beaches in the Philippines. And this place is almost near to a picture perfect paradise.
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What to do in the island?
Here are some Pointers:
(1) Visit Virgin Island. Virgin island is a private owned island. Thereis an entrancefee of Php 300.00. What you will do in theisland is basically pure beachbumming experience. The best time to visit is during morning till early afternoon. You can bring your own lunchand go picnicking in the island.
- To visit Virgin Island, most of the resorts are offering an island hopping tour. Prices vary this will range from Php 750-900.00 dependent on the number of tourist.
Also ask them if the tour includes a quick visit to Hilantaga-an Island. There's nothing much to see there but your tour will not be complete without it. And ask the secret story behind this island, and you will be surprised :)
(2)Snorkeling. Included in your island hopping tour near Virgin island. Goggles can be rentedfrom Php 30- 75.00. And be careful with jelly fish, there are plenty of them there.
Your boatman also does some tour guide job they are the ones who knows best.
Now let's do the land tour..
First, to get around the island of Bantayan you will be needing a ride, you can commute or the more advisable plan is to rent a motorcycle from the resort. You should know how to drive it. Motor cycle rental would cost you around Php 250.00- 350.00 for 24 hours.
(3) Motor around Bantayan Island. At the picture, that is the only accessible gas stop that we saw along the road when we left the resort. So its a must to gas up before you embark on an almost 1 and half hour drive.
Your first stop, Bantayan Town. You'll pass by Sta. Fe Airport which was closed to public.
Bantayan Park.
And the main attraction, pay a visit the very old historical St. Peter and Paul church located also in Bantayan square.
Before heading to Madridejos, eat your lunch first in Abohan. They serve good food choices however, the only bad about them is they lack customer service.
(4) Eat-all-you can. At the price of Php 290-295.00 for a buffet price all the seafood that you want can be at your plate all at once. That is what D'Jungle has been offering to their customers. A glass of iced tea and an additional fruitful desserts will definitely satisfy your hunger.
It has an ambiance that sets the perfect mood for an awesome dinner.
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What are the things you should not miss.
Sunrise in Bantayan. Since Beach placid is located at the eastern part of the island, it provides the perfect place to view the sunrise. Wake up at around 530am and wait till it smiles at you.
Walk around the beach. There are so many unexpected creatures you can see while walking.
Sip it and shake it. Order a shake or any ice cold drink from the resort, sip it while enjoying a beach view with your reggae music on!
And most of all, don't forget this!
