2D1N in Bantayan Island: Basic travel guide for first timers

In my Instagram posts, I have always been vocal that so far, Bantayan Island is my favorite place here in Cebu. The island is such a beautiful and precious paradise that traveling for almost five hours just to get there is always worth it. I've been to Bantayan Island thrice already and it was during my visit last year that I made a promise to visit the island at least once a year. But if you, my dear reader, haven't been to the island yet, here's a basic guide on how to go to Bantayan Island, where to stay, and what places you can visit when in the island for the first time.

Getting to Bantayan Island from Cebu City:

1. Go to North Bus Terminal and ride a bus going to Hagnaya Port. Estimated travel time is 3-4 hours. Regular fare for an aircon bus is Php 175 while a non-aircon bus is around Php 140-Php150. Also, refer to the bus schedules below.
   
   

   Cebu to Hagnaya	Hagnaya to Cebu
   11:45 PM	5:00 AM
   12:15 AM	7:45 AM
   3:00 AM	9:45 AM
   6:00 AM	11:45 AM
   8:00 AM	1:45 PM
   10:00 AM	2:30 PM
   12:00 NN	5:20 PM

   
   
2. Upon arrival at Hagnaya port, take a ferry bound to Santa Fe Port. Estimated travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Ferry ticket costs P185 plus a P10 terminal fee. See ferry schedules below.
   
   

   Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe Port (Super Shuttle Ferry)	Santa Fe Port to Hagnaya Port (Super Shuttle Ferry)	Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe Port (Island Shipping)	Santa Fe Port to Hagnaya Port (Island Shipping)
   -	-	1:00 AM	-
   2:00 AM	4:00 AM	3:00 AM	3:00 AM
   4:00 AM	6:00 AM	5:00 AM	5:00 AM
   7:00 AM	8:30 AM	6:30 AM	7:30 AM
   8:00 AM	10:30 AM	9:30 AM	9:30 AM
   10:30 AM	12:30 PM	11:30 AM	11:30 AM
   12:30 PM	2:30 PM	1:30 PM	1:30 PM
   2:30 PM	4:30 PM	3:30 PM	3:30 PM
   4:30 PM	6:00 PM	5:30 PM	5:00 PM

Where to go in Bantayan Island:

Going to Bantayan Island for the first time is actually pretty easy because as soon as you get off the ferry, local tour guides will greet you and offer island hopping packages and land tours. But here's a quick run-through of the places where the local guides will take you.

Virgin Island

When you opt for an island hopping activity, Virgin Island is the most popular choice. It may be mainstream but this island is definitely a must-visit. The entrance fee is quite expensive but it's worth it. We were supposed to visit other islands aside from Virgin Island but we ran out of time. But the other islands you can visit are Hilantagaan Island and Kinatarkan Island. So my tip for you is to arrive as early as you can in Bantayan Island or allot one whole day for this activity so you can start with the island hopping early and be able to visit these three islands.

ENTRANCE FEE: Php 500 for the first 2 pax, Php 100 per excess person

Cliff Diving Spot

This cliff diving spot is more commonly known as "The Ruins" in Bantayan Island. I don't really know the history of this building but ever since this spot was featured in the Camp Sawi movie, it instantly became a hit to the tourists. This place is indeed very Instagrammable but there's nothing really more unless you're a thrill-seeker and you can go ahead and cliff dive.

ENTRANCE FEE: None

Paradise Beach

If there's one place in Bantayan Island that I will visit every single time, it has to be Paradise Beach. It's a private-owned beach resort that has not been fully developed yet. This place is indeed a paradise with its fine white sands, palm trees, and of course, the beach. Paradise Beach should never be missed when you go to Bantayan Island.

ENTRANCE FEE: Php 50 per adult, Php 25 per child

Omagieca Oboob Mangrove Garden/Eco-Park

Another spot in Bantayan Island that was featured in the Camp Sawi movie is the Oboob Mangrove Garden. It is best you check the tides before going here if you like to go kayaking and boating. But if not, you can stroll and take a lot of photos in the long and winding wooden boardwalk. The first time I went here, the boardwalk was not yet completed so we reached a dead end and walked back to where we came from. This year, the boardwalk was already done so there was finally a proper route from entrance through the exit. Also, they added an additional spot called the "Camp Wagi". This is for singles like me who have finally moved on and are no longer settling in "Camp Sawi". Haha! Hurray!

ENTRANCE FEE: Php 50 per adult, Php 20 per child

Photo grabbed from Ogtong Cave Resort

Ogtong Cave Resort

Ogtong Cave Resort is famous for its, of course, underground cave. Inside the cave is a small swimming area with cool and clear water. The resort also has a swimming pool which is a good option if you're bringing kids with you.

ENTRANCE FEE: Php 200 per adult (11 years old and above), Php 100 per child (ages 3-10), FREE entrance for kids below 3 years old

Where to stay in Bantayan Island:

Looking for a place to stay in Bantayan Island is not going to cause you problems because there are LOTS of hotels and resorts you can choose from. Just make sure to book it ahead your schedule so you can get the best accommodation that you want especially when you're planning to go there during the summer season. My top two sites when checking for places to stay are Agoda and Airbnb because these two platforms really offer the cheapest rates. Another tip, if you sign up on Airbnb through this link, you can get Php 1600 off your first booking.

• Santa Fe Beach Club - Book it via Agoda
• Ananets Hotel - Book it via Airbnb
• Budyong Beach Resort - Book it via Agoda

That's it! Hope this post will make you want to visit the island this year and in the many years to come! And always remember, "Take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints." Let us all be responsible travelers! :)

Posted in Travel Guides