2019 • 02 • 21

More about Bantayan Island here: Bantayan Island Budget Travel Guide

Bantayan Island sits off the northwest coast of Cebu. It’s a choice destination for those who want to spend their vacation in a tranquil and secluded place. This quaint island has white-sand beaches, partnered with turquoise waters, where revelers can enjoy spending their much-needed retreat. Tourism is steadily growing, contributing to the island’s economy alongside agriculture and fishing.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Mactan Cebu International Airport (Cebu)

By Air

1. Coming from Manila, this is the most convenient and fastest way to go to Cebu. It will take you around 1 hour to get to Mactan Cebu International Airport. Check your preferred airline company for the flight schedule and airfare.
2. When you finally arrive in Cebu (either via air or sea), you can take a bus, aircon (P160) or non-aircon (P135), or a v-hire bound for Hagnaya in the North Bus Terminal. Most buses have trips every 30 minutes or every hour.
3. From Hagnaya, you can take a ferry going to Sta Fe wharf (P170 + P10 port terminal fee). Ceres Bus Company offers a direct route to Bantayan town proper via RORO (Roll On Roll Off) for P200 exclusive of ferry ticket fare and port terminal fee. Travel time from Cebu City is three to five hours.

By Sea

1. It will take you around 20 to 34 hours from Manila to Cebu. Check ferry schedules of Manila North Harbor.
2. When you finally arrive in Cebu (either via air or sea), you can take a bus, aircon (P160) or non-aircon (P135), or a v-hire bound for Hagnaya in the North Bus Terminal. Most buses have trips every 30 minutes or every hour.
3. From Hagnaya, you can take a ferry going to Sta Fe wharf (P170 + P10 port terminal fee). Ceres Bus Company offers a direct route to Bantayan town proper via RORO (Roll On Roll Off) for P200 exclusive of ferry ticket fare and port terminal fee. Travel time from Cebu City is three to five hours.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: It depends on where you choose to go and stay on the island. Some areas have no entrance fee.
• Camping Fee: It depends on the resort. Some of them allow camping, some don’t. Ask permission first.
• Cottage Rental Fee: Rates vary from one resort to another.
• Tourist Attraction Fees: Ogtong Cave (P100/person entrance fee); Bantayan Island Nature Park (P100-200/person entrance fee); Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park (P50 adult, P20 children/students, P150 kayaking, P350 boating)

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Don’t Miss

• Aside from lazing around the beach, discover nearby places like Virgin Island through island-hopping or travel around the island while riding a rented bike. While you’re at it, locate the well-hidden Paradise Beach.
• If you’re into antiquity and history, visit the oldest church in Visayas — St Peter and Paul Church.
• Can’t get enough of the outdoors? Explore Bantayan Island Nature Park and/or Ogtong Cave.

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Don’t Forget

• If you want to make the most of your time, check the ferry schedule of Hagnaya Port; take note of the first and last trip.
• Locals usually flock to the island during the Holy Week, so accommodation rates would be twice as much as usual.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• For those who seek adrenaline-pumping adventure, you might want to check out Skydive Greater Cebu and jump to your heart’s content or reward yourself with an Aerial Tour Sight Seeing.

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Where to Stay

There are no five-star hotels/resorts, but whether you are on a budget or feeling a bit indulgent, the island has enough lodgings to choose from. Here are some of the top resorts in Bantayan Island according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Anika Island Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Kandugyap House by the Sea. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Maia’s Beach Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Amihan Beach Cabanas Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Cebu Hotels