Those are the words that I describe this island. Bantayan Group of Island is great place for spending a weekend gateway from Cebu City. This island brings you perfect relief to stressful bustling streets of the city. I really love the island for it's fresh air, white sand beaches and lovely people.
I had a chance to explore the island together with my travel buddy from Cebu City.
The nearest airport accessible is in Cebu- Mactan International Airport. From Cebu City, it is an approximately 4hour travel time. From the North Bus terminal in Cebu you'll have a 3 hour bus ride to the port of Hagnaya and an hour boat ride from Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe, Bantayan Island Port.
Once there, you already see the white sand beaches that the island offers.
There's a lot to explore the island. white sand beach strips are an amazement to tourist. Alice beach strip facing east offers clean, wide white sand beach strip. This strip is also home of some mid to high end resorts (Anika Island Resort, Santa Fe Beach Club and etc.) that offers accommodations.
Me on the strip
Sugar beach strip facing south has the picturesque view. You can found a sandbar that circles around a beach front. Accommodations are affordable here (Kota Beach Resort, Mayet's Resort and etc.) What is amazing here is the sunset and sunrise view. It is a great picture and so romantic!
Kota Beach SandBar and Sunset!
The mode of transportation here is pedicab. You can also rent bicycles and motorcycle for 24 hours.
Santa Fe's Streets
Aside of the beaches, the island also offers rich culture. In a nearby town, Bantayan, you can find one of the oldest church in the country -- Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. The church is situated in a nearby town plaza which is also considered to be one of the oldest set-up plaza in the country.
Bantayan's Sts. Peter and Paul Church
What amaze me is the food! You can buy cheap seafood here from shellfish to crabs! truly a cheap find!
Grilled Scallops!
In Santa Fe, there are a lot of restaurants, live-band entertainment bars and some commercial establishments that could support you needs while you are in the island. It is amazing that you can explore the island on foot or on a bicycle just like a local. The people here are friendly.
A weekend getaway is not enough to explore Bantayan Island. There are still island hopping, scuba diving and more town exploration that I need to accomplish. I will definitely go back to Bantayan Island!
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