The SPOT.ph Guide to Bantayan Island

IMAGE Jamie Doble

(SPOT.ph) When you think of Cebu, you’re often met with images of mouthwatering lechon or the colorful festivities during Sinulog every January. Those are all pretty good reasons to visit the Queen City of the South, but with a little more effort and patience, you’ll find a picturesque little island that’s worth the extra mile.

Once a sleepy town north of Cebu, Bantayan Island has become a refuge for travelers who want to experience the quaint island life—sans the crazy crowds that beaches like Boracay and Zambales often draw every summer. This lovely patch of land is surrounded by pristine, turquoise waters and powdery white-sand beaches lined with coconut trees. The laid-back island is small enough that you can explore most of it within a weekend. In fact, a lot of its beaches are often just a few minutes away from each other so resort-hopping will be a breeze.

Round up your fellow beach bums and get ready for a weekend filled with sun, sand, and plenty of breathtaking sea.

WHERE TO GO

IMAGE Jamie Doble

Obo-ob Mangrove Garden

Bantayan, Cebu

The Obo-ob Mangrove Garden was built to preserve the island’s lush mangroves, as well as promote environmental awareness and conservation. Pay a small entrance fee of P50, and you can explore the garden two ways: take a stroll down a bamboo boardwalk (don’t worry, it’s not rickety!) or hop on a kayak if you’re feeling adventurous. At the end of the boardwalk is a bamboo tower, which you can climb for a more IG-worthy view, as well as some resting huts where you can cool off from the sun. There’s also an in-house restaurant if all the kayaking has made you hungry.

IMAGE Carmen - My Cebu Hometown's Facebook page

Kota Park

Madridejos, Cebu

You’ll need to take an inland trip—by tricycle, jeep, or habal-habal—to visit this historical site. Kota Park was built in 1790 by the Spaniards to serve as a military camp and watch tower. Thanks to its strategic location in the northernmost part of the island, it was also used as protection from pirates. After the Spanish occupation, it was turned into a public cemetery and many years later, was renovated as a park that houses historic relics. While you’re there, head to the Bontay Baywalk—a 187-meter footbridge famed for its spectacular view of the sunset. Take a peek at the water below, and you’ll see plenty of colorful marine life...including jellyfish!

IMAGE Pie Llewrub

Saints Peter and Paul Church

Bantayan, Cebu

Built in the 15th Century, Saints Peter and Paul Church is considered the oldest parish in Cebu. The original structure was destroyed by the Moros, and its present façade—with walls made of coral stones—was constructed in 1839 and completed in 1863. Inside the church, you can gaze at centuries-old, life-sized statues of saints, marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows, or visit its in-house museum. You can hear its church bell toll as early as 5 a.m. even if you’re miles away.

IMAGE Jamie Doble

Virgin Island

Santa Fe, Cebu

If your ideal vacation is to just relax by the beach, you’ll love this picturesque paradise. From Bantayan’s public beaches, take a 20-minute boat ride (rates start at P1,500) to Virgin Island. Pay an entrance fee of P500 (for two people, and P100 per extra head), and you’ll have complete access to its crystal clear waters and soft white sand. Rent snorkeling gear, play volleyball, or just lounge by the shore in one of their huts. Pro-tip: Skip the restobar and instead, ask your boatman to whip up some delicious seafood to really get a taste of the island life. You can also opt to stay overnight, as there are cottage and tent accommodations available.

IMAGE Jamie Doble

Paradise Beach

Santa Fe, Cebu

In need of some privacy? This secluded island getaway is hidden behind a lengthy and very rocky trail that would take about 10 minutes to walk. The main shore is virtually untouched, save for a handful of small huts and a lush, cliffside garden overlooking the water. The beach is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you'll need to pay a P50 entrance fee.

WHERE TO EAT

IMAGE Bantayan Burrito Company's Facebook page

Bantayan Burrito Company

MJ Square, Sante Fe, Cebu

Contact: 0995-366-7452

www.facebook.com/BantayanBurritoCompany

Open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Sunday)

Yes, you can always have your fill of Tex-Mex in Manila, but hear us out. If you’ve satiated yourself with all the seafood you can handle, Bantayan Burrito Company is a godsend. People come here in droves to feast on hefty tacos and burritos (we hear the Notorious P.I.G. is a must-try). You and your friends can also split their famous XXL Nachos while you’re at it. The owners are very friendly, so you’re in for a good time; their margaritas are a big plus, too!

IMAGE Cupcake Island Cakery's Facebook page

Cupcake Island Cakery

MJ Square, Santa Fe, Cebu

www.facebook.com/cupcakeislandcakery

Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday to Sunday)

For folks who can’t resist dessert, Cupcake Island Cakery has affordable treats that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Cool off with a glass of their shakes or share a slice of any of their delectable cakes with a friend. It’s also worth noting that people rave about their carrot cupcakes, which you can pair with a good cup of coffee.

IMAGE Jamie Doble

HR Music Bar & Native Restaurant

Poblacion, Santa Fe, Cebu

Contact: 0949-710-3442

www.facebook.com/HR-Music-Bar-Native-Restaurant-154458891384642

Open 24 hours daily

Although they serve a variety of international cuisines, you need to make plenty of room for their Filipino fare—especially the grilled and seafood options. The juicy and buttery scallops are downright addictive, and you’ll be going through a plate of it in no time. Best of all, their servings are large enough for sharing at a very budget-friendly price.

IMAGE Hellas Taverna's Facebook page

Hellas Taverna

MJ Square, Santa Fe, Cebu

Contact: 0917-453-0964

www.facebook.com/Hellas-Taverna-1128808220565568

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It’s not Santorini, but this is the closest you’ll get to Greece in Bantayan Island. Helmed by Chef Michael Syntichakis who has 36 years of Mediterranean experience under his belt, Hellas Taverna serves scrumptious Greek fare at an affordable price range. What really keeps folks—even the locals—coming back is their warm and friendly hospitality.

IMAGE Shake Me's Facebook page

Shake Me

MJ Square, Santa Fe, Cebu

Contact: 0977-606-9277

www.facebook.com/shake8me

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

You can’t go wrong with a freshly made fruit shake to cool off from Cebu’s sweltering heat. Beyond its drinks, however, you can also treat your sweet tooth to homemade fruity popsicles and ice cream. Their quirky interiors are as colorful as the desserts they serve, with walls fully covered in Post-it notes from happy customers.

WHERE TO STAY

IMAGE Jamie Doble

Kota Beach Resort

Duarte Street, Santa Fe, Cebu

Contact: (032) 438-9042

E-mail: kotabeach@gmail.com

www.kotabeachresort.com

Rates start at P900++

The first thing you see upon entering Kota Beach’s driveway is a throng of tourists posing beneath the tall Camp Sawi sign. It’s no surprise that the hit breakup-themed film was shot in the resort, especially when you see the breathtaking powdery white sandbar and clear, aquamarine waters. The cozy cottages are easy on the wallet, with air-conditioned room rates starting at just P1,400. Once nighttime hits, the tide is low enough that you can easily spread a blanket and lie back to stargaze. If you’re staying in a different hotel, don’t worry; you can still see the curved sandbars for a small entrance fee.

IMAGE Jamie Doble

Santa Fe Beach Club

Santa Fe, Cebu

Contact: (032) 438-9090

www.stafebeachclub.com

Rates start at P1,300++

You wouldn’t think this resort would be so close to the pier, considering how beautifully pristine its shore and waters look. Bask at their private beach, try your hand at some water sports, or enjoy a meal in their restaurant. Its best feature is its convenient location, offering easy access to the island’s must-see tourist destinations.

IMAGE Arvin Angeles

Ogtong Cave Resort

Santa Fe, Cebu

Contact: (032) 438-9129 or 438-9436

www.ogtongcave.com

Rates start at P1,200++

An extension of Santa Fe Beach Club, this resort draws crowds with its freshwater underground cave where visitors can take a quick dip. The resort itself is situated on natural limestone rocks, giving guests an Instagram-worthy view of the sunrise. You can head down to the beach at the foot of the overlooking rocks or lounge by their pools that still offer that fantastic seaside view. Non-resort guests can visit the cave and one of the pools for P100.

IMAGE Anika Island Resort's official website

Anika Island Resort

Roska Street, Santa Fe, Cebu

Contact: (032) 438-9073 or 0917-328-4898

E-mail: anikaislandresort@yahoo.com

www.anikaislandresort.com

Rates start at P1,700++

This eco-friendly resort is especially unique because its air-conditioned rooms are fashioned from upcycled cargo containers and designed to withstand natural calamities. Their accommodations vary from comfy budget-friendly options to beach-front villas and rooms with views of the sunset or their lush gardens.

IMAGE Amihan Beach Cabanas' official website

Amihan Beach Cabanas

Batobalonos Street, Bantayan, Cebu

E-mail: info@amihan-beach.com

www.amihan-beach.com

Rates start at P2,700++

You’ll feel right at home by the beach when you stay at Amihan Beach Cabanas. True to their name, their breezy accommodations are made of bamboo and other local materials and equipped with a terrace that gives you the perfect view of the gorgeous sea. This resort is perfect for guests who prefer more privacy, as well as those who want a little adventure. You can rent a motorbike or scooter to explore the island, arrange an island-hopping tour with the resort, or if you’re visiting from November to April, give kiteboarding a try.

HOW TO GET THERE

Commercial airlines have daily flights from Manila to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. From there, head to North Bus Terminal and take a three-and-a-half hour-long bus ride (P160) to Hagnaya Port. If you’re a larger group, you can also take a bigger SUV Taxi or book an entire V-Hire van (both about P2,000 to P3,000) to Hagnaya Port. From there, take a ferry (P170) to Santa Fe Port.

Peak season is from March to May and off-peak season is from June to July.