AL'S IN WONDERLAND: BANTAYAN ISLAND

There is something about Bantayan island that I keep coming back,maybe its because of their pristine white beaches where every corner of the island is made of white sand even from the pier of St. Fe you will be welcome with a vast and white of a sand as far as the eyes can see.A friendly,quite and peaceful community.the food is quite affordable even everything can be walk. maybe its because it is a small and peaceful island and the concentration of the population is in the center of bantayan island which is the St Fe.

WHERE IS BANTAYAN ISLAND?

Location: Northern most tip of Cebu
Land area: 8,404.70 Has.
Population: 71,655 (2007 Census of Population)
Classification: 1st Class Municipality
Distance: 136 KMS. From Cebu City

HOW TO GET THERE?

From manila a daily domestics flights are available bound for Mactan international Airport,a flight to or from Cebu are also available in all major Airports in the Philippines.Cebu,if you are from abroad you can booked your flight direct to Cebu.A sea ferry are also available both trips from or to luzon and mindanao.From the airport or sea port,take a meter taxi or jeep bound for north Bus Terminal catch an early morning trip 6:30am with an interval trip of 30 minutes to Hagnaya,the trip will run approximately about 3-4 hours of travel depend on the speed of the bus and stop over on the way.The fare rate can be change depends on the season so just prepare 150 pesos to 220 pesos for the air con and none air con bus fare.Ferry boat from hagnaya runs every day depend on their schedule just make sure to take the morning and before lunch trip so that you arrived early in bantayan island and enjoy the rest of the day discovering the island.A and 180 for the air con cabin and 160 pesos for non air con which I take so that I will enjoy the scenery and fresh breeze of sea water just enough to enjoy in about 1 hour and 30 minutes after you will be arriving to St Fe Sea port.Outside the port there is a tricycle the town main transportation are waiting just be couscous about their 5 pesos rate fare and additional depending on the distance of your accommodation.Dont forget to ask direction to the port guards or any men in uniform inside the port as a basic safeguard as a traveler for they know where you going and they will refer you to a trusted person that will transport you to your resort.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN BANTAYAN ISLAND

Bantayan island is compose of 25 baranggay including islands baranggay,most of the developed resort were fount in St. Fe,there is a hospitals,churches,Schools and banks,but be aware to bring cash since its and island and ATM machines are few to be found and sometimes it runs out of cash.The local dialect is cebuano and bantayanon to some areas.The stretch white sand of St. Fe are the home of deferent resorts like Hoyohoy Villas,Bantayan cottages,Island Cottages,White Sand Villa,Sea view Apartelle,Martin beach Resort,Budyong Beach Resort,Sugar Beach Resort,to name the few,enjoy sun bathing and walking along the powdery of white sand while collecting some sea shells along the shore or else have a swim on the water.

You can contact a rental bangka of 6-12 setters for a 500-1,000 pesos for an island tour.There is also caves in the island,the Tiyaba cave and the Ogtong cave but sad to say I was not able to visit those caves since my itinerary was to enjoy the white beach.High end and local restaurants are to be found,there is also BBQ of sea foods,pork and chicken available near the market.Enjoy the lively streets during the night where many karaoke bars are open,the town curfew is still implemented.

Virgin Island

Diving Island

Another reason why I keeps coming back to the island is the resort where I usually stay,there is no other resort as I can compare to theirs since the time i started travelling,its affordable, accommodating staff and their cottages where it is located exactly at in front of the beach!,a few steps away is the sea shore in a clear blue crystal and powdery white sand.