I am not a well- founded writer, I am not even good in translating my thoughts into words and to express myself correctly for I don’t have a rich vocabulary to aptly describe the ideas in my mind. Neither do I have profound ideas, great insights and creative concepts; but one thing is truly accurate, I love blogging.
I am so fond of blogging that I just realized I have been sharing my perceptions by way of brief entries for almost a year and a quarter (7 years now haha 😂) This favorite pastime of mine has inspired me to live by the name of “The Wanderlust Keeper”. I have the desire to go places and experience the thrills along the way, learn something new and expand the keepings of my wanders.
I love to visit other places but…
wherever I go, nothing really beats the place where my heart is, my home, my island paradise, BANTAYAN ISLAND.
RELATED ARTICLES -READ MORE HERE–https://chasingpotatoes.com/?s=bantayan+island
For many years I have lived in Bantayan, but I didn’t have the drive to wander out. But now, it’s different from before. So I would like to share my recent tour in Bantayan. Here are 13 ways to experience Bantayan to the fullest.
1. SWIM IN A CAVE
As far as I know, there are two resorts in Bantayan Island that offer swimming in a cave but there are still caves in Bantayan that seldom visited by tourist. I just learned that there’s another cave in Barangay Tamiao called Hydra Cave.
The entrance fee is Php 20.00 only. Why not try Hydra and enjoy swimming in it?
Hydra Cave is privately owned, but it is open to those who want to see and/or swim in it for a minimal fee. To preserve its beauty and to prohibit trespassers, it is enclosed by a fence.
It has a small cave opening, but inside, the space is as big as house which can accommodate to 25 to 30 people.
The water in the cave can reach 9 ft. deep if its high tide. During low tide the water is 5 to 6 ft. deep. The cave rocks are “alive and growing” meaning some stalagmites and stalactites are visible.
If you want to experience an enjoyable and safe swimming in a cave, try Ogtong Cave in Santa Fe and Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort in Tamiao where you can also avail of other amenities. 🙂
2. STROLL IN KOTA PARK,LAWIS
Kota which means fort was originally built by the Spaniards during the 1790’s and it was used as a camp and watchtower. What remained after many years were the ruins of the Kota. The Kota was later on transformed into a park where artifacts and relics were displayed. Unfortunately, Earthquake and Super Typhoon Yolanda destroyed the Kota Park. It is presently closed for viewing.
See the colorful wooden letters on the shore. They spell LAWIS, the old name of Madridejos. This painted wood and the ruins of Kota Park are nice sights to perceive.
In additional there is the Bontay Boardwalk, a 187 meter-footbridge connecting the shore to a lighthouse or watch balcony. Taking a walk through the bridge and looking around are just perfect moments to relax, enjoy the view and smell the sea breeze.
3. GET LOST IN THE QUARRY IN KABANGBANG, BANTAYAN
Many tourists don’t even know this. The quarry done by the locals has created a magnificent view of rock formations, a picturesque view of a mountain. It is another scene that tourist must visit in Bantayan . It’s like in the series of Breaking Bad where Walter White hid his money, lol. haha!
It’s just a ten-minute ride from Poblacion Bantayn to reach the Quarry.
4. EAT A SUMPTUOUS LUNCH OF SEAFOODS FROM BANTAYAN WET MARKET
Take a break from pork and other meat once in a while. Try to consume the newly cooked seafood bought from Bantayan Wet Market. As for seaweeds, some may be eaten raw. The seafoods are freshly caugth or gathered from the sea and transported to the wet market for sale. Even vegetarians can have a fill of seaweeds like “Goso and Lato“
5. SAUNTER INTO THE MANGROVE SANCTUARY IN OBO-OB, BANTAYAN
Mangroves play a vital role in the preservation of the ecosystem. Take time to visit the mangrove sanctuary in Obo-ob and see what the people there have contributed to save the marine resources of Mother Earth. Aside from the different species of mangroves you can see lots of marine animals around the area.
Despite the destruction caused by Typhoon Yolanda, several mangroves have managed to survive and had made our saunter pleasant and worthwhile.
ENTRANCE FEE : Php 50.00
6. RELAX WITH THE FISH SPA IN MARIKABAN, STA. FE.
Never would I thought that this exist in Bantayan and please note that this is free! AWESOME! No entrance free no charges! Absolutely free. This was one of my favorite places in my Bantayan tour. I could stay here for a day!
So sit down , put your legs in the water relax and let loose and enjoy while the fishes are busy slurping their meal.(dead skin I guess)
Maybe these fishes have limited space to swim and inadequate food to eat, these may be the reasons why they greedily feed on whatever objects gets into the water.
The name of the place is Langub.
*These photos were taken last 2016. Sad to say the place wasn’t taken care well of, that’s why you will see a lots of trashes in the area today. The place is already dirty. 😢😢
7. SWIM IN THE WATERS OF SANTA FE
There are number of great and beautiful beaches in Santa Fe, but let me stress this, if you re on a tight budget but you want to go swimming in the sea for free, go to Tingtingon of Barangay Marikaban of Santa Fe. After all the sea water of anywhere has the same salty taste, lol.
8. EXPERIENCE HOLY WEEK IN BANTAYAN
Holy Week is an annual event. A great number of people come to Bantayan during this time and that is why Holy Week has been mistakenly believed as the fiesta of Bantayan.
Please be aware that the town fiesta falls on June 29 and our patron saints are Saints Peter and Paul.
Expect a lot of people during Holy Week. The population is more than doubled. You may either be a spectator of the big caros or you may join the procession.
9. VISIT THE CHURCH AND MUSEUM
♦ Saints Peter and Paul Parish is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, a historical treasure to marvel. This year it will be 444 years old. (Please correct me if I am wrong.)
♦ The Bantayan Museum showcases antique religious articles, garments and works of art made by known Bantayanon artists. If you want to know why Bantayanons eat meat on Good Friday, visit the museum and see the old document showing the Pope’s dispensation giving Bantayanons that special permission.
I think the dispensation has lost its validity because it was issued centuries ago, but some Bantayanons continue to practice this tradition.
10. HAVE A MEAL OF “TAGU-ANGKAN”
Tagu-angkan is from the chicken’s womb where egg is formed. It is barbecued or grilled. It tastes like an egg. Some people in Cebu City don’t know about this. That’s why if ever we have visitors, we offer this Tagu-angkan barbecue.
You can have a meal of Tagu-angkan Barbecue for ( PHP 90.00 )
11. NEVER MISS A CHANCE TO SEE SUNSET
For those of you who like to chase sunsets, you can witness these equally beautiful sights at Sta. Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos. With the right weather, you can capture stunning photos. Here are my example of my sunset photos captured in this island.
12. HAVE FUN AT THE BEACH
I love wandering on any of the beautiful beaches that Bantayan Island offers. Walking alone on the fine white sand, viewing the spectacular tropical scenery, watching the waves kiss the shore are perfect ways to beat the heat this summer.
13. OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
THE RUINS – (Camp Sawi)
THE PALM TREE ROAD
BIG CROSS
MADRIDEJOS ROAD TREES
VIRGIN ISLAND
PARADISO CAMPSITE
SIYOGAN
MONTEMAR BEACH RESORT
BANTAYAN MARKET
STA. FE BEACH AND EXPERIENCE SUP
SANDALO VINEYARDS
TRISTAN’S PIZZA HAUZ AND RESTAURANT
♦ Bantayan Island has 3 municipalities, namely Santa Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos.
♦ Some of the nice spots mentioned here are located in the interiors parts of Barangay. They are not along the highways. Just ask people for directions.
♦ You can do this by renting a motorbike, tricycle or even a car. ( Php 500.00 – Php 2,000.00 )price range for the tour. It depends upon what transportation you’re going to use. I prefer motorbike which has a lot for rent in Sta. Fe)
FOR DETAILED GUIDES CHECK THESE SITES
- ✅ Bus Schedules and Fares
- ✅ Ferry Schedules and Fares
- ✅ https://bantayanisland.info/information/how-to-get-there/
How to go to Bantayan?(BEFORE COVID-19 PANDEMIC)
♦ If you are in Cebu City, go to North Bus Terminal look for a bus with Hagnaya on its sign board
• Airconditonned Bus – Php 193.00
• Non-Airconditoned Bus – Php 154.00
♦ In Hagnaya Port, pay Php 10.00 terminal fee and Php 185.00 ferry ticket for Santa Fe
• The ferry ride will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the port of Santa Fe.
♦ In Santa Fe Port, go to the tourism office, just follow the covered walkway in going there. Then pay Php 30.00 for the Ecological Fee.
♦ Then you are in Bantayan Island. Take a jeepney or tricycle for the town of Bantayan. It will cost you Php 30.00.
♦ Another option is to take a Ceres Bus at the North Bus Terminal which will go directly at Bantayan. The fare is Php 230.00 excluding the ferry fare.
♦If you like a fastest way to reach Bantayan Island, you may ride a fast craft ferry (fully airconditionned and free wifi)
-
Php 220.00- Premium EconomyPhp 400.00- VIP ClassHangaya to Santa Fe08:30 AM12:00 NNP3:30 PM
Santa Fe to Hagnaya10:00 AM02:00 PM05:00 PMFor reservation in Hagnaya 0943-1310-849 Julieto SibongaSanta Fe 0923-7208-730 Lorna Bayarcal
Additional tip
Put sunblock to avoid sunburn while touring around the island. (I use Sevensense sunblock spray because it’s non-sticky, white pigment free and preservative free.)
2021 TRIP TO BANTAYAN
BANTAYAN ISLAND: MY FIRST TIME TO EXPERIENCE THE NEW NORMAL TRAVEL DURING THIS PANDEMIC
Just recently, I went home to Bantayan Island and witnessed the observance of the new normal travel protocols. I included in the vlog the fares and the guidelines for tourists and locals alike and everything you need to know for the trip. You may find in the video that it is somehow easy to travel to Bantayan but please remember the the virus may be lurking nearby. Always think of your safety and of the safety of others.
Always do these:
- Wear your facemask and faceshield.
- Keep your safe distance.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Avoid mass gatherings and large crowds.
Let us not be complacent. Let us follow the health protocols.“Better safe than sorry.”
SUBSCRIBE HERE 😘 – https://youtu.be/Li0oMMNsUj8
HERE’S A MORE CONCISE AND DETAILED GUIDE TO BANTAYAN ISLAND, just check these links ;
SCHEDULE AND RATES 2022
SOURCE : https://www.facebook.com/supershuttleferryofficial
LATEST TRIP 2023
PHP 295.00 – Ceres Bus from SM City Cebu – DIRECT TO BANTAYAN ISLAND
PHP 386.00 – Shuttle Ferry from Hagnaya Port to Sta. Fe Port
PHP 10.00 – Environmental/Ecological Fee
PHP 386.00 – Shuttle Ferry from Sta. Fe Port to Hagnaya Port
PHP 10.00 – Terminal Fee
PHP 210.00 – Non-Aircon Ceres Bus from Hagnaya Port to SM City Cebu
FOR MORE UPDATES ABOUT FARES AND SCHEDULES, PLEASE VISIT THESE WEBSITES
Bantayan Island Ferry Schedules & Fares
✅ HTTPS://BANTAYANISLAND.COM/LISTINGS/BANTAYAN-ISLAND-FERRY-SCHEDULES-FARES/
Bantayan Island Bus Schedules & Fares
✅ HTTPS://BANTAYANISLAND.COM/LISTINGS/CERES-BUS-SCHEDULES-FARES-CEBU-CITY-HAGNAYA/
Thanks for reading. ♥
Those naughty potatoes roll so fast that I could hardly catch up with them in BANTAYAN ISLAND. I wonder what place will they be venturing next for these little mischiefs love to give delicate challenges and if you do love to accept the challenge, you may support here 👉 https://paypal.me/chasingpotatoes. Let’s catch them all for the next chasing potatoes adventure.
Stay safe and take care.
🥔🏃♀️
⛔P.S. I put a lot of effort in taking these photos and I placed hidden watermarks in all of them, so please don't download them freely without asking permission. If you want to feature my photos without watermark, just message me.⛔
Please remember
Please remember that the virus may be lurking nearby. Always think of your safety and of the safety of others.
Always do these:
- Wear your facemask.
- Keep your safe distance.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Avoid mass gatherings and large crowds.
Let us not be complacent. Let us follow the health protocols.“Better safe than sorry.”
Grabe bucket list!
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madagdagan pa yan HAHHAHAAHAH
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My first and only time at Bantayan Island was 21 years ago.
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Wow, that’s a long time ago! I hope you had a great time. Bantayan Island is such a beautiful place. I hope you get to go back someday. 😊
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[…] Chasing Islands […]
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Thank you for sharing your experience and insights about Bantayan Island! It’s always helpful to read about first-hand accounts of a place before deciding to visit. Overall, your post makes me want to add Bantayan Island to my travel bucket list!
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Thank you so much sir for dropping by and for your comments in my blog. I appreciate all of them. 🥰
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[…] Chasing Islands […]
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[…] Chasing Islands […]
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nice post
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[…] Chasing Islands […]
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Thanks for updating this article! I love how informative this is from back when it was originally posted until now in the present since you have updated the necessary things. Thanks for this awesome article!
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Thank you so much for dropping by ♥
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[…] Chasing Islands […]
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[…] Chasing Islands […]
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[…] Chasing Islands […]
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Hi! Just wanna ask. Which resort would you recommend? With good services, wonderful place without minding the cost.
Thank you.
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I recommend Ogtong Beach Resort. 😊
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What about Koto Beach? Is there much difference?
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Did you mean Kota Beach? Kota Beach Resort has a great white sand beach with beautiful sandbar and with a spectacular tropical view. However it has no swimming pool and cave in which you can avail these amenities in Ogtong Cave Resort.
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Hi tanong ko lang po may marerecommend po ba kayong accomodation na ok sa bantayn? Magkaiba pb sta fe at bantayan?
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AMAZING!!!!
wow sobrang nagulat ako sa post, ang dami kong namiss sa Bantayan Island! 🙂
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Hi! Love your post! My friend and I are visiting Bantayan next month. May I know where exactly is “The ruins” located? and how were you able to get there? Looking forward to your reply! Thank you ❤
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Hi Neds, the ruins is located at Tingtingon,Stafe just nearby Ogtong Cave Resort. You may hire tricycle from Sta.Fe port or you may rent a bike if you want to go to the Ruins. Just ask the locals for directions. ☺☺ Thanks for dropping by.
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thanks for sharing! can you recommend a place to stay? cheapest available hehe! kahit fan room.
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Hi Norman hmmmm wala akong idea pero just try AJ Beach Resort contact Reymund 09184142723
☺☺☺
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what’s your travel date? solo traveller here, mind if i can tag along if we have the same date.
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[…] Photo from: https://chasingpotatoes.com/2015/04/20/11-ways-to-experience-bantayan-to-the-fullest/ […]
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Thank you
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Thank you too 🙂
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Love ur blog! Very helpful for someone who likes to do more than just beachin in Bantayan. I’ll definitely try the exotic bbq haha. *excited
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[…] first what Tago-angkan is when Chasing Potatoes said it to me. She had this included on her blog of to-dos in Bantayan but I never got the chance to digest the information about this food. This was totally new to me […]
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I love Bantayan! Been there twice and I still plan to go back. ❤
Aha ko makapalit sa Tagu-angkan? 😊
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pwd mangayo directions padung quarry? ug katong murag the ruins sa camp sawi nga movie? thanks!
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dali ra man tultolon ning mga lugar sa Bantayan, sakay lang ka habal-habal or tricycle. Nakatuod ra na sila. 😀
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Still reading .. 🙂
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Sara da ako nakabasa sa imo comment. HAHAHA 😀
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Reblogged this on penpowersong.
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😀
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I love the fact that you showed us the other side of Bantayan more than just the beach. I never have thought of these activities. Good pictures! Keep your post coming! Thanks for sharing. 😉
cheers from: https://masterryo.wordpress.com
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Thanks a lot RYO for taking time to read. I appreciate it. Have a great day ahead 🙂 😉
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I like to read your post ‘coz they easy to read plus your pictures are visual aids to keep me reading. Likewise! 😉
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[…] so grateful that at last the weather was fine. With this fine weather, I went home again,Bantayan Island, and I just couldn’t resist the desire to jaunt in this beautiful island. This time my friend […]
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Enan ikaw Ni?
Great job!
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thanks Gly for showing us the other treasures beyond the popular “face” of Bantayan 🙂
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Thanks to you too Mavic for taking time to read my blog about Bantayan. Have a great day. 🙂
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OMGOODNESS, Gorgeous place and photos!!! I wish I could experience Bantayan to the fullest, If I ever visit, guaranteed I will be taking your blogpost with me. xx
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DANA ♥ Thanks for your kind words. Hope you have a wonderful week. 🙂
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Annessa
2015-04-30 03:38:00
(from destinedtobegreat.14webs.com comment)
Such gorgeous and amazing photos! I have some serious wanderlust right now… and a bit of a hankering to buy a selfie stick!
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2015-05-09 03:06:00
You should buy, it’s really worth it. Anyway Thanks Anessa for visiting my page. 🙂 xoxo
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I’ve been to all of these places and it’s wonderful!!!!!!!! (EXCLAMATION POINTS TIMES NINE HUNDRED) The pictures are awesome and this blog post makes me want to go back to those places again!
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Thanks JOYYY! If you want to go there again, just tell me haha there are more places to be explored pa jud like “KASING” in Obo-ob. 🙂 😀
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Hope I can experience Bantayan! I adore the places and spots. Thanks for sharing.
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Sure you can! Just plan it out. Thank you for dropping by. 🙂 😉
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inconformistafashionista
2015-04-24 18:17:00
(from destinedtobegreat.14webs.com comment)
okay stop right there. YOU ARE AN AMAZING WRITER!!! You are so honest and inspiring, and that’s refreshing. It seems to come naturally to you and that’s a gift. I get chills with some of your posts! It’s so great to see all your adventures:)
inconformistafashionista.wordpress.com
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Thank you very much, Miranda. I’m so happy with your comment. You made my day! HA! I think you are more amazing and awesome writer than I am. That’s why a post from you is eagerly awaited. ♥ 🙂
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PetiteandPretty
2015-04-24 13:25:00
(from destinedtobegreat.14webs.com comment)
What amazing photos!!! Love the blog heheh I would love to visit this one day too!
Love Cin & Ev
http://www.petiteandpretty.com
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2015-04-28 01:32:00
Thanks Cin & Ev for that. I appreciate it. xoxo
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Kathrine Eldridge
2015-04-23 11:55:00
(from destinedtobegreat.14webs.com comment)
Gorgeous pics! I can’t get over all the beautiful scenery! Thanks for sharing your experiences. 🙂
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
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2015-04-28 01:32:00
Thanks Kathrine for your kind words, It means a lot. 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Prudence Yeo
2015-04-23 11:13:00
(from destinedtobegreat.14webs.com comment)
Really awesome pictures and it looks like you are having so much fun with a great company of people! Thanks for your recommendations on the places to visit too!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
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2015-04-28 01:31:00
Thanks Pru. Well, I couldn’t do my tour in this island paradise without my awesome friends. We absolutely had fun. 🙂 🙂 :
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Wioletta M.
2015-04-23 08:43:00
(from destinedtobegreat.14webs.com comment)
Such a beautiful place ! and Happy team ! I wish to go there one day – it is far away from where I live (UK) but who knows 😛 have a lovely day dear 😛
http://www.fashion-utopia.com
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2015-04-28 01:28:00
Thanks Wioletta, indeed Bantayan Island is such a beautiful place. Have a lovely day too! 🙂
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April Nunez
2015-04-23 06:34:00
(from destinedtobegreat.14webs.com comment)
Gly! thank you for sharing these tips. I heard Bantayan Island is really good!
You’re lucky living closely to it. How I wish i could learn to swim soon. hahaha
April of Promdi Chic:
https://beybiapril.wordpress.com
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2015-04-28 01:18:00
Thanks Ms. April for stopping by. Actually I don’t even know how to swim too, I was just floating all the time, lol. haha 🙂
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Wrong spelling akon pangan.
Aljon unta. Hehehe.
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hahaha, uu akon na gicorrect hehe! SARRY!
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Thanks for the blog about Bantayan. I wish to correct though that Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort does not charge an entrance fee but we do charge a daytour fee of P200 which includes the use of all the amenities. It is value for money. Our resort is also taking the lead through our NGO – Damgo sa Kaugmaon, our CSR, the community-nased eco-cultural tourism. Expect soon a sustainable and inclusive development of tourism in the island. Thanks again.
By the way, it is also worth mentioning that at Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort, we are mindful of the preservatikn of the cave and its water quality hence we require all swimmers to have a shower first to remove natural body oils, lotion, sunblock and sweat before swimming. That is why we have a couple of showers at the entrance. It is unfortunate that tourists amd local alikes fail to consider preservation as a responsibility.
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Thanks for dropping by Sir Allan. I have been to Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort. It is such a lovely place where the natural beauty of the plants and the landscape especially that of the cave is maintained and preserved. Wish you more power. God Bless 🙂 🙂 🙂
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nice blog..proud to be taga oboob. 🙂
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Thanks for your positive feedback. 🙂
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nice blog
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Thank you 🙂
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