(UPDATED 2023 ) 13 Plus Ways to Experience Bantayan Island to the Fullest

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by Chasing Potatoes

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“

Nom! Nom! Nom! 🙂 🙂

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 )

Bantayan Market – Where to buy Tagu-angkan, Dried Fish, Labtingaw, Pasalubong, etc in Bantayan – https://chasingpotatoes.com/2021/01/10/bantayan-travel-new-normal/

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.

Taken at Bantayan
Taken at Sta. Fe
Taken at Madridejos

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

Bantayan Island by Chasing Potatoes
Along Obo-ob – Marikaban Road, halfway between Paradise Beach and Obo-ob Mangrove Garden

BIG CROSS

Big Cross ( Photo credits to Niña Jeanne Pescante )

MADRIDEJOS ROAD TREES

VIRGIN ISLAND

Visit Virgin Island ( New blog about the travel guide to Virgin Island https://chasingpotatoes.com/2019/03/09/virgin-island-in-bantayan-island-travel/

PARADISO CAMPSITE

This is in Paradise Beach Campsite. Entrance Fee is P50.00. How to get there, check this link https://chasingpotatoes.com/2018/06/30/paradiso-campsite-in-bantayan-island/

SIYOGAN

Siyogan in Bantayan Island https://chasingpotatoes.com/2019/03/09/virgin-island-in-bantayan-island-travel/

MONTEMAR BEACH RESORT

Beach Montemar Travel Guide https://chasingpotatoes.com/2019/10/22/montemar-beach-resort-bantayan-bound-again-and-sharing-some-of-my-fave-photos-and-i-hated-as-well/

BANTAYAN MARKET

Bantayan Market – Where to buy Tagu-angkan, Dried Fish, Labtingaw, Pasalubong, etc in Bantayan – https://chasingpotatoes.com/2021/01/10/bantayan-travel-new-normal/

STA. FE BEACH AND EXPERIENCE SUP

Sta Fe Beach- Where to rent Paddle Board https://chasingpotatoes.com/2022/03/17/paro-paro-g-i-stood-up-a-memorable-feat-in-bantayan-sea/

SANDALO VINEYARDS

Sandalo Vineyards- Where to buy wines in Bantayan Island https://chasingpotatoes.com/2023/08/01/but-wait-theres-a-wine-appreciation-course-in-bantayan-island/1

TRISTAN’S PIZZA HAUZ AND RESTAURANT

Tristan’s Pizza Hauz and Restaurant – Let’s have pizza on the beach – Where to eat Pizza in Bantayan Island – https://chasingpotatoes.com/2023/08/27/trying-out-tristans-pizza-hauz-and-restaurant-pizza-on-the-beach-with-a-side-of-sunset-in-santa-fe-bantayan-island/

♦ 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

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 Economy
    • Php 400.00- VIP Class
      • Hangaya to Santa Fe
        • 08:30 AM
        • 12:00 NN
        • P3:30 PM
      • Santa Fe to Hagnaya
        • 10:00 AM
        • 02:00 PM
        • 05:00 PM
          • For reservation in Hagnaya 0943-1310-849 Julieto Sibonga
          • Santa 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

291467616_397125485778990_7322569210048121955_n

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. ♥

How about you? Have you visited Bantayan Island? What suggestions can you give to make this Bantayan Tour more enjoyable and worthwhile? Tell me about your story.   I would love to hear from you? Please connect thru  my FB page and Instagram. Join me in my adventure and misadventure. Let’s chase those potatoes.
 

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.

 
Thanks for reading my blog and watching my vlog.❤️

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.”

Published by

Chasing Potatoes

Why Chasing Potatoes? I’m Chasing Potatoes. I chase time and opportunities because just like round potatoes they roll and get lost. I chase them to store memories to last a lifetime. I make haste, running after them, fearful that they might be gone. That’s why I go places on land or in water.My story tells about the journey of chasing time and saying yes to wonderful opportunities.

74 thoughts on “(UPDATED 2023 ) 13 Plus Ways to Experience Bantayan Island to the Fullest”

  4. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. 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!

    Like

        1. 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.

          Like

  16. 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 ❤

    Like

    1. 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.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. 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!

    Like

  30. 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!

    Liked by 2 people

  32. 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

    Like

    1. 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. ♥ 🙂

      Like

  39. 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.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. 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 🙂 🙂 🙂

      Like

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