{"id":7813,"date":"2019-04-15T09:55:57","date_gmt":"2019-04-15T09:55:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/queencitycebu.com\/?p=7813"},"modified":"2023-12-13T14:54:31","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T14:54:31","slug":"ultimate-guide-in-bantayan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/queencitycebu.com\/ultimate-guide-in-bantayan\/","title":{"rendered":"Bantayan Island Ultimate Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

What immediately comes into your mind when you hear the word \u2018Cebu\u2019? Lechon? Sinulog? Butanding? Sardines Run? Well, these are all good reasons to describe the province but if you extend more a little of your time to explore, there\u2019s so much that you will know about the Queen City of the South.<\/p>\n

Up in the northwestern part of the island is another island that awaits for adventurers, beach lovers, foodies, and history junkies to explore \u2013 the Island of Bantayan.<\/strong>\u00a0While this beautiful island has been featured in few movies as a place to heal a brokenheart, there\u2019s actually more productive things to do here than to lament over a failed relationship.<\/p>\n

What to do in Bantayan Island?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Island hopping to nearby islands<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Aside from Bantayan Island, there are other neighboring islands around this beautiful paradise. For only P1,500<\/strong>, you can already arrange a boating trip with local boatmen and spend half day visiting nearby islands like Virgin Island and Hilantagan Island. As these places are rich in marine life, you may opt to go snorkeling, freediving, or simply enjoy the white sand beaches of these islands.<\/p>\n

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    Virgin Island. Photo by Zion Ray Rodriguez<\/p><\/div>\n

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    Virgin Island. Photo by Zion Ray Rodriguez<\/p><\/div>\n

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    Virgin Island. Photo by Zion Ray Rodriguez<\/p><\/div>\n

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    Photo by Kirt Joey Rosace\u00f1a Rodrigo<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"Photo<\/a>

    Photo by Kirt Joey Rosace\u00f1a Rodrigo<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"Photo<\/a>

    Photo by Kirt Joey Rosace\u00f1a Rodrigo<\/p><\/div>\n

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    1. Soothe your stress at Ogtong Cave<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Stressed? Then try to relax at Bantayan Island\u2019s cold spring located at the Ogtong Cave Resort (sister company of Santa Fe Beach Club). This small cave gives a spectacular underwater cave experience to those who would like to relax and soothe the negative energies overflowing in the body. Though the area is not that big for swimming, you may opt to go swim deeper into its very own swimming pool of the resort.<\/p>\n

      Entrance fee for Ogtong is P200<\/strong>\u00a0which comes with free access to its pool and underwater cave. However, this comes for free if you are a guest of either Ogtong Cave Resort or Santa Fe Beach Club.<\/p>\n

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      Photo by Honey Lim Satoji<\/p><\/div>\n

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      Photo by Pauwee Palero<\/p><\/div>\n

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      Photo by Max Custodio Cervantes<\/p><\/div>\n

      Read: Rainbow Feels At Jelly\u2019s Haven Resort In Bantayan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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      1. Feel the beauty of nature at Omagieca Ob-ob Mangrove Garden<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Have you watched the ultimate movie for moving on \u201cCamp Sawi\u201d?<\/em> Connect more with nature like the main casts of the movie by venturing into these amazing naturally conserved mangrove garden! For only P50<\/strong> you can already learn a lot from the different types of mangroves, stroll on bamboo bridges, and take numerous photos like your favorite local artists!<\/p>\n

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        Photo by wandereratravels<\/p><\/div>\n

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        Photo by Angel Endel<\/p><\/div>\n

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        Photo by Angel Endel<\/p><\/div>\n

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        Photo by Neilson Alon Aloyan<\/p><\/div>\n

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        Photo by Neilson Alon Aloyan<\/p><\/div>\n

        Read: Floating Cottage in Bantayan for That Budget Friendly Destination<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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        1. Visit Sts. Peter and Paul Church<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          If you want to go on a historical trip, then this church is a must visit. This church is one of the oldest in the Philippines that has stood its ground even after being hit by typhoons and earthquakes. This church is very iconic as this has been duly-preserved as a symbol of Catholic faith that holds quite a number of sculptures of saints and religious artifacts.<\/p>\n

          \"Photo<\/a>

          Photo by Noob GFX<\/p><\/div>\n

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          Photo by Micks Yerro<\/p><\/div>\n

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          1. Indulge in a seafood adventure<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            As a community greatly reliant to fishing, Bantayan offers a wide array of seafood to choose from \u2013 fish, shrimp, scallops, wasay-wasay,<\/em> danggit, mussels, clams, and many other delicacies that you buy in the public market or ask in your resort to be served!<\/p>\n

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            1. Go on an exotic food escapade<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Gone tired of seafood? Why not try something exotic. For only P15 \u2013 P50 you can already enjoy an appetizing experience of eating the whole uterus of a chicken \u2013 taguangkan \/ tago-angkan!<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 Aside from being a fishing village, Bantayan\u2019s economy has been booming as well because of the poultry farms grown in the island. The island is actually one of the major supplier of eggs in Cebu mainland and other neighboring islands.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

              \"Photo<\/a>

              Photo by ivyntures.com<\/p><\/div>\n

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              1. Set forth on a historical journey to Kota Park<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Way back 1790, Kota Park served as a military camp and watchtower during the Spanish occupation. This was used in order to protect the locals and Spaniards from the invasion of Moro pirates. When the Spaniards left the country, the area was turned into a public cemetery until recently it was converted into a historical park. Once in the area, don\u2019t forget to visit the 187 meter footbridge for a beautiful sunset view at Bontay Baywalk.<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \"Bontay<\/a>

                Bontay Baywalk. Photo by Marjorie Espina<\/p><\/div>\n

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                Photo by Jean Carla Arranguez Mata<\/p><\/div>\n

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                1. Be at peace at Paradise Beach<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  If you want to go beaching but doesn\u2019t want to be bothered by the raging crowd, then Paradise Beach is the best place to be! This secluded island getaway is located behind a long and rocky trail which is about 10 minutes away from the main road. For only P50<\/strong>, you can already enjoy the tranquility of the place, its crystal clear waters, and cliffside garden overlooking view.<\/p>\n

                  \"Photo<\/a>

                  Photo by Rowell Clenuar<\/p><\/div>\n

                  Read:\u00a0Must Visit \u2018Paradise Beach\u2019 In Bantayan Island<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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                  1. Be astounded at the Quarry Site of Kabangbang, Bantayan<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Tired of the beach? Might as well visit this quarried site and take panoramic shots created by the magnificent view of the different formations of these once quarried mountains.<\/p>\n

                    \"Photo<\/a>

                    Photo by chasing_potatoes<\/p><\/div>\n

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                    1. Bring pasalubong to your loved ones!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Of course, this is the most important part of the trip: to bring goodies for friends and families. As Bantayan Island is known for its danggit, why not share the indulging experience brought about by this food to your family and loved ones? Bring them dried fish and dried pusit!<\/p>\n

                      \"Photo<\/a>

                      Photo by Neriza Paz Caballero<\/p><\/div>\n

                      Tip: <\/strong>Oh, and don\u2019t forget to stay near the beach to watch the sunset.<\/p>\n

                      HOW TO GET TO BANTAYAN?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                      • From Cebu City, ride a bus or van in the North Bus Terminal bound for Hagnaya Port. Take note that this is a more or less four to five hour land trip.<\/li>\n
                      • Once in Hagnaya, buy ticket for a ferry that will bring your to Bantayan Island. Price range may vary but usual rate would go from P200 \u2013 P300. Discounts are given to children, students, and elderlies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n