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| Virgin Island, one of the islands to explore in Bantayan Island. Photo by Stephen Sungkip |
Bantayan is located in the north western side of Cebu province or about 80 miles from Cebu City. Bantayan Island is a semi-secret island paradise. Unknown to many and less explored until recently, Bantayan Island boasts of its crystal clear blue waters, long stretch of powdery white sand beaches, clean and fresh air, and beautiful sunrise and sunsets! Not to mention the superb warmth, friendliness and hospitality of its people!
Bantayan Island derived its name from its high stone walls and watchtowers. During Spanish times, the island faced constant threats of attacks from the Moros. For their protection, people built high stone walls and watchtowers in different parts of the island. These watchtowers were locally known as, “Bantayan sa Hari” or “Watchtowers of the King (of Spain).” Since then, it became a common expression of the people to say, “Bantayan, Bantayan or Keep watch, Keep watch!
Bantayan Island derived its name from its high stone walls and watchtowers. During Spanish times, the island faced constant threats of attacks from the Moros. For their protection, people built high stone walls and watchtowers in different parts of the island. These watchtowers were locally known as, “Bantayan sa Hari” or “Watchtowers of the King (of Spain).” Since then, it became a common expression of the people to say, “Bantayan, Bantayan or Keep watch, Keep watch!
Bantayan Island is composed of 3 towns namely Sta. Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos. Sta. Fe is the hub of tourism activities, Bantayan town is the capital and center of commerce and Madridejos is an agricultural production area.
Holy Week celebration
Bantayan Island is busiest during Lenten Season. The Holy Week celebration is a special religious event that increasingly draws hundreds of visitors (domestic and foreign) to the island. The main attraction famous all over is the elaborate procession of the life-sized images of Jesus Christ on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. During Holy Week, the people in Bantayan Island are exempt from fasting (eating meat), a rare privilege granted by the Catholic Church through a Papal Bull edict.
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| Centuries old St. Peter & Paul Church, Bantayan town. Photo by Stephen |
Holy Week celebration
Bantayan Island is busiest during Lenten Season. The Holy Week celebration is a special religious event that increasingly draws hundreds of visitors (domestic and foreign) to the island. The main attraction famous all over is the elaborate procession of the life-sized images of Jesus Christ on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. During Holy Week, the people in Bantayan Island are exempt from fasting (eating meat), a rare privilege granted by the Catholic Church through a Papal Bull edict.
Activities in the Island
Bantayan Island is rural, old-fashioned, peaceful and definitely not crowded. And this is what I love most about the island! There are no shopping malls, no big hotel chains and no active nightlife. The Island is ideal for people seeking a place for complete relaxation, respite and healing from daily grind of a stressful, busy city life! During the day, you can:
- Visit religious and historical sites, the most significant is the over 400 years old St. Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan town
- Visit the many nature attractions across the island like mysterious lagoons, and old Spanish forts like Ogtong Cave in Sta Fe.
- Enjoy and relax at the beach. Go swimming, island hopping or snorkelling
Must Experience
- Watch beautiful views of sunrise and sunsets on the beach in Sta Fe or sunsets in the pier in Bantayan town
- Go island hopping to Virgin Island, enjoy its powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters and go snorkelling in the marine protected area nearby
Best buy
- Dried sea foods like danggit (fish) and pusit (squid) from the public market in Bantayan town; they taste so good and much cheaper than in Cebu City.
Getting There and Around
From Cebu City, take a bus from North Cebu Bus station in Mandaue City to Hagnaya port. Bus terminal is close to SM Cebu. If you are coming from Mactan-Cebu International Airport a taxi will cost around PhP150. Travel time is about three hours. Fare is P120 per person (air-conditioned bus) or P60 for ordinary. First trip to Hagnaya port from Cebu City is 3:30am for non-aircon buses and 5:00am for air-con buses. Buses to Hagnaya depart every 30 minutes thereafter until 3pm. Check bus schedule here: http://adf.ly/1F6J0. Vans-for-hire are also available but a little pricey.
From Hagnaya port, take a boat (fast craft is better) to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island which is at most one hour. Boat fare is PhP140 per person and terminal fee is PhP10. Boat schedule from Hagnaya port to Bantayan Island is regular daily from 6am until 6pm. Check the boat schedule here: http://adf.ly/1F6J0.
Touring around the island is not difficult. Island’s major roads are well-paved and there’s no traffic at all. You may either take public transport (e.g., Traysikad a.k.a. padyak, tricycle (with specific routes) or hire a motorcycle locally known as habal-habal or mountain bikes from local shops (Rental fee: 250 and up). Traysikad and tricycle fares are at PhP 5 - 25. Jeepneys go around Sta.Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos.
During summer is always the best time to visit Bantayan Island (January to June). However, this is the peak season so rates also go up during this time. I recommended that you book your hotel or room accommodation well in advance.
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