10 THINGS YOU NEED TO EXPERIENCE IN BANTAYAN ISLAND

bantayan

One can’t deny the fact that summer is just around the corner. Just in time for the long weekend- in most cases– some are on leave this Friday to enjoy a long vacation. We suggest that you pay attention to this Island in Cebu, or at least, be inspired by our tips on how can you enjoy a beach trip.

A plane, a bus, and a ferry ride, that’s what it takes to get to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island if you’re coming from Manila. Reaching the island from Mactan International Airport is about five hours of travel time which can be really exhausting. Fret not, though. The island will prove the adage ‘nothing great ever comes too easy. The distance and the long ride will surely pay off once you’ve set foot on this breath-taking paradise.

So we suggest that you pack up, head out, and enjoy the magnificence of Bantayan in these 10 ways.

FEEL THE SAND

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO EXPERIENCE IN BANTAYAN ISLAND CEBU

Walk barefoot on Bantayan’s wide stretch of white sand. Feel its fineness in between your toes while relishing the picturesque view of the sea

SUNBATHE DURING LOW TIDES
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO EXPERIENCE IN BANTAYAN ISLAND CEBU

Bask under the sun while taking a dip in the shallow entry of Bantayan’s crystal clear waters. Feel the feeble waves touching your skin and breathe in the euphoria of tranquility surrounding the island. Sound’s like an ad? Not really, that’s exactly how it feels like to be in Bantayan!

LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE BEACH PLAYLIST TO KEEP YOU COMPANYgiphy

What else can give you that ultimate summer vibes other than the perfect combination of sun and beach? Of course, one is not complete without your ultimate beach playlist. Prep your playlist, spread out your beach towel, and hear only the music on your player while shutting the world out for a moment or two.

GO FOR AN AFTERNOON SIESTA
Afternoon siesta

Be one with nature. Lie under the shade and let your body succumbed to slumber with the immense serenity of the place. Don’t worry if you don’t have your iPod, let the whispering sea breeze, splashing waves, and fluttering leaves bring you the lullaby.

Budyong Beach Resort has these native-style cabanas located at their beachfront where you can lie down to have a siesta, so that’s completely a plus!

CAPTURE THE SCENERY
Scenery

The sight and scenery are indescribably wonderful, be sure to have your camera fully charged, or you have enough memory to take up the scenes!

EAT OUT
Food

Photo courtesy of Shake Me Management

There are many food establishments along the stretch of Batobalonos Street, Sta. Fe, Bantayan that you can choose from. Let us start the list:

If you want a basic and no-frills dining experience, go to Arjay May’s. They have this flavorful Lechon manok and liempo that will give any Lechon sauce a run for their money.

Walk few meters away and you can reach Blue Ice Bar. Try their schnitzel, kebab, fish steaks, and fisherman’s catch. They also offer beers, liquors, and cocktails to perk up your night.

Don’t miss out on Caffe del Mare for that delish Italian food and wine. It is located right across Blue Ice Bar

Of course, any day will be better with that quick dessert fix. From Caffe del Mare, walk towards MJ Square and visit Shake Me. Their fruit shakes and freshly-baked marshmallow-filled munchkin is a must-try.

LAZE AROUND AND WAIT FOR THE SUNSET
sunrise1

Yooneek Beach Resort has this room so-called “Sunset”. It was built with two huge glass windows, one facing the west, the other facing the sea. It also has a small veranda right above their beach bar where you can just sit down, do nothing but watch the scattering colors of sunset vividly paint the scenery with an orange hue.

DRINK BEER AND STARGAZE

Cap off the night by staring up the sky. feeling romantic and wait for passing shooting stars, done best when you’re holding a cold beer in hand.

WAKE-UP FOR THE SUNRISE
Sunrise2

Don’t leave Bantayan without catching the sunrise. Imagine the glittering stretch of white sand, unruffled water, and the azure sea lit up in glow during sunrise. Totes not to be missed out!

TAKE ON SOME BEACH ACTIVITIES
giphy (1)

Island hopping, snorkeling, riding a bike around the island, and endless water activities. Name it, Bantayan has it.

To cap off, we’d like to give you some friendly reminders if you’re fully convinced to venture on this island: Have enough cash with you., the nearest bank with an ATM is in Bantayan proper, approximately 10km away from Sta. Fe. You wouldn’t wanna be caught without enough cash on hand, right?

If you’re too conscious of your health or just revving up a safety backpack, make sure that you have your medicines with you, they all come in handy, so no need to worry, about it. We tell you, the roads leading to Bantayan are enough to make you feel as if you just rode your third roller coaster ride in Disneyland. Safe travels!

All GIF’s courtesy of giphy.com

Pamela Malaya-Regalado

Pamela Malaya-Regalado is a traveler who loves to write about music, movies and current events. Pam is a mother of two. She's been in the business of Distribution and Sales for almost 11 years.

About the Author

Pamela Malaya-Regalado is a traveler who loves to write about music, movies and current events. Pam is a mother of two. She's been in the business of Distribution and Sales for almost 11 years.