Bantayan Island: Summer in November Escapade

Yes, it’s not my first time on the magical island of Bantayan but it always gives me something new and exciting every visit. Remember Typhoon Yolanda in 2013? This island was one of those hardly hit by the super typhoon and I was there with some friends to extend help. I saw how it was devastated, and I even got teary-eyed en route to our target areas. We even had a Christmas party with the residents at Madridejos. 

I remembered writing an open letter asking for help to support our cause, and some individuals were so cheerful. I’m grateful and blessed to share it with my account: The Journey, The Party with the Yolanda Survivors.

The second time was in 2015 with some friends, it was for leisure then. It was fun although our supposed 3-day trip became five. We were stranded as a sudden typhoon struck the island. Everything’s just fine though. Read my story here: Our Ultimate 5-Day Bantayan Island Experience On a Budget

Disclaimer: This is a personal blog. The views, opinions, and tips expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the other travelers. I’m not an expert. My purpose of writing is to share my story, hoping, somehow, to be helpful and inspirational to some – if not all.

And for the third time, in the era of COVID-19 pandemic, I’m back. Everything’s way, way different back then. Yes, this is my first-hand experience months ago when I revisited Bantayan Island with my fellow Tribu AdOBo friends. What’s the perk of traveling this time? You seem to have the resort or the island, at large, by yourself or your group. 

Everything was properly planned. We were all set. Everyone had fun. We played games. Touring around with lesser than we expected people. The ever-changing weather. Food ventures. The laughs. The never-ending banter to each other. 

Again, the misadventures were still there but as we always say “What you see, what you hear, leave it here.” 😉 We were careful and mindful of the new normal, of course. The following photos can tell it all.

Omagieca Mangrove Eco Park

Sandira Beach (Paradise Beach)

The Ruins

Diving Cliff

Kota Beach Sand Bar

Food Ventures and Souvenirs (MJ Square)

Foods here are fresh and really sumptuous

Souvenirs are cheaper here than in other areas of the island

La Playa Estrella Beach Resort

Beautiful hues of Sunrise

Calming Sunset

d’ glass 😀

trying out Korean face mask

Travel Reminders and Tips:

Here are some “How-to” tips and reminders you might consider so your adventure won’t become a misadventure.

1. Check the island’s Tourism Office or its FB page (https://www.facebook.com/LGU-Bantayan-LSI-One-Stop-Shop-638744763446097) for the requirements as it may change from time to time.
2. Book your accommodation as the walk-in booking is not allowed.
3. Register online to the tourism office’s virtual hub (form link will be provided by the resort once the booking is confirmed)
4. Tourists are required to present their confirmed booking of stay on the island along with the QR code to be given by the resort.
5. The island only accepts tourists coming from Hagnaya Port (as of the time of our visit).
6. You’ll be asked to buy round-trip tickets at the port.
7. Upon arrival at Santa Fe Port, register at Tourism Office (present your QR code and confirmed accommodation, and pay the environmental fee at P30)
8. Always observe the health protocols (wearing of a mask and/or air purifier) around the resort and other public areas.
9. Body temperature is checked upon entry and when you go outside the resorts.
10. Some typical, notable tourist spots are still close. Island hopping only visits Hilantagan Island at 1000 per boat of 4 passengers. Virgin Island is still close (only sightseeing as boats are not yet allowed to dock).

Requirements for tourists:

• Two-way ferry tickets
• Confirmed booking
• ID
• Air purifier

For your next adventure, you might want to hire a cab for your group’s safe transportation. Just contact Kuya Bong at 09616214406 or visit his FB page for a quotation.

ITINERARY

Day 1

7 AM – Pick-up

8:00 AM-12 AM – Cebu-Hagnaya Port

2:00 PM-3:00 PM – Hagnaya Port-Santa Fe, Bantayan

4:00 PM – Accommodation (La Playa), Lunch

6:30 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Socials/Games/Night Life

Day 2

5:00 AM – Wake-up Call, Sunrise, Photo-ops, Breakfast

7:00 AM-8:00 AM – Breakfast

8:00 AM-5:00 PM – Land Tour (Omagieca Mangrove Eco Park, Sandira Beach (Paradise Beach), The Ruins/Diving cliff, Ogtong Cave, Kota Beach Sand Bar)

5:30 PM – Sunset

6:00 – Dinner/Games/Socials

Day 3

6:00 AM – Wake-up Call, Sunrise

8:00 AM – Breakfast

12:00 Noon – Checkout

1:00 PM-2:00 PM – Santa Fe to Hagnaya Port

2:00 PM-6:00 PM – Hagnaya Port to Cebu City

—— at last home again ——

Things to Bring (recommendations)

Pack light, but do bring the necessary:

• rashguard and/or other swimwear

• aqua shoes or slippers and other necessary swimming gear you want

• jacket, umbrella (in case it rains)

• sunscreen/skin protections (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, etc.)

• ID and COE or QPass

• Air Purifier

• dry clothes

• personal medication and toiletries

• camera

• money

Estimated Budget:

Cebu to Hagnaya Port (2-way) – 900

Ferry Fare (2-way) – 400

Land Tour – 300

Accommodation (2 nights) – 1500

Island Hopping to Virgin Island (inclusive of pump boat, entrance fee, cottage, and food) – 700

Terminal Fee @ Santa Fe Port and Hagnaya Port – 30

Entrance Fee @ Omagieca Obo-Ob Mangrove Garden – 50

Entrance Fee @ Sandira Beach (Paradise Beach) – 50

Entrance Fee @ Ogtong Cave – 100

Total – 4030 (excluding meals and other personal expenses)

VLOGS by Asaniquen:

• Bantayan Island

*Some photos are not mine, they belong to the rightful owners (friends).