We know that there are a lot of places to go when you visit Cebu. As what they say, either you go North Cebu or South Cebu, of course either way you will experience a one of a kind adventure. If you are planning to go North, make sure you include Bantayan Island in your list. Definitely you will love the simplicity and rural vibe of the island.
Bantayan Island is situated in the northern most part of Cebu province. It is one of the most sought after escapade to those who love the beach and adventure. This place has a lot to offer: white sand beaches, sand bar in Kota beach, water activites, beach hopping, cliff diving, or even go Skydiving! This place is worth the long journey.
If you are interested to go Skydiving, visit their website:
https://skydivecebu.com/
As a first timer, I admit that going to new places are confusing and quite hard because I am afraid of getting lost! Haha! But going to Bantayan is easy as 1-2-3, Airplane -> Bus -> Ferry -> Santa Fe ferry terminal. That's it!
How to get there via plane:
When going to Cebu, I would recommend that you take a plane instead of ferry because (1) it is quicker, saves a lot of time, (2) there are already a lot of promo flights offered and to tell you, taking a ferry is more expensive, and (3) it is the easiest and most convenient option. From Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), there are daily flights from
Cebu Pacific,
Air Asia or
Philippine Airlines going to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB). Estimated travel time is
1hr and 20mins.
| Unexpected capture of bird's eye view of Bantayan Island from our plane ride :) |
From Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you can go straight ahead to Cebu City North Bus Terminal. If you are carrying heavy luggage/s, I swear taking a cab, UBER, or GRAB is a lifesaver. From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, there are buses going to Hagnaya Port until 5PM. Just ride a bus with a sign "Hagnaya Port". There are van options as well if you want which has the same price with the Ceres buses and saves a lot of time since it has no stopovers. In our experience, we opted to ride van and we just had one quick stopover and going back from Hagnaya to Cebu City we opted to ride bus and honestly it took us much longer travel time. Estimated travel time from Cebu City North terminal to Hagnaya Port is
3 1/2 hours to 4 hours.
**For the
complete and updated list of Ceres bus fare + schedule, visit
https://bantayanisland.com/ceres-bus-schedules-fares-cebu-city-hagnaya/
Upon arrival in Hagnaya Port, buy a ticket going to Bantayan Island. Ferry departure is until 6PM. Estimated travel time going to Bantayan is
1hr or 1hr and 30mins.
**For the
complete and updated list of ferry fare + schedule, visit
https://bantayanisland.com/bantayan-island-ferry-schedules-fares/
| The clear blue sea will greet you upon arrival :) |
Price Breakdown:
NOTE: Cost below is per person only. I included the "port fee" that they charged to us before we left Sta. Fe port. We were actually picked up by the resort service. Port fee is different from terminal fee. Sooo yeahh. :)
Tips and Recommendations:
1.
If you are always on a budget, wait for promo flights. Usually promo flights offered are during off season (June to November travel period). We were actually able to book a flight last June 2017. Weather is perfectly fine, no storm and feels just like summer!
2. From Cebu City North bus terminal, I would recommend that you
opt for van instead of bus. Most especially if you are in a hurry and you want to save a lot of time. It would really take less travel time and cost is almost the same when you opted for bus.
3.
Eat your brunch or lunch in Cebu City. No restaurant or fastfood available in Hagnaya Port.
4.
Travel earlier for less chances to be stuck in traffic. We departed Cebu City 9:30 AM, and luckily no traffic encountered. Going back, we departed Bantayan 12:15 PM and arrived in Cebu City proper 5:15 PM. Imagine that! :(
5.
Book a hotel accommodation with pick up service. Practically it is less hassle and more convenient. I guess selecting option with pick up service will definitely won't break the bank. ;)
So, that's all for now. Hope you get to enjoy your next trip to Bantayan. :)
xo,
Lars
