10 Best Things to Do in Bantayan Island, Cebu
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
I have been to Bantayan Island once with my 2 buddies. It never fails to amaze me. It still is the paradise that I always admire to infinity and beyond. The amazing crystal clear waters and the almost trash free environment are one of the things I love about the place. Let’s get started!
10 things to Do in Bantayan Island
1. PAY A VISIT TO THE WONDERFUL SAINT’S PETER AND PAUL PARISH
- Description: Beaches aren’t the only attractions in Bantayan. You can learn more about the island’s history too. Visit the Saints Peter and Paul Church to get a glimpse of the past. The church was built centuries ago in 1580. It is one of the oldest churches not just on the island, but the entire region. For culture buffs, the church also has its own in-house museum.
- Location: Sillon Rd., Bantayan Island
- Operation Hours: 7AM to 5PM
- How to get there: Ride a tricycle or rent a scooter. Just be careful in driving.
- Fees: Free
- TIPS: Fulfill your religious duties here and spend a few minutes marveling at the life-sized statues of saints and other Catholicism figures.
2. CLEAR BLUE WATERS AT VIRGIN ISLAND
- Description: This is one of the highlight of our trip. You need to hop on a boat to reach this white sand island. The area offers kayak and jet ski. It’s home to colorful marine life, so make sure you have your snorkeling gear ready and head to Hilantagaan Marine Sanctuary and Virgin Island for a day above and under the sea.
- Location: Virgin Island, Bantayan Island
- Operation Hours: 9AM to 5PM
- How to get there: You need to rent a boat to reach the area.
- Entrance Fees: PHP500 FOR 2 people ,
- Boat Fees: PHP 1500 for a 20-minute ride. You really need to bargain on this one.
- TIPS: Please bring your own water and food to save money.
3. CAMP SAWI AND CAMP WAGI AT OMAGIECA OBO-OB MANGROVE GARDEN
- Description: You’ll learn more about the importance of mangroves to the surrounding ecosystem in Bantayan. Go on relaxing walks around the garden for a stress-releasing time. This one is also famous because the Filipino Movie “Camp Sawi” was filmed here. While walking along the mangrove road, you will see the sign Camp Sawi and at the end there will be a sign that says Camp Wagi.
- Location: Barangay Obo-ob, Bantayan Island
- Operation Hours: 8AM to 8PM
- How to get there: Ride a tricycle or rent a scooter. Just be careful in driving.
- Entrance Fees: PHP 50/person
- Language Translate: Sawi means lose while Wagi means win.
4. JUMANJI FEELS AT KOTA PARK AND RUINS
- Description: Kota Park is a beach area on the northernmost tip of Bantayan Island and a great spot to spend an hour or two during your Bantayan Island tour. The park underwent another major overhaul as it was transformed into a park with an in-house museum of cultural and historical relics.
- Location: Bantayan – Madridejos Roadd, Madridejos
- Operation Hours: 9AM to 5PM
- How to get there: Ride a tricycle or rent a scooter. Just be careful in driving.
- Entrance Fees: Free
5. KOTA BEACH OR CAMP SAWI
- Description: Kota Beach faces east making it one of the best places to visit in Bantayan Island to watch the sunrise as it peeps up over the horizon. This destination has a laidback vibe, making it a good place to chill, dip in the waters to cool off, sunbathe and do nothing. However, this place can get crowded at certain times of the day and especially during summer.
- Location: F. Duarte St, Santa Fe, Cebu
- Operation Hours: All day, everyday
- How to get there: Ride a tricycle or rent a scooter. Just be careful in driving.
- Entrance Fees: PHP 50.00 per person when visiting
6. EAT LIKE A LOCAL! GO EAT DRIED PUSIT, SCALLOPS AND BUWAD
- Description: Bantayan Island is known as the importer of the scallops, dried pusit and the like as they are the source of it. That is why it costs less here.
- Location: Near the market place. Ask the local on this one.
- Operation Hours: 8am-5pm mostly
- How to get there: Ride a tricycle or rent a scooter. Just be careful in driving.
- Fees: PHP 100.00 per 2kgs.
- TIPS: Ask your rented place, if they cook that for a fee. In that way, you will taste their local cuisine.
7. WALK LIKE A MODEL AT BONTAY WALK
- Description: It is a 187-meter footbridge that gives you a breathtaking view of the sunset – perfect for whispering sweet-nothings to your life partner, or for taking family selfies.
- Location: Bantayan – Madridejos Road, Madridejos
- Operation Hours: 8am-5pm mostly
- How to get there: Ride a tricycle or rent a scooter. Just be careful in driving.
- Fees: Free
- TIPS: Make sure to come here around late afternoon so you can witness the sunset.
8. MAKE STRAWS LIKE A LOCAL
- Description: You’ll see that Bantayan Bamboo straws are being sold in local restaurants and cafes in sets, but in case you want to have your name or maybe a logo engraved, you can visit the Bantayan Bamboo Innovation Workhouse.
- Location: Bantayan Island
- Operation Hours: 8am-5pm mostly
- How to get there: Ride a tricycle or rent a scooter. Just be careful in driving.
- Fees: Free
- TIPS: Make sure to come here around late afternoon so you can witness the sunset.
9. OGTONG CAVE
- Description: It’s a freshwater cave located in Ogtong Cave Resort, a popular accommodation in Bantayan Island. Even as a non-guest, you can still enjoy it for a minimal fee.
- Location: Santa Fe, Bantayan Island
- Operation Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- How to get there: Ride a tricycle or rent a scooter. Just be careful in driving.
- Entrance Fees: PHP 200.00 per person which gives you access to the resort’s public pool, beach and cave
- TIPS: Make sure to come here around late afternoon so you can witness the sunset.
10. EXTRA CASH? TRY SKYDIVING
- Description: For the adreline lovers! This is one of the best experiences and a once in a lifetime opportunity although I have not experience it myself.
- Location: Bantayan Airport in Santa Fe
- Operation Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- How to get there: Ride a tricycle or rent a scooter. Just be careful in driving.
- Entrance Fees: PHP 18,000.00 tandem skydiving
REMINDERS, TIPS AND NOTES
1.Study Your Location
Every location is unique and so are the rules while trekking on it. Carry a map with you all the time so that you know exactly where you are so that you can find your way back.
2.Medical Kit
Stuff your bag with all the necessary medicines and medical tools.
3.Emergency Contacts
Remember “Prevention is better than cure.” This is just a precautionary step. I genuinely do not want to see you in any trouble at all
4.Please Inform
“Leaving a simple text to your family or trusted friends.” If something unfortunate happens, your loved one’s will find you.
5.Plenty Of Essentials
Carry at least 3 liters of water and plenty of nutrition bars. They are light and filling till the time you find any other source.
Have you ever been to the places I’ve listed above? Go and try them yourself!
Always remember to “Develop your One Days to Day Ones!“
XOXO,
Kleinberg Fletcher Tabel
If you meant Cebu Province as the region, then nope… nope… nope… Bantayan Church is never the oldest church in Cebu. That claim is as bugus as any other parishes’ claim to be the oldest. Lol.
The oldest church in the region (and the oldest church in the Philippines) in terms of the established year is the Basilica Minore de Santo Niño, established in 1565. (The current structure being built between the 1700s to 1800s)
The oldest church in terms of the “actual structure” goes to San Agustin Parish in Intramuros, built around the early 1600