SANTA FE "BANTAYAN ISLAND" CEBU

Bantayan Island, Cebu – A Hidden Gem

Join us on our adventure to Bantayan Island, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back charm. In this vlog, we explore the island’s top attractions, including the serene Kota Beach, the beautiful Ogtong Cave, and the mesmerizing Sandira Beach (Paradise Beach). We also dive into the local culture, indulge in delicious seafood, and discover why Bantayan is the perfect getaway for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.

Getting There
Php 50.00 – Bus from Mactan International Airport to North Bus Terminal (30 mins)
Php 300.00 – Bus or Van to Hagnaya Port (2-3 hours)
Php 330.00 – Ferry to Santa Fe Port, Bantayan Island (1.5-2 hours)
Php 30.00 – Tricycle ride from the port to your accommodation

We stayed at Island Waves Homestay, a cozy spot near Kota Beach, just 2-3 minutes from the shore and close to the bar area. It's also a short walk (10-15 mins) to the town proper. Dinner at The Hungry Beach Co. was a highlight, with their famous seafood bucket!

Day 1 Recap
After arriving, we explored the beautiful surroundings, had great seafood, and relaxed by the beach.

Day 2
We woke up early for a delicious breakfast at The Hungry Beach Co, then headed to the Tourism Office for our Island Hopping Tour.

Environmental Fee + Boat Ride: Php 2,600 (for 7 people)
Snorkeling masks and fins for rent: Php 100.00 each

We visited:
Hilantagaan Island (for snorkeling)
Virgin Island (Php 350 entrance fee – a separate vlog will cover our stay there!)

After the island hopping tour, we landed on Bantayan at 2PM and had our lunch in the town proper and set off on a land tour! We rented 2 tricycles for only Php 1,000!

Ogtong Cave: Php 150 entrance fee
The Ruins
Sandira Beach (Paradise Beach): Php 70 entrance fee

We wrapped up early as Ogtong Cave is closed by 4PM while Sandira Beach is until 6PM.

After we freshen up, we went back to the town proper to continue our search for an amazing dinner where we found - Sarapoi. It was a pleasant surprise, with fantastic food and a free special pita to dip. Later, we relaxed at The Hungry Beach Co., (again) enjoying drinks, music, and a fun night. They are only until 12AM and we finished by 2AM where the lights were already off and we are only using our phone's flashlights! Luckily, they didn't destroy our late night chikas and let us stay.

Day 3
We spent the morning shopping for pasalubongs at the local market and had the best coffee in town at Ayo Cafe – the perfect spot with a relaxing beach vibe.

A big thanks to Island Waves Homestay for letting us extend our stay until noon (with no addtl. fee), making sure our trip ended smoothly before our late evening flight.

Please message them:

  / islandwaveshomestay  

Conclusion
We loved every moment in Bantayan Island! The beaches, the food, and the laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure. We’re already planning our next trip—this time, for weeks, not just days! Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more adventures!