Bantayan Island, Cebu

Bantayan island is a small place that shines bright. Located in the northern tip of Cebu, it is well known for its fine white sands and crystal clear waters. Considered as one of the most attractive tourist destination in the Philippines. Its wide, white sandy beaches stretches long enough for a morning jog or a romantic walk as the sun sets.

The island is a mixture of many things. An ideal place for relaxation and self-exploration, enjoying is one thing. A favorite hiding place to those who need a break on the busy and fast changing world. The people is as natural as the place. Whether snorkeling, windsurfing or playing in the sand, Bantayan has all the ingredients mixed with fun, sun and silicon to be a shining tropical paradise in Asia.

Bantayan island, the shining tropical paradise in Asia is widely known as an island paradise in Philippines. Tourists as far as Europe fall in love with its powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters. Many of these foreigners even settled down on the island to spend the rest of their lives. They build single-cottage beach houses along the shore but as time went by, build a couple of new cottages instead to accommodate the growing number of tourists who seeks refuge on the magnificent island paradise.

Two of the main attraction of the island is its crystal-clear waters and it’s long stretch of powdery white sand . The beautiful sunset will really spice those romantic walks on the beach. One of the reason the island is famous is its serenity, the way a resort should be. Unsaturated beauty and a mixture of sweet smiling natives made the island as it is now.

A mixture of cuisine is served on the island with a mouthful of restaurants serving Filipino, Thai, and Japanese to European menus. A vast array of seafoods fresh from the day’s catch is very well served since most of the inhabitants of the island are fishermen that cast their nets on the bountiful Visayan seas. One can even visit the wet market to witness fishermen unpack their precious catch from the sea. Fresh live fish from groupers to blue marlin’s are just two of the many surprises. Shrimps, crabs and lobsters are displayed in abundance in the market. After a full meal one can choose a variety of fresh fruit shakes ranging from mango to choco banana.

Nature lovers and beach crazies find the island an experience they can never forget, and by words of mouth not by fancy promotion spread the news that attracted more visitors each year making the island one of the most visited destination in the Philippines.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can go to Bantayan island by plane from Cebu or by Bus and Vans for Hire from the North Cebu Bus Terminal.

From Cebu City – One may take the plane via SEAIR (Flight suspended) flight departing from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport or take a bus ride at the North Cebu Bus Terminal which will take you about 3 hours to Hagnaya from which one desires to take the Island Express Ferry Boat for the 1 hour ride to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. Flying time to Bantayan Island is about 25 minutes or less. Recently, there is already a Ro-Ro boat going from Hagnaya to Santa Fe, you can take your car or SUV from Cebu all the way to Santa Fe for a fantastic island getaway!

More pictures here and here

Tourist Destinations