[2025 Cebu Attraction] Travel Guide for Bantayan Island (Updated Mar)

"Bantayan" this island means "Guide" Bantayan is a very low key island of 120,000 people that makes up part of the Visayas Island group. It is located northwest of the larger island of Cebu. The island is flat, covered in coconut palms and has sand so white that it could give Boracay's White Beach a run for its money! If you're in search of sun, sea, and sand without the big crowds, you should add Bantayan Island, Cebu in your travel bucket list. Bantayan Island, located at the northernmost tip of Cebu, boasts stunning beaches and eco-tourism sites where you can do sightseeing, swimming, cliff diving, island-hopping, kayaking, and even skydiving. Bantayan is one of the Philippines’ most underrated islands. It’s a gem with some of the most pristine white sand beaches and clear waters we’ve ever seen. Just off the northwest coast of Cebu, many locals from the Central Visayas region will vacation here, but international visitors are much fewer, making it easier to evade the crowds, giving you the opportunity to explore a less widely known paradise. #100waysoftravel #islands #beachcheck #seascapes #philippines #bantayanislandcebu #getlostwithmai #travelwithmai

one of the best places and nice beaches in bantayan island..its a quite and good environment coz its far away from pollution.very nice view and relaxing place.ill comeback again nextime

Bantayan will always be my favorite island. Pristine beaches, nice people, good food and amazing sunsets. There is no easy way of getting here, but the journey to this little paradise will be rewarded by the charm of this tropical island. Bask in the sun, feel the sand and enjoy the sea of the paradise that is Bantayan Island!#beachlife

I have lived in Bantayan Island for 2 and a half years and one of the things that I loved to do there was to watch the sunset. It's always like a sky show that I don't want to miss. 🧡 #philippines #beach #sunset #nature

Bantayan Island Cebu is an excellent spot for relaxation with its exquisite beauty. It has white sands, clear blue beaches, tranquil mood, and hospitable people. Truly, locals and foreign tourists alike have sought for this hidden gem! Thus, if you make right choices, you can enjoy Bantayan Island at an affordable cost. If you wish to get to Bantayan Island Cebu at a favorable time, get to North Bus Terminal between 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM. There are many buses (with airconditioner or without airconditioner) you can board to transport you to Hagnaya Port. However, the most recommended bus would be Ceres (Yellow) Bus. It would cost P 170. Also, at the North Bus Terminal, you may opt for a van. The van would cost P100 higher than the Bus’. After all, you have just had a lengthy travel to Bantayan Island Cebu. Thus, you can just wear your swim attire and dip in the refreshing, cool waters. Since the water has pure sands (not rocks or mud), you can take pleasure in water dipping or swimming. You can enjoy this until dusk. During dusk, the place becomes romantic. Lovers can walk by the shores during this time.#staycation #foodie #awesomepic #beachlife #summervacation

Cebu is one of the most visited provinces in the Philippines. This isn't a big surprise as it offers a variety of activities and tourist spots. Whether you are a beach person or a city folk, there is something that you will surely enjoy. Two hours from the airport lies the biggest safari in the country, Cebu Safari. It's almost like seeing the animals in their natural habitat. Aside from getting us closer to our furry friends, the safari provides an adventure to the thrill seekers. You can do the zipline, the sky bike, or go on an ATV ride. If you have spare time, you could choose to level up the adventure and head south and go canyoneering at Badian, or make your way to Bantayan Island where other exciting activities await. #cebu #canyoneering #cebusafari #bantayanisland

There's nothing quite like feeling the sun on your skin and the sand between your toes. I can't wait to go back to the beach and do it all over again! The people are so nice, they always want to help you have fun. I strongly suggest if you're going on vacation, the beach should definitely be one of your stops and consider Bantayan Island in Cebu City. There is si many things you can do at the beach. It doesn't even have to be summer to enjoy it. The waves always make a beautiful sound, and the sunsets are breathtaking. I could sit here all day and just watch the people pass by, the sunset and the sunrise. Now it’s your turn, pack up and head out to your favorite beach!#mytripvlog #beachlife #awesomepic

1. Virgin Island Address - Virgin Island, Bantayan Highlights - White sand beach and clear water, Can play Volleyball, Cliff jumping, etc. Rating - 10/10 2. Camp Sawi Address - Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Garden, Sta. Fe Highlights - Mangroves and Fish Feeding Rating - 9/10 3. Bantayan Road Address - Bantayan Island Highlights - Great for rides and adventure round the Island (Sta. Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos) Rating - 10/10

Just when you thought Bantayan has run out of things to offer, you discover more! Outside of the town proper, there are resorts that offer majestic view of the sea. There’s also Kota Beach if you want to get the “Camp Sawi” feels! You can never have too much of this island. ❤️

This island is truly a paradise. If you are looking for a place with pristine beaches, quiet and peaceful surroundings, this is a perfect place for you.

If you love both nature & beach vibes, you will surely enjoy one of the tourist destination here in Bantayan, mangrove eco park!! This scenic destination were also televise in a Filipino movie namely Camp Sawi ❤️ Whether you're with your family, friends, girlfriend/boyfriend, relatives, you will surely love strolling here! They have fish feeding & kayaking too! This spot is best for sunrise and sunset lover!! You wouldn't want to miss this when you're in Bantayan!!! 🌿🌱

#beachlife #staycation Bantayan Island is a tropical paradise very similar to Boracay. However, it doesn’t really bank on much water activities and parties which is why it’s more fit for laid-back travelers. Take a nap, take lots of photos, or tour the nearby Virgin Island and Hilantagan Island — enjoy it however you like. For the truly adventurous, though, skydiving is available at Bantayan Island’s Santa Fe. How to get there: There are domestic flights that fly to Cebu, and for cheap too if you book early. Upon touch down, head for a bus in Cebu North Terminal heading to Hagnaya Port in the town proper of San Remigio. It takes three hours to get there with a fare price of PHP195. Once at the port, board a public ferry heading to Santa Fe.

Discover an underrated island destination in Cebu, the Philippines when you visit the charming but breathtaking Bantayan Island. Find out the best time to go, best ways to go here, top attractions and things to do, resorts or hotels to stay in, and must-try restaurants. If you're in search of sun, sea, and sand without the big crowds, you should add Bantayan Island, Cebu in your travel bucket list. Bantayan Island, located at the northernmost tip of Cebu, boasts stunning beaches and eco-tourism sites where you can do sightseeing, swimming, cliff diving, island-hopping, kayaking, and even skydiving. Bantayan Island in Cebu got its name from the term Bantayan sa Hari, which means "Watchtowers of the King." Eighteen watchtowers were built here during the time of the 22nd Governor-General Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera when Moro pirates raided the island looking for slaves. #tigeryear2022 #staycation #beachlife #summervacation

This is a lovely little restaurant with some amazing fresh food. Really nice place to sit and eat with a breeze coming off the water. Everything we tried was delicious I just wish I wasn’t too full to try the home made icecream. Nice walk along the bamboo walkways through the mangroves after lunch and don’t forget your 5peso to feed the fish.

I have been there for a couple of times with my classmates and workmates. The first time I visited this place they have some animals and It was quite dangerous(because of the bridge) but when I came back there last year I was amazed the place was renovated and it's a must to visit especially if you are a nature lover. You can also help the environment by planting mangrove for only 50 pesos. I'd definitely recommend this place to be one of the best places to visit while in Bantayan. #seafoodfeast#bestislandtraveltowns

Santa Fe Beach Club is a nice clean no frills hotel right on the beach in Santa Fe. The rooms are air conditioned with nice large showers and tv's (with lousy reception). There is no pool or wi-fi here but the hotel is a sister hotel to the much more luxurious Ogtong Cave resort and you are allowed to use their facilities during the day--there is a shuttle service. The beach here is not the greatest but they do keep it clean--the water is just not that great here. Go elsewhere for swimming. #beaches

In Cebu far north lies an island that most travelers call a paradise. Fine white sand beaches, clear waters, freshest seafoods, and many more - these things makes Bantayan Island a paradise. This place guarantees the ultimate island life, minus the crowd you often see in Boracay or Palawan. So, don't just plan to travel there but make it happen ‘cause you’ll miss a lot when you don’t ;) Bantayan Island is popular for its pristine beaches located in Cebu. But aside from being a beach destination, it also takes pride in its rich marine life and the fresh seafood they offer. Before anything else, we suggest to rent a motorbike which only costs around P300 for 24 hours to fully enjoy and roam around the Bantayan Island at your own pace. There are many rentals available, you can ask around. #hiking#paragliding#scubadiving#historicculture#beautifulsunsets#bestislandtraveltowns#seafoodfeast#naturalwonders#camping#culturalattractions#lakes#beaches

1.1) BOOK A HOTEL IN ADVANCE (1 month) and GET A CHEAPER PRICE - this for me, is not recommendable as border controls, local government policies of your origin and destination and hotel policies changes from time to time depending on the number of Covid cases in the area. Make sure to take screenshot of the booking. (1.2) BOOK A HOTEL 1 WEEK OR DAYS BEFORE THE TRAVEL DATE - this is what we did since there was a storm and i was skeptical if i will push through thr trip or not kay checkpoint in Bogo was suuuuper strict. (intense) According to my research, gi tangtang na ang checkpoint After booking a hotel, (2.) CONTACT THE HOTEL - don't wait for them to contact you. If possible, book directly to their website NOT on Booking Apps. Example: We booked Kota Beach - we exchanged Emails and normally they will ask for payment first to secure your booking. Since I was skeptical, I didn't pay and asked if we could pay cash once we check in, they refused. Two days before the travel date, they emailed me back said they will reserve a room for us and i could pay when i get there. They will ask for (3.)VALID IDS, we gave passport (Brgy. Bantayan, USA) Visa nalang kuwang. 😂 You will SEND a picture of YOUR GOVERNMENT IDs to them and they will be the one who will contact Sta. Fe Tourism. After one day, they will send the (4.)QR CODE. This QR CODE IS YOUR A MUST UPON ENTERING STA FE. No QR CODE, labay kas dagat. 😂😂 Again, it's the hotel who will process this and send it before the travel date. Should you wish to transfer hotels like we did, you should do all these twice. PS. Make sure to book the accredited hotel/resorts. Not all establishments have the permit to operate. You are also required to bring GOVERNMENT IDs. But now, you have to BRING COMPANY ID AND COE. If you have travel pass, quarantine pass, judt bring them too (for border checkpoints purposes) (5.) FACE MASK AND FACE SHIELD #uniquehotel #maydaytrip #urbanexplorer

Trust me, the sand is super fine. The water was also really cool once you get to have a dip. Splish splash! I wouldn't trade this for the world. I'm still amazed at how places like this exist. You get to enjoy a relaxing place away from the crowd.  Once you arrive in Cebu, head to Cebu North Bus Terminal (~30-minute taxi ride from the Mactan Cebu International Airport or 20-minute from the Port) and hop on a Hagnaya-bound bus, as Hagnaya is the port in northern  Cebu where you will take a boat trip from Mainland to Bantayan Island. Depends on the traffic, it will be around 4 hours of bus ride going to Hagnaya. There is an hourly trip for regular Ceres bus.  Once you arrive in Hagnaya Port, go to the ticket center to purchase your Hagnaya-to-Sta. Fe ferry pass.  Things to do in Bantayan Island 1. Biking  2. Visit Bantayan Downtown and Cebu's Oldest Parish Church (Saint Peter and Paul Church) 3. Resprt Hopping in Sta. Fe 4. Oboob Mangrove Garden / Eco-Park 5. The Ruins 6. Ogtong Cave #bantayan #bantayanisland #bantayanislandcebu #cebu #seasidephotoguide#naturalwonders#bestislandtraveltowns#beautifulsunsets

Bantayan Island in Phillipines is one of the best places you could visit, you can try the local food with a very unique style of preparation, you can help the boat to get out of the coast with an stick, or try a lot of cocktails around the island. #givethanks

Virgin Island is a small island next to bantayan Island in Cebu, Philippines. Getting here is a bit complicated but if you like the idea of an adventure, grabbing a bus from the center of Cebu, then you get onto' a ferry, and at the end a small boat, the reward is spectacular. #givethanks

I've been in different beaches around the world but Bantayan island will have a special place in my heart.

#favouriteitinerary Bantayan Virgin Island Day Trip Itinerary 📍 Location: Off the coast of Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines 🕒 Best Time to Visit: Dry season (November–May), morning for calmer waters Morning: Travel to Virgin Island • From Bantayan Island, hire a pump boat (banca) from Kota Beach or Santa Fe Port (~30–45 min ride). • Boat rental cost: ~1,500–2,500 PHP (good for groups, negotiable). Midday: Explore Virgin Island 🏝 White Sand Beach – Relax on powdery white sand & swim in crystal-clear waters. 🐠 Snorkeling & Marine Life – Rent gear & explore coral reefs. 🚣♂️ Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Available for rent. 📸 Photo Spots – Famous Virgin Island Sandbar & Bamboo Raft. 🍽 Lunch by the Beach – Fresh seafood grilled on-site (bring cash for island vendors). Afternoon: Optional Side Trips • Sandbar Walks – Depending on tide levels. • Cliff Jumping – For the adventurous! • Relax in Cabanas – Perfect for unwinding before heading back. Evening: Return to Bantayan Island • Take the boat back & enjoy sunset at Kota Beach or dinner in Santa Fe.

Bantayan Island is a serene escape in Cebu, Philippines, offering pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful ambiance perfect for travelers seeking tranquility. During my trip, I explored some of its iconic spots like Kota Beach, known for its breathtaking sandbars, and the historic St. Peter and Paul Church. The highlight was watching the stunning sunrise at Paradise Beach—an unforgettable experience! If you’re looking for a slice of heaven on earth, Bantayan is a must-visit destination. Don’t miss the delectable seafood and friendly locals who make the journey even more worthwhile. Tips for Travelers: • Rent a motorbike to easily explore the island. • Visit Ogtong Cave for a unique freshwater swimming experience. • The best time to visit is during the summer months (March to May) for perfect weather #BantayanIsland #TravelPhilippines #BeachGetaway #IslandParadise #CebuAdventures #TropicalEscape #TravelTips

#beachlife

#travel #solo #Happy40th