Before the year 2015 ends, Hubby and I decided to take some time off and spend it somewhere outside the city. We decided to visit Bantayan Island, an island located at the northern part of Cebu island. Since it was our first visit to Bantayan and without any guide, we did some research ahead of time.
Early morning of December 29th, my father-in-law dropped us off at Cebu's North Bus Terminal. We took a bus heading to Hagnaya. This bus will drop you off right at Hagnaya Port. WiFi was available on board but was not reliable once we're outside of the city.
Rates:
Non-Aircon Bus --- Php130.00
Aircon Bus --- Php170.00
It's a two-and-a-half to three-hour bus ride to Hagnaya Port. Along the way you'll see farmlands, mountains, limestone cliffs, if you're seated at the left-hand side of the bus. On the other hand, your view will mostly be the coastal area.
We have a stopover at Catmon, so nothing to worry about getting hungry while on the road. As for traffic concerns, there was light to no traffic at all.
Once we're in Hagnaya Port we bought our ro-ro tickets, a one to one-and-a-half hour ride to Sta. Fe Port of Bantayan Island, and then paid the terminal fee. Here you may buy foods and drinks to take with you on board the ro-ro ships.
Rates:
Ro-ro --- Php170.00
Hagnaya Port terminal fee --- Php10.00
At Sta. Fe Port we hired a motorized tricycle to Kota Beach Resort. Unfortunately the resort was already fully booked so the driver helped us hunt for a room. We settled at Mayet's Beach Resort.
Rates:
Mayet's Beach Resort --- Php700.00-3,000.00
Near the resort we found a sari-sari store(small neighborhood convenient store) with bicycles for rent. Based on our research bicycles for rent in Bantayan cost Php200.00 which is good for 8-hours but we're lucky enough to find a cheaper deal. We rented out two bikes and roam around the island with it.
Rates:
Bicycle (24-hour) --- Php50.00
For dinner, we ate at Cogtong Beach Resort which is just adjacent to Mayet's. We then bough a few San Mig Light at the sari-sari store on our way back to Mayet's and stayed at the cottages by the beach front. We were there chatting, enjoying our beer and strolling by the shore until late in the evening. If you are into nightlife, this place is not for you.
Early morning, the next day, I took these pictures at Mayet's, I love the white sand there:
We had our brunch at Kota Beach's resto. And then resumed biking to the eastern part of Bantayan until we used up our energy.
At lunch we checked in at Kota Beach Resort. And oh by the way, they accept debit and credit card payments! What I love here is it's very near the market place, the plaza, the Sto. Niño Catholic Parish church, the public schools and there are lots of resorts, restaurants and bars around the area.
Rates:
Kota Beach Resort --- Php900.00-3,800.00
As for dinner, we dine at Cou Cou Bar Hotel and Restaurant and stayed there until midnight.
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| That's me at Kota's reception area. |
On the third day, there was a light shower early morning when I took these pictures:
Kota has a free shuttle to transfer you to and fro the Sta. Fe Port so make sure to inform the receptionist ahead of time.
At Sta. Fe Port, don't forget to pay the terminal fee once you've bought your ferry tickets.
Rates:
Sta. Fe Port terminal fee --- Php5.00
At Sta. Fe Port, don't forget to pay the terminal fee once you've bought your ferry tickets.
Rates:
Sta. Fe Port terminal fee --- Php5.00
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| Sta. Fe Port |
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| Hagnaya Port |
Some of the sceneries on our way back to Cebu City:
Our bus dropped us off near SM Cebu, so make sure to ask your bus driver or the conductor for the available drop-off points in the city.
