We have booked our Cebu flight last May since Cebu Pacific Air is having their PISO FARE promo at that time and yes, it was really hard to book a flight when they a piso fare promo. Why? no matter how many times you refreshed your browser, even if you have already picked the date that you wanted, most of the time, it will get sold even though seconds ago it was not yet. But fortunately, I was able to booked a flight for 2 to Cebu for the month of October. :)
The Date: Departure from Manila - October 19, 2011 6:30 p.m.
Me and my companion, Van went to NAIA terminal 3 around 5 p.m. we waited there even though our flight got delayed for about 45 minutes or so. I was really excited since this is another amazing adventure that I am embarking on. I promised myself that I will be traveling more. I want to explore. Enjoy the best of life. Step by step.
We arrived at Cebu around 9 in the evening, we went straight to Sugbutel since we already planned out where we should stay, Sugbutel offers cheap accommodations although when we got there it was already jam packed. It was getting late, since our plan was to get to Bantayan Island as early as possible so that we can enjoy the island more. We decided to go straight to North Terminal (jeep fare is P7.50), even though Van, my companion knows how to speak Bisaya, we were still having a hard time talking to Cebuanos. Most of the time we got lost and we ended up walking but I don't mind it though for as long as we're safe. It's part of the adventure right?:)
We ate noodles (P15.00 cooked) at the terminal and waited. Waited. At long last, at around 2:30 a.m we rode the bus going to Hagnaya Port (Bus fare is P130.00). Thankfully, it was breaking dawn :) We didn't get to experience the dust and hotness of the ride since we only ride an ordinary bus. Still, when we got to Hagnaya port, we both looked so tired and sleepy as if we came from a battle.
We waited for the ferry that will take us to Bantayan Island. The ferry will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. only (The fare is P170.00). An hour later, we arrived at Bantayan Island. We were welcomed by the pristine beach and crystal clear water of Bantayan Island.
It was picturesque. We then meet Kuya Toto who became our tourist guide all throughout our wonderful journey at Bantayan Island.
We stayed at Beach Placid Resort for our overnight stay, where we paid P600.00 (Electric fan only). The air conditioned rooms were already fully booked.
I must say that even though we only get to stay at the said room, it was still a nice, worth it room. Clean, with bathroom and we really just need a place where we can leave our things safely. We also rented a habal habal for P350.00 24 hours. We used it while we stroll around the island. Our island hopping is about P900.
Bantayan Island’s appeal to me were beyond than the white beaches that surrounded it.
All of the hotels & resorts in Santa Fe either have a beach or are very close to one another, and they’re not crowded at all so you can enjoy the sun & fun without bumping into lots of other people. Serenity at its finest!
The biggest & best beaches are located in Santa Fe in the south near all the hotels and resorts, and are fantastic for swimming, cooling off and sunrise/sunset strolls; waves are light to moderate and manageable due to being in the Tanon Straight which separates Bantayan Island and Cebu, and the surf on the south side near the Pier can come up a bit in windy weather - but the beaches on the south west side of Santa Fe are almost wave free all year long, and most often times the water is smooth as glass.
The sand is powdery white that you can't help but lay down and stare at the sky.
I loved how small the island is that you could go around the barrio just by walking. A short habal-habal ride would then take you to other towns. There’s not much to do in Bantayan Island, but the quietness, the serenity does something to you. It’s so inviting you don’t want to leave the island anymore. I even fantasized myself living at the island where simplicity is the key to a serene life. We stayed there for 2 days and 1 night.
We also went to Virgin Island which also looks like Puka Beach at Boracay but I love Virgin Island more since it was so quiet there. We were the only guest when we went there! we get to walk around, goof around and sleep. This is definitely one of the best beaches the country has to offer.
The next day we went to Mangrove Park. We also went to Sugar Beach Resort, they also have cheap accommodations plus they also have the best sea lining.
White beach at it's best. They have a lot of cottages as well. We also went to Kota Beach Resort, nice beach front. PAG ASA even put a station there to monitor the weather in the Visayas area.
Bantayan Island is definitely something to consider if you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and seeking for some relaxation and peace. I’d definitely come back to this island, no doubt about it. I'd love to visit Malapascua on our next visit then off to Oslob as well.
Travel more everyone! :-)
