7 Best Places to Visit on Bantayan Island

It’s time to channel your inner Moana and conquer the white sands of Bantayan Island.

Your Cebu trip won’t be complete without dipping in the aquamarine waters of Bantayan. The island is one of the greatest blessings in Cebu with various beaches and tourist spots. Bantayan’s ocean waves and sea breeze both bring peace, tranquility, and excitement to a true “Laagan’s” heart.

Don’t know where to start your Bantayan Beachscapade? We got you. Here are the 7 best places to visit on Bantayan Island.

1. Balidbid Lagoon

You don’t need to head to Grindavik, Iceland to experience an amazing deep-blue lagoon. Bantayan Island has its very own Balidbid Lagoon. The locals call the enchanting lagoon “Suba” and it is a river than makes its way to the sea.

Balidbid Lagoon is surrounded by lush greens such as coconut trees, mangroves, and tropical plants. What’s even more majestic about the lagoon is its serpent shape. If you aim for tranquility and peace, Balidbid Lagoon is perfect for you since it is rarely visited by people.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

• Entrance fee: ₱20 per person
• N/A

ROOM RATES: (or COTTAGE FEES)

• Standard Room: ₱2,000 per night, good for 2 persons with breakfast
• Deluxe Room: ₱2,000 per night, good for 2 persons

OTHER INFORMATION:

• There is no accomodation
• Contact numbers: N/A
• Email address: N/A
• Facebook Page: N/A

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Balidbid Lagoo, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu- 4-5 hours away from the city

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Hagnaya. Ask the driver to drop you off at Hagnaya Port Take a Ferry to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. Once you arrive, you can ride a habal-habal along Santa Fe main road and tell the driver to tell drop you at the lagoon.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Hagnaya Port”. Park your car at the port and commute going to Bantayan. If you do opt to bring your car, you can board the ferry with it. Once on the island, you can use waze or google maps and set your destination to “Balidbid Lagoon” on Bantayan Island.

Vehicle Ferry Prices (one way):

• Motorbike: ₱500 to ₱700
• Car: ₱1,270
• Van & SUV: ₱1,850
• Truck: ₱3,500

Daily Parking Fee in Hagnaya Port:

• Motorbike: ₱20 per day
• Car: ₱50 per day
• Van: ₱70 per day
• Truck: ₱100 per day

2. Sandira Beach

The next location on our list is Sandira Beach Paradise. It’s one of the best beaches on the island. There’s no accommodation since the beach is in its naturally preserved state. What’s good about this is you can enjoy a good ol’ picnic by the shore.

Sandira Beach Paradise sports fine white sands and beautiful aquamarine water waters.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

• Entrance fee: ₱50 per person

OTHER INFORMATION:

• There is no accomodation
• Contact numbers: N/A
• Email address: N/A
• Facebook Page: N/A

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Paradise Beach Sandira, Bantayan.

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Hagnaya. Ask the driver to drop you off at Hagnaya Port Take a Ferry to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. Once you arrive, you can ride a habal-habal to the beach. You’ll find a tourist office where you will pay the entrance fee before reaching the beach.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Hagnaya Port”. Park your car at the port and commute going to Bantayan. If you do opt to bring your car, you can board the ferry with it. Once on the island, you can use waze or google maps and set your destination to “Paradise Beach Sandira” on Bantayan Island.

3. Kinatarcan Island

Kinatarcan Island lies 25 kilometers off the west coast of Cebu and 12 kilometers northeast of Bantayan Island. Kinatarcan Island boasts its long white sand beaches and stunning deep blue waters.

Not only that, but the island is also home to many caves and even a lagoon called the Laaw Lagoon. On the island, you can also find the coral cliffs cove for a more scenic beach experience. Indulge in amazing sunsets while on the Island and capture a beautiful golden hour photo.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

FEES

• BUS (North Bus Terminal to Daanbantayan): ₱384 (₱192 /way)
• Tricycle from/to Daanbantayan Public Market and Maayahay Port: ₱20 (₱10 /way)
• Regular boat going to Kinatarcan Island: ₱100 (₱50 /way)
• Overnight Fee: ₱200 per tent
• Motor going to Laaw Lagoon
  • ₱50
  • ₱150 per head for whole day tour with the driver as the guide.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Contact numbers: N/A
• Email address: N/A
• Facebook Page: N/A

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Guintacan Island

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Daanbantayan. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Daanbantayan Public Market. Ride a tricycle going to the port bound for Guintacan Island. Ask around for a bout going to Pasil Kinatarcan Island

BY CAR: N/A

4. Virgin Island

All aboard a 30-minute boat ride from Bantayan to the beautiful Virgin Island. The island still retains its beautiful and naturally white sand beach and clear aquamarine waters. There are different activities you can try while going to the island such as swimming, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and of course, grubbing on some delicious food.

It’s important to take note that everything on the island is quite expensive, it’s better to go as a group, bring your own food and water, and rent gear back on the mainland.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

• Entrance Fee: ₱500 for 2 persons, and ₱100 additional per person in excess of 2
• Cottages: 9AM to 5PM
  • ₱300, ₱500, ₱600, ₱1,000 and ₱1,500
• Operating Hours: 9AM to 5PM (Monday to Sundays)

OVERNIGHT RATES:

• Non-Aircon Cottages
  • Cabana: ₱1,500 for 2 pax (maximum of 4 pax)
  • Open Cottage: ₱1,500 for 5 pax
  • Excess: ₱200

• Aircon Cottages
  • Bamboo: ₱3,000 for 2 pax. Maximum of 4 pax.
  • Family: ₱5,000 for 4 pax. Maximum of 6pax
  • Barkada: ₱7,000 for 8pax. Maximum of 10pax.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Contact numbers: 0920-118-3521 / 0917-322-2115 / 0922-726-6579
• Email address: N/A
• Facebook Page: N/A

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Virgin Island, Sta.Fe, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Hagnaya. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Hagnaya Port. Ride a ferry going to Sta. Fe, Bantayan. Once in Bantayan, you can take a boat going to Virgin Island.

BY CAR: N/A

5. The Ruins

Are you into cliff jumping? Then head over to the ruins in Bantayan Island. The ruins on Bantayan Island is the remains of an expat’s house that got destroyed during Typhoon Yolanda. Now, the ruins is one of the best spots for cliff diving in Bantayan.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

• N/A

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Contact numbers: N/A
• Email address: N/A
• Facebook Page: N/A

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Virgin Island, Sta.Fe, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Hagnaya. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Hagnaya Port. Ride a ferry going to Sta. Fe, Bantayan. Once in Bantayan, you can rent out a motorcycle or ride a habal-habal to go to the ruins.

BY CAR: Navigate Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “The Ruins” in Bantayan Island.

6. Omagieca Ono-ob Mangrove Garden

If you are the type who loves venturing out to nature, Omagieca Ono-ob Mangrove Garden is perfect for you. If you’ve ever seen the ending scene of the bridge to Terabithia where the main character walked through a bridge, you can experience that exact scene by walking through the bridges found in the Mangrove Garden.

Guests will be surrounded by beautiful mangroves and other lush greens. If you want to take a break from the bustling city, head over to Omagieca Ono-ob Mangrove Garden and be closer to nature.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

• Entrance fee: P50 per adult; P20 per child
• Opening hours: 8AM to 5PM daily
• Open cottage: P150 (1st 3 hrs) and P50/excess hour
• Boating: P350/trip (5pax)
• Kayaking: P150/head/hr
• Personalized Mangrove Planting: P50

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Corkage Fee: None
• Contact numbers: 09460069566/ 09072387668
• Email address: N/A
• Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/dtgomagieca 

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Virgin Island, Sta.Fe, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Hagnaya. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Hagnaya Port. Ride a ferry going to Sta. Fe, Bantayan. Once in Bantayan, you can rent out a motorcycle or ride a habal-habal going to Omagieca..

BY CAR: Navigate Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “TOmagieca” in Bantayan Island. Parking space is available.

7. Kota Beach

And last but not least, Kota Beach. Kota Beach is a must-visit tourist destination on the island. Cream-colored beaches and the mesmerizing blue waters will easily make this one of your new favorite spots on the island. The Resort boasts its native-inspired bungalow cottages, rooms, and Kadlawon Resto Bar.

Kota Beach gives its guests the ultimate tropical vibe and experience. If there’s one word to describe Kota Beach, it’s definitely “Stunning”. The aquamarine ocean and the whole place will make you fall in love.

The resort also has a restaurant that serves mouth-watering dishes. You won’t even have to worry about what or where to eat.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

• N/A

ROOM RATES:

• Beach Front Suite: P4,500/night
  • Queen-sized Bed
  • Double-deck Single Bed
  • Wide outdoor terrace with outlet
  • Aircon
  • Personal Ref
  • Hot & Cold Shower
  • Wifi Access
  • Free set breakfast for 1 or 2 persons

• Beachfront Cottage: P4,000/night
  • Queen-sized Bed
  • Wide outdoor Terrace with outlet
  • Air-con
  • Personal Ref
  • Hot & Cold Shower
  • Free set breakfast for 1 or 2 persons

• Deluxe Cottage:
  • 2nd Row: P3,500/night
    • Double-sized Bed
    • Wide outdoor terrace with outlet
    • Day-lounge Sofa              
    • Air-condition
    • Hot & Cold Shower
    • Free set Breakfast for 1 or 2 persons
  • 3rd & 4th: P3,000/night
    • Double-sized Bed
    • Wide outdoor terrace with outlet
    • Day-lounge Sofa              
    • Air-condition
    • Hot & Cold Shower
    • Free set Breakfast for 1 or 2 persons
• Standard Aircon Room: : P2,300/night
  • 1 Double Bed or 2 Single Beds
  • Airconditioned
  • Outdoor Terrace
  • Hot & Cold Shower
  • Free set Breakfast for 1 or 2 persons

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Contact numbers: +63 32 438 9042 / +63 956 276 4410 (Globe) / +63 948 799 3787 (Smart)
• Email address: [email protected] 
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kotabeachresort/
• Website: http://www.kotabeachresort.com/ 

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: F. Duarte Street, Poblacion, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Hagnaya. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Hagnaya Port. Ride a ferry going to Sta. Fe, Bantayan. Once in Bantayan, you can rent out a motorcycle or ride a habal-habal going to the resort

BY CAR: Navigate Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Kota Beach Resort in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. Parking space is available.