Balidbid Lagoon, known as “Suba” by locals, in Bantayan Island is a serene and scenic spot where the river makes its rendezvous with the sea.
Filled with the lush greens of coconut trees, mangroves, and tropical plant life, the untouched landscape will make you sigh with contentment every minute!
Balidbid Lagoon is comprised of saltwater, and its outstanding feature is a sandy shore that curves along the serpent shaped lagoon. The outcrop of land that the snaking shore belongs to is a parcel of land with untamed bush. Opposite the outcrop, on the outer edges of the curve, mangroves and palm trees surround the waters, giving the lagoon a wild yet protected vibe!
In this rarely visited corner of Bantayan Island, you’ll be isolated from the world with just the sea, the sun, and the sand to accompany you – the best formula to relax!
There are two main beach parts that you can visit. First is the sandy-stony beach fronting the sea, where waves constantly break on the shore and you have a scenic view of Hilantagan Island. Second is the sandy curving beach in the lagoon among calm waters with a sandy bottom. In here, you can hear the calls of hundreds of birds nesting in the area.
The lagoon waters sparkle in the sun and mesmerizingly show off their immaculate clarity and cleanliness. Remember to stow your litter and keep the lagoon this way!
If the landscape and the scenery weren’t enough to enthrall you, hear this: Balidbid Lagoon is located on the eastern edge of Bantayan Island. Yep, that means an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the ocean! It’s truly a wonder how this spot is not making headlines for its natural beauty.
Balidbid Lagoon is a great place for some solace and quiet time in nature. The lagoon is a unique experience compared to the developed beach resorts in the rest of the island. Its beauty is also thanks to its cleanliness, so let’s remember our part in keeping the lagoon healthy and spotless.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Day Use:
- Entrance Fee: ₱20 per person
Other information
- A boat tour is possible during high tide. Rate and availability vary.
- The lagoon is an all-natural wonder. There is no resort accommodation in the lagoon itself.
- Road access is limited, and parking is not available in the lagoon.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Balidbid Lagoon, Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu — approx. 4-5 hours away from the city.
BY COMMUTE: From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus heading to Hagnaya. You may also opt to ride a van, but that will be pricier. Ask to be dropped off at Hagnaya Port. The bus trip will cost ₱175 and will take around 3-4 hours; less for vans.
Hagnaya Port charges all persons ₱10 for their terminal fee. From Hagnaya Port, take the Express Ferry Boat to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. This costs ₱180 one way, and travel time is approximately an hour. A Ro-Ro vessel from Hagnaya to Santa Fe is also available.
When in the island, your primary transport will be by tricycle or motorcycle. You can rent a motorcycle for around ₱250 a day, otherwise you can hail a tricycle or habal-habal along Santa Fe main road to the lagoon for ₱50 to ₱100 one way.
BY CAR: Your private vehicle can be ferried over to Sta. Fe so you can use your vehicle in Bantayan Island. Alternatively, you can leave it in the parking area of Hagnaya Port and opt to commute in Bantayan.
- 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
Once in the island, navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Balidbid Lagoon”or “Baigad Lagoon” in Bantayan Island, Cebu. Follow Baigad Road going north, and through Barangay Okoy, and make a right turn after you pass the bridge.