Isla Estan Resort is a popular spot for family reunions and chill times by the beach in the southern town of Dumanjug.
One unique feature of the resort is that during high tides, the seawater enters a small concrete cordon that leads up to one of the resort’s accommodations – the Amacan house. You can literally open the door and take a few steps down and it’s already the beach water ushering you in for a quick dip.
Photo by Romulo EscuadroPhoto by Estela SimyunnPhoto from Isla Estan Facebook PagePhoto by Joanna Delara
During high tide, seawater accumulates in this area and it looks like a huge swimming pool. Aside from this, the adjacent Mt. Kanlaon provides a perfect backdrop for some stunning beach photos.
They have various rooms and cottages, all of which are spacious and can accommodate large groups. This is probably the main reason why Isla Estan Resort is a common spot for family reunions and other large events in this town.
Photo from Estela Estan Facebook PagePhoto from Estela Estan Facebook PagePhoto by Romulo Escuadro
Furthermore, only those with room or cottage reservations can enter the premises, thus, you are assured of some privacy. The whole resort can also be booked for exclusive use, so you can put up tents and barbecue stations in the grounds and throw an amazing beach party.
Currently, the management is planning on purchasing pump boats so that in the next few months, Isla Estan Resort will be offering sailing and dolphin watching to their guests. Exciting right?
Photo by Estela SimyunnPhoto by Joanna DelaraPhoto from John Dean
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION:
Entrance fee: Exclusive to those with cottage or room reservations
Cottage fees:
Open cottage 1: P2,000 (good for 15 persons, with own grilling station and toilet)
Open cottage 2: P3,000 (good for 15 persons, with own cooler, grilling station, sink)
Room rates:
Room for 2 persons: P1,000 per night
Family Vista: P4,000 per night
Amacan House: P8,000 per night (good for 8 persons; non-aircon)
Stone House: P12,000 per night (good for 12 persons)
With 3 comfort rooms, complete kitchen utensils, stove, refrigerator, function room, and free purified water
Exclusive use of the resort: P25,000 (can put up tents in the grounds)
Exact location: Bitoon, Dumanjug, Southern Cebu — approx. 2.5 hours away from the city.
By bus: Head on to Cebu South Bus Terminal and ride a bus bound for Dumanjug, preferably, Chan Transit (according to the owner of the resort, the owner and drivers of Chan Transit are also from Dumanjug so you can easily instruct them to drop you off at Isla Estan). Travel time is around 2-2.5 hours.
By private car: Navigate using Waze or Google Maps and type in “Isla Estan” in Dumanjug as the destination. Parking space is available.
Satiate your hunger for food and nature in the rustic hillside café of Barracks View Cafe.
Photo from Barracks View Café Facebook Page
Barracks View Cafe is a house-on-stilts erected at the slopes of a hill. It’s high elevation from the ground allows the cafe to have a panoramic view of the scenic mountains present all over Cebu.
The cafe is also surrounded by numerous elements of nature such as the vibrant and lively trees growing on the same slope and the cool breeze blowing from the mountains.
Barracks View Cafe would definitely be the best place to experience and appreciate the majestic and verdant sceneries of Cebu at whatever time of the day.
Photo from Barracks View Café Facebook PagePhoto from Ciapg. Facebook PagePhoto by Hannah Khryss DemellitesPhoto by Gerelun Pepito
This lovely cafe on the hillside is located in Brgy. Adlaon, just an hour or so away from Brgy. Sirao where the Sirao Flower Gardens can be found. It possesses the same verdant views as any mountain-top destination in Cebu and flaunts the beauty of its mountain curves for every person to see. Being just a few hours away from the city, Barracks View Cafe provides an easily accessible retreat from the stress of the city for those who have their own vehicles.
Not only does Barracks View Cafe feed its guests with pleasant views but it also offers an array of food choices for visitors to enjoy while they take in the natural spectacle in front of them. If you love food, then this hillside cafe is more than willing to provide both heavy and sumptuous meals to satisfy your cravings.
Photo by Gerelun PepitoPhoto by Gerelun PepitoPhoto by Gerelun PepitoPhoto by Gerelun PepitoPhoto from Ciapg. Facbook Page
Fill your stomach as well as your soul as you munch on their various meals while you take in the unchanging beauty of nature. Afternoon snacks will surely be extremely relaxing and magical as it has the perfect view that captures the sun as it sinks behind the mountain views in the distance.
It doesn’t cost a lot to experience this spectacular view and the only entrance fee is to purchase their food.
Photo from Barracks View Café Facebook PagePhoto from Barracks View Café Facebook PagePhoto from Ciapg. Facebook PagePhoto from Ciapg. Facebook Page
Exact location: Sitio Bayabas, Brgy. Adlaon, Cebu City (Uphill Cebu) — approx. 45 minutes away from the city.
BY MOTORBIKE: From J.Y. Square Mall, take a habal-habal that will take you directly to Barracks View Cafe for ₱400-P500 roundtrip, good for 2 persons already. The driver may ask you for an additional waiting fee of ₱100-200 per hour depending on your negotiations. The ride will take 30-45 minutes to get there.
BY CAR/PRIVATE VEHICLE (recommended): Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cottage in the Sky – Basubas Farm”. Barracks View Cafe is just at the opposite side of the street.
On Tuesday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 9, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 363 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 832 new recoveries, and 8 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 39,265, while the active cases dropped to 6,105 (from 6,580).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 18,939 (+192 new) – Total recoveries: 15,359 (+635 new) – Total deaths: 763 (+4 new) – Active cases: 2,817
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 4,614 (+22 new) – Total recoveries: 3,504 (+35 new) – Total deaths: 125 (+0 new) – Active cases: 985
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 4,665 (+52 new) – Total recoveries: 3,438 (+46 new) – Total deaths: 189 (+2new) – Active cases: 1,038
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 11,047 (+97 new) – Total recoveries: 9,296 (+116 new) – Total deaths: 486 (+2 new) – Active cases: 1,265
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,105
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 39,265 (+363 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 31,597 (+832 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,563 (+8 new*)
A total of 3,528 laboratory results were released for today.
NOTES from DOH-7:
*As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.
For sure, streaming within the confines of our house is the closest we can get with going to the movies nowadays because of the ongoing pandemic. Recently, Disney+ released Raya and the Last Dragon, of which garnered the expected enthusiasm for the Filipino audience.
Raya and the Last Dragon is Disney’s latest film is worth watching for as it is the first Disney film that focuses on South East Asian history.
Photo from Raya and the Last Dragon Facebook Page
Photo from Raya and the Last Dragon Facebook Page
Set in the fictional kingdom of Kumandra that is currently divided into five nations, Raya embarks on a quest of collecting magical gem pieces with the hopes of fulfilling her father’s last wish, to reunite the bickering nations altogether.
South East Asian Inspirations
Every detail in the movie is heavily South East Asian-inspired. First, the land of Kumandra which is divided into five nations with rivers in between, obviously draws inspiration from how countries in this region is divided.
Second, this Disney flick is unique from most Disney movies as it heavily featured action sequences. Coincidentally, those action sequences showcased the martial arts of muay thai of Thailand, arnis of the Philippines and Indonesia’s pencak silat.
Lastly, South East Asian values such as maintaining a close bond with family, paying respects to tradition and an emphasis to honor are highlighted throughout the movie.
Photo from Raya and the Last Dragon Facebook PagePhoto from Raya and the Last Dragon Facebook Page
Journey to Trust
Like most Disney films, there is always an underlying principle that serves as the main point of the story and for Raya and the Last Dragon, it was trust. The young and naïve Raya back then was betrayed, which shattered her. This act of betrayal also led her to believe that you can’t trust no one, no matter what.
Throughout the film, she slowly overcomes this as she gets along with an ensemble of side characters, who eventually aid her in her quest.
Photo from Raya and the Last Dragon Facebook PagePhoto from Raya and the Last Dragon Facebook PagePhoto from Raya and the Last Dragon Facebook Page
Philippine Nods
Speaking of Philippine nods, one prominent artifact that Raya wore all the time was the salakot, a Philippine headgear traditionally used by farmers to protect them from the rain or sun. Again, the Philippine martial art of arnis is practiced by Raya as shown in the opening sequence.
The rice terraces is also a prominent landscape throughout the movie. Although a widely used rice-planting method, it is a nod to the fact that most of these are iconic South East Asian countries, especially the Philippines.
Photo from Raya and the Last Dragon Facebook PagePhoto from Raya and the Last Dragon Facebook Page
More importantly, one of the tracks featured in the film is a song purely in Filipino titled “Gabay” (which means guide in English) by KZ Tandingan, who is hailed as Asia’s Soul Supreme.
Overall, Raya and the Last Dragon is a treat for those who love Disney films and at the same time are hailing from South East Asia. The representation the movie provided to the younger audience is very important, who at the same time are the generation who grew up with social media and are more in touch with recognizing their identities.
Cebu is gifted with many white sand beaches that cover the majority of its shores such as those found in Alcoy, Mandaue, Malapascua, Bantayan, and many more but none of these span as long as the one nestled in the town of San Remigio.
For years, San Remigio has held the record of having the longest shoreline in all of Cebu. This long stretch of sand is occupied by various private and public beaches that offer different ways to experience the white sands of the town.
Ready your flip-flops as we walk you through some of San Remigio’s public white sand beaches.
1. Lapyahan sa San Remigio
“Lapyahan” is a Cebuano word that means seashore or shoreline. Lapyahan sa San Remigio is a public beach that serves a dual-purpose of hosting some of the town’s jovial celebrations and at the same time serving as a splashing spot for locals and visitors during hot days. It also welcomes friends and families who want to spend their vacations having a picnic on their sandy shores.
Photo by Maistrang Laagan
Fees:
Entrance fee: FREE
Cottage fees: P200-P350 per day
Room rates:
There are many resorts and hotels that offer overnight accommodation around Lapyahan. Here are two which are located very close to the shoreline:
San Remigio Cultural Center and Leisure
Cottage fee: P200 (free if with overnight room reservations)
Exact location: Poblacion, San Remigio, northern Cebu — 3-4 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: Head on to Cebu North Bus Terminal and hop on a bus for San Remigio. Fare is around P150-P200 pesos and travel time is around 2.5-3 hours. Tell the driver that you’re going to get off at the poblacion or town proper. Upon arrival, you can ride a habal-habal to Lapyahan (fare around P10-P20).
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Lapyahan sa San Remigio” in northern Cebu. Parking space is available.
2. Orongan Beach Resort
Orongan Beach Resort has trended on social media a few years ago for its tropical paradise experience that comes at an incredibly affordable entrance fee. Its huts and swings under canopies of coconut trees look so relaxing and inviting that it can surely convince anyone to take a break under their shades.
Photo by Debby Maeh Son Sitee
The beachfront is lined with pieces of small nipa cottages that are worthy of a snapshot especially with a clear view of the sea and sky. For those who want to stay overnight, they have the option of staying in their budget-friendly rooms or setting up camp at the sandy shores at night.
No matter how much guests spend in this resort, they will surely spend it with a relaxed mind, body, and budget.
Day Use Rates
Entrance fee: ₱150 per adult, ₱100 per child (5 to 12 y/o)
Exact location: Anapog, San Remigio, Cebu — 3-4 hours away from Cebu City.
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to San Remigio. Tell the driver to drop you off at the school in Brgy. Tambongon. Bus fare is ₱155 (one-way). From there, ride a motorbike (habal-habal) going to the Orongan Beach Resort. Fare is ₱25 per person.
BY CAR: If you’re driving your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Orongan Beach Resort” or refer to the map below. Parking space is available.
3. Tomasa Beach Resort
Tomasa Beach Resort is one of those beaches that are perfect for Filipino get-togethers such as family vacations or barkada reunions. The beachfront is filled with medium to big cottages that can host a good number of people and packages that come with very affordable rooms to boot.
Photo by Mary Filden Arquiza Saladaga
They come complete with tables and bamboo benches and there are also grilling stations that are ready for some barbecuing. Groups may stay for only a day if they choose to but they would have to provide their own tables and chairs. The beach comes with showers and comfort rooms so kids can swim away and enjoy the beach.
Exact Location: Brgy. Poblacion, San Remigio, Northern Cebu — 3-4 hours away from Cebu City.
ROOM RATES
Air conditioned Room
24-hr stay: P1,500, good for 5-6 persons
12-hr stay: P750, good for 5-6 persons
24-hr stay: P1,500, good for 2-3 persons
12-hr stay: P750, good for 2-3 persons
Ordinary Room (w/ Ceiling Fan)
24-hr stay: P100/head, up to 6 persons
24-hr stay: P100/head, up to 8 persons
24-hr stay: P400, up to 6 persons
Short Stay (3hrs): P300, up to 2 persons
Family Room w/ Cottage: P1,500.00, up to 6 persons
Other Information
Contact number: (032) 435-8201
Mobile No.: 0922-879-7888/ 0920-910-3904
4. Half Moon Beach Resort
Similar to other beach resorts in San Remigio, Half-moon Beach Resort highlights the long stretch of sand of the town accompanied by clear, blue skies and azure waters. It is also situated at a perfect spot to watch sunsets.
During low tides, the pure and white sand reveals more of its beauty and invites its guests to take a stroll in the morning. Aside from that, this resort has an affordable beach house that is exclusive and can host 3 to 8 people at a time. Their beachfront is also equipped with big and small cottages that can be used for a day or overnight. Whichever the case, Half-moon Beach Resort offers a relaxing experience with its tranquil atmosphere.
Exact Location: Mabini St., San Remigio, Northern Cebu — 3-4 hours away from Cebu City.
Photo from Halfmoon Beach – San Remigio Facbook Page
Photo from Halfmoon Beach – San Remigio Facbook Page
Photo from Halfmoon Beach – San Remigio Facbook PagePhoto by Carl Calderon
Get your reggae on and have a tropical blast in Maayong Hostel in Moalboal.
Maayong Hostel is an accommodation that welcomes every type of traveler and provides them with affordable means of comfort and retreat when exploring the different wonders of Moalboal. A hostel is a form of low-cost and short-term shared lodging where guests can rent a bed and use shared facilities such as a lounge or kitchen. It has the space that encourages strangers to mingle with one another and get to know their unique stories.
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Maayong Hostel was designed to properly compliment the tropical landscape of Moalboal. A huge part of the hostel is made of native materials such as wood, bamboo, and nipa roofs. These elements are masterfully combined to deliver the best tropical experience to the guests through comfortable rooms and an extremely relaxing atmosphere to ease the mind and body.
They have uniquely designed bungalow which are basically arches of nipa hut roofs extended to create spacious rooms and covered in both ends with wooden walls. On the outside, these rooms look very tropical and very pleasing to the eyes with its creative look and unique design.
It has a porch where guests can stay while appreciating the views or they can sleep in during the afternoons in the hammocks. The inside has a spacious room where guests could relax with the nipa roofs making sure that the temperature inside stays cool and refreshing.
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
The shared rooms are just as equally eye-catching with their rustic bunk beds and other similar designs. Guests are still able to enjoy privacy during their sleep with a sliding curtain that can fully cover the beds. The comfort rooms have a unique aesthetic as well with pebbles on the floor and bamboo walls enclosing the space instead of concrete and tiles. It has open roofs which allow the guests to connect with the tropical atmosphere but still enough cover to provide privacy.
The shared lounge is also adorned with unique native designs that bring out the best of the tropical atmosphere. Native baskets hang under the roofs and contribute to the aesthetics of the lounge. Numerou beanbags, tables, and chairs fill the space in the lounge and create a very welcoming atmosphere that invites every person for every walk of life to just sit down and chill.
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Maayong Hostel will surely bring a unique way to enjoy the tropic of Moalboal.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Menu:
ROOM RATES:
Shared Dormitory: P500 per person/night, can accommodate 12 persons max
Bungalows: ₱1,200 per night, good for 2 persons
Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Photo from Hotels.comPhoto from Maayong Hostel Facebook Page
Exact location: Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Southern Cebu — 3-4 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: Find your way to Cebu South Bus Terminal . From the bus terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato-Barili. Travel time takes about 2.5 – 4 hours depending on the traffic in the city.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Panagsama Beach Resort” in Moalboal, Cebu. Parking space is available upon arrival
Only 45 minutes away from Cebu City, this resort seems so close and yet you will feel like you have been transported to a completely different place! It’s the perfect place for family gatherings, team buildings, or friends’ escapade.
The Lava Mountain River Farm is an eco-resort which offers peace, traquility, and most importantly exclusivity.
Situated beside the Mananga River in the mountains of Busay, the 4-hectare property is surrounded by trees and beautiful nature which brings an abundance of fresh air and soothing ambience. The infinity pool is fed by constant running water keeping it fresh and rejuvenating, a truly unique experience!
The Bali Hut
The Day Use House
The Stone House
Himbabawud Falls
Feeling adventurous? The Himbabawud Falls is only a 1-hour river trek away from the Farm. Take the road less travelled as this waterfall is a hidden gem which only a few have explored.
Rates & Other Information
Exclusive resort, bookings on reservation basis only. No walk-ins.
DAY USE EXPERIENCE
Rate: P500 per person per day, minimum of 5pax
Check-in: 9AM / Check-out 6PM (same day)
Inclusions:
Use of Day Use Villa, Day Use Lounge, pool, and grilling area.
No use of Swimming Pool unless there is no other overnight group reserved in the farm.
Additional P1,000 (per group) for swimming pool use.
Swimming by the river beside the farm is free and open to all guests.
Exact location: Biasong, Brgy. BonBon, Cebu City — going uphill, 3 km away from main road and will pass through not-so-concrete roads. 45 minutes to 1 hour away from the city.
There is no public vehicle that can take you directly to the resort. These are your options:
BY CAR: You may need a private vehicle to get to the place. Then navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Lava Mountain River Farm”. Ample parking space is available.
BY MOTORBIKE: You may also opt to ride a habal-habal from JY Square. It will cost around ₱150-200 per person; each motorbike can accommodate up to 2pax. Make sure to negotiate first before riding.
On Monday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 8, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 310 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 452 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 38,902, while the active cases dropped to 6,580 (from 6,725).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 18,747 (+132 new) – Total recoveries: 14,725 (+232 new) – Total deaths: 759 (+0 new) – Active cases: 3,263
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 4,592 (+25 new) – Total recoveries: 3,469 (+17 new) – Total deaths: 125 (+0 new) – Active cases: 998
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 4,613 (+51 new) – Total recoveries: 3,392 (+45 new) – Total deaths: 187 (+10new) – Active cases: 1,034
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 10,950 (+102 new) – Total recoveries: 9,181 (+158 new) – Total deaths: 484 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,285
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,580
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 38,902 (+310 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 30,767 (+452 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,555 (+1 new*)
A total of 1,762 laboratory results were released for today.
NOTES from DOH-7:
*As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.
In case you missed it, Cebu Province has officially opened its borders for tourists from anywhere in the Philippines.
We’ve already created a guide for Cebu North Bus trips, but if you wish to travel to Cebu south by bus, here’s the latest guide on Ceres bus schedule for southern destinations.
Routes:
Cebu City to Bato via Oslob and vice versa
Cebu City to Bato via Barili and vice versa
Cebu City to Moalboal and vice versa
Cebu City to Argao and vice versa
Cebu City to Alcoy and vice versa
Trips / Schedule:
Cebu South Bus Terminal:
The Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) is located along N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City, near Elizabeth Mall (E-Mall).
Travel Requirements:
The Cebu Provincial Government eases the travel requirements, but they advise travelers to secure a prior appointment or booking to their desired resort or destination.
It’s also important to observe the minimum health requirements such as:
Must always wear face mask & face shield
Must always observe social distancing
There’s also no age limit in Cebu Province areas. Note, the Cebu Province only covers the towns and municipalities in Cebu outside Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City.
CEBU TOURISM CONTACTS
In case you have specific questions or concerns when traveling, it’s best to contact directly the local government unit’s Tourism Department of your destination.
Below is the latest list of Tourism Contacts per LGU in Cebu:
When it rained stunning islands jeweled with long stretches of powdery white sand shorelines in the Philippines, Daanbantayan town in Cebu certainly got a good catch.
Located in the northern part of Cebu, Daanbantayan has become a renowned tropical getaway among local and foreign travelers. It is famous for its attractive beaches and breathtaking dive spots. Few parts of the town are best locations for snorkeling with rich marine life and diverse coral reefs.
It’s time to get salty and sandy. Here’s a list of the six tourist destinations that you should include in your itinerary when travelling to Daanbantayan.
1. Carnaza Island
It looks like a turtle-shaped island from an aerial view. While it’s true that its distance and accessibility are among the factors why there’s not much tourism in the area, the island is still worth the travel. It is a paradise of crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscape. This is not just a place for swimming and snorkeling, the place is also a home of unexplored caves and thick forest vegetation. Although when travelling, make sure that you bring with you enough sources of battery supplies (powerbanks) since the island has limited power supply.
John Ray Aligato / The Island NomadPhoto by Mary Jane CabreraPhoto by Mary Jane CabreraJohn Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad
Exact Location: Northernmost distance from the shore of Daanbantayan Northern Cebu and at the North of Malapascua Island — approx. 4 hours away from the city.
Regular Season – P100 (tents offered by the staff of Carnaza Eco Park)
Peak Season – P300 (tents offered by the non-staff of Carnaza Eco Park
How To Get There: Head on to Cebu North Bus Terminal and ride the bus bound for Maya-Bagay or you can simply ask and conductor around the bus terminal and tell them that you’re going to Tapilon Port. Travel time is around 4 hours and fare is P212 (airconditioned bus).
Once you arrive at Tapilon Port, ride a boat going to Carnaza Island (P150 per way). First trip is at 7am-10am but it would actually depend on the condition of the sea. Alternatively, you can rent a pump boat for P7000 roundtrip it can carry around 25-30 people. Tapilon Port to Carnaza Island travel time is 2 hours.
2. Malapascua Island
Malapascua island is a must-visit for beach staycation. Here, you won’t just frolic on its white sand beach but you can also snorkel in the shallows. There are also bars and restaurants scattered around Bounty Beach, the island’s main beach. You can chill around, take a stroll, get some light snacks, and eventually dip in the cool waters surrounding the place.
Photo by @omglennys Photo by Thomas Dietz
Exact Location: Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Northern Cebu — 4 hours away from Cebu City, and 30 minutes away from Maya Port.
How To Get There: Head to Cebu City North Bus Terminal. Ride a van or Ceres bus bound for New Maya Port (around P210 fare, 4 hours travel time). Walk to the port or take a motorcycle for P20/head. Take the boat to Malapascua with P100/person fare (45 mins travel time). If it’s low tide, the boat can’t dock near the shore so you will be transferred by a small boat. Fare is P20/person. You may also charter a boat for P1500 good for 15 passengers. Alternatively, you can also drive to New Maya Port using your vehicle, but you’ll have to park it near Maya Port. Parking fee is P100/day.
3. Gato Island
Gato Island is a rocky island located in between Malapascua and Carnaza Island. Bamboo sharks, white tip sharks and cat sharks are known to be dwelling here. It holds a huge diversity of marine life such as banded sea snakes, stingrays, tuna, snappers, seahorses, cuttlefishes and a lot more, making it a good spot for diving.
Gato Island also boasts interesting underwater rock formations and corals. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a huge cave that shelters many animals serving essential roles in the island’s ecosystem.
Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander
Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander
Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander
Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander
How To Get There?
Gato Island is usually included in island hopping tours alongside Kalanggaman Island, La Manok, and Malapascua Island.
For a hassle-free trip, it’s better to book a trip and hire an island hopping service agency in advance. You may contact ECebu Finest Island Hopping Tour Partners at 0916-557-7118.
DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY): From Cebu North Bus Terminal, take a ride to a bus bound to Daanbantayan, specifically in Maya Port. The trip is roughly around 4-5 hours. Upon arrival to the port, register to take a boat ride going to Malapascua Island. The first trip departs at 7 AM while the last trip is at 5 PM, though the locals will still consider faring beyond that time depending on the number of passengers. The boat ride is roughly around 30-45 minutes and upon arrival, the locals can be asked for further directions on how to get to Gato Island.
Fare Rates:
Bus Fare from Cebu to Daanbantayan: P160
Fare from Port to Daanbantayan Proper: P10
Fare from Daanbantayan to Maya Port: P10
Fare from Maya Port to Malapascua: P100
The island is indeed a sight to behold and through the locals’ efforts, the island is preserved and hopefully would stay that way for many generations to come.
4. Monad Shoal
Swimming underneath the waters with towering corals, playful turtles, and a wide variety of fishes, can be fun and exciting. But swimming with sharks? Monad Shoal gives you that thrill.
This place is widely known for being one of the world’s sites that attract thresher sharks. Thresher sharks are easily recognized by the long upper lobe of the caudal fin (top half of the tail). They are considered mostly harmless to humans.
These sharks can be seen before sunrise in the region. The sea mount acts as cleaning area for them to remove the parasites from their skin, mouth and gills. There are also devil, eagle and manta rays, including occasional hammerhead sharks, swimming in the area.
Photo by Erwin Verweij
Photo by Lewis Lexter Yap
Photo by Lewis Lexter YapPhoto by Lewis Lexter Yap
Exact Location: 7.8 kilometers from Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Northern Cebu.
How To Get There: First, you need to get to Malapascua Island by following the instructions above on how to get there.
5. Golden Sands Destinations Resort
Swimming, island-hopping, diving, and snorkeling can be exhausting. Daanbantayan just can’t let you go without a little royalty pamper.
Golden Sans Destination Resort located in Daanbantayan, Cebu offers you a stay that is bathed with endless picturesque and world-class properties and amenities, thirst-quenching concoctions, and if there’s enough energy left, activities that you should never miss.
You can go paddle boarding, kayaking, and biking. Their “Boogie’s Restaurant and Bar” is also a must-try as it offers a fusion of local and international delectable dishes.
Photo from Golden Sands Destination Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Golden Sands Destination Resorts Facebook PagePhoto from Golden Sands Destination Resorts Facebook Page
Garden Villas: P8400/night good for 2 pax with breakfast
Lagoon Villas: P12200/night good for 2 pax with breakfast
Family Villas: P18300/night good for 2 pax with breakfast
How To Get There: Head to Cebu City North Bus Terminal. Ride a van or Ceres bus bound for New Maya Port (around P210 fare, 4 hours travel time). Tell the driver to drop you off at Maya Public Market in Daanbantayan. From there, ride a habal-habal or tricycle going to Golden Sands Destination Resorts (formerly Sandoval Beach Resort). Fare is P20-30 per person.
6. Kandaya Resort
Kandaya Resort is also Daanbantayan’s flagship bearer when it comes to idyllic, luxury destination in the heart of the historic Daanbantayan. It is named in homage to Datu Daya, an ancient brave tribal chieftain who once stood as protector of old Bantayan. The resort offers a serene environment mixed with adventure, relaxation and tradition to reinvigorate the body. The resort offers Asian and Western cuisines. They also have a spa that would certainly rejuvenate your senses to a state of balance and well-being. However, Kandaya Resort is temporarily close until further notice. They are looking forward to open by mid-December.
How To Get There: Go to Cebu North Bus Terminal and tell the conductor that you’re heading to Kandaya Resort in Agujo Daanbantayan. Fare is P200. Also, you can just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Kandaya Resort”. Ample parking space is available.
We are blessed with so much of nature’s generosity and it just blends well with the creativity and dexterity of the human race. Let’s strive our best to become better stewards so that treasures and places like these in Daanbantayan will last through ages.
