Off the northwestern coast of Cebu lies a majestic island with pristine waters and glowing white sand—Bantayan Island. Having a chance to travel to this island last April, I present to you the best spots or top places to visit if you’re planning to spend a holiday break in Bantayan.

The Best Time to Visit Bantayan

Since the Philippines has only two seasons, the ideal time to visit is during the dry season, when days are mostly sunny, and the seas are calm. This typically runs from late December to May. The peak of the dry season falls between March and May—known locally as Philippine summer—but this period also brings larger crowds and higher prices, especially around Holy Week.

If you’re looking to avoid heavy crowds and save on accommodation, the shoulder months (November and December) can also be a great time. However, typhoons are still possible to form around this time, and the weather can be erratic.

How To Get There

Although it does take time to reach this island, let’s keep it simple with this itinerary.

Cebu City

Whether you’re arriving via Mactan-Cebu International Airport or docking at Cebu Port after a ferry ride, Cebu City serves as the main gateway to your Bantayan Island adventure. If you have extra time, consider booking a one-day Cebu City tour to explore iconic landmarks such as Magellan’s Cross, Temple of Lea, Sirao Garden, and the Taoist Temple before continuing your journey north.

Cebu North Terminal Bus Station

From the airport, port, or your accommodation, take a taxi or ride-hailing service to Cebu North Terminal Bus Station, where trips to northern Cebu begin. I highly recommend using Grab, as regular taxis can sometimes overcharge tourists. Grab fares typically range from ₱150–₱250, depending on your location and traffic.

Bus Station to Hagnaya Port

At the terminal, you can choose between a van or a bus going to Hagnaya Port. While vans are faster, buses are generally safer and more comfortable for long trips. Take a Ceres bus (the yellow buses) bound for Hagnaya Port, with a fare of around ₱260-299. The journey usually takes 3.5 to 4 hours, passing through scenic countryside views, coastal roads, and small towns—so the ride itself becomes part of the experience.

Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe Port, Bantayan Island

Once you arrive at Hagnaya Port, purchase a ferry ticket bound for Santa Fe Port, Bantayan Island. You have two main options:

Island Shipping Ferry – around ₱325 (including terminal fees), more budget-friendly

Super Shuttle Ferry – around ₱384 (including terminal fees), slightly faster

The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on sea conditions.

Pro tip: There is a direct bus from Cebu North Terminal to Bantayan Island (and vice versa). The bus is loaded onto the ferry during the sea crossing, so there’s no need to transfer vehicles, making the trip less hassle and usually cheaper (around ₱350 as of February 2025).

However, seats fill up quickly due to high demand, so it’s best to arrive early. Bus departures are typically every 2 hours from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Welcome to Bantayan Island

Upon arrival, you’ll pay a ₱30 island environmental fee. From Santa Fe Port, you can easily get around by tricycle, renting a scooter (around ₱300 per day), or using a hotel shuttle if your accommodation offers one. And just like that—welcome to the laid-back charm of Bantayan Island

Now, here are the top places to visit in Bantayan

1. Kota Beach

My first impression of Kota Beach was simple: it feels like Boracay—without actually going to Boracay. The beach is known for its powdery white sand and clear, turquoise waters, but what truly sets it apart is how shallow the shoreline is. During low tide, beautiful sandbars emerge, making it perfect for long walks, photos, and relaxed swimming.

Entrance Fee:

Beach access is free for guests staying at Kota Beach Resort, including use of their amenities. However, there are also free public access points. We entered through a small public pathway beside the resort—where motorbikes are parked, and locals sell fresh seafood—and walked straight to the beachfront. From there, you can easily stroll toward the sandbars.

2. The Ruins

This spot has only gained popularity in recent years, and surprisingly, it doesn’t have much historical significance. The Ruins is simply the remains of a house owned by a German in the 1990s, abandoned for unknown reasons. Over time, the structure deteriorated and was later covered in colorful graffiti, giving it a raw, artsy appeal that makes it incredibly photogenic.

What makes this place even more exciting is its cliffside location. During high tide, adventurous visitors often come here for cliff diving, with the deep blue sea below.

Entrance Fee:

Completely free and conveniently located right beside the highway. Just note that during peak summer months, this spot can get crowded due to its growing popularity.

3. Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park

Located about 20–30 minutes from Santa Fe by motorbike or car, Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park is a peaceful break from the beach scene. This eco-park is a community-led project, developed by the local barangay and later transformed into a sustainable ecotourism site.

Visitors walk along a long wooden boardwalk that winds through a dense mangrove forest, surrounded by various mangrove species and calm waters. Activities include fish feeding, kayaking, and boating, and movie fans will enjoy spotting filming locations from the Filipino movie Camp Sawi.

We paid 50 pesos for the entrance fee. But some sources report slightly higher rates around ₱55–₱75, depending on season or updates at the park.

Entrance Fee:

Adults: ₱75

Children: ₱50

4. Baigad / Balidbid Lagoon

This saltwater lagoon is a must-visit when exploring Bantayan Island. Having our own scooter made getting around easier, but this spot can still be a bit confusing—so here’s what to expect.

Baigad / Balidbid Lagoon Bantayan Island

When Google Maps says you’ve arrived, you’ll quickly find out that there is no direct road access to the lagoon. The trails leading to it are all private properties, which means the lagoon is officially accessible only by boat. However, if you want to avoid paying for a boat, you can still walk along the beachfront until you reach Baigad Lagoon Beach Resort—it’s about a 1-kilometer walk along the shore.

Baigad Lagoon Beach Resort owns part of the lagoon and offers activities like kayaking, swimming, and access to an outdoor pool and deck. The lagoon connects directly to the beach, and the water here is exceptionally clear.

Entrance & Fees

₱250 per person

₱150 – PWDs, Senior Citizens, and Bantayan Island locals (valid ID required)

FREE – Children 6 years old and below

5. Ogtong Cave and Paradise Beach

Located within Ogtong Cave Resort, this cave is a small natural pool tucked inside a limestone chamber perfect for a refreshing dip, especially during hot afternoons. The water is crystal clear and cool, and while it’s not massive and crowded inside, the uniqueness of swimming in a cave is a memory worth keeping.

Right outside the cave is a big swimming pool where you’re allowed to dip if you wear the right swimming clothing. Further beyond the pool is Paradise Beach, a quiet stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise water. It’s less crowded than other beaches with a jagged shoreline where you can take pictures, hide under for shade, or cliff dive when the tide is high. Don’t get confused looking for the cave, as these three amenities are all inside a private resort, so you have to go through a large gate with a fountain and a pavilion.

Entrance Fee: ₱200 for walk-in guests (includes access to both the cave and the beach). I know, quite pricey.. 150 for kids.

Update: Due to the 6.9 earthquake in Northern Cebu last September 2025, the cave is still closed for a comprehensive safety evaluation. Refer to their Facebook page for updates. So this spot should be optional; without the cave, it’s not that fun.

6. Sandira Beach

Also known by locals as Paradise Beach (yes, same nickname!), Sandira Beach is privately owned but open to the public. It’s quieter than Kota, with fewer tourists and no resorts lining the shore. This beach is perfect for a calm swim, lying under coconut trees, and soaking in the serene vibes. When we went there, it was sunset, and we had a good view. There are a bunch of starfish and tuyom (sea urchins), so be careful.

Entrance Fee: ₱50 per person

7. Bantayan Church (Sts. Peter and Paul Parish)

If you’re into history or architecture, a quick stop at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, more commonly known as Bantayan Church, is a must. It’s one of the oldest churches in the Visayas, dating back to the 1580s, built using coral stones and egg whites (yes, the old-school cement method!). However, the church was severely damaged during the 6.9 earthquake, specifically the facade and bell tower. So hopefully, it’s rebuilt. 🥹

Entrance Fee: Free (donations welcome)

8. Virgin Island / Hilantagaan Island

For a real island-hopping adventure, set your sights on Virgin Island and Hilantagaan Island—two small islets near Bantayan known for their clear waters and amazing snorkeling. Virgin Island is more developed, with cottages, a small bar, and activities like kayaking and cliff jumping. Hilantagaan is quieter, more of a local fishing village vibe with welcoming locals and untouched beaches.

Boat Rental: Ranges from ₱800–₱1,500 depending on the boat size and how many islands you plan to visit. Prices are negotiable. Some are fixed if you’re on an island-hopping trip.

Entrance Fee (Virgin Island): ₱250 per person

Pro Tip: Pack snacks and water. Some vendors sell expensive food.

9. MJ Square

After a day of beach hopping and adventures, MJ Square in Santa Fe is the perfect place to unwind. This food hub is a mix of laid-back restos, cozy cafés, and bars. Whether you’re craving seafood, pasta, Filipino dishes, or milk tea and ice cream, MJ Square has something for everyone. Not to mention, food is cheap! Special mention to a plate of freshly steamed scallops for only 60 pesos. Plus, there’s also live music on some nights!

Budget: Meals range from ₱150 to ₱400. I encourage you to try the fresh seafood. Just bring an antihistamine. Lol.

Bonus: Little Siargao Coconut Road

Going to the Obo-ob Mangrove park, you will pass a dense and long winding street with neatly piled coconut trees that look like Siargao. So don’t forget to stop by and take pictures!

Budget Summary

Here’s a total budget breakdown excluding accommodation and the trip to Cebu City.

Notes to budgeting:

Conservative budgeting: using the highest possible costs.
Ogtong Cave is excluded due to the current closure
Excluding resort activities like kayaking, etc.
Rates reflect the most recent 2025 prices. It could go higher for 2026.

A. Transportation: Cebu City ↔ Bantayan Island (Round Trip)

Item	Cost (₱)
Grab: Cebu City → North Bus Terminal	250
Ceres Bus: North Terminal → Hagnaya Port	299
Island Shipping Ferry: Hagnaya → Santa Fe	325
Island Environmental Fee (Santa Fe Port)	30
Island Shipping Ferry: Santa Fe → Hagnaya	325
Ceres Bus: Hagnaya → North Bus Terminal	299
Grab: North Bus Terminal → Cebu City	250
Transportation Subtotal (Round Trip)	1,778

Notes: Can be reduced to almost half if taking the direct North Terminal to Bantayan, or riding a Van. Grab cost can be lowered when the trip is shared.

B. Local Transportation (Bantayan Island)

Item	Cost (₱)
Scooter rental (₱300/day × 2 days)	600
Fuel	150
Subtotal	750

There are habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) if you can’t drive an automatic scooter. But rates depend on destination points and will add up significantly to your expenses.

C. Entrance Fees & Activities

Attraction	Cost (₱)
Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park (Adult)	75
Baigad / Balidbid Lagoon	250
Sandira Beach	50
Virgin Island entrance fee	300
Boat ride to Virgin / Hilantagaan Island	600
Subtotal	1,275

Note: Boat ride cost can go lower if you’re traveling in a group, as the rental fee is divided.

Plus 50 50-peso environmental fee upon arrival at the Virgin Island.

D. Food (3 Days)

Item	Cost (₱)
Meals (₱400–₱500/day)	1,200 – 1,500

Estimated Total Trip Budget (Per Person)

Scenario	Estimated Total (₱)
With Island Hopping	4,953 – 5,253
Without Island Hopping	3,878 – 4,178

So that’s it! If you’re planning to stay longer than 3 days and 2 nights, you can simply use the figures above as your base and recompute accordingly. There are plenty of affordable accommodations around the island—budget inns usually range from ₱600–₱1,300 per night, while beachfront hotels start at around ₱1,300 and up. Just make sure to book ahead, especially during peak season.

There are still so many beautiful spots on the island that I haven’t mentioned, but from what I’ve experienced so far, Bantayan is easily the best island I’ve ever been to. It’s not overly developed—just simple, peaceful, and genuinely beautiful. And the locals? Incredibly warm and friendly.

I can’t wait to come back.

See you there!

-Bryan