As my plane took off from Manila, leaving behind the towering skyscrapers of BGC and the chaotic streets filled with jeepneys and tricycles, I felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. My next destination: Cebu City, the gateway to some of the Philippines’ most stunning islands. But instead of staying in the bustling city, I had my sights set on a more secluded paradise—Bantayan Island.
Landing in Cebu City, I stepped out of the airport into a humid afternoon. The city was buzzing with activity—tricycles weaving through traffic, street food vendors grilling skewers by the roadside, and locals going about their day. But I didn’t have much time to explore Cebu just yet. I had a long journey ahead of me, one that would take nearly eight hours.
First, I made my way to Cebu North Bus Terminal, where I hopped on a local bus bound for Hagnaya, a small port town on the northern tip of Cebu. The ride was long—six hours to be exact—but it was a journey that immersed me in the everyday life of the province. The bus rumbled through lively towns and sleepy villages, past roadside fruit stands selling mangoes and coconuts, and fields of sugarcane swaying in the breeze. Vendors would hop on and off, offering local snacks like puso (hanging rice) and chicharon (crispy pork rinds).
By the time, we reached Hagnaya Port, I was ready to stretch my legs. From there, I boarded a ferry for the final leg of the journey—a two-hour ride across the Visayan Sea to Santa Fe, a small town on Bantayan Island. As the boat glided across the turquoise waters, I could already see glimpses of what awaited me: powdery white beaches, swaying palm trees, and fishing boats bobbing in the waves.
Tucked away in the northern reaches of Cebu province, Bantayan Island is the kind of place that feels untouched by time. Unlike the more commercialised islands of the Philippines, Bantayan retains its laid-back charm. Life here moves at a slower pace—locals ride bicycles or motorbikes instead of cars, the air is fresher, and the beaches are blissfully uncrowded.
The island is known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. But beyond its postcard-perfect scenery, Bantayan also has a fascinating history. It was once a Spanish outpost, and you can still find remnants of colonial-era churches and fortifications scattered around the island.
My first stop was Kota Beach, famous for its sandbar that shifts with the tides. As I walked along the soft, powdery sand, I felt like I had stepped into a dream. The water was calm, shallow, and impossibly blue—a perfect spot to just relax and soak in the beauty of the island.
Next, I rented a bicycle—one of the most sustainable and enjoyable ways to explore Bantayan. Cycling through the coconut tree-lined roads, I passed by small villages where children waved and shouted "Hello!" as I rode by. I stopped at Ogtong Cave, a natural underground pool with cool, clear water hidden beneath limestone rock formations. Taking a dip here was the perfect escape from the tropical heat.
I also visited the Virgin Island, a tiny islet just a short boat ride away from Bantayan. Here, I spent the afternoon snorkelling among colourful coral reefs and schools of fish, marvelling at the underwater world beneath me.
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Bantayan town. Built-in the 1500s, it’s one of the oldest churches in the Visayas, a reminder of the island’s deep-rooted Spanish influence.
No trip to Bantayan would be complete without indulging in the local food. I feasted on fresh seafood, including grilled squid, kinilaw (Filipino-style ceviche), and the island’s speciality—danggit (sun-dried rabbitfish), which is often eaten with garlic rice and a side of vinegar.
As the sun set, I found myself at a small beachfront café, sipping on a fresh coconut while watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange. There were no loud bars, no tourist crowds—just the sound of waves and the occasional laughter of locals enjoying their evening.
As much as I wanted to stay longer on Bantayan, my journey through the Philippines wasn’t over yet. The next morning, I packed my bags and made my way back to the ferry port, ready for the next adventure.
My next destination? Bohol—home to the famous Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and some of the best eco-tourism experiences in the country. But as I was leaving Bantayan, I knew one thing for sure: I would return to this island paradise someday.
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