Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines


Hello everyone!  It’s so goooood to be back!  I can’t really believe I was gone for almost 2 years without blogging, but hey! :)

So, since I was so busy getting caught up with work and other things on the side, which includes travelling, I will share again places which I have been to and so much more.

As you all know, Philippines got hit by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in November 2013 and Bantayan Island in Cebu is one of the many places that was affected.  It was really a devastating year for Philippines.  Lucky for me, I have been in Bantayan Island before this tragedy happened and changed everything.  I can only show the beauty of Bantayan Island before the tragedy, but, I still believe that this place has still all the charm and wonders it has to offer until now.  I’m planning to visit the place again soon, so, you all just have to watch out for the update.

The view from just outside our room.

A picturesque view of Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines.


This place has so much to offer such as good food, swimming, kayaking, sailing, island hopping, snorkeling or just the classic romantic walk on the beach while watching the sun sets with your ahem, significant other (works for me all the time, wink, wink);) 

Kayaking with their sailing board, great idea!  Only in Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

Fish Kinilaw. Buttered Chicken, and Thai Curry Crab for dinner.  Yum!

A stroll along the beach.

Starry starry starfishes!  I am always fascinated with these creatures, so fun to collect and take pictures of them!  But, they have to go back to their homes after.



One of the many things I like to do on vacation is island hopping. In Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines there's a few neighboring islands that offers great view and new environment to swim and snorkel like the Virgin Island, it's a 20-minute boat ride from the rest house where we stayed. The boat ride costs around PHP 800-1,000 depending on how talented you are at haggling. ;) Great TIP: I asked a friendly couple who were also staying in the same rest house as we did if they would like to share the trip with us and they were delighted to, so, basically we shared the expenses and we had a really great time as well! The cost includes the round trip ride; the boatmen will cook and serve you as well as guiding you on the tour. This doesn't include the food though, so, what I did was to buy some fresh fish and meat to marinate in the market early morning, cooked some rice and brings some chips, fruits and drinks to save. Here are a few photos that were captured during our trip. The place is as breathtaking as the photos.

On the way to Virgin Island, Bantayan, Cebu, Philippines, you will pass by a lot of beautiful resorts, palm trees and other scenery. Here's the view from Sta. Fe Resort and Beach Club, Bantayan. 

Overview of the Virgin Island, Cebu, Philippines.

Boat parking :)

A very simple cottage from the island as there's no overnight stay here, only day tour.  This island has no electric power neither developed, thus, it's called Virgin as it is untouched. :)

Snorkeling with our tour guide.

Swimming in the blue waters of Virgin Island, Bantayan, Cebu,Philippines.  :)

This was very memorable, relaxing and fun trip for us.  Not only that we enjoyed but we also gained new friends and learned something about the locals in this area.  There are a lot of places here that we haven't seen or explored yet, but, who knows maybe you could.  

I really believe that travelling is a very fulfilling experience and also educational.  There's no rewarding feeling than that of preparing and learning about the place(s) you wanted to visit for the first time and find out what that place has in store for you.  

As what I have mentioned in my previous post, there are certainly a lot of things to do and places to visit in the Philippines, and one of these beautiful places is Cebu.  I came across this eBook that offers a lot of help if you are planning to visit the Philippines.  For an extensive guide on travelling my beautiful country, you can always click here to learn more.