Monday, June 30, 2014

Visiting Bantayan Island for the second time

I fell in love to it since my first visit. 
It's my husband's top place to visit in Cebu when family & relatives would ask.
And just because we want to have one last blast for summer 2014, off we went.

Because of our spontaneity, we travel by land through a non-aircon bus. We could not wait for the aircon bus and for trying to catch the 10:30AM voyage from Hagnaya Port, non-aircon bus it. Yes, we were not able to make the 10:30AM voyage. Instead, we have to ride on a 12:30PM with smaller ferry. By the way, during this time of the month, Amihan and Habagat (wind directions) seems like have an effect since waves are bigger thus, sailing is not that smooth. Infact, it makes me dizzy a bit.

We stayed at Beach Placid and choose Beach Front Room good for 4 persons at 1800PHP. This is with free breakfast. For our other meals, hubby chose to buy food outside the resort (fresh fish and fruits) and we just request the resort to cook for us. It has additional charges though. The resort is closer to the Sta. Fe's port. Though the beach is still clean, I personally prefer to beaches farther from the port. 
The kids love the beach. I see a change of impression my youngest (my next fear is that maybe he will not appreciate beaches unless the sand is white and that the water is crystal clear :D). My eldest likes that the place is simple and quite and that there is no pollution (according to her). The kids had close encounter with jellyfish. They are so thrilled they found a live one (me too :D)
Hubby loves to explore the place. There locals that let their motorbikes lend for a overnight at certain rate. We were able to borrow for 24hrs at 250PHP. There are bicycles for rent too at 150PHP for 24 hrs. We were able to explore Barangay Bantayan's market for its famous fish (fresh and dried).
My kids can't get enough of the beach. Hopefully, we can go home with the rest of the family.

Tips:
- Its best to start your travel early in the morning to catch air-conditioned bus. Travel time for air-conditioned bus is shorter than non-air-conditioned bus due to minimal stops for passenger pick-up. Don't worry, there's not much difference with the fare. 
. The earlier you arrived at the Hagnaya Port the better so you could catch the 10:30AM voyage of the biggest ferry.
- When making reservations, ask for free transport service. Resorts may pick the client from the port and transport back to the port after the stay.
- The island is abundant of fresh fish and shells, you have the option to buy your meals and let the resort cook for you.
- Stores closes at 6PM (during ordinary days). No night life (based on my observation)
- 2-days/1-night relaxation is not enough. Plan a longer stay.
- Have fun.

PS:
Our first visit to Bantayan Island, 5 years ago. Kudos to the locals who take good care of the island :D

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