The Island called Bantayan

I have always loved Cebu. Their beautiful beaches and their scrumptious food always brings me back to this beautiful group of islands in the South.  I have been to Gilutungan and Nalusuan countless times and enjoyed every minute I was there. But the chance to go to Bantayan, Malapascua and Camotes seems to elude me. So when we were told that we would be doing some fieldwork in Bantayan, the kids (this means the team members whose below the age of 40) were very ecstatic.

To reach Bantayan, one needs to ride a ferry from the Hagnaya port which is located in the Municipality of San Remigio (a three hour bus ride from Cebu City).  The ferries from the Hagnaya port to the Sta. Fe port is not as nice as the ones travelling from Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol. However, for P170.00/pax and for a one hour and a half boat ride, I think this was okay.


Many people don't know that the Bantayan Island is actually divided into three municipalities: Santa Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos. The Municipality of Santa Fe, where the main port is, probably has the most number of beach resorts in the island. The Municipality of Bantayan, which is in the middle, has the biggest land area. While the Municipality of Madridejos, which is at the tip,  is said to offer the most spectacular sunset view.

a shot from Sta. Fe port
We stayed in this very beautiful resort named Marlin's Beach Resort in Sta. Fe (free advertisement!!). The place is a bit pricey but their rooms are very spacious and  their beach front is just amazing. The food is also delicious. We were able to try a lot of their food because we mostly ate there (we were so tired after work we do not have the energy to explore already). Also, the staff are extra nice (kahit na napagalitan sila nung sira yung shower namin sa room. hehehe)





As we were there mainly for work,we had to find the time to enjoy the white sand and clear blue sea. It would be sinful if we did not even try. So, we had to either wake up really early or swim late in the afternoon.


 


 
We also tried kayaking, which I think is a first for all of us. I am not so much into sports or anything sporty but I found kayaking to be fun. Aside from its health benefits which includes arms and stomach toning (sabi sa internet), it also develops coordination skills if you have a partner in paddling.


Another beautiful resort in Santa Fe is Anika Island Resort (another free advertisement!!). Before going back to mainland Cebu, we dropped by this unconventional resort to have lunch. Why unconventional? It's because they converted old cargo containers into beautiful rooms. The resort also has a beauty beach front and extra nice staff. They even toured us around even if we're not booked with them.

picture courtesy of www.tortelspack.com


Aside from the beautiful beaches of Bantayan island, one can also try to explore other places such as the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church in the Municipality of Bantayan. This century-old church was the first and oldest parish established in Cebu.




This is why I love what I do. I get to travel and explore the world and at the same time meet very nice and awesome people. Will definitely go back to this very beautiful island soon. As in very soon.  

 ***Giving due credit to my workmates/friends who owns most of the pictures I uploaded in this blog. Thanks Aildrene and Dhen Mark! 



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