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Malapascua Travel Guide and the Not-so-ordinary Island Life

Malapascua is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Philippines. It measures 2.5 on its longest side and 1 kilometer on its shorter span. Being a cleaning station for thresher sharks and manta rays and a home to diverse coral species, Malapascua became a famous dive site. The island is also a host to multiple white-sand beaches and interesting rock formations.

Malapascua, by the way, floats 6.8 kilometers northeast of Cebu island.

Malapascua’s northern strip, Langub Beach

I’ve been receiving recommendations to see Malapascua since I moved to Cebu. Hence, when I finally got a chance, I boarded a bus off to Maya port, where Malapascua-bound boats are waiting to convey passengers.

The trip was completely random. I decided to visit the island one Friday night, and then I was on the island immediately the morning after that. Like most of my trips, I traveled alone. It’s really hard to drag someone else on random trip, anyway.

Malapascua After Typhoon Haiyan

I heard that the island suffered a large-scale devastation when Typhoon Haiyan struck the Visayas, but I couldn’t see any traces of it along Bounty beach and the community nearby. Life seemed normal. The locals worked on either tourism or fishing sector.

Classy hotels dot the shore, priced restaurants line along the beach, and dive tours are offered at almost every corner.

When I walked inwards, I noticed no pave roads. The streets are so narrow that no car could fit. Public transport is serviced by habal-habal or motorcycle taxi. However, you can walk the entire stretch of the island in less than an hour. Believe me, I tried it!

Freshwater come from the deep well. Some are comfortable drinking it, while others need to travel to Daanbantayan in Cebu mainland to buy potable water.

Locals live in wooden houses, though few had able to afford concrete.

After a short walk, I meet Kuya Jun. He offered me the island hoping tour. I was alone, so I was hesitant. I was worried about the fee. When we agreed an acceptable price, I gave it a go.

It was only then I realized that the community below the waters of Malapascua were the most affected by the typhoon after my talk with Kuya Jun. Corals were flushed away, and so with the fishes living in them. Recovery isn’t that obvious at first look. When you dive closer, however, you can see signs of life sprouting out.

Malapascua Sunset

In the afternoon, when the sun’s heat no longer pains, children gather on its stunning beachfront to play. They witness such awesome sunset everyday, and for them, it’s just ordinary. But for me, it’s phenomenal. I am always amazed, though I grew in a village facing the sunset.

The island is powered with a generator set where most of the consumption go to the hotel operators. The street lights in tourist areas are battery-powered and charged using solar panels on top of each posts. The residential areas are dark at night, it seems that the solar-powered lamp posts did not reach the inner section of the island.

Before the bright sunrise, fishermen cast their nets and rods on the shallow sea. A bounty catch would mean a feast.

If you want to witness the beauty of Malapascua with your own eyes, the guide below may be useful to you.

How to Get to Malapascua

From any point of the world, take a flight to Cebu [CEB]. Flights to Cebu City are available from Osaka, Tokyo, Busan, Seoul, Singapore, Xiamen, Taipei, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur.

You may also opt to fly to Manila, wherein there are more international flights available, and then transfer to a flight to Cebu.

If you are already within the Philippines, commercial flights to Cebu are also available from Clark, Legazpi, Caticlan (Boracay), Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Iloilo, Davao, General Santos, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Dumaguete, Pagadian, Siargao, Camiguin, and Butuan.

Ferries, such as TransAsia Shipping Lines, are also available from almost any point within the Visayas, northern Mindanao, southern Luzon, and even Manila.

From Cebu’s North Bus Terminal, hop on a bus (or passenger van) to Maya Port, Daanbantayan. The bus will take you directly to Barangay Maya’s newest seaport. The fare is ₱200.

From Maya port, board a passenger outrigger boat to Malapascua. There is a trip every 30 minutes from 06:00AM to 03:00PM. During peak season, this may extend to 04:30PM. Note that some schedule will be cancelled if the minimum 15 passenger requirement is not met. The fare is ₱100 per way. Students and elderly do have their own respective discounts.

If you are a big group and does not want to wait for other passengers, you can charter a boat for ₱1,500.

Follow the guide in reverse when you return from Malapascua to Cebu City, and then to your onward destination.

If you are coming from Bantayan Island, return to Hagnaya Port, and then hop on a bus to Bogo City. From Bogo bus terminal, transfer to another bus bound for Maya Port.

From Camotes Island, take a ferry to Danao, and then from the highway just outside Danao Port, hop on a bus to Maya port.

If you are coming from Carnaza Island, hop on an outrigger boat bound for Tapilon, and then take a tricycle or Bus to Maya Port. From there, you can transfer to another boat to Malapascua.

If you are coming from Kinatarcan Island, return to Daanbantayan, and then take a bus to Maya Port.

Where to stay in Malapascua

If you want your vacation to be laid-back and more pampering, you can choose from Malapascua’s premium destinations.

An abandoned resort in Bantigue Cove, northeast of Malapascua

Hippocampus Beach and Dive Resort

Fronting Hippocampus is a stretch Malapascua’s famed Bounty beach. Rooms are of native design—made mostly of hardwood, nipa roofing, and bamboo—giving you full Filipino hospitality and experience.

Contact number: +63 917 869 1307

Malapascua Legend Water Sports and Resort

Also fronting Bounty beach, Malapascua Legend Water Sports and Resort offers every guests utmost comfort and great accessibility. The resort has a pool, a restaurant, and a dive center.

Contact number: +63 (32) 406 8384
Email: info@malapascualegend.com

Ocean Vida Resort

Sitting beside Malapascua Legend Water Sports and Resort is Ocean Vida Resort offering stunning beachfront accommodations with own terrace.

Contact number: +63 977 469 4840
Email: reservation@ocean-vida.com

Blue Corals Beach Resort

Blue Corals Beach Resort seats on the rocks at the western end of Bounty beach. The view is awesome, so with the beachfront.

Contact numbers: +63 917 627 2941 | +63 917 627 2935
Email: dedios.sonia@yahoo.com

Cocobana Beach Resort

Cocobana Beach Resort offers elegant-looking, air-conditioned native cabanas fronting bounty beach. The resort also offers trips to Kalanggaman Island and other dive tours.

Contact numbers: +63 915 920 0011 | +63 917 328 0029

An island hopping stop: Free-diving in Malapacua’s Coral Garden

If you are on a shoestring budget, the following option may fit.

Malapascua Budget Inn

Malapascua budget Inn is TripAdvisor’s number 1 hostel in Malapascua Island. Dorm rooms start at ₱400 per bed while a double room starts at ₱2,000. A/C are available in all room. JR, the hostel owner, is very accommodating and he can organize special trips for you.

Just note that the hostel usually go fully booked during summer. Make sure you have secured your accommodation in advance.

Online booking: www.exploremalapascua.com.ph
Contact number: +63 977 820 3111
Email: malapascuabudgetinn@gmail.com

Things to do in Malapascua

Diving

Most guests travel to Malapascua to see the thresher sharks and its impressive underwater communities. Almost all premium hotels in Malapascua offers dive tours. They have in-house PADI-certified dive centers manned with competent divers and instructors.

For non-divers, you can do the following:

Island hopping

Island hopping in Malapascua has three stops, namely; Dakit-dakit, Coral Garden, and Japanese Shipwreck.

Dakit-dakit islet is a snorkeling site, however, it seemed that the strongest typhoon that struck the island in 2013 flushed away all the living marine creatures beneath it. There are signs of blooming life though, as the corals and fishes started to return and recover.

Coral Garden offers stunning underwater ecosystem. The area is protected and fishing is banned. Bantay-Dagat personnel regularly patrol the area.

The sunken Japanese ship could give you an eerie feel. Only the frame is visible, though. Fish and corals inhabit the wreck.

A portion of the Japanese shipwreck off the cost of Malapascua

For the 360-degree island hopping tours, you may contact James or Jonas at +63 935 978 5636. Tour fee start at ₱350/head for a minimum of three in a group.

Kuya Jun, my boatman that time, asked ₱500 for the island tour. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have any number to share. You may look for him when you arrive in the island.

Cliff Diving

You can try cliff jumping if you have the guts. I’ve seen only locals doing the daredevil jump, mostly kids. My boatman discouraged me to because it was low tide and my weight could get me injuries. And so, I listened.

Sunset Watching

Anticipate a stunning sunset everyday. Standby at Bounty beach and witness how the sun beautifully disappears the horizon, changing the tint of the sky.

Engage with the locals

Always keep your ears wide open when you happen to sat down with locals. They tell interesting stories and some even have odd insights. Join them when they go fishing, asked questions, and make acquaintance for you to fully understand the island life.

Kalanggaman Island Day Tour

Kalanggaman Island is part of the things you can do in Malapascua, but you can join a day tour to the island off the coast of Palompon, Leyte. Travel time for one way is approximately 3 hours.

First publication: March 07, 2016

Camotes Island Travel Guide

Going to Camotes is somewhat taking an off the beaten path, at least for non-Cebuanos. The islands’ landscape is relatively rural and the development is exclusive only to resort operators. Public transport is serviced mostly by habal-habal or motorcycle taxi.

Nonetheless, white strips dot the edges of its stunning foliage of greens. The interesting cave systems and the remarkable rock formations make Camotes Island one of the must-visit places in the Visayas.

The Camotes Group of Islands (Poro, Pacijan, Tulang Diot, and Ponson Islands) is under the jurisdiction of Cebu Province with four municipal division under its umbrella namely; San Francisco, Poro, Tudela, and Pilar.

Santiago Bay White Beach, Camotes Island

How to get to Camotes Island

From any point of the Philippines, take a flight or ferry to Cebu City. Flights to Cebu are available from Manila, Clark, Iloilo, Kalibo, Caticlan, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Ozamis, General Santos, and Davao.

From Cebu City, you have two options to get to Camotes. The most convenient option is to take an OceanJet ferry from Cebu City’s Pier 1. OceanJet has three daily trips to Poro Port in Camotes. The Cebu-Camotes route are scheduled at 06AM, 10AM, and 3PM while the return trips are scheduled at 08AM, 12PM, and 05PM (as of March 2016).

The regular rates are as follows:

Open air – ₱335
Tourist class – ₱380
Business class – ₱550

For more information, call OceanJet at these numbers: (032) 255 7560 | +63 917 638 0000 | +63 922 857 5500, or visit www.oceanjet.net.

Another option is to take a ferry from Danao City port. To get to Danao City from Cebu City, you can take a Danao-bound van at SM City Cebu’s GT Express Terminal or take any northbound bus from the North Bus Terminal. The fare is around ₱50 and the travel time is up to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The Danao-Camotes route has multiple daily departures and arrivals. The closest port to Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort or Santiago Bay Beach Resort (the two most popular places to stay in Camotes), however, is Consuelo Port. Refer to the following table for the Ferry Schedule.

Danao to Camotes Ferry Schedule
Departure	Origin Port	Destination (Camotes)	Vessel
05:00AM	Danao Port	Poro Port	Super Shuttle Ferry
05:30AM	Danao Port	Poro Port	Pumpboat
05:30AM	Danao Port	Consuelo Port	Jomalia Shipping
09:30AM	Danao Port	Puertobello Safran and Poro	MBCA Junmar 3
11:30AM	Danao Port	Consuelo Port	Jomalia Shipping
12:30PM	Danao Port	Nonok, Sunog, and Cawit	MBCA Junmar 2
01:00PM	Danao Port	Poro Port	Super Shuttle Ferry
02:30PM	Danao Port	Consuelo Port	Jomalia Shipping
03:30PM	Danao Port	Puertobello Safran and Poro	MBCA Junmar 3
05:30PM	Danao Port	Consuelo Port	Jomalia Shipping

Return schedule are as follows:

Camotes to Danao Ferry Schedule
Departure	Origin Port	Destination (Danao)	Vessel
05:30AM	Consuelo Port	Danao Port	Jomalia Shipping
08:30AM	Consuelo Port	Danao Port	Jomalia Shipping
09:00AM	Poro Port	Danao Port	Super Shuttle Ferry
01:30PM	Consuelo Port	Danao Port	Jomalia Shipping
02:30PM	Consuelo Port	Danao Port	Jomalia Shipping
05:00PM	Poro Port	Danao Port	Super Shuttle Ferry
05:00PM	Consuelo Port	Danao Port	Jomalia Shipping
05:30PM	Danao Port	Consuelo Port	Jomalia Shipping
***we have no information of the return schedule for Junmar 2 & 3

Fares:
Jomalia Shipping: Aircon – ₱200 | Economy – ₱180
Supper Shuttle: ₱200
MCBA Junmar: For Poro, Nonok, and Sunog – ₱200 | For Danao – ₱350
Senior Citizens, students and children (3-10 y/o) are subject to their own respective discounts

Things to Do in Camotes

Here are the list of places of interest in Camotes

Mangodlong Rock and Beach – Entrance is free if you stay at Mangodlong Rock and Beach Resort and its affiliate. Naturally-formed rocks adorned both ends of the short strip of white beach. At high tide, another adventure unveils – cliff diving.
Santiago Bay is perfect for beach bumming. The bay has a long strip of white beach with shallow waters.
Timubo Cave – The main feature of Timubo Cave is the natural pool beneath.
Holy Crystal Cave – Get marveled with the interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations of the Holy Crystal Cave.
Lake Danao – You can go boating and explore the surrounding sheds of Lake Danao.
Buho Rock – If you’re up for some adrenaline pumping adventure, cliff jumping at Buho Rock may interest you. The clear water below the rock is also ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
Bakhaw beach – Coconut trees lined up the stretch of white sand beach of Bakhaw. The secluded location and the rustic feel is perfect for your noteworthy beach retreat.

Where To Stay

Mangodlong Rock Resort
Address: San Francisco, Camotes Islands
Booking: www.Agoda.com/MongodlongRock (click to view hotel rates)

Mangodlong Paradise Resort
Address: San Francisco, Camotes Islands
Booking: www.Agoda.com/MangodlongParadise (click to view hotel rates)

Santiago Bay Garden and Resort
Address: Barangay Santiago, Camotes Islands
Booking: www.Agoda.com/SantiagoBayGardenResort (click to view hotel rates)

Coco Grove Nature Resort and Spa
Address: San Francisco, Camotes Islands (near Mangodlong Rock)
Booking: www.Agoda.com/CocoGroveCamotes (click to view hotel rates)

Camotes Flying Fish Resort
Address: Barangay Cagcagan, Poro, Camotes Island
Booking: www.Agoda.com/CamotesFlyingFish (click to view hotel rates)

Notes and Reminders

Local public transportation is habal-habal or motorcycle. Getting from one tourist spot to another will cost you at least ₱50.
There are no banks and ATMs in the island.
Cellphone signal is weak on some areas. Getting a data connection could be depressing.
There are regular electricity interruptions.
Summer is the best time to visit.

Unang nilathala nuong panglabintatlo ng Octobre 2015.

The Henry Hotel Cebu: Minimalist Edifice meets Class

The exterior gloom does not always depict the actual mood inside. The array of rectangular window panes added geometric accent to the edifice, an apparent indication that sentient souls dwell within the property premises.

The mid-rise dark structure smack at Banilad urban jungle hides fancy-artsy comfort. Something awesome is concealed behind the dark purplish, concrete-clad facade.

The Henry Hotel Cebu seats at entry of Paseo Saturnino, the gateway to Maria Luisa, Cebu’s most exclusive village. It looks pretty ordinary from the outside, but as you come closer, you will immediately realize that the place is really special.

The Eco-friendly Reception

The untiled, unpainted, trowel-smoothened concrete interior is rather minimalist. However, the artistic embellishment of seemingly antique bookshelves, couches, and figures added an elegant factor to the unfussy design.

*This chic car is on display at the hotel’s locator floor*

The reception is not extravagant about lighting fixtures. The glass divide provides natural light that is enough for the staff to process check ins, inquiries, and guest-related tasks. There is no need to install a lot of illuminators. Think about being eco-friendly.

The high occupancy rate is a testament of the The Henry Hotel’s brand promise. Guests return because of the exceptional comfort. During my visit, the hotel was fully booked, so I had to wait for the 2PM standard check in time to get accommodated.

It was a busy day at the hotel. It is a good thing that they have plenty of ready materials at the reception lobby. I found other means to get busy while making the time pass.

Unique, Artsy Comfort

It wasn’t my first time at the Henry Hotel Cebu. I was able to join a room tour before and was able to see the Marilyn Monroe Room, Apo Whang-od Room, and the biggest room the hotel have. However, it was my first time to experience the linens and sleep on its fluffy beds.

*The big room with Marilyn Monroe graffiti*

There was no graffiti in the room that I was assigned to, but it was as elegant and as creative as the other rooms. The tangerine ceiling fabric hangs above the downy king bed appears like an ornate, royal adornment.

*Big nouveau room with Apo Whang-od graffiti*

The big room was pretty spacious, despite being the smallest on their catalog. I got four lampshades, flats-creen TV with international channels, a huge dresser, minibar, complimentary coffee and tea, a roomy comfort room, safety deposit box, and a nice window view.

*The big room, the smallest on The Henry Hotel Cebu’s catalog*

The Double Extra Large Room

The double extra large room is the most spacious room in Hotel Henry Cebu. It is a massive two-chamber suite: one with queen bed and the other has king. Each has its own flatscreen TV, one has a chic sofa, a nice bath tub, and all other amenities that are available in their big rooms.

*The bath tub at the double extra large room*

The Pool

The Henry Hotel Cebu hosts a small pool for guests who want to escape from the city summer heat. Though small, it doesn’t go crowded. Foreign guests prefer to swim in the morning while locals swim when the sun is down. Choose your time slot to refresh.

Rica’s Cafe

The in-house restaurant, Rica’s Cafe, offers a lot of exciting flavors and delectable goodies. But the main reason why patrons keep coming are forty chicken, beef salpicao, truffle carbonara, and salmon steak.

I am not a pizza person but I also love the spinach pesto pizza.

Desserts are available as well to satiate the cravings of those who have sweet tooths out there.

*The sweet and creamy brazzo de mantecado*

Coffee, tea, frapps, and cocktails are also on the menu.

Booking a Stay

To book your stay, you may visit the hotel at Paseo Saturnino, Banilad, Cebu City or you may contact them at +63 32 520 8877.

You also visit their website for more information.

If you are lucky, you may find awesome deals in Agoda. Here’s a tip: rates on Fridays are a lot cheaper.

Jpark Island Opens the Philippines’ First Pororo-themed Rooms and Indoor Park on its 10th Anniversary

Within its 16.5 hectare property are 568 rooms, villas, and suites, six themed pools, 10 restaurants, activity zone, dive shop, casino, and a private beach. But the main show stunner of JPark Island Resort and Waterpark is its sprawling water complex that includes three towering waterslides, a lazy river pool, and a pool with beach-like shoreline.

*Ribbon cutting ceremony for the Grand Opening of PororoPark with Jpark and Iconix Entertainment executives*

This September, the Philippines’ only 5-star waterpark resort is celebrating its 10th anniversary. But what makes the milestone extra special are the newest attractions and facilities that added to the already long list of Jpark amenities.

*Pororo and friends pose with Justin Uy, JPark Chairman and Choi Jong-il, Iconix Entertainment CEO*

Pororo Park, Philippines largest indoor theme park

Profood International Corp, one of Cebu’s largest dried mango producers, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iconix Entertainment, a Korean company behind Pororo, the popular little penguin, to bring the country’s first Pororo Park to Cebu.

Pororo Park at Jpark is also the first theme park in the country that is inspired from a foreign animated character.

*Eddy’s Sliding Car inside PororoPark at Jpark Island*

The 2-level theme park consists of more than 20 fun games and activities, such as:

Eddy’s Sliding Car
Pororo Fishing Zone
Aqua Play Zone
Patty’s Merry-go-round
Digital Sketch
Rodi’s Racing Game
Pororo Train
Tutu’s 4D Rider
Sliding Ball Pool
Crong’s Jungle Gym
indoor Giant Slide and many more!

Pororo Park is best for your kids and of course, you guys who are kids at heart. Note that some area are made especially for the young ones only.

The park is open daily from 09:00AM to 10:00PM.

The park rates are as follows:

All-day access – USD 75 (PHP 3,750)
2-hour access (locals) – USD 30 (PHP 1,500)
3-hour access (foreigners) – USD 45 (PHP 2,250)
Succeeding hour – USD 10 (PHP 500)
Accompanying guardian (additional) – USD 10 (PHP 500)
Baby sitting service (hourly) – USD 10 (PHP 500)

Pororo-inspired rooms

The Pororo-inspired rooms feature a mini sliding ball pool, interactive game monitor, Pororo-themed linens, a kitchenette, LED TV with international channels, an en-suite toilet and bath with bathtub, toiletries, and many other 5-star standard offers.

*Pororo-inspired suite at Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark*

The Pororo-inspired rooms are situated on a Pororo-themed floors, wherein the elevator lobbies and hallways are fitted with character colors and figures.

*Pororo-themed hallway at Jpark Island Resort*

Both Profood and Jpark are owned by the Cebuano businessman, Justin Uy.

According to Uy, the collaboration will help boost the marketing of his food and hospitality businesses.

Triton Grand Ballroom

Another facility that opened during the anniversary celebration is the launching of the Triton Grand Ballroom. It is the biggest ballroom in Mactan that can accommodate up to 1,600 guests.

Building G adds 216 more rooms and suites

Opening soon is Jpark’s Building G. The new wing will add 216 more rooms and suites the wide expanse of JPark Island property in Maribago.

Byahe Ta Bai: A TOURS7 Travel Fair

With an intention to create an innovative and effective travel and tour programs, TOURS7 or Tourism Operators Unite in Region 7 was institutionalized to create a venue to enhance partnerships and encourage healthy competition among its members. The association helps member to find valuable support in enhancing business opportunities and expanding the networks.

The network grows from 14 members to 30 as of this writing. TOURS7 is recognized as the official Cebu Chapter of NAITAS Philippines, Inc. All members of the association are legitimate and are fully accredited by the Department of Tourism for Central Visayas.

As a testament to its promise to provide quality tour programs, TOURS7 organized its first ever travel fair, dubbed as Byahe Ta Bai: A TOURS7 Travel Fair.

The travel fair will be held on September 13 through 15 at Robinson’s Galleria Cebu. Various tour operators, hotels and resorts, and airline companies are expected to participate.

Among the exhibitors are:

Cebu Pacific Air
Philippines Air Asia
Savoy Hotels
Kandaya Hotel
Golden Sands Destination Resort
Parklane International Hotel
Summit Galleria Hotel
Department of Tourism
Barkota
Bigstart Travel and Visa Assistance Services
Sole Searchin Travel
Frolics Travel Agency
Lovely Planet Travel
Tripplaners Travel
Experience More Travel
UHX Travel Central
Smartways Travel
Skyhorizon Travel and Events
EON Travel
Divaishnavi Travel International
Grand Hope Travel
Bal Tours
MQL Travel
Comfort and Leisure Travel Agency
Starr Assist Insurance

During the Fair, TOURS7 will be giving away exciting prices, such as round-trip tickets to Shanghai and Macau and 4 days and 3 nights land arrangements to Prague, Paris, and Rome.

At Byahe Ta Bai media launch in Parklane International Hotel. Among those present are (from L-R): Jerome Templa, TOURS7 President; Floramie “May” Adolfo, Senior Regional Operations Manager (Commercial Centers Division) Robinsons Land; Agnes Gupalor, Sales Director of Cebu Pacific; Ma. Corazon R Bautista, Area Sales Manager for Visayas of Cebu Pacific; Aaron Parcon, Hub Development Specialist of Cebu Pacific

Apart from that, some exhibitors are raffling of amazing prizes.

Island Hopping in Mactan, Cebu: A Travel Guide

It was azure at first. But as we approached the shallow water of Pandanon Island, the tint of the water slowly turned viridescent. We all witnessed how the water gradually shifted from all the shades in between blue and green.

The squeaky-clean sea makes the corals 10 feet below pretty evident. And as the corally feature morphed to sand, the 6-feet looked more like a knee deep.

Pandanon island, by the way, is one of the stops of Mactan Island hopping. Other interesting islands include: Nalusuan, Hilutungan, Caohagan, Olango, and Sulpa Islands.

How to get there

From any point of the Philippines, you can take either a plane or ferry to Cebu City.

Regular flights to Cebu are available from Manila, Caticlan, Iloilo, Davao, Dumaguete, Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, General Santos, and even Zamboanga. You can also access Cebu City by ferry or Ro-Ro from Leyte, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, or from major northern Mindanao sea ports.

International guests can also take a direct flight to Cebu from China (Xiamen), Hong Kong, Japan (Tokyo-Narita, Osaka Kansai, and Nagoya-Centrair), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Singapore, South Korea (Busan and Seoul-Incheon), Taiwan (Taipei), and UAE (Dubai).

From Cebu City, take a taxi to Maribago Port where you can deal directly with the boatman for your island hopping adventure. To save on transport fare, you may take a GT Express van or MyBus from SM City Cebu to Lapu Lapu City. The fare ranges from ₱25 to ₱30. You can start your jeepney or taxi ride from Lapu-lapu City to Maribago Port.

Clear and aquamarine: the stunning Sulpa Island

Island Hopping Package or Boat Deal

If you want to book in advance, visit or contact one of the following merchants:

Klook

Klook offers an island hopping tour to Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and Pandanon Islands. For only 2,300 pesos per person, you can snorkel at Hilutungan marine reserves, enjoy the pristine and shallow waters of Nalusuan, and dose yourself with unlimited vitamin sea at Pandanon island. A barbecue lunch is also included in the tour.

To book your island hopping tour, go to the Hilutungan, Nalusuan and Pandanon Island Hopping page of Klook.com. Get more savings if avail the tour as a group.

You can also book the Cebu Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and Caohagan Island Hopping Day Tour.

Arlei Travel and Tours

Website: arleitravelandtours.com
Contact numbers: +63 917 777 0045 | +63 942 557 0141
E-mail: arleitravelandtours@gmail.com

For a hassle-free island hopping, Arlei offers an all-in tour package. Each package includes hotel pick up, environmental fees, lunch, life jacket, and snorkeling gears.

The rate per person depends on the number on individuals you have in the group. You can save if you travel as a big group. Visit their website or contact them if you have other inquiries.

Ms Merly Ompad

Contact numbers: +63 933 615 2484 | +63 906 314 8101

Boat for up to 30 pax – ₱3,000 – ₱4,000
Boat for up to 30 pax (Pandanon)- ₱6,000
*The rates above covers three islands only. You can select from Hilutungan, Caohagan, Sulpa, Nalusuan, and Olango Fish Sanctuary
*If you choose the boat to Pandanon, you can also make a stop to any three closer island mentioned above provided you still have enough travel time.

Island Hopping Cebu Tours

Contact Numbers: +63 919 776 1941 | +63 922 836 1941 | +63 (32) 491 4090

Boat with 15 pax capacity – ₱2,700
Boat with 20 pax capacity – ₱3,000 (medium) and 3,700 (large)
Boat with 30 pax capacity – ₱4,500
*The rates above covers three islands only. You can select from Hilutungan, Caohagan, Sulpa, Nalusuan, and Olango Fish Sanctuary
*The rates excludes individual island fees

If you are going to Pandanon Island, the rates will be different. Please contact them directly for the details. You can bring your own food for free or avail their buffet service.

Islands Banca Cruises

Website: www.islandsbanca.com
Contact Numbers: +63 917 630 0736 | +63 (32) 516 1903

Hilutungan and Pandanon Islands (10 pax max) – ₱6,500
Nalusuan and Pandanon Islands (10 pax max) – ₱6,500
Nalusuan and Hilutungan Islands (10 pax max) – ₱4,850
*Corkage fee if you bring your own food – ₱1,000
*Packed lunch (per pax) – ₱210
*Seafood lunch (per pax) – ₱450

Island Stops and Fees

Depending on the boat deal or tour package that you availed, you may be able to visit the following islands.

The ecological fees are sometimes excluded from the boat rental. Clarify with your boatman about these details before heading to your island hopping tour. Island ecological fees range from ₱100 to ₱200 per individual.

Pandanon Island

Pandanon Island, which features a stunning white sand bar and clear aquamarine, surrounding water, is geographically located in Bohol Province. The main island where the sand bar is attached is a thriving fishing community. Fishermen offer affordable fresh seafood deals to visitors.

A small resort operates in the sand bar where cottages are available for rent. The entrance fee is ₱150 per person, while cottage rentals start at ₱250.

You can spend half of your day on beach bumming and snorkeling activities.

The area near the main island is trashy though.

Nalusuan Island

Nalusuan is actually a fish sanctuary. The resort that operates in Nalusuan maintains and regulates the activities in the island. Nalusuan is a good choice for snorkeling as well as beach bumming activities. Not only that, the northwestern side of the island is a host to a gorgeous, shallow flat.

You can also rent a room if you want to spend a night in the island. A restaurant is also available to serve meals.

The island’s landing fee is ₱200/pax.

Hilutungan Island

Like Nalusuan Island, Hilutungan Island is also a fish sanctuary where guests can enjoy swimming with the inhabitants of the deep. Entrance fee to the island is ₱100/pax. Scuba divers will have to shell out 200-peso more to explore the marine communities down below its fluvial domain.

Sulpa Island

Sulpa Island is a also a priced snorkeling site in Mactan. The island is mostly corally with a very small white strip on the east. You just need to pay ₱100 if you want to set foot in the island though.

Caohagan Island

Caohagan features a shallow, beautiful, white flat on the one of its edge. The locality collects a landing fee. But, if your boat stays afloat while you swim around, you do not have to pay any amount.

Olango Marine Sanctuary

Olango Marin Sanctuary is also a popular snorkeling site in Mactan. Unfortunately, during our visit, there were very few live corals left. Fish were quite rare too, despite being a sanctuary. Visit fee is ₱50.

Tips, Notes, and Reminders

Food and island fees are usually not included in your boat rental. You can communicate with your boatman beforehand if he can prepare or arrange the food for you.
You can also ask your boatman for the updated entrance fees to each island stop so you can bring enough cash.
Some locals in the island sell fresh seafood, but that is not always guaranteed. If you are lucky, your boatman can grill them for you, so better have the extra condiments ready.
If you book via Klook, make sure that you read and understand the terms and inclusions.
ATMs are only available at Lapu lapu City.
Closer islands have decent cellular signal.
Other interesting beach spots in Cebu Province are: Moalboal, Sumilon, Camotes, Aloguinsan, Bantayan, and Malapascua.
BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER. Always remember to follow and internalize the “traveler’s creed”: Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, and kill nothing but time.

Video Summary of our Trip

Horizon 101 Launches Horizon Stay: Accessibility, Comfort, and Style

Finding a convenient, accessible, safe, and comfortable place to stay in the metro is a tough job. Your accommodation for your Cebu escape is part of the experience. Ruin it, and the entire getaway is doomed. That is why, choosing your vacation room requires careful planning and selection, just like the way you organize for your flights, destination stops, or trip planning before you proceed with the adventure.

Though Cebu offers a good selection of hotels and condos for short-term rent, they are spread out across the city. Some are even hard to reach and find. The closest you may find includes a space and comfort compromise.

Horizon Stay: Your Home Away From Home

It is a good thing that Horizons 101, a two-tower complex located smack at the city center, along the bustling General Maxilom Avenue, offers some of its rooms to travellers and staycationers. The room rental arm is branded Horizon Stay.

Horizon Stay Tower 1 is operating as a limited-service transient accommodation. BRYCL Resorts International manages the service, centralizing the business operation and room maintenance. You don’t need to deal with difficult room owners since you are talking to a legitimate business with dedicated staff for customer service.

Every room provides authentic comfort and excellent city view

BRYCL has over 100 years of combined team experience in the hospitality industry. The team is comprised of richly-talented and hands-on professionals who strive in putting forward a consistent global approach and flexible implementation in protecting and enhancing value assets.

Accommodation Features, Facilities, and Services

Horizon Stay has 60 rooms that are equipped with cable television, individually controlled air conditioning unit, hot-and-cold shower, microwave oven, electric kettle and sets of utensils.

Each room has its own electric cook top, sink, and utensils

Guests can use the in-house amenities for free or for a fee. The fitness gym, lap pool, kiddie pool, and children’s play area are free, while the function room, billiards room, and indoor game room are available for a small fee.

Booking Your Stay at Horizon 101

To book your stay, look for Horizon 101 Cebu in AirBnB or Agoda.

You may visit them at the Ground Floor of Horizon 101 Tower 1, 74 General Maxilom Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu for more information.

Comfort and Class, a Horizon Stay promise

Carnaza, La Manok, and Dakit Dakit Islands: A Travel Guide

As the sun alternately hid and peeked from the moving, scattered cumuli, the morning breeze blew gently to our dopey visage. Though there were intermittent drizzles, the weather, somehow, pepped up our tired, sinful souls. It was, indeed, an awesome day to explore new places.

The Turbulent Sea

However, as we approach the jetty of Tapilon, things became quite unsettling. The coast was disturbed with breakwater, and the surface of the sea was apparently rough. You could see small boats disappear and reappear within few seconds, displaying the morbid force of nature and reminding us our frailties. We were just tiny speck of dust in this huge, cruel, yet fascinating universe. Worries aside, that scenario did not cause us a bit of hesitation. No one raised a white flag.

We weren’t able to catch the last passenger boat departure to Carnaza Island, so our option was to rent a smaller boat. With the turbulent sea up ahead, our excitement slowly shifted to reluctance, and the gut gradually turned to cowardice. That, in some way, weakened our resolve to get to Carnaza.

Yet, we did not think of abandoning the plan. We reset our priorities and reconsidered all our options, and then we heard a real good news. One passenger boat, which was relatively larger, was on its way to Tapilon. With lots of passengers waited at our end, we thought that it more likely ferries back to island. That was a breather. It brought us back to our excited selves.

Panorama of Kailina Beach in Carnaza Island

We had our brunch at a nearby cafeteria before battling for the perfect spot on the boat. Though the sun sometimes hid from the clouds, it was relatively sunny, so we had to secure seats that are under a good shade and receive less water splashes.

It was high noon when we started navigating. The rough seas prompted us to move at poky speed. We reach Carnaza Island after three hours, which is an hour longer than the normal travel time.

Setting up our Humble Abode at Kailina Beach

We planned to pitch our tents at Carnaza Eco Park. When we heard that the place was full, we started looking for alternatives. Sir Gigi, a local politician who happened to travel with us during the Tapilon-Carnaza crossing, recommended to set up our camp at Kailina Beach.

With the friendly locals’ assistance, we were able to reach the place by foot. We were stunned when we saw the powdery, white strip and the calm, turquoise deep fronting our campsite. We set up our tents with all openings facing the coast.

Later, we realized that it was a good spot to watch the sunset.

Since we arrived late in the afternoon, we decided to spend the rest of the day at Kailina, exploring its corners, rock formations, and underwater wonders.

The following day we rented motorcycle taxis or habal-habal for an island tour. That brought us to the enchanting realms of Carnaza.

Liog-liog Cove

We checked Liog-liog Cove first. The twin beach that connects to the huge rock forms a neck. That probably explains the etymology of the cove’s name. Liog-liog translates to Neck-neck. In the Philippines, doubling the name means either a smaller version of the original or it resembles like the original.

The fascinating features of Liog-liog Cove is not the twin beach, but the hidden wonders on the edges of the huge rock attached to the twin beach. If you have the courage to explore further, you will find Donna Cave and Angel Pool.

Donna Cave

Donna Cave got its name from Donna Mae, a local lass who brought us there. When we search about Carnaza, there’s no mention about the cave hidden in Liog-liog. We asked the residents about it, some were aware but some were not. The cave has no name, so we christened it after Donna Mae as a gratitude for bringing us there. Getting to Donna Cave is a bit of a challenge though.

Angel Pool

Few steps from Donna Cave is Angel Pool. It looks like a mini lagoon that is surrounded with sharp barnacles. The water is deep even at low tide, so make sure that you are confident swimmer before you take a dip. You can also swim towards the open water.

Like Donna Cave, the pool got its name from the local who brought us there.

So, when you are going to Liog-liog, look for the Donna and Angel, so they can guide you down to two of Carnaza’s Stunning spots.

Taking a dip at Angel Pool in Liog-liog Cove

Skull Cove

From Liog-liog, we headed to Skull Cove. A beautiful white strip for beach bumming, a stunning aquamarine deep for snorkeling and swimming, extraordinary rock formations for cliff diving, and mysterious caverns for photo shoots blended flawlessly to give every visitor a noteworthy experience.

La Manok Island

We then rented a boat for island hopping. For ₱1,700, we were able to reach La Manok and Dakit dakit islands.

La Manok island floats near the southern tip of Masbate. It is actually two small islands that are connected with a white sandbar. The pebbly white strip only appears when the tide is low.

Sadly, some portion of the island has been mined. You can see some rocks were broken by unknown scavengers. Some guests also left their garbage in the island.

La Manok is actaully two small islands that are connected with a white sandbar.

Dakit dakit (Maria) Island

From La Manok that floats northwest of Carnaza, we traveled to Dakit dakit Island that is located on Carnaza’s southeast. The island that is made entirely of rocks—the weathered and sharp ones—is surprisingly picturesque. We were lucky to visit in time of the sunset, which made the island a lot more magical.

We spotted few venomous sea snakes in the area, so make sure that you always watch your steps. These creatures are gentle, but when aggravated, say you accidentally step on them, they might attack. When that happens, you only have either 8 seconds or 8 minutes left on earth.

Dakit dakit, by the way, is also called Maria Island.

Braving through the spiky rocks of Dakit dakit Island

Carnaza Eco Park

We did not visit Carnaza Eco Park, but it deserves a mention. The island’s lone resort seats on a fine white strip on the eastern side. It features an array of triangular accommodations and a white beach. You can also pitch your own tent within the resort premises but you have to pay ₱200 entrance fee.

How To Get There

From any point of the world, take a flight to Cebu [CEB]. Flights to Cebu City are available from Osaka, Tokyo, Busan, Seoul, Singapore, Xiamen, Taipei, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur.

You may also opt to fly to Manila, wherein there are more international flights, and then transfer to a flight to Cebu.

If you are already within the Philippines, commercial flights to Cebu are also available from Bacolod, Busuanga, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calbayog, Camiguin, Caticlan (Boracay), Clark, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Siargao, and Zamboanga via Cebu Pacific Air.

Ferries are also available from almost any point within the Visayas, northern Mindanao, southern Luzon, and even Manila.

From Cebu’s North Bus Terminal, hop on a bus (or passenger van) to Maya Port, Daanbantayan, and then pay a fare to Tapilon. Bus fare ranges from ₱190 to ₱220 per way.

From Tapilon port, hop on a passenger outrigger boat to Carnaza. Trips are available every hour from 07AM to 10AM. But with the recent tourism boom in the island, some boats leave as early as 05AM as long as there are enough passengers. The boat we took left Tapilon at 12:30PM.

You can also charter a private outrigger, which can carry up to 10 individuals for ₱2,500. Larger boats are way more expensive.

Follow the guide in reverse when you return from Carnaza Island to Cebu City, and then to your onward destination.

If you are coming from Bantayan Island, return to Hagnaya Port, and then hop on a bus to Bogo. From Bogo bus terminal, transfer to another bus bound for Maya Port. Make sure that you alight at Tapilon.

From Malapascua, return to Maya Port, and then take any public transport to Tapilon.

From Kinatarcan Island, travel back to Daanbantayan, and then take a trike to Tapilon port.

Tips, Notes, and Reminders

Homestays are available for ₱300 per head. You can ask around when you reach the island. You can also contact Councilor Gigi at +63 918 547 5143 to check if the homestay of his cousin is available.
Eateries and barbecue shops are available near Kailina Beach and the barrio proper.
If you camp at Kailina Beach, you can use the restroom at Psalms Restaurant for free and take a shower for only ₱25. You can also rent tents, pillows, and blankets from them. Charging your gadgets is free if you dine in.
There is a deep well near Kailina Beach where you can wash.
You can move around using habal-habal. The fare is ₱20 per person. You can also commission the whole motorbike for ₱300 for a 3-hour tour. That is good for 2 individuals. However, if you have plenty of time, try walking around, the island is pretty small for a day walk.
You can also rent a boat to La Manok, Dakit dakit, and the rest of Carnaza’s beaches for ₱1,500 to ₱3,000, depending on how big you are in the group.
You can watch an amazing sunset from Skull Cove and Kailina beach, while you can wait for the stunning sunrise burst at Carnaza Eco Park and Liog-liog Cove.
Ate Ann, Councilor Gigi’s Sister, accepts paluto requests. You can buy fresh seafood, and then have it cooked on your preferred easy recipe.
Cellphone signal is intermittent, and connecting to the internet is a challenge.
BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER OR TOURIST. Always remember to follow and internalize the “traveler’s creed”: Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, and kill nothing but time.

A Suggestion to the Local Government of Daanbantayan and to the Owner of the Majority of the Land in Carnaza

Carnaza Island is, no doubt, a beautiful place. It is a promising destination for sojourners and backpackers. Within the next few years, people will start flocking to island to personally experience its wonders.

Tourism is good for Carnaza. The locals started to engage by providing tour, comfort, and dining services. It is a potential income stream that could benefit the fishing village.

However, when I was there, I saw challenges that need to be addressed immediately. There was no solid waste management program in place. Plastic wastes, such as tetra packs, bags, and PET bottles are almost everywhere. You can see them on wetlands, rock formations, trails, and even under the shallow water that surrounds the island.

I am particularly concern on the trail to Kailina Beach. Part of it was made a mini dump site, and a lot of garbage are scattered in the area.

Over the years, if this problem is not addressed, the island will become a huge dump site. It will not only house wastes from the residents, but also from the influx of visitors.

So, Dear Madams and Sirs, please pass an ordinance that will manage the island’s solid waste, and be serious on implementing the program. We, tourists and travelers, won’t mind paying a reasonable ecological fee to fund the program. You can devote a disposal area for residual wastes, and then transfer plastics and recyclables to the mainland for further processing. Also, don’t forget to put up large trash bins near tour hotspots, such as Liog-liog, Kailina Beach, and Skull Cove.

To the owner of the majority of the properties in the island, please support those programs.

We would love to see the island grow as a sustainable tourism destination.

A Travel Guide to Bantayan Island, Cebu

The north-westernmost island of Cebu province is not only known for its desiccated produce. Bantayan, aside from being a dried seafood supplier to the province, is also a desirable location for sojourners.

Bantayan Island, by the way, is a home to three serene and vibrant municipalities namely: Bantayan, Santa Fe, and Madridejos. Most of the islands beautiful beachfronts are situated in Santa Fe.

With multiple white beach fronts dotting its edges, interesting rock formations adorning its cliffs, and mysterious cave pools spread at various locations, travelers won’t run out of things to do.

*Bantayan seaport, the main point of entry*

The gentle and serene locality makes the stay a lot warmer too. You will surely feel at home on your entire stay.

Every guest is greeted with a clean seaport. The water around it is seemingly unadulterated. The adjacent beachfront is white and inviting.

Things to Do in Bantayan

Aside from beach hopping, you can also try chasing a jellyfish like what I did when I was on the edge of Ogtong Cave Resort. To give you an idea on the awesome things to do in the island, check the list below.

*I have to slowly chase this gentle and shy jelly for this photo.*

1. Bike or Motorbike Tour

Tour around the island or visit the serene neighborhood by renting a bicycle or motorbike. The bikes can also bring you to the island’s prized beaches and sceneries.

Bicycle rentals will cost you ₱200/8 hours. You can rent a motorbike starting at ₱300/day.

2. Ogtong Cave

The cave is found within the premise of Ogtong Cave Resort. To enjoy the natural pool within the cave, you must pay an entrance fee of ₱200. With such amount, you will not only experience Ogtong Cave, but also the resort’s pool and stunning beachfront.

3. Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

The resort is an 8-hectare protected nature park. Various species of flora and fauna inhabit the area.

The nature park is also a home another natural cave pool that is situated within Santo Niño Cave. Only 20 individuals are allowed to enter the cave at any given time.

Entrance to the park is ₱200 and the use of jacuzzi is ₱500.

*Foreground: dried fish, Bantayan famous produce. Background: awesome Bantayan sunset*

4. Beach Hopping

You may frolic around Kota Beach, star-gaze with friends at Sugar Beach, explore Obo-ob Beach, wade across the shallows waters of Ogtong Beach, or play around the white strip fronting Santa Fe Beach Club.

5. OMAGIECA Obo-ob Mangrove Garden

Walk across the stilt footbridges of OMAGIECA Obo-ob Mangrove Garden, and then have a snap at the famed Camp Sawi sign board. The canopy of the lush mangrove forest provides a relaxing shade for visitors. Makeshift huts and observation decks are also available to make your visit more noteworthy.

*Walking though the stilt bridges of OMAGIECA Obo-ob Mangrove Garden*

6. Cliff Jumping at Da Cliff

Satiate your thirst for adventure by jumping off the cliffs of Bantayan.

7. Dried Goods Shopping

The island is a known producer of dried seafood products. If you have friends or family members who develop a good liking to this type of goods, then you may buy them some take home presents.

Visit the public at the Municipality of Bantayan for your pasalubong shopping.

Where to Stay in Bantayan

One thing that makes your travel more noteworthy is choosing the right accommodation that fit your lifestyle and budget. Bantayan is a host to posh and classy resorts that cater the most discriminating guests. Utmost comfort and exquisite hospitality is the primary business of these hotels.

If you are on shoestring budget, affordable inns are also available to offer you a comfortable stay.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”AgodaSearchBantayan”]

Hoyohoy Villas offers elegant wood villas with balcony, A/C, comfy bed, complimentary WiFi, and other 3-star amenities. Hoyohoy is just one of the few resorts in Bantayan with nice pool. Rooms rates start at ₱4,000.
Address: Roska St.. Talisay, Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island
Contact Numbers: (032) 438 9021 | +63 916 681 8357

Amihan Beach Cabanas Resort boast their classy, private bamboo cabanas standing on the white beach. Each cabana is equipped with A/C and fan, television, complimentary internet, refrigerator, bed with mosquito net, ensuite toilet and bath, and a terrace. The resort faces the popular Kota Beach which makes beach bumming easily accessible.
Address: A. Batobalonos Street, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island
Contact Number: +63 917 682 6613

Sta. Fe Beach Club – You can either choose a cottage for three or a duplex room for two individuals.
Address: Santa Fe, Bantayan Island (near the port area)
Contact Numbers: +63 932 541 2954 | (032) 438 9090

Anika Island Resort is an Agoda travelers choice awardee in 2015.
Address: F. Roska St., Sta Fe
Contact Numbers: +63 917 328 4898 | (032) 318 8402

*A gorgeous beach fronting Ogtong Cave Resort*

Ogtong Cave Resort gives you an easy access to its nice beach, swimming pool, and the famed Ogtong Cave natural pool. Being a checked in guest to the resort waives the ₱200 entrance fee.
Address: Pooc, Santa Fe
Contact Numbers: +63 932 433 6282 | (032)438 9129

Kota Beach Resort features elegant beachfront suites and cottages for ₱3,800 and ₱3,400 per night respectively. However, they also offer non-A/C rooms for only ₱900.
Address: F. Duarte Street, Santa Fe
Contact Numbers: +63 948 799 3787 | (032) 438 9042

*An outrigger waiting for patrons for an island tour*

Yooneek Beach Resort offers both fan and A/C rooms. Rates starts at ₱1,290 (off-peak).
Address: Poblacion, Santa Fe
Contact Numbers: +63 943 676 3303 | +63 925 555 5256

SF Cantina Hotel is budget accommodation fronting Bantayan’s Sugar Beach.
Address: Pooc, Santa Fe

Ritzy’s White Beach Resort and Restaurant – Fan rooms for two starts at ₱800. Family rooms for 4 starts at ₱3,500.
Address: Talisay, Santa Fe
Contact Numbers: +63 949 005 0585 |+63 977 240 6258

How to Get to Bantayan

Take a flight to Cebu City [CEB]. Direct flights are available from Caticlan (Boracay), Cagayan de Oro, Clark, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Manila, Legazpi, and Puerto Princesa. International flights are directly accessible from Busan (South Korea), Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles, Macau, Nagoya (Japan), Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen (China), Singapore, Osaka, Taipei, Tokyo, and Xiamen (China).

From Cebu City‘s North Bus Terminal, board a bus to Hagnaya. The fare is approximately ₱190 (as of May 2019). The bus will take you near Hagnaya port where you can take a ferry or Roro to Sante Fe in Bantayan Island. The earliest ferry leaves Hagnaya at 07AM while the last trip is 05PM. Ticket price is ₱190 as of May 2019.

*Ornamental sea shells on-sale at Bantayan*

From Malapascua, return to Maya Port, and then hop on a bus to Bogo City. From Bogo bus terminal, transfer to another bus bound for Hagnaya.

If you are coming from Kinatarcan Island, take the passenger boat the leaves Bitoon Beach at 7:00AM. The fare is 70 pesos per person.

If you are coming from Carnaza Island, return to Tapilon Port, and then hop on a bus to Bogo City. You may need to take a tricycle to Daanbantayan Bus Terminal. From Bogo, transfer to a Hagnaya-bound bus.

Notes, Tips, and Reminders

Upon your arrival, you have to register and settle the 30-peso environmental fee at the tourism office. Hotels and tour operators may require you to present the receipt.
Cellular coverage is decent within the Poblacion area of Santa Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos.
ATMs are available within Santa Fe town proper and Poblacion Bantayan
Big resorts accept credit card payment.
Transportation is serviced by tricycles. Intertown caretellas are also available for long-haul transfer.
Stay in a resort within Santa Fe. Most of the beaches are located within Santa Fe.
There is bus that brings you directly from Cebu City to the Municipality of Bantayan. Please contact Vallacar Transit (Ceres) for the schedule. If you take this, you have to pay the fare for the ferry separately.
BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER. Always remember to internalize and follow the “traveler’s creed”: Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, and kill nothing but time.

Video Summary

Unang nilathala nuong Hulyo 2016