03/15/2015

10 Reasons Why I Couldn’t Get Bantayan Island Off My Mind

It was already 12 AM and I was still working.

I was already wondering if I can make it or not.

I haven’t packed my bags and haven’t got a minute of sleep then the clock struck 3.

So I decided to drop off my pending tasks and packed my stuff in a jiffy.

I figured out that Bantayan Island would be worth it even if I don’t get to sleep and indeed, it was!

 

The first time I went there, the entire experience was a difficult one.

I joined Lumad Sugbo in distributing relief goods a few weeks afters Typhoon Haiyan hit the country.

I traveled from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port in 6 and a half hours (usual travel time is 2-3 hours).

Booking a ship ticket was difficult.

Seeing the conditions of the locals and the island was very sad.

It’s as if I was watching a black and white movie (the disaster sucked all the vibrant colors).

The most difficult part was going home.

The Bantayan Port was just filled with trucks and people all wanting to go home ASAP.

It was rowdy.

Some people started to raise their voices and quarrel the ticketing staff.

Eventually, we got through hell and rode a bus on our way back home.

More than a year later, I went back with my blogger friends, media personnel, and staff from Philippine Information Agency (Cebu).

I was given a chance to check on how the locals are doing after the storm.

 

Apparently, the entire island is virtually doing well although rehabilitation is still ongoing.

Knowing that they are back on track and on their way to full recovery, I had the chance to explore the island and experience it as it should be.

Every island in the Philippines has something to offer but what makes Bantayan Island different?

It’s because of these 10 things!

1. The cool blue waters of Bantayan Island

 

If to see is to believe, this will make you believe!

2. The fine white sand of Bantayan Island

 

3. The fresh seafood that Bantayan Island can offer

boodle fight

Bantayan is surrounded by water so naturally, fresh seafood is abundant.

You know what?

I even had barracuda for lunch!

No kidding!

 

4. The warm hospitality of the Bantayan Island locals

 

The locals are very friendly.

They make sure that your trip is comfortable and enjoyable.

 

5. The long joy rides in Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island street and house

I love joy rides and zero traffic!

Going from point A to point B is just a breeze.

 

6. The chill island vibe of Bantayan Island

 

If there’s sand beneath your feet, cool breeze on your sun-kissed skin, and seawater on your hair, you can’t help but succumb to the call or R&R!

 

7. The amazing Bantayan Island public market 

Bantayan Island Public Market

dried fish or buwad in Bantayan Island Public Market

If you’re a fan of dried fish (locally known as buwad), you’re gonna love their public market.

It’s cheaper compared to Taboan Public Market.

Aside from that, the market doesn’t smell awful.

 

8. Bantayan Island’s rich history

The name of the island was taken from the watchtowers that were built as lookout for incoming pirate raids from the south.

They were called “Bantayan sa Hari” or “Watchtowers of the King.”

That’s an awesome piece of history, right?

 

9. Bantayan Island’s interesting local accent

The locals of Bantayan Island

The locals speak the Visayan dialect but their accent sounds like a mix of Hiligaynon and Waray.

 

10. The Bantayan Island sunset

 

Six words.

It can take your breath away!

The island is simply fantastic, isn’t it?

Have you been there before?

If yes, how was your experience?

If you’re still planning to go there, what activities do you have in mind?

Our Bantayan Trip was made possible with the help of PIA Cebu and Bantayan local government unit.

PIA Cebu is the provincial information center of Philippine Information Agency.

You can contact them through:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Contact number: 2324062
  • Email: informant_cebu7@yahoo.com

For more information about the Municipality of Bantayan, you can contact them through:

For more information about the Municipality of Madridejos, you can contact them through:

  • Facebook
  • Contact number: +639218498192
  • Email: municipalityofmadridejos@gmail.com

What are you waiting for?

Start packing those bags and have a good time!

41 thoughts on “10 Reasons Why I Couldn’t Get Bantayan Island Off My Mind”

  1. 03/20/2015 at 12:29 AM
    ANNE {Anne's Scribbles and Doodles}

    Kalaagon na nuon ko. Bantayan here I come!

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  2. 03/20/2015 at 1:17 AM
    Jhanis

    We were also supposed to take relief goods to Bantayan a few weeks after Haiyan, unfortunately, we were told that the line for the barge was too long and it will be a problem if we had to spend overnight there, made a quick search on Google for areas with least number of relief goods received and we went straight to Daan Bantayan. Whew! But yes, I have to agree with your list. I still have the Bantayan hangover and still talk about our trip with my husband! 🙂

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    • 03/20/2015 at 1:23 AM
      Channel Marie Imperial

      Taas mulang? Pirting taasa Vanilla Sandwich! As in! Nag-away nagud ang mga tao didto sa pier kay ganahan mauna og uli. Both tao og mga truck nga gadala og relief goods. It was very challenging jud. Kay sa bus trip lang daan from Cebu to Hagnaya 6.5 hours. Kadungan namo ang Cebu Chamber of Commerce. Pero worth it rapud kay as in, need jud nila og tubig atong panahuna og gipang-gutom sila. ^_^

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  3. 03/20/2015 at 1:19 AM
    thadzonline

    Bantayan island is one of my favorite vacation spots. I feel very comfortable there. Surely I will go back there soon

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  4. 03/20/2015 at 1:20 AM
    thadzonline

    I will surely come back here. Bantayan is one of my favorite vacation spots

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  5. 03/20/2015 at 9:21 AM
    caloyolano

    Reblogged this on Cebu Live! and commented:
    Here is a very nice article about Bantayan Island. It is one of my favorite summer destinations in Cebu.

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  6. 03/21/2015 at 12:10 AM
    Flei der Maus (Fledermaus)

    I had a vacation in Bantayan back in 2012. This post makes me miss it! It also makes me happy to think there’s a piece of paradise waiting just a few hours away from Cebu City 😀

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  7. 03/21/2015 at 1:38 AM
    kiat Cebu

    gimingaw kos bantayan. Shall we travel soon? #iBlogForBantayan

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  8. 03/21/2015 at 9:17 AM
    Kaiy Yeen

    I ♥ BANTAYAN.. will surely spend my summer 2015 there! 🙂

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  9. 03/21/2015 at 1:41 PM
    Janine

    Ahh Bantayan! Kadaghan ba nakog wa pa maadtuan nga ganahan kaau nako adtuan! If our budget wasn’t just tight maybe my boyf and I would have traveled a LOT! Kanus-a pa kaha ko makaadto! 😦

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  10. 03/21/2015 at 4:19 PM
    Adrenaline Romance

    Wa pa jud mi kaanha og Bantayan, Channel! Nindot kaayo imong photos. Thanks for these tips. We’ll visit this paradise hopefully this summer.

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  11. 03/22/2015 at 3:26 AM
    Rea

    I really had to visit sooonn!! I’m sure it’s beautiful and even more when you go there for a good cause. I’m glad the island is already starting to show its beauty once again.

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  12. 03/22/2015 at 10:07 AM
    hannafrej

    Yes, I miss the long joy rides in Bantayan. Renting a motorcycle only costs P200-300. Waaa I need to get back to that island.

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  13. 03/22/2015 at 7:03 PM
    katherineannika

    I’ve been hearing people talking about Bantayan a lot! Yes a lot! It’s so trending na jud. No wonder, it’s really a must-visit place.

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  14. 03/23/2015 at 12:22 PM
    Emjae Fotos

    We had a really quick visit to Bantayan last week and I enjoyed the serenity of the island. I really want to rent a motorcycle for a joy ride. Better luck on my next visit. 🙂

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  15. 03/24/2015 at 7:00 AM
    entrepremom

    Bantayan Island is on my list. Ipon ipon pa ng pocket money 😀

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  16. 03/25/2015 at 8:15 PM
    Isabeau Jane

    Ahhhh bantayan! Kalami mghunahuna sa danggit!!

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  17. 04/18/2015 at 9:45 AM
    Shabby Chic Boho (@terrishutterbug)

    Oh my goodness, your photos are just stunning. I’m so happy that the island is doing well after the disaster and that you were able to go back. I’ve never been anywhere so beautiful.

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  18. 04/18/2015 at 9:03 PM
    cramos13

    Thanks for sharing these pics with us. I’ve never been there before but I’d sure like to see the blue water…looks so relaxing and that’s just what I need about now :).

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  19. 04/18/2015 at 9:26 PM
    Jessica Beal Harlow

    Your photos prove that Paradies is not Lost…it is on Bantayan Island! What a beautiful place. I can’t get over the color of the water!

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  20. 04/18/2015 at 9:40 PM
    Beth@FrugalFroggie

    Looks like such a beautiful place. I don’t think I have heard of Bantayan Island. And not familiar with the accents at all.

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  21. 04/19/2015 at 12:47 AM
    The Foodie Affair

    The water is so clear and beautiful! What a peaceful place to visit. Thanks for showing me more about Bantayan Island!

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  22. 04/19/2015 at 11:13 AM
    Rosey

    It’s nice that they’re getting back on track. It really does look lovely there.

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  23. 04/22/2015 at 2:41 AM
    Debbie Denny

    The water is spectacular. Such a beautiful place. Bouncing back really nice

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