Explore Bantayan Island on your next vacation to the Philippines. See activities and attractions on Bantayan Island.
Fresh Grilled Seafood & Local BBQ
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Dec – May (Dry Season)
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Palawod Festival
Bantayan Island is a beautiful island that is known as one of the most breathtaking islands in the world. Though it is only no more than 100 square miles in size, it also serves as Cebu’s fishing grounds. It is situated in the Visayan Sea, at the northern tip of Cebu. It is best known for its powdery white sand and immaculately clear waters.This island with unspoiled white sand beaches is called Bantayan Island after the term “Bantayan sa Hari” which translates to “Watchtowers of the King”. The story behind this is that 18 watchtowers stood on this island as Governor-General Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera’s defense against Moro pirates.Nowadays, apart from being a large supplier of fish for different parts of the Philippines, Bantayan Island has also become a sanctuary for beach lovers and island hoppers alike. Popularized by the movie “Camp Sawi”, one of the famous places on Bantayan Island, it is now known as a perfect getaway. So, if you’re chasing for the sand, sea, and sun, you must go and try activities on Bantayan Island.
Activities in Bantayan IslandSince the Bantayan Island is considered the Boracay of the South, there are a lot of activities in Bantayan Island that you could enjoy to immerse yourself in the true island life experience.This leads us to one of the best activities on Bantayan island: swimming in the famed Kota Beach. Known as the shooting spot of Camp Sawi, it is a perfect getaway spot because of its azure blue waters, cool breeze, and radiant sunsets.You can also immerse yourself in the wonderful nature spots on the island like Kota Park, the Santa Fe Butterfly Garden, and the Obo-ob Mangrove Garden that provides you a glimpse into the vibrant environment we live in.If you’re into more water activities on Bantayan Island, you can try snorkeling and diving on its many beaches. There are also a lot of diving spots you can enjoy, such as the Sta. Fe Cliff Diving Spot.There are a lot of activities on Bantayan Island for you to choose from. Whether it’s taking a lazy day on the hammock or exploring the promised beauty of the island, you will never run out of adventures on the island.
Verified flight routes, ferry schedules, bus terminals, and insider transit tips.
Book a flight going to Cebu City. Upon landing at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, going to the island itself would be easier.
At the Mactan airport, you can take the MyBus that leaves every 30 minutes from 7 AM-11Am, or every 20 minutes every 11 AM to 9:30 PM. You can also take a Ceres bus going to Hagnaya Port at the North Bus Terminal. This will take you to the ferry you have to ride to go to Bantayan Island. Travel time usually takes 4 hours.
You must board the Island Shipping or Super Shuttle ferry going to Santa Fe Port. Its first trip is as early as 3 AM and the last trip is 5:30 PM. Travel time takes one hour.
Once you have arrived at the Tourism Office, pay the Ecological Fee that is about Php 30, then take a tricycle to your resort if you don’t have a pre-arranged shuttle service. Fare is only about Php 20-25.
Verified local food stands, iconic provincial specialties, and culinary favorites.
Signature DelicacyatLocal Night Market & Grills
Authentic fresh catch and grilled skewers served with garlic rice and spiced calamansi vinegar in Bantayan Island.
Signature DelicacyatPasalubong Center of Cebu
Regional specialties made with native coconuts, rice cakes, and seasonal tropical fruits.
Authentic traveler photography, scenic island landscapes, and local captures across Bantayan Island.
Scenic panorama of Bantayan Island
3-star central hotel, popular heritage restaurants, full-day city highlights tour, metered taxi or Grab rides.
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Live atmospheric data for Bantayan Island (Open-Meteo Edge Forecast)
Color, rhythm, and local heritage celebrations you won't want to miss.
Bantayan Island's premier festival honoring Saint Peter, celebrating the bounty of the Visayan Sea with illuminated fishing boats and coastal dances.
Discover insider tips, side-by-side island comparisons, and curated reading for Bantayan Island.
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