Bantayan Island: A Good Source of Vitamin Sea

What could make me get out of my warm bed way before the sun comes up? Taking a flight to one beautiful island destination is one of them. Having been to Cebu several times but never out of the city, I figured it was time to explore more of the province. So when Air Asia launched their Red Hot Php0.01 Sale last year, I didn’t even think twice about booking flights to Cebu. 

There’s really so much more to see in Cebu and one of those is Bantayan Island. Located off the northern coast of the province, this island has been voted by CNN Travel as the fifth best island beach in the Philippines. It is described as a place with inviting white sand, aqua-colored waters and red-gold sunsets. 

The beautiful Bantayan Island

As it is five hours away from the city, Bantayan doesn’t crave much attention like Boracay or Mactan. It attracts travelers looking to escape the crowds and the troubles of urban life. 

So if you’re looking for a place where you can just laze on the beach and get a good dose of Vitamin Sea, look no further than Bantayan Island.

Here’s our travel experience with our recommendations.

The night before our departure, we first finalized our Cebu itinerary before we even started packing. We made sure we choreographed the things we want to do into a schedule guide. We then set our alarm at 4:30 AM to allow us to do last minute checking on the essentials. By 5:30 AM we were already on the road to the NAIA Terminal 4 to catch our 7:10 AM flight. Since we did self-check in via the web and printed our boarding passes at the airport kiosks, we had about an hour in the departure area for breakfast. For more information on how to perform web check in for your Air Asia flights, check out the instructions here.

We arrived at the Mactan Cebu International Airport at 8:15 AM then proceeded to the taxi bay located just a few meters walk from the arrival area. We took a regular white taxi and told the driver to drop us off at the Cebu North Bus Terminal in Subangdaku, Mandaue City. Since it was a weekday morning in a bustling metropolis, traffic heading to the terminal was slow. For a 9 km drive, it took us an hour and a Php169.50 fare to get there.

Cebu Airport Terminal

Cebu Airport Terminal

Regular taxi bay outside the arrival area

The North Terminal is the main hub for buses, mini-buses and vans for hire plying routes to the northern part of Cebu including Bantayan Island. It is equipped with pay toilet facilities, food stalls, shops and sitting areas. Note: There is a Php10 entrance fee for taxis entering the terminal.

Cebu North Bus Terminal Waiting Area

To go to Bantayan Island in air-conditioned buses, proceed to the row of yellow Ceres buses on the right side of the terminal building. Look for the overhead sign that says Sta Fe / Bantayan. Alternatively, for ordinary buses, proceed to the left side of the building. Look for the sign that says Hagnaya.

Bus Service to Bantayan Island

We took the air-conditioned bus that left the terminal at 10:00 AM. Fare to Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island was Php200 per person. The trip took four long hours to reach Hagnaya Port but it was a very scenic bus ride offering glimpse of local life in Cebu. The bus also stopped halfway into the trip for a quick lunch and restroom break. 

We arrived at the Hagnaya Port just in time for the 2:30 PM trip of Super Shuttle Ferry to Sta. Fe. We purchased our ferry tickets for Php170 per person, paid the Php10 terminal fee, listed our details in the manifest and boarded the ferry. The ferries are small non air-conditioned ships with multiple floors and seating areas. We made sure we positioned ourselves in the middle of the vessel and grabbed a seat in a shaded but open area for a steady supply of fresh air. 

Super Shuttle Ferry to Sta. Fe Port

Ferry and terminal tickets

The warm temperature and humidity combined with the sounds of the waves and ship's engines made us feel sleepy that lasted most of the one and a half hour boat ride. But we felt a sudden bolt of energy seeing Bantayan on the horizon. So we raced to the side of the ferry to watch as we neared closer to the island's shores. We felt excited and happy as we took in the beautiful panoramic view of the island's white sand beaches, palm trees and greenish-blue waters before us.

Since we booked a room in Sta. Fe, we got off the ferry at Sta. Fe port and walked through the long covered walkway of the terminal to the exit. We were supposed to be picked up via the free transfer services offered by the resort but while on the ferry, the front office staff advised us that their driver went on half day and advised us to just take a tricycle to the resort. We took a tricycle for Php20 per person. We arrived at the resort at around 4:00 PM in the afternoon.

Our resort was blessed with its own private beachfront and was advantageously located as it was only a few minutes walk from the town center, market, and restaurants. It offered generous sundecks for hours of relaxation under the sun as well as beachfront pavilions with a spectacular view of the Visayan Sea, where guests can lounge with a book or simply take in the fresh sea breeze. 

Sand, sea and sky

Deserted beach

Gorgeous beach resort

Beachfront pavilion

Loungers for relaxation

Beachfront cottages

Since we were tired from the long travel, we opted to stay in the resort that afternoon. We lazed in one of the small pavilions and waited for the stunning sunset. Although, it was not what we had in mind for that day, it was nice to just relax and have a simple day lounging by the beach. We also decided to eat dinner at the resort's restaurant. It was an open-air restaurant featuring views of the sea and the adjacent bar. 

Beachfront cottages

Suites

Open-air restaurant

Restaurant

Adjacent bar with a view of the sea

The next morning, we walked around the town center to do a bit of exploring. As we went around we got the feeling that while tourism has made its presence and a lot of foreigners have taken up residence in Bantayan, the place still remains rustic and quiet. It really was a place with a relaxing vacation atmosphere. It lacked the big hotel chains, huge malls, and fashionable clubs found in other beaches. 

A quiet beach

Look of the absence of big hotel chains and fancy clubs

Another notable thing we saw was some tourists were renting bikes or motorcycles to stroll around the island. The island was actually bike-friendly with paved roads and helpful people. So this is one option that can be taken while spending several days in the island.

By 2:00 PM, we needed to catch a ferry back to the mainland Cebu. We took the Island Shipping Ferry to Hagnaya Port. From there, we took a van going back to Cebu City for Php170 per person.

Ferry and terminal tickets

We were a bit disappointed that we allotted only two days in Bantayan, but nonetheless, we felt we had a great time. We would love to come back and visit Bantayan again. Hopefully, the beautiful and peaceful island remains as it is. 

Are you thinking of visiting Bantayan Island? We would highly recommend it! It may not be the easiest place to get to, but it's definitely a source of Vitamin Sea well worth the travel. 

To get more information about the island, please visit their official website here.

For the curious, here's also a summary of our expenses to Bantayan Island (excluding food):

Bantayan Island Particulars	Total in Php
Flight (Manila - Cebu - Manila)	392.81
White Taxi (North Bus Terminal)	84.75
Bus Terminal Fee	5.00
Ceres Bus Fare (Cebu City - Sta. Fe)	200.00
Super Shuttle Ferry Fare (Hagnaya Port - Sta. Fe Port)	170.00
Hagnaya Port Terminal Fee	10.00
Tricycle (Sta. Fe Port - Resort)	20.00
Accommodation (Deluxe Room)	890.72
Tricycle (Batobalonos St. - Sta. Fe Port)	20.00
Island Shipping Ferry Fare (Sta. Fe Port - Hagnaya Port)	170.00
Sta. Fe Port Terminal Fee	15.00
Van (Hagnaya – SM Cebu)	170.00
Total Per Person	2148.28

What do you think of our trip to Bantayan? Please leave your comments in the box below. 

Fly For Free? Not!

Do you remember the Sign Up Now and Fly for Free raffle promo?

It was GetGo's biggest promotion in 2015. It gave members the chance to easily enjoy free flights to international destinations.

For twelve weeks from July to October last year, GetGo drew five weekly winners of two round-trip tickets to Cebu Pacific international destinations namely Singapore, Beijing, Dubai, Siam Reap, Nagoya, Jakarta, Xiamen, Taipei, Kota Kinabalu, Sydney, Bali, and Phuket.

Well, we were one of the lucky guys who won but when we were informed, we were equal parts surprised and skeptical. We couldn't believe it at first as we signed up for the GetGo membership without giving too much thought on the raffle promo.

We won round trip flight certificates for two from Manila, Philippines to Xiamen, China. The certificates were valid for exchange to a confirmed itinerary for six months and another six months for the actual flight dates. 

Our flight certificates

We were really excited to have this chance of discovering the rewarding experience of flying for free. We already made a draft itinerary for five days in Xiamen which includes seeing the romantic Gulangyo Island, visiting the Nanputuo Temple, and exploring the Hakka villages near the city.

Sadly, we had to forgo this long awaited plan due to some pressing matters at work that left us no choice but to cancel. To say that we were upset is an understatement. You see, the thought of flying for free, sans the miscellaneous charges of course, makes working so hard worthwhile. We also fear that we are making a mistake for prioritizing work. But as they say, we can't have everything at once. We had to make a choice. We take comfort from the fact that we still have other travel plans this year, and if anything, we can still go to Xiamen another time.

So what if we've wasted the free Cebu Pacific flights? We can still earn GetGo points, enjoy the membership rewards, and who knows, we might win another free flight in the future.

Now, if you'd also like to get going, earn points and start flying for free, sign up for a GetGo Lifestyle Rewards Card. For more information, visit the GetGo website or call +63 2 71-GetGo (43846). 

Weekday in Manila: Discovering the National Art Gallery

One good thing about having a rare weekday off is being able to take a day trip on a typically much less crowded and less busy day in Manila. This means that we can visit and discover the Art Gallery of the National Museum, which now has hellish queue on weekends thanks to its latest free admission policy.

Visiting a museum may not be everyone’s idea of a fun time but it has its own benefits. According to studies, it reduces stress and makes us less anxious. This is because museums offer a restorative environment where we can relax, unwind, and be inspired.

So here are photos of various artworks that will make you want to take that weekday rest day and head off to the National Art Gallery.

Hall of Masters 

This historic hall of the National Museum was the old House of Representative Session Hall. Also known as the Hall of Masters, it houses artworks of Filipino greats, Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo.

Bulwagang Luna at Hidalgo

El Asesinato del Gobernador Bustamante y su Hijo
by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo

Spoliarium by Juan Luna

Spoliarium by Juan Luna

Gallery I 

Also called the Luis Ablaza Hall, this gallery features religious art which was prevalent during the Spanish colonial times in the 17th to 19th Century.

An 18th century retablo from the Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino

Friars

Wooden santos

Note: We missed to take photos of the exhibits in Gallery II and III.

Gallery IV

Also called the Fundacion Santiago, this hall boasts sculpture collection of Filipino great sculptors such as Isabelo Tampinco.

Mother Nature by Vidal Tampinco

     

The Child Jesus Bearing His Sacred Heart
by Graciano Nepomuceno

Lady with Cherubs by Isabelo Tampinco

Mujer al Lado del Batis
by Isabelo Tampinco

Soldier unsheathing his sword
by Isabelo Tampinco

Gallery V 

This gallery pays homage to Dr. Jose Rizal. Displayed here are art works featuring the Filipino national hero and his own artworks.

Gallery Description

Jose Rizal by Felix Gonzales

Rizal bust

Rizal portrait

Rizal the Reformist by Martino Abellana

Mother's Revenge by Jose Rizal

Ermitano by Jose Rizal

Oyang Dapitana by Guillermo Tolentino, Jose Rizal and Isabelo Tampinco

Gallery VI 

This hall showcases classical art in the 20th century from the artistic successors of Luna and Hidalgo. Some of which are Fernando Amorsolo and Fabian de la Rosa.

University of the Philippines by Dominador Castaneda

Bather with a Red Jar by Jose Perreira and
Bathers by Cesar Amorsolo

Paintings by A. Escuin, Dominador Castaneda, Miguel Galvez, etc.

Old Bureau of Science, Barrio Scene and Intramuros by Tomas Bernardo

Espanola by Fabian de la Rosa

Tausug Princess by Ireneo Miranda

Portrait of a Lady by Ireneo Miranda

Unfinished painting by Fernando Amorsolo

Gallery VIII 

Also known as the Silvina and Juan Laya Hall, the gallery contains art depicting the Philippines during World War II. Since the works here depict conflict and suffering, they might be disturbing to some visitors.

A Tragic Lesson by Gene Cabrera

The Leyte Landing by Romeo Tabuena and
Landing of Liberation Forces at Lingayen by Eduardo Perrenoud

Capas by Demetrio Diego

Sculptural pieces depicting the images of war

Rape and Massacre in Ermita
by Diosdado Lorenzo

Death March by Dominador Castaneda

Bataan Death Marcher by Gene Cabrera

Gallery IX

Man with a Hoe by Juvenal Sanso

Planting of the First Cross
by Vicente Manansala

Hills of Nikko by Jose Joya

Ethereal Aura by Jose Joya

Gallery X

The MFP Hall is dedicated to set of four large paintings of Carlos Francisco entitled The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines. This originally welcomed visitors at the Philippine General Hospital, the painting is currently being preserved by the National Museum.

The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines

Gallery XI 

The SPPC Hall features drawings of the first Filipino National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo.

Various drawings, studies and notes of
Fernando Amorsolo

Various drawings, studies and notes of
Fernando Amorsolo

Various drawings, studies and notes of
Fernando Amorsolo

Gallery XII 

Also known as the Security Bank Hall, this gallery showcases the works and memorabilia of Guillermo Tolentino, the national artist who dominated Filipino sculpture for decades.

Gallery Description

The exhibition hall

Child Scuplture

Portrait of a Matriarch

Bust of Lapu Lapu

Bust of Manuel Quezon

Oblation Drawings

Filipinos Ilustres

Tolentino's Annual Exhibition Certificates

We did not have enough time to view the galleries on the 3rd level of the museum which feature modern and contemporary Philippine art as well as temporary exhibitions. But that is enough reason to go back. 

If you'd also like to explore the museum and discover the rich Filipino art heritage, you may visit the National Museum Visitor Information site here for more details.