photo courtesy of vanie
Hey there, I’m here again. Thanks for all the comments and suggestion and about backpacking Bantayan that you requested, here it goes. But I would like to remind you guys that Daanbantayan and Bantayan Island are two different things. Daanbantayan is a municipality somewhere in the northern part of Cebu while Bantayan is an island composed of small municipalities.
The most economical way to get there is to spend a 2-hour bus ride from NorthBus terminal to Hagnaya wharf in San Remegio then take a fast ferry going to Santa fe, approximately it will cost you P250-P300 including bus, fastcraft and motorcycle ride. If you go there during the Holyweek, you need to have earlier reservation unless you go on camping which I find exciting.
photo courtesy of tsin
Where to stay there?
Sugar Beach, Kota Beach, Marlin Beach Resort, Sta. Fe Beach Club, Budyong Beach Resort, Ogtong Cave Resort and there are lots of small cottages or houses that are for rent for transient travelers. Price range from P500-P2,500
Ferry Schedule*
Island Ferry Schedule
Hagnaya–Santa Fe/Santa Fe–Hagnaya
6:30am/5:00am
10:00am/8:00am
12:30am/9:30pm
2:00pm/12:00nn
5:30pm/3:30pm
FastCraft Schedule
8:30am/10:15am
11:30am/12:45pm
3:30pm/4:30pm
*During low tide the ferries are anchoring outside of the port and the passengers will be transported to the ferry by a small motor boat.
Update ferry Schedule here (2011) : Ferry Schedule
Internet Connection
Unfortunately guys I go there to chill and relax so I never got the chance to find available café offering internet service but my friend said SmartBro (Wifi) internet connection is already available in the island and some resort has broadband connection too on an hourly rate basis.
The Food
There are plenty of restaurants to choose, from international to local cuisine. Resort hotels also serve food upon request. For backpackers, carenderias are everywhere and for just 30 pesos you already have a sumptuous meal.
Contact Information:
Sta. Fe Beach Club + (63-32) 438-9090, 438-9107
Ogtong Cave + (63-32) 438-0165, 438-9129
Sugar Beach + (63) 917-7167182
Kota + (63-32) 4196135
Budyong + (63-32) 4385700