Bantayan Island Trip

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

Backpacking Moal-Boal

My bad! I haven't posted the past few days. Anyways I want to take you down south before Badian where white sand is almost the same as Boracay. Moal-boal is just a few minutes away from the city where you can relax and indulge with fresh lemonade instead of capuccino. The sea was calm when we get there and the sun though excruciating complimented the whole backpacking thing. Resort abound in Panagsama, Moal-Boal like the popular "qou vadis" and "basdako" or so i thought. You might as well try Victor's, Hannah's and Sumisid Lodge. Price range from 1t-3t per room and can accommodate up to 6-10 people. If you're really on a tight budget there are small "kubo" and cottages you can get from P500-P800. Moal-Boal is also perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Bargaining at Taboan

Who says “Taboan” is just for the common tao? Maybe before but today Taboan is one of the most visited market in Cebu City by tourists and locals alike. It is famous for their “danggit buwad” or dried danggit and other special delicacies. It offers variety of dried fish and cured seafood stuff like “nukos” (dried squid), “hebi” (dried shrimps) etc. Dried fruits like the best-selling dried mangoes are also available in Taboan. Don’t worry your wallet will not get dry in there since their price is very reasonable, especially if you buy in bulk. Just don’t forget to demonstrate your bargaining strategy and you’ll get the best deal of the day.

Old Cebu

Evidence of old Cebu is predominantly present in the “carbon area” from Greco-Gothic architecture to old churches and century-old fort. You might not notice it in the front view but when you’re seeing it on top of a building numerous old structure are very apparent. Here are some photos I have taken on the top floor of MCWD building except for the Basilica del Sto. Nino.

Magellan's Cross

It took me 20 years to realize that Magellan’s cross located in front of Cebu City Hall is not the actual cross although it really stands to where it is situated right now. What you are seeing is actually just the replica of such cross since the original cross is protected by the government from people who are chipping it believing it has healing power. But some people just can't give up the faith that easy they still regularly visit the cross praying, asking for healing. Some consider it as an altar while other dropped by lighting some candles. Some might still even think it's the genuine cross. Whether it’s original or not I still believes it has power to remind us of Cebu’s historic glorious past.

Misilak na'ng Adlaw

The sun brilliantly scattered its light painting the sky indigo red as we get nearer the port area when someone at my back saying in an undertone voice “misilak ng adlaw”. I was reminded of a new start after my Lola died few weeks ago. The sun shines again after darkness struck my life. The sea was calm and the melancholy of the sky vanished. And after I set foot I look back and remember her death once more and leave it behind. The sun rises, so shall I.

Holyweek Alta Vista Pardo Way

Okay, holy week is coming to town, again. Usual stuffs are rushing in from beach vacation to mountain isolation. Some just spend it watching tv while other chooses to reflect. But I prefer going to the beach and spend worthwhile time with some friends. After all it’s the only time your boss forced to give you some break unless you’re working in a callcenter.

Cebu has a lot to offer for Holy-Week bakasyunistas, from beaches to old churches, mountain resorts and a lot more. Cebuano’s has religiously preserved Holy Week traditions so even if you're spending your time in some part of the city it will still be a pleasurable divine experience. But if you want your once in a lifetime 5-day off heavenly affordable and gratifyingly sacred I suggest you try visit Alta Vista Golf and Country Club absolutely for free*, located in Pardo, Cebu and experience quite time with God on a higher level.


*surcharge will apply for using club/resort ammenities like swimming pool, etc..