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Find an accommodation with good wifi. Nearly every accommodation nowadays provides free wifi, you just need to make sure that the wifi is strong enough for you to complete your work for the day.
The internet and signal on Bantayan is reasonable so using your data plan would be another option if you can’t find wifi.
Coworking spaces are also an option however, there are only a couple on the island like LANTAW which is located on the second floor of a restobar. It has an open view of the ocean and you are provided free coffee while you stay at the workspace.
As for cafes and restaurants, only a handful provide free wifi for their guests so it will be hard to find one with good wifi for you to stay long while you finish work.
If you’re looking to only stay a short while in the area, I recommend staying in an area like Bantigue, Obo-Ob, Sitio Kalubian or Baod, as these areas actually at times give more affordable prices with the luxury of being away from the crowds but still close to the activities.
For a short stay of a day or two in Bantayan Island, we recommend trying Kota Beach Resort. They offer cozy beachfront cottages and rooms, and provide a serene atmosphere and stunning views of the crystal-clear waters. With its laid-back vibe and proximity to beautiful beaches, it’s an ideal choice for a relaxing getaway. Another is Anika Island Resort; Nestled amidst lush tropical gardens, Anika Island Resort features comfortable rooms and bungalows with modern amenities. Guests can unwind by the pool or explore nearby attractions such as Ogtong Cave and Virgin Island.
For budget-conscious travelers planning a short stay of a day or two on Bantayan , there are several affordable accommodations to consider, like CouCou Bar Hotel and Restaurant. CouCou Bar Hotel and Restaurant provides budget-friendly rooms in a central location, making it easy to explore Santa Fe’s shops, restaurants, and beaches on foot. Enjoy the relaxed ambiance and warm hospitality without compromising on comfort or affordability during your short stay on Bantayan Island.
If you plan on staying longer, I recommend staying in the main town, which is Santa Fe; here you’ll be in the center of everything so it will be more accessible in the long run if you want to get some food or go buy groceries.
There are plenty of hostels, inns, hotels and resorts to choose from, and if you’re lucky enough, an apartment. Most accommodations are cheap enough in the area ranging from the mid-high hundreds to the thousands per night.
Generally, some of the more expensive accommodations in Santa Fe are located in the south of the town, while the majority of the more affordable places to stay are around the eastern area.
As you’d expect, a lot of the places to stay on Bantayan are along the coast so no matter what accommodation you get, you’re bound to have some sort of sea view.
For an extended stay of a week or longer in Bantayan Island, consider Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort; theyr offer rustic yet charming accommodations amidst a sprawling nature park, Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Guests can enjoy eco-friendly cottages, stunning panoramic views of the island, and outdoor activities such as horseback riding and bird watching.
For budget-conscious travelers planning to stay in Bantayan Island, like MJ’s Pension House. Located in Santa Fe town, MJ’s Pension House offers affordable rooms and dormitory-style accommodations ideal for budget travelers. With its central location, MJ’s Pension House provides easy access to Santa Fe’s attractions, dining options, and beaches.
If you’re looking to have a dip that isn’t at the beach, I recommend going to Ogtong Cave. This is a natural freshwater pool with stunning blue waters encased in limestone rocks and only a 10 min drive from the port of Santa Fe. If you’re staying at their resort or Santa Fe Beach Club, then you have free access to the cave, otherwise you have to pay a fee of 120 Pesos of a child and 225 for and Adult; however this fee isn’t limited to just the cave, this allows you to use the other resort amenities such as their pools, cottages and private beach.
However, if you are wanting to get that tan, Paradise Beach is a 15 mins drive – or a 45 mins walk – from Santa Fe. Here you can either just relax on the white sand beach or snorkel over the small reefs that can be found a bit off shore.
For 70 Pesos, you can do so much relaxing and exploring on this beach.
St Peter the Apostle Parish: A 16 min drive from Santa Fe, is the oldest parish in the Visayas and Mindanao dating back in 1580. This is one of the places to visit to know more of the history of the area, especially now having known that Bantayan Island has the first founded parish of the south.
Virgin island: A 30 mins boat from Santa Fe Shore – Kota Beach. If you get a chance to rent out a little boat for a private island hopping tour for 1000 Pesos, you get to visit the white sandbars and beach bars of Virgin Island and through Balidbid Lagoon before going back to Kota Beach.
Cebu City*: From Bantayan Port you can take a ferry to mainland Cebu for only 180 Pesos + 10 Pesos terminal fee; when you arrive on the mainland, you can now take a bus or van to Cebu city where you explore their history, visit their famous Ocean Park or party in their nightlife. The journey would take you roughly 5 hours to travel from Santa Fe port.
Of course, that highly depends on where you stay.
General Luna is where most of the shops and food places are so I will focus on this area.
What’s always an easy go to place for food are malls, however in this case, there aren’t any of the typical big air conned malls on the islands. Majority of the food establishments on Bantayan are individual eateries plotted around the towns.
What Bantayan Island is known for is its affordable seafood, so I highly recommend you eat your share during your stay; and as you’d expect on a small island surrounded by the ocean, the seafood here is guaranteed to be fresh. As a fishing village, you can buy seafood like scallops for such a cheap price going as low as 100 Pesos for 2-3 packs and pair it up with their special rice wrapped in weaved palm leaves called ‘puso’.
If you’re feeling adventurous, how about trying Taguangkan. Surprisingly, the island produces an abundant amount of local eggs from their poultry farms and to reduce waste, they have come up with this local, unique street food. This dish is similar to another Filipino street food ‘isaw’ as the are both made from chicken intestine however this dish is made from large chicken intestine twisted on a stick with a big mass at the top which is undeveloped egg of the hen; this dish as unappetizing as it sounds actually tastes not too far from grilled salted egg.
Bantayan Burrito Company is a Texas-Mexican eatery that serves different tacos, burgers, quesadilla and of course burritos and many more. Even though these types of dishes typically have meat in them, they have several vegetarian and vegan friendly options to choose from.
If you’re looking for a cool place to relax and enjoy music while eating local food, HR Music Bar & Native Restaurant is the place to visit. With the bar and restaurant area separated, you can enjoy eating in their open air restaurant before enjoying your time next door. Their native restaurant provides various options of Filipino cuisine but with a Cebu taste; but if that isn’t what your company wants, there are other a-la-carte options to choose from.
Caving for somewhere with a view? Stumble Inn is an open restaurant on the beach; here in their Beach Club, they provide a wide variety of choices on their menu, however I suggest you try some of the Australian cuisine they have there. They are in the medium price range which is worth the view and the cold drinks you will get during your stay at the restaurant.
Flight from Manila to Cebu: Start by booking a flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in Cebu City. Several airlines operate daily flights between Manila and Cebu, so you should have plenty of options to choose from. Choose a flight that fits your schedule and budget.
Transfer to Cebu North Bus Terminal: Once you arrive at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you’ll need to transfer to Cebu North Bus Terminal. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service from the airport to the bus terminal. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Bus from Cebu North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port: At Cebu North Bus Terminal, board a bus bound for Hagnaya Port in the town of San Remigio. The bus journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Make sure to inform the bus conductor that you’re heading to Hagnaya Port.
Ferry from Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island: Upon reaching Hagnaya Port, purchase a ferry ticket to Santa Fe Port on Bantayan Island. Ferry services operate regularly throughout the day, with the journey taking around 1-1.5 hours, depending on weather conditions. Once you arrive at Santa Fe Port, you can take a tricycle or motorcycle taxi to your accommodation on Bantayan Island.
Flight from Clark to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB): Start by booking a flight from Clark International Airport to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in Cebu City. Multiple airlines operate daily flights between these two airports. Choose a flight that fits your schedule and budget.
Transfer to Hagnaya Port: From Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you’ll need to travel to Hagnaya Port in San Remigio, Cebu, which is the jump-off point to Bantayan Island. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the North Bus Terminal in Cebu City. From there, board a bus bound for Hagnaya Port. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Ferry from Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island: Upon reaching Hagnaya Port, purchase a ferry ticket to Santa Fe Port in Bantayan Island. Ferry services operate regularly throughout the day, and the journey usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on weather conditions. Enjoy the scenic views as you cross the sea to your island destination.
Land Transportation to Your Accommodation: Upon arriving at Santa Fe Port in Bantayan Island, you can easily find tricycles or motorcycles for hire that can take you to your accommodation. If you have arranged for a transfer with your hotel or resort, there may be representatives waiting to greet you at the port and assist with transportation.
Enjoy Your Stay on Bantayan Island: Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, it’s time to explore the pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere of Bantayan Island. Relax, unwind, and soak in the beauty of this tropical paradise.
Travel to Hagnaya Port: From Cebu City, make your way to the North Bus Terminal. Ride a bus bound for Hagnaya Port in San Remigio, Cebu. The bus journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Make sure to inform the bus conductor that you’re heading to Hagnaya Port.
Ferry from Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe Port: Upon arriving at Hagnaya Port, purchase a ferry ticket to Santa Fe Port on Bantayan Island. The ferry ride typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on weather conditions. Ferries operate regularly throughout the day, but it’s advisable to check the schedule in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Arrival at Santa Fe Port: Once you arrive at Santa Fe Port on Bantayan Island, you’ll find tricycles and motorcycles available for hire outside the port area. Negotiate the fare with the driver and inform them of your destination on the island, whether it’s a hotel or accommodation.
Flight from Davao to Cebu: Start by booking a flight from Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao to Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City. Multiple airlines operate daily flights between these two airports. Choose a flight that fits your schedule and budget.
Transfer to Cebu North Bus Terminal: Upon arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, take a taxi or ride-sharing service to Cebu North Bus Terminal. This journey typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, some hotels offer shuttle services to the bus terminal.
Bus from Cebu North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port: At Cebu North Bus Terminal, board a bus bound for Hagnaya Port in San Remigio, Cebu. The bus journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Make sure to inform the bus conductor that you’re heading to Hagnaya Port, as buses have different routes.
Ferry from Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe, Bantayan Island: Upon reaching Hagnaya Port, you’ll need to take a ferry to Santa Fe Port in Bantayan Island. Ferries depart regularly throughout the day, and the journey typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Purchase your ferry ticket at the port terminal and board the next available ferry.
Tricycle or Motorcycle Taxi to Your Accommodation: Upon arrival at Santa Fe Port in Bantayan Island, you can easily find tricycles or motorcycle taxis waiting outside the port terminal. Negotiate the fare with the driver and provide them with the name or address of your accommodation. The ride to your hotel or resort should take just a few minutes.
Hotel Transfers: Many hotels and resorts in Bantayan Island offer airport or port transfers as part of their services. If you have arranged for a transfer beforehand, look for a representative holding a sign with your name or the hotel’s name in the arrival area. They will assist you with your luggage and transport you directly to your accommodation.
Tricycle or Motorcycle Taxi: Tricycles and motorcycle taxis are the primary modes of transportation on Bantayan Island. You can easily find them waiting outside the port terminal. Negotiate the fare with the driver before boarding, and provide them with the name or address of your accommodation. Tricycle rides are suitable for short distances within the island.
Public Transportation: Bantayan Island has limited public transportation options, but you can take a multicab or a jeepney for longer distances. These vehicles may be less common than tricycles but offer a more affordable option for budget travelers. You might need to transfer to a tricycle for the final leg of your journey if your accommodation is in a more remote area.
Walking: If your hotel or accommodation is located near Santa Fe Port and you don’t have much luggage, you can also consider walking to your destination. This is a great way to soak in the island’s atmosphere and get a feel for the surroundings. Most accommodations in Santa Fe are within walking distance from the port.
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