MAXTEIN PHILIPPINES
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ABOUT MAXTEIN
This site is all about Filipinos, living in or visiting the Philippines, the people, culture and low cost of living, how to get there and get around, where to stay and how to stay safe! The primary purpose of this site is to discuss Philippine life styles, trabaho Philippines, Filipino food - Jollibee and current events. Expats, Tourists, OFWs, Local Filipinos / Foreigners are all welcome here. Read DISCLAIMER. |
ABOUT ME
Hi my name is Ronnell. And for the people who know me, they know that I love the Philippines very much and I am not really one who rants and complains to high heavens about what is happening to our country and does nothing about it. Yet, after seeing how events in our nation had transpired the past years and after talking to some friends, I feel the urge to share with you my own thoughts and feelings here. |
Bantayan Island
And so, I decided to unwind myself in Bantayan Island. I really love travelling places in which I've never been before. It makes me feel very happy and I got this sentiment emotion of achieving something new in my life.
Let me share to you my experience on getting in, directions and where to stay in Bantayan - inexpensively.
From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, you need to take a bus to Hagnaya wharf. It is about 110 kilometers from Cebu Cty. It will take two to three hours travel time to get to Hagnaya wharf depending on the traffic situation. From Hagnaya take a ferry top cross the 18 km to Bantayan.
Lucky us, we didn't pay any fare for the ferry boat, hahaha!. I heard the locals saying that this often happens because of the competition on both ferry boats. Hope they continue like this.. hehehe.
You'll arrive in Santa Fe, from where you can walk to the beach. There are actually a lot of people offering free motorcycle rides going to your destination but, of course, you'd be obliged to stay on their hotels. In my case, I opt to stayed in Budyong Beach Resort. I personally choose this resort because it has a very peaceful ambience and of course, a lot more cheaper compared to Hotels.
When you get to cool, crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, friendly town folk and delicious seafood ... you're in the Island of Bantayan. It's like entering the time and place when life was simple and quiet. It is one of Cebu's best kept secrets.
The island has three municipalities namely: Santa Fe, Bantayan (proper) and Madridejos. It is in Santa Fe town where you can find most of the beautiful beaches in the island.
Unlike in Cities, I believe that locals in Bantayan are very polite and sincere. Going out at night is still safe however be always cautious especially if you're a foreigner.
Food & Water? Don't worry. There are a lot of restaurants and carenderias around the area which we always prefer (you already know why.. hehe). But for dinner, we constantly go for quixotic ambiance resto.
My journey always include visiting the locale Church for thanksgiving. So, I had to check-out before 12 Noon the following day - going to Bantayan Proper. I am always astonished to see how Old Churches managed to stay intact for so many decades. This St. Peter and Paul Parish Church was built way back 1580, can you imagine that?
Happy trip! And be sure to bring dried fish or "buwad" when you head back home.... sarap!
Responses on "Bantayan Island":
Joan says:
September 21, 2009Hi, im Joan kohli. i wanted to ask how much is the rate of youre bongalow in budyong beach resort. im going to philippine on dec. and looking for a nice quit place to stay for a couple of days. thank you for you email soon. best regards joan
Ronnell says:
September 21, 2009Hi Joan,
Thanks for stopping by.
Hmm.. as far as I remembered, it only cost us P1,000/night (Only electric FAN).
But of course, you wont need aircon on a beach. It's so cold in the night...
No idea for the current rate but should be around 1,500/day, i guess.
I like budyong resort because it's a very peaceful place - day and night & it's not crowded unlike some other beach resort.
I hope the environment didn't change though.
Enjoy bantayan to the max!
regards..
Adspie says:
February 12, 2010hello sir, love reading ur blog about bantayan cebu i'm planning to go there after i read ur story anyway may i know how much money should i bring if i decided to fo there and how much the rate of cottages and hotels there...thank you so much...