Bantayan and Malapascua Islands

This trip to Northern Cebu's charming islands of Bantayan and Malapascua is a variation from my usual knee-pounding activities of mountain climbing and running.  A much needed variation that helped my body relax and recover.  A variation that gave me a little peace of mind. A variation I enjoyed from the start until the end.  

In this trip are my outdoor buddies Rosalyn and Adrian with the latter planning everything.  Together we made the most out of the very short time we had for the trip.

Bantayan Island

An island located on the western side of the northern tip of Cebu.  This is the biggest island of the Bantayan group and administratively divided into three towns namely Sta. Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos.  Popular to both local and foreign tourists because of its good beaches.  We had a nice swim at the Ogtong Cave Resort and walk at the sugar beach.  While most beach resorts and beach activities are in the the town of Sta. Fe, touring the other towns of the island is also worth a try.  On a motorbike we visited the century old church, Carlito's fried and roasted chicken house and the heritage houses of Bantayan and chased the sunset over Madridejos baywalk.       

Getting there

From Cebu North Terminal, AC and Non-AC buses are plying the route Cebu-Hagnaya Port. Fare is 160 for AC bus and 135 for Non-AC bus.  Travel time is approximately 3 hours.  Bus leaves as early as 3:30 am with the last trip at 5:00 pm daily.  From Hagnaya port in San Remigio a public ferry is servicing the transportation need of the island.  It will take an hour ferry ride for 170 pesos plus 10 pesos terminal fee.  Entry point is at Sta. Fe.  The ferry departs Hagnaya port as early as 7 am and the last trip at 5 pm everyday.          


Accommodation

In Sta. Fe where the most resorts are concentrated, there are a wide range of choices for budget travelers  and for those willing to spend for comfort.  Beach front, non-beach front, fan and fancy rooms are available.  We stayed in an AC twin bed room at Sta. Fe Beach Club for 1800 a day.  The booking at Sta. Fe Beach Club, gave us a free entrance to Ogtong Cave Resort.  Both resorts are owned by a single person.

Sta. Fe Beach Club
Alice Beach, Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island
Contact #: +63-32-4389090/+63-32-4389107
http://www.stafebeach.com/



Getting around Bantayan

Motorbikes and bicycles for rent are available on most resorts.  We rented a motorbike for 250 a day. This gave us the opportunity to roam around the island.   Motorcycle and motorbikes are the main mode of transportation in the island.  There are also multicabs plying Sta. Fe - Bantayan and Bantayan - Madridejos but on a limited trips a day.   

Food

Most resorts serve meals for their guests from breakfast to dinner.  However, those in tight budget may find this a bit pricey just like in our case.  We opted to look for other options in the poblacion.  There, we find an eatery by the road that is affordable and delicious.  

Going out

Public ferry leaves from Sta. Fe as early 6 am with the last trip at 4:30 pm everyday. Fare is 170 pesos plus 10 pesos terminal fee.  Most resorts offer free transfer to the port.   


Malapascua Island

I had the opportunity to visit Malapascua when I was just starting to explore the country. The trip was one of my very first.  I was awed and instantly fell in love with its beauty then.  I can vividly remember how emerald green its waters, how quite the island, how beautiful the coconut trees lining up on its coasts, how white the sand in Bounty beach.   To me, Malapascua is a tropical paradise.   That was five years ago!  When I learned that it's going to be included in our itinerary, I can't hide my excitement. I've been yearning to go back to this island I once loved! 

It's a gloomy afternoon when we arrived in Malapascua.  So much has changed from five years ago. There is a proliferation of resorts, dive shops and households.  The island was not also sparred from the wrath of typhoon Haiyan.  Only few of the beautiful coconut trees lining on the coast remain standing.  Though efforts exerted to replace them, but it will take years before another beautiful coconut trees.   However it's good to know that tourism is very much alive.   Local and foreign tourist flock the island.  

After finding an accommodation and taking our late lunch, we wasted no time and indulged in our activity for the afternoon.  We go for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping.  I wasn't able to do these during my first visit.  Diving has to remain in the list due to budget constraint.  The cliff jumping was a surprise to me.  I did not expect it to be 32 feet high(accdg. to our boatman) .   Upon seeing how high it is, my confidence level dwindled to its lowest.  When we get to the top it's more scary.   Honestly, I think of not jumping and just go down. Thankfully, after a couple of minutes I mustered the courage.  With my knees shaking, I jumped, and into the water I plunged.  I resurfaced after a few seconds and realized I did it and I'm alive!  All of the three of us jumped.  It was an experience I'll surely not forget.   

We did not catch the sunrise the next day.  We wake up late, perhaps due to the long ride and the activities we had the day before.  It was a sunny day.   An ideal day for another snorkeling and swimming but we had to leave the island.  Watching the sunlight beams into the white sand and emerald green waters, I realized that Malapascua is still a paradise.  It is still beautiful.  It has not lost its charm and appeal to me.  I still love it!  

Getting there from Bantayan Island

From the port of Hagnaya, ride a bus going to Cebu City and alight at  the junction of Cebu North Hagnaya Wharf Road and Bogo-Curva-Medellin-Daanbantayan-Maya Road. Landmark is Staroil Gas Station.  Fare is 10 pesos for non-aircon bus.  Ride another bus with Maya signboard.  Fare is 35 for non-AC bus and travel time is approximately an hour and a half.  The last stop of the bus will be the port.  From the port of Maya, public boats are available.  Boat ride is an hour and fare is 100 pesos plus 20 pesos for small boat ride during low-tide.  Boat departs from Maya as early as 6:30 am and the last boat trip to the island is 3 pm.  If by chance you were not able to catch the last trip, you can charter a boat for 1000-2000 pesos depending on your haggling skills.  


Accommodation

There are a number of resorts in the island offering accommodation on a wide range of choices depending on your budget.  For budget travelers like us, we opted to stay on a P600/night fan room good for two at BB's guesthouse.  The owner was kind not to charge an extra fee for an extra person.




Activities in the island

Malapascua is known for diving but it's not the only the activity in the island.  One can go swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, sunrise and sunset viewing, strolling, and sun bathing.  We did snorkeling and cliff jumping and charged P400/head for boat rental.

Food

There are a number of restaurants in the island offering varieties of food choices.  In our stay, we usually eat at Ging-Gings restaurant.  Nothing especial about their food but so far the cheapest in the island.  Main dish starts at P60.

Going out from the island

Public boat departs from the island as early as 7 am.  Boat fare is P100 plus P20 small boat ride during low-tide.