Bantayan Island Travel Guide and Safety Reminders for Tourists

Contributed by Deexplores

In case you missed it, the Cebu Provincial Government has placed Cebu Province under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) last 16 Oct 2020. With this, certain restrictions have been dissolved and protocols have been updated. Travel is slowly returning and tourists are now welcome to explore Cebu once again.

Bantayan Island is one of the most known tourist destinations in Cebu. Coined as the “Paradise of the North”, the island houses three municipalities, namely, Sta. Fe, Madridejos, and Bantayan. Sta. Fe is known for its vacation houses, resorts, and white-sand beaches. Madridejos is known for its seafood products while Bantayan boasts of its heritage and culture.

Before the implementation of the MGCQ, border controls in the province of Cebu have been stringent. Locals found it hard to travel from one municipality to another due to the multiple travel requirements they had to secure. But this issue has finally been addressed when the three mayors in Bantayan Island, along with Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, met and updated the travel protocols to and from the island.

Also read: Bantayan Island: Travel Guide & Cost Breakdown

Bantayan Island Airport now open

The Cebu Provincial Government and the Department of Tourism, along with other government units and private institutions, launched a tourism initiative called Suroy Suroy Sugbo North Escapade that showcases Bantayan Island’s offerings. This initiative aims to encourage Cebu residents to visit local and neighbouring tourist spots.

On 27 Nov 2020, I was one of the first passengers aboard the maiden flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Bantayan Island Airport. The total travel time from MCIA to Bantayan Island Airport is approximately 40 minutes.

Air Juan flies from Cebu to Bantayan Island every Monday and Thursday only. A one-way ticket could costs around ₱1,300. The price may vary depending on the season.

Flight schedule (Mondays and Thursdays)

MCIA to Bantayan Island Airport: 10am to 10.40am
Bantayan Island Airport to MCIA: 11am to 11.40am

Bantayan Island travel requirements

By land

1. Have a valid identification card proving that you are a resident of Cebu.
2. Have a confirmed and paid booking of your accommodation in Bantayan Island. You will present the confirmation sheet upon arrival. Note that you can only book resorts and vacation houses that are accredited by the Department of Tourism.
3. Prepare your return boat tickets (Hagnaya-Sta Fe-Hagnaya). You will be asked to present your tickets upon arrival.
4. Sta. Fe, Bantayan has their own contact tracing system. You will have to generate a QR code using an Android gadget. You will then present this QR Code, along with your confirmed booking, at the seaport. After presenting your QR Code and booking confirmation, you will pay the ecological fee which costs ₱30 per person.
5. If you are bringing your car to the island via Ro-Ro, you must pay for your vehicle entrance on top of the boat fee. The vehicle entrance to the island costs ₱20 while the boat fees per vehicle vary depending on the size of your vehicle.

By air

1. Have a valid identification card proving that you are a resident of Cebu.
2. Have a confirmed and paid booking of your accommodation in Bantayan Island. Make sure to book from an accredited resort, hotel, or vacation house.
3. Prepare your return air tickets (Cebu-Bantayan-Cebu). You will be asked to present your tickets upon arrival.
4. Download the Traze App before departing Mactan Cebu International Airport. You will use this app during departure and arrival. Read more about it here.
5. Sta. Fe, Bantayan has their own contact tracing system. You will have to generate a QR code using an Android gadget. You will then present this QR Code, along with your confirmed booking, at the airport.
6. Upon arrival, you will have to go through the disinfection process. A machine will check your body temperature and you will undergo an automated disinfecting booth.
7. Coordinate with your resort, hotel, or vacation house regarding your airport transportation.

If you are visiting Bantayan and you plan to stay at a friend’s house or your own rest house on the island (if any), you are considered as a Locally Stranded Individual (LSI) and you will need to present additional requirements to enter the island. LSIs need to present an acceptance letter from the LGU of their destination.

Non-Cebu residents will have to present additional requirements before they are allowed to enter and tour around Cebu.

Tourists are required to wear face masks at all times. Those caught not wearing them must pay a fine of ₱300. Quarantine passes are no longer required, but for peace of mind, you can always bring them with you along with your company ID. The official executive order will be released by the mayors of each municipality in Bantayan.

Also read: COVID-19 Philippines Travel Advisory for Filipinos & Foreign Visitors

Activities in Bantayan Island

• Go island hopping and explore Virgin Island
• Capture scenic views while kayaking at Balibid Lagoon
• Visit Ogtong Cave
• Drop by the Christmas Village and support local products
• Visit Kota Heritage Park
• Attend mass at St. Peter and Paul Parish
• Be one with nature at Bantayan Island Adventure Park
• Observe crab extraction at SM Fishers Corp.
• Enjoy Bantayan’s Seafood
• Sunrise or sunset watching at Kota Beach, Sugar Beach, or Sta. Fe Beach
• Go swimming or sunbathing at Bantayan’s white-sand beaches

Recommended Bantayan Island accommodations

1. Anika Beach Resort
2. Kota Beach Resort
   – Beach Front Suite (₱4,500)
   – Beach Front Cottage (₱4,000)
   – Deluxe Cottage (₱3,000-3,500)
   – Standard Aircon Room (₱2,300)
3. Kadugyap House By The Sea
   – Villa ₱6,900
   – Room 1 & 2 (₱2,700)
   – Room 3 (₱3,100)
   – Room 5 (₱5,900)
4. Ogtong Cave Resort
5. Beach Placid
6. Budyong Resort
7. Arnold’s Hotel

Note that the prices indicated above may change without prior notice.

Furthermore, you can book your activities in Bantayan Island online through the official tourism portal of Cebu Province. Stay safe, observe proper health protocols, and explore responsibly!