https://bantayanisland.com/how-to-get-to-bantayan-island-philippines
Option 1: The fastest and best efficient option. ( about 2 - 3 hours bus time with 75 minute ferry time)
Head to the Cebu City North Bus Terminal and look for a sign on a Ceres bus which says "Bantayan Island town terminal". This is the express bus (air conditioned) that costs 200 PHP which is payable on board the bus. This bus leaves 12 mn., 3.30 am., 10.45 am., 12.30 pm . Times are known to vary.
Your initial destination is Hagnaya bus terminal next to the Hagnaya Port just north of San Remigio. Whilst on the bus you must pay the terminal fee (10 PHP) and the ferry journey fare (170 PHP) . This bus goes to Santa Fe town terminal, then to Bantayan town. Ask to get off at the gasoline station at Santa Fe, (town terminal). The Sunday Flower Hotel is 150 meters away. This is where the annexes of Sunday Flower rooms are located. You can elect to walk, or raise your hand to flag down a tricycle cab for 25 PHP. Sometimes the bus will stop at the Sunday Flower Hotel.
Option 2: Using a slow local bus. (about 3 - 5 hours )..never ending time...
Head to the North Bus Terminal in Cebu and look for a sign on a bus which says "Hagnaya" and it will cost around 170 PHP. At Hagnaya, there is a terminal fee and a ferry fee to pay. Ask when is the next ferry time of departure. Sometimes there is an air conditioned bus, pay a bit more for recommended comfort.
Option 3: A good possibility. ( about one and a half to 2 hours )
A taxi can be hailed in Cebu at about 1500 - 2000 PHP for a one way journey to Hagnaya. It is best to arrange the taxi from the hotel. (better security). First, check that the taxi has a genuine working air conditioning system, as your journey will be more comfortable.
Option 4: Great for a large group of people.
Ask reception at your hotel in Cebu where you are staying if you need an air-conditioned 10 seater minivan, 3000 PHP for a one way journey to Hagnaya. In this case the driver will pick you up in Cebu at most places. You may need a cell phone number for contact with the driver.
The road leaving Cebu is extremely congested. It is best to start out very early at mid night ,3 - 6 am.
Allow 5-6 hours for the total journey, from Cebu to the Sunday Flower. The last ferry leaves at around 5 pm from Hagnaya. Better reliable sailing is in the morning when the seas are calmer. During holiday season, the ferry will run at unscheduled times at night time. It is possible to hire a pump boat from Hagnaya to Santa Fe. Prices are dependant on which pump boat is available.
There are other smaller ferry's and pump boats arriving from other islands, local knowledge is necessary.
There is sometimes a small plane service on selected days twice a week, from Mactan to Santa Fe Booking is necessary on line.
Pay attention to your personal security, as there is a high degree of caution needed in the Philippines and on Cebu island. Avoid travelling to the southern island of Mindanao, especially the central, far south and western area. (November 2019) ( Government travelers site. )
All parts of the Philippines travel with care.
Check that the Corona virus will not disrupt your journey. Social distancy andmasks must be used
A: Ferry / Barge times from February 2019. The schedules may change without notice.
There are two pump boats that leave Cadiz and Bantayan port at between 9.30am - 10 am daily. The cost is approximately 240 PHP one way.
By demand, there is a Pump boat from Santa Fe to Malapascua. Nice journey on smooth seas.
The ferry/barge from Hagnaya to Bantayan island goes about every hour or so, starting sometimes around 2 - 3 am, last one is at around 5.30 pm. There are two ferry companies operating. The ferry sometimes leaves early when it is full, and costs 170 PHP for a one way journey. Pay at the terminal office, or if the ferry is about to leave the fare can be purchased on the ferry/barge. There is a terminal fee of 10 PHP. Suggest have smaller PHP as occasionally change is difficult.
It is safer to use the ferry in calm waters. Occasionally, the ferry/barge will not leave due to mechanical issues, however be patient and wait for the next one. alternatively you could charter a pump boat with other passengers, a porter will advise you. ( Not advised at night time, possible pirates).
Sometimes the ferry will not run if there are not enough passengers to pay for fuel, maintenance and wages!
Occasionally, when it is windy the ferry cannot dock, so it goes to the southern part of the island called Maricaban near the Mangroves, a very pretty area. There is transport there to get you to the annex rooms of the Sunday Flower Hotel. Just check the price, it is usually about the same 25 PHP for a 5 km distance.
On arrival at Santa Fe port get on a trisikad (tricycle cab ) for 25 PHP to take you to the annex rooms of theSunday Flower Hotel . Occasionally, the driver will ask for a little more, if you have a lot of luggage. Sometimes there are lots of boys who want to take the visitor to another resort, as the boy gets a big commission. Just ignore these boys. They are a nuisance to travelers. It will take about 15 minutes depending on how fast the driver peddles and how heavy your luggage is.
A: The most reliable weather forecast can be found on Accuweather
A: Unfortunately, the power supply is variable due to load sharing/rationing on Bantayan Island. It is common for the power to be off...called a brown out....
A: Yes, however is dependant on power outages and the weather. The service is not always good.
A: Yes, Santa Fe can cater for young children as baby products such as food can be purchased. Also, the friendly locals are always available to help assist with babies and toddlers. Supermarkets do not exist.
A: Yes, however WIFI is only sometimes available in the restaurant area. WIFI internet is very slowand is dependent on the variable weather and availability of electric power. Unsuitable for Video transfer.
A: Yes, there is one irregularATM machines . Keep in mind that fees can be higher than normal and service is not always guaranteed. You are advised to cash up before arriving. The next closest ATM is at Bogo. A Western Union office is present at Santa Fe, but has irregular opening hours.
A: Hire a motor-bike, motor-scooter (PHP350/day) or a push bicycle (PHP150/day) from reception.
A: Any donations of children's clothes and footwear would be appreciated. Items can be given to the annex of the SUNDAY FLOWER HOTEL staff at the reception desk, where the items will be given to those in need. An active women's group distribute such items to families in extreme poverty.
A: No, however we can cater for small conferences up to 30 persons, using the annex staff in the SUNDAY FLOWER RESTAURANT facilities. Details from the reception.
A: No, SUNDAY FLOWER HOTEL does not have credit/debit card facilities on site.
A: Yes, Bantayan Island was severely affected by the typhoon.
Visit for more information on the damage caused by Typhoon Haiyan: http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/content/2013/s3899493.htm
Translate This Page