PINOY BOY JOURNALS: 2012.05

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines Part 2

7:15:00 AM Pinoy Boy Journals 17 Comments

How to describe a Paradise?

Is it about describing a white sand beach, or crystal clear blue waters? Is it the feeling of being in touch with nature in a tropical setting? Are there coconuts? Some palm trees, perhaps?

If Paradise could be described in one word, i would probably say...it's Bantayan! Born out of sheer blessing from God, this island is by far the most perfect one i've seen in my five years of traveling around Asia.

This quiet fishing village is now beginning to have its share of exposure by means of lone searchers like me eager to find the next unspoiled beach. Although, on the opposite side, Malapascua has become the more popular route for travelers, Bantayan has a unique charm that's just incomparable.

For days, this is always the first sight whenever i wake up in the morning. And i could go on and on about how white the sand is, or how i follow closely the changing tides, but in reality, it's just plain and simple, it's the most beautiful place on earth.

I stayed at one of the lovely cottages of Kota Beach Resort. Although, there are many new resorts now along the coast of Bantayan Island, from expensive and popular ones like Sta. Fe and Bernard to lesser, unknown resorts, in the north of the Island, I certainly chose this spot because it is at this beachfront where the shore changes.

Have Fun In the Sun!

The coast of Bantayan is the perfect getaway for people who like to avoid the crowds. The number of tourists flocking to Bantayan are mostly couples on their honeymoons, locals from Cebu City and Manila, and of course, expats, who chose to call this island their home.

If you wish to do outdoor sports, you can make it happen. Most of the people here are tuned into skim boarding, kite flying, and jet ski.

I spent the rest of my days here drinking beer while listening to the calm sounds of little waves crashing the shore. The sand is as pure as it can get, with relatively very few people in sight, one could spend the rest of the day absolutely looking at the horizon and not getting bored.

How is the food?

Food is moderately priced and usually boasts of Portugese, Continental and a flair of Asian/Filipino cuisine. Because Bantayan is an hour boat trip from Sta. Fe central, prices are a little higher but still affordable. The people manning the restaurants are the friendliest in the whole province. They're charming, and are open for a chat.

How are the accommodations?

For a cottage like this, which you can share with up to six people, it is about P2000 or roughly $35+ for a night, which is not so bad once you've shared your part. It's an A/C room with clean bathroom and double beds. The best part is, it's right smack by the beach, so anytime of the day, you have a commanding view. For shoe stringers, there's about less than P500/rooms or about $10 near the town center.

For those who dream of invigorating yourself from the stress of city life, i couldn't suggest a far batter place to de-stress than in Bantayan.

As i said in the previous post, once you get here you would just simply say, it's worth it. In my case, i didn't even complain because i already knew that once i get to this place, i will not know why or how, but i will love it for sure.

For more information about Bantayan Island, click this site called WowBantayan

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines Part 1

9:30:00 AM Pinoy Boy Journals 12 Comments

STORY: After traveling around Cebu City for a few days, my time spent in the electric lights and enigmatic charm of the oldest province in the Philippines is done. It's time to head up north to where paradise is found. It's funny, that after writing so many stories here in my blog about my adventures around the Philippines, there's always a new "Paradise" island waiting to be discovered. I couldn't complain as the Philippines boasts of the best beaches in Asia.

I love Thailand and its lovely beaches, but the unspoiled and uninterrupted views of white sandy islands of the Philippines is impeccable. And this one in particular, not necessarily unheard of, is actually still a newcomer in the ball game.

How to get there?

If you're in Cebu City and tired of the hectic life style, head to the North Bus Terminal. From here, pack some goodies to take with you in this long journey. There's cup noodles at P25 or around $.75, soft drinks, native delicacies and a bunch of other stuff you can take with you.

TIP: Because you know you're heading to the port more than a hundred kilometers away, head out here as soon as you brush your teeth and pack your rucksacks. The sooner you're here the better. Reserve your seat as soon as you get here.

Don't be confused on which bus to take because in reality here, it's not at all confusing. It's very easy. Ask around where's the bus to where you're going. "Manong" will point you to the right direction. If you leave the north terminal at around 7AM, you will most likely arrive at the destination around lunch time. Don't worry about eggs, they're plenty to where you're going. Heck, its called the "Egg basket of Cebu".

AC or Non-AC?

You have two choices at most times, one is an aircon bus which is of course more expensive, but it's still dirt cheap. This type of bus leaves every hour, but schedule may vary as of this writing. You can also ride the non-aircon bus which i purposely rode.

With no breakfast at all, i grabbed my newly boiled hot cup of noodles and mineral water and started munching them like I've never eaten before.

TIP: Easy on the liquid. There are no toilet breaks here. Meanwhile, as i munch on the noodles the aroma was all over the bus, and most of the locals began looking at my direction. I just smiled. I could have said "Kain?" which is to offer my food to them if they like. A few minutes more, the bus was leaving already, and my loins felt like when i was in grade school.

Ride the non-aircon bus, if only for the awesome view. Green fields, lonely coconut trees, kids going to school, men and women with their usual chores, are all what you will see. You'll never know what you'll stumble upon on your way here. I saw funny posters, tranny divas and even a motorcycle competition which was just heating up.

As seen below, the best view to watch the competition is in the balcony.

I have to tell you, it's not an easy ride. The beach is four hours away from the city, 110 kilometers from Cebu city, passing through some unpaved roads, and what appears and smells like volcanic ash fall (cement and gravel). But i am pretty sure, once you've reached the spot, you'll know it's all worth it!

A few more stops for some passengers after, and you're on the port heading to one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Did i mention the place already? Let me take you with me on a trip to the majestic island of Bantayan!