BANTAYAN ISLAND - CEBU PHILIPPINES

Bantayan Island, located off the northern coast of Cebu in the Philippines, is a tropical haven that’s famous for its crystal-clear waters, powdery white-sand beaches, and laid-back vibe. Often referred to as the "Boracay of Cebu," it offers stunning sunsets, charming local villages, and vibrant island life. The locals are super friendly and despite being on a small semi-remote island, we found the prices of everything from accommodation, transport to food, a lot cheaper than Cebu. Bantayan is perfect for beach lovers and adventurers alike, it’s an ideal destination for those looking to unwind without breaking the bank.

Why It’s Great for Budget Travellers: Bantayan Island offers many budget-friendly accommodations, affordable street food, and plenty of free outdoor activities like beach hopping, swimming, and snorkeling. Whether you're a backpacker or a thrifty traveler, you’ll find Bantayan Island’s prices surprisingly affordable compared to more commercial tourist hotspots.

How to Get There

Flights: For international travelers, fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Budget airlines such as Cebu Pacific and AirAsia often offer affordable fares. From Cebu City, you’ll need to take a bus or van to Hagnaya Port, then a ferry to Bantayan Island.

Transport Options: From Cebu City, buses regularly run from SM City Cebu to Hagnaya Port (fare: around ₱300/$5.50). From there, ferries depart for Bantayan Island with a one-way ticket costing about ₱300/$5.50. Or you could join other travellers in a "V Hire" which is a van which is more comfortable and a little faster for around ₱450/$8.00.

Budget Tip: Book your flight during off-peak seasons to snag the best deals. Use price comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights to track prices.

Visa Information and Entry Requirements

Visa Requirements: Citizens of most countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions are available at immigration offices in Cebu City.

Necessary Documents: Ensure you have at least six months of validity on your passport. It’s also necessary to have proof of onward travel to avoid complications at the border.

Budget Tip: If you plan on staying longer, it’s cheaper to extend your visa directly at a local immigration office rather than paying travel agents to do it for you.

Currency and Budgeting Tips

Local Currency: The local currency is the Philippine Peso (₱). On average, budget travellers can expect to spend around ₱1,000 ($17.50) per day on food and transportation, and around ₱750-1000 (13 - $17.50) on hostel accommodation, or around ₱2000 ($35) for a nice but budget beach side private room in a resort.

Money-Saving Tips: Always carry cash, as most small businesses and guesthouses don’t accept credit cards. ATMs are available, but they are often offline or out of cash and their fees can be high, so plan your withdrawals carefully.

Budget Tip: Use a travel card with no international fees, such as Revolut to avoid extra charges when withdrawing money.

Where to Stay

Budget Accommodation Options:

• Hostels: You can find dorm beds for as low as ₱400 ($7.25) per night.

• Guesthouses: Private rooms in local guesthouses start at around ₱800 ($14.50) per night.

• Budget Resorts: Some beachfront resorts offer basic rooms for ₱2000 ($35) per night.

  
  

Budget Tip: Book your stay directly with local guesthouses for better deals, or use platforms like Agoda and Airbnb for last-minute discounts.

Where to Eat and the Cost of Food

Local Food on a Budget: Bantayan Island is known for its affordable, fresh seafood. Local eateries and carinderias (small food stalls) serve meals for as low as ₱80-₱100 ($1.50-$2). We enjoyed a fantastic breakfast, including coffee for just ₱110 at HabHab in Santa Fe.

Dining Out vs. Cooking: Many accommodations offer shared kitchens, and there are local markets where you can buy fresh produce if you’d prefer to cook your meals. Be sure to check out the seafood market. We bought a whole fish for ₱180 and cooked it at our budget resort on a bbq they provided for free.

Budget Tip: For the best deals, stick to carinderias outside the tourist areas or grab a cheap breakfast from local bakeries selling tasty local bread.

How to Get Around

Public Transportation: The most common mode of transport on Bantayan Island is the tricycle, which costs around ₱20-₱50 ($0.35-$0.90) per trip, depending on the distance.

Renting Vehicles: You can rent a motorbike for around ₱300-₱500 ($5-$9) per day. It’s an affordable and convenient way to explore the island at your own pace. We hired a motorcycle from our resort for ₱400 and had a great time driving around the island. There is very little traffic, so it's quite a pleasant experience.

Walking and Cycling: We would recommend stationing yourself around Santa Fe where everything you need is all within walking distance. Some accommodations offer free or low-cost bike rentals or motorbike rentals for around ₱400 a day.

Budget Tip: We found tricycle drivers here to be the most honest and reasonably priced that we have found, however it is always a good idea to agree on a price for your trip before hopping into the tricycle. There are no metres, so it's up to you to negotiate.

Top Free or Cheap Things to Do

Must-See Attractions:

• Kota Park: A historic park with views of the ocean, and it's completely free. It is at the other end of the island though so you will require transport there. To be honest, it is nice and the entrance is free but after taking a few photos, there isn't much else to do.

• Ogtong Cave: Entrance is around ₱200 ($4) for a dip in the cool, natural pool inside this unique cave.

  
  

Outdoor and Nature Activities:

• Beach hopping: Visit the island’s pristine beaches like Paradise Beach and Sugar Beach. They are free to visit and perfect for a relaxing day by the water.

• Snorkeling: Snorkel in the clear waters near Virgin Island (day trips start at around ₱1,500/$26.50 per boat, which you can split with others).

  
  

Budget Tip: Pack your own snacks and water to avoid paying higher prices at tourist spots.

Hidden Gems for Budget Travelers

Underrated Spots:

• Madridejos Town: Located in the northern part of the island, it’s a quieter area that gives you a glimpse of local life without the crowds. If you are going to Kota Park, a stroll through the city is a nice way to spend an afternoon.

• Bontay Baywalk: A serene and scenic spot that’s perfect for an evening stroll, and it’s free to explore.

  
  

Local Events/Festivals:

• Pasko sa Bantayan: A local Christmas festival celebrated with colorful lanterns and street parades, a unique cultural experience at no cost.

  
  

Sample Itinerary for Budget Travellers

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Santa Fe

Morning

Arrival on Bantayan Island and Check In.

Travel to Bantayan by ferry from Hagnaya Port in Cebu (ferry fare: approx. PHP 300 / $5.50). Upon arrival at Santa Fe Port, check in to your accommodation. Budget-friendly options include guesthouses and small hotels near the port or beach (starting at PHP 500–800 / $9–$15 per night).

Brunch at a Local Carinderia (PHP 80–100 / $1.50–$2)

Start with a filling brunch at a local carinderia, where you can try Filipino breakfast items like silog dishes or freshly cooked viands with rice.

Check out "The Ruins" which is actually a house that was built by a German guy in the 90's and has been destroyed in a storm and only the concrete walls remain. It has been really beautifully graffitied however and great for some photos.

Afternoon 3. Ogtong Cave (Entrance Fee: PHP 200 / $3.50)Head to Ogtong Cave, a popular underground cave in Santa Fe. The entrance fee gives you access to swim in its crystal-clear water. Located within a resort, this spot is also a fantastic place to relax in the afternoon.

Kota Park (Entrance: Free)

Travel to Kota Park in Madridejos, a peaceful beach area with a historic old fort, and enjoy a sunset by the pier. Though a bit of a drive from Santa Fe, it’s a scenic spot with a rich history that captures the island’s charm.

Evening

Dinner at MJ Square (PHP 100–150 / $2–$3)

MJ Square is a lively area in Santa Fe with a collection of restaurants and eateries. Enjoy affordable Filipino or Western food options with plenty of choices for budget travelers.

Day 1 Summary

Budget: Approx. PHP 1,500 / $27 per person (includes ferry, meals, entrance fees, and transport)

Day 2: Island Hopping and Hidden Beaches

Morning

Breakfast at Bantayan Burrito Company (PHP 150–200 / $3–$4)Grab a quick, budget-friendly breakfast burrito or smoothie to fuel up for the day.

Island Hopping Tour (Approx. PHP 700–1,000 / $13–$18 per person)Book an island-hopping tour to visit nearby islands such as Virgin Island and Hilantagaan Island. This tour usually includes snorkeling and beach hopping. Virgin Island’s pristine beaches are a must-see, though you may pay an additional PHP 500 / $9 entrance fee if it's not included in the tour price.

Afternoon

Lunch on Virgin Island (Included or PHP 100–200 / $2–$4)

Many island-hopping tours include lunch, often featuring grilled fish or chicken with rice. If not, the boat crew may offer to cook fresh seafood that you can buy on Virgin Island.

Afternoon Beach Relaxation

Spend time snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on Virgin Island’s beaches before returning to Bantayan in the late afternoon.

Evening

Dinner at HR Music Bar & Restaurant (PHP 100–200 / $2–$4)

Head to HR Music Bar & Restaurant for a relaxed dinner. The place often features live music, making it a great way to unwind without overspending.

Day 2 Summary

• Budget: Approx. PHP 1,500–2,000 / $27–$36 per person (includes meals, island hopping, and entrance fees)

  
  

Day 3: Local Culture and Beach Hopping

Morning

Breakfast at Cafe Mare (PHP 100–150 / $2–$3)

Enjoy a simple breakfast with coffee and pastries at this affordable and charming cafe.

Visit Bantayan’s Public Market (Free or Purchase as Desired)

Stroll through the public market in Bantayan town to see local goods and souvenirs. You can also grab fresh fruit or snacks to take to the beach.

Omagieca Mangrove Garden (Entrance Fee: PHP 50 / $1)

Head to the Omagieca Mangrove Eco Park in Bantayan town, where you can walk on bamboo paths through the mangroves and even rent a small boat to explore the area. It’s a beautiful spot for photos and learning about local environmental efforts.

Afternoon

Paradise Beach (Entrance Fee: PHP 50 / $1)

Drive to Paradise Beach, one of Bantayan Island’s hidden gems. With its soft white sand and tranquil waters, it’s a perfect spot to swim, relax, and enjoy a picnic. Pack snacks or purchase affordable street food nearby before heading out.

Evening

Dinner and Sunset at Santa Fe Beach (PHP 100–150 / $2–$3)

End your trip by watching the sunset at Santa Fe Beach, where you can enjoy street food or small bites from local vendors. This is a relaxed, free activity and a great way to end your time on Bantayan.

Day 3 Summary

Budget: Approx. PHP 1,000 / $18 per person (includes meals, entrance fees, and transport)

Total Budget Summary for 3 Days

• Day 1: PHP 1,650 / $30

• Day 2: PHP 1,500–2,000 / $27–$36

• Day 3: PHP 1,000 / $18

• Overall: Approx. PHP 4,000–4,500 ($72–$81)

  
  

Final Tips for Saving Money

• Off-Peak Travel: Visit during the off-peak season to avoid higher prices for accommodation and transport. Both resorts we stayed at, we were one of only a few guests.

• Local SIM: Buy a local SIM card for cheap mobile data to use for navigation or to call transport services.

• Bring Your Own Water Bottle: Save on buying bottled water by refilling at your accommodation.

• Stay Near Santa Fe: Santa Fe has more budget accommodations than other parts of the island and is close to beaches and attractions.

• Share Transport: If you’re traveling solo, try sharing a motorbike rental or tricycle ride with other travelers.

• Buy Groceries: Consider shopping at the public market to prepare your snacks or light meals to cut down on food costs.

  
  

Conclusion

Bantayan Island is a paradise for budget travelers, offering everything from picturesque beaches to a rich local culture at prices that won’t strain your wallet. Whether you’re looking to unwind or seek adventure, Bantayan Island promises unforgettable experiences that won’t break the bank.