With a few days left to spare at the end of Cebu stay, we decided to make our way to Bantayan Island to spend two nights at Kota Beach Resort. We didn’t originally intend to make a stop here, but the port was about 2 hours away from Cebu City (without traffic), we still had access to the driver, and supposedly the beaches are one of the best around. With such short notice, the only room available was the beachfront suite for $100 a night. Expensive in Filipino terms, but compared to the standard $400+ a night at the Sheraton, we’re stoked!

The ride north to the port was extremely bumpy with a lot of accelerating/decelerating to pass motorbikes, jeepneys, and pedestrians. By the time we got to the winding turns to make it through a mountain, it was impossible to sleep. On the bright side, I was able to take in the beautiful landscape that I had imagined and hoped the Philippines to be… beyond the city and the beaches.

We made it to the port in a little over 2 hours and bought our tickets for the shuttle. The tickets themselves cost 170 pesos per person one way, (You buy your return ticket on your way back.) however; as we made our way to the shuttle, we ended up paying terminals fees of 5 pesos per person twice. It doesn’t amount to much, but it was frustrating to need to rummage through our belongings unexpectedly for more fees. We understood the reasoning but couldn’t help but feel like we were being nickel-and-dimed, since these fees kept springing up on us.

Soon enough we were settled in our shuttle ferry, passing the time by playing cards. The hour flew by and before we knew it, we docked on Bantayan Island! I was in disbelief at our first glances of the resort. So much beauty!!!

My experience on Bantayan Island is one that I’ve been waiting countless years for. Unlike island hopping which was absolutely stunning, we had 2 nights to lounge around and truly take it all in. Our entire stay there, I couldn’t shake the thought of how surreal it was. I feel very fortunate to be able to check “paradise” off my bucket list, but even more fortunate for all the opportunities that made it possible. We may not have done much in the island, but it was an experience that I’ll never forget and meaningful in indescribable ways.

FIRST SUNSET ON BANTAYAN

BEST MEAL OF THE TRIP

FIRST SUNRISE

OUR FULL DAY OF BEACH BUMMING

SOME GO PRO FUN

Day 2’s Sunset

SUNRISE #2 

Next Stop: CAMIGUIN!