We know that you have seen photos of the pristine waters of Bantayan Island and just started craving for some time in it, googled how to get there, and now you are here reading this. Fret not as the Beach People has got you covered!
If you are coming from Cebu City and your first choice for transportation to Bantayan Island is to commute, you will have to go to the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) located near SM City Cebu. There, you will have the options for a van or an (un)airconditioned bus. If you are on a budget and a student, you can go for the unairconditioned then present your student ID for a discount. Either way you will reach Hagnaya Port, where boat trips to the island go by every hour, and then Bantayan Island. If you are not in much rush, Kawit Port in Medellin also is an option, however, it only has a maximum of three (3) trips per day. And do not worry about peeing or food because there will be at least one stopover during the entire trip to Hagnaya as well as food vendors for munchies.
Below is a list of transportation options with rates
Note that although the boat trips from Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island go by every hour everyday starting from 1:00 AM, these trips also end at 5:30 PM.
If you are worried about navigation, we guarantee you that it is almost impossible to get lost getting to Bantayan Island because everything is labeled for your convenience. You just have to pay attention and read—from ticket rates and discounts (i.e., student, senior, and PWD), fees (i.e., environmental and terminal fees), and, very importantly, directions. Add to that the warm and accommodating energy of the people from the terminals to the island itself because once you get to the island, you are greeted with even more hospitality by the locals.
Our best advice is that you ready yourself for some impromptu entertainment. It is almost inevitable to encounter some inconveniences but the fun bits surely trump them—from carolers that rap like they have been born to do it to food vendors who really know how to sell, you will learn that Filipinos live up to the hype that we are all talented. Keep an open mind, too, and remind yourself that you are in a different country, so things might be different from where you come from or what you have been used to. With such a mindset, you will appreciate more than compare.
Before you go, let me clarify that when we say cool way we mean that you enjoy what is right in front of you. As for me, in a rush or not, I always make it a point to people-watch as I enjoy people-watching on the daily. It just hits different when you are doing it moving. It reminds you to take in the fleeting moments and make them last. But, truly, the beauty of it all is that some scenes are too beautiful that they feel like a dream never to be seen again. So take photos and videos, or do not. It is entirely your call, but here is a pro tip: if you like taking photos and videos, make sure to get a good rest before hitting the road so you get to stay awake the entire ride. I promise you it is worth it.
