Bantayan Island is one of the must-visit tourist spots in North Cebu where you can find most of Cebu’s best beaches. Our Bantayan Island Itinerary 2023 outlines the schedule of activities in Bantayan Island and the travel expenses for 4 days and 3 nights.
At the end of this 3D2N Bantayan Island DIY Itinerary, you will find out the total budget for this trip. Our Bantayan Island Itinerary covers these tourist spots:
- Kota Beach
- Sugar Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Sandira Beach
- Bobel Beach
- Balidbid or Baigad Lagoon
- Virgin Island
- Hilantagaan Island
- The Ruins
- Ogtong Cave
- Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Garden
- Bantayan Market
- Sts Peter and Paul Church
- Kota Park
If you want to add activities like skydiving, kitesurfing, or a side trip to Kinatarkan Island, you need to add at least 1 more day to your Bantayan Island Itinerary.
What Is Bantayan Island Known for?
Bantayan Island is known for its crystal-clear white sand beaches. In fact, Bantayan Island is home to most of the best beaches in Cebu such as Paradise Beach, Kota Beach, Bobel Beach, and Baigad Lagoon Beach. Aside from white sand beaches, Bantayan Island is also famous for its skydiving, the only place in the entire Cebu Island that offers this extreme activity.
Klook.comWhat Is the Best Month to Visit Bantayan Island, Cebu?
Bantayan Island is best visited in the summer months, between March and May, when it’s hot and dry. However, you can definitely visit the island any time of the year and still be able to enjoy the beaches, tourist spots, and all the things to do in Bantayan Island.
Is Bantayan Worth a Visit?
Yes, Bantayan Island is definitely worth a visit. I have been to Bantayan Island several times, and I must say I would never stop enjoying its beautiful white sand beaches, the historic sites, and the island vibe. If you are looking for ultimate rest and relaxation in Cebu, Bantayan Island is the best place to go.
Klook.comHow to Go to Bantayan Island 2023?
Go to Cebu North Bus Terminal and take a Ceres Liner bus to Bantayan Island. Get off at Santa Fe Port. The regular bus fare is 305 PHP (~6 USD) while the ferry fare is 305 PHP (~6 USD). The total travel time from Cebu City to Bantayan Island is 5 hours. For a more detailed guide, check out How to Get to Bantayan Island!
You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Hagnaya Port from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Klook.com3D2N Bantayan Island Itinerary 2023
DAY 1 (ARRIVAL) | ACTIVITY | BUDGET |
4:00 | Taxi to Cebu North Bus Terminal | 100 PHP (~2 USD) |
5:00 | Bus to Santa Fe Port, Bantayan Island | 300 PHP (~6 USD) bus fare |
8:00 | Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe Port (Bantayan Island Ferry and Bus Schedule) | 360 ferry fare + 25 PHP terminal fee |
9:30 | Scooter to hotel | 600 PHP (~12 USD) for 2 days + 210 PHP (~4 USD) for 3L gas |
10:00 | Leave bags or check in at SMAK’s Hotel | 4,500 PHP for 3 nights |
11:00 | Brunch | 200 PHP |
12:00 | Ogtong Cave | 200 PHP |
1:00 | The Ruins | Free |
3:00 | Sandira Beach | 60 PHP |
4:30 | Sunset at Kota Beach | Free |
7:00 | Dinner | 150 PHP |
8:00 | Party at Hr Musicbar |
NOTE: You can also charter a private vehicle to take you to Hagnaya Port from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. Book a Private Intercity Transfer here!
Klook.comDAY 2 (BANTAYAN ISLAND HOPPING TOUR) | ACTIVITY | BUDGET |
8:00 | Breakfast | Complimentary |
9:00 – 5:00 | Virgin Island + Baigad Lagoon + Hilantagaan Island | 200 PHP entrance, 1,200 PHP boat for 5 pax (2-way) |
Lunch at Virgin Island | 150 PHP (~3 USD) | |
7:00 | Dinner at The Hungry Beach Co | 150 PHP (~3 USD) |
8:00 | Live band at TapaMaster Bantayan Island |
NOTE: You may book a packaged island hopping tour in Bantayan Island through your hotel. Or, go directly to Santa Fe Tourism Office to arrange an accredited boat transfer to Virgin Island or a cheaper Bantayan Island hopping tour.
DAY 3 (COASTAL TOUR) | ACTIVITY | BUDGET |
8:00 | Breakfast | Complimentary |
9:00 | Omagieca Mangrove Garden | 55 PHP |
11:00 | Lunch near Bantayan Market | 150 PHP |
12:00 | Sts Peter and Paul Church | Free |
1:00 | Drive to Kota Park, Madridejos | Free |
3:00 | Drive back to hotel | |
4:00 | Swim at Bobel Beach | Free |
5:00 | Sunset at Sugar Beach | Free |
7:00 | Dinner at Coucou Bar | 150 PHP (~3 USD) |
DAY 4 (DEPARTURE) | ACTIVITY | BUDGET |
7:00 | Breakfast | Complimentary |
8:00 | Drive to Santa Fe Port | |
8:30 | Santa Fe Port to Hagnaya Port | 305 PHP (~6 USD) |
10:30 | Bus to Cebu City | 300 PHP (~6 USD) |
Lunch (next bus stop) | 150 PHP (~3 USD) | |
3:30 | Taxi to hotel | 150 PHP (~3 USD) |
8:00 | Dinner | 150 PHP |
Where to Stay in Bantayan Island
- Amihan Beach Cabanas (Check room rates!)
- Anika Island Resort (Check room rates!)
- The Coral Blue Oriental Beach Villas and Suites (Check room rates!)
- Sunrise Beach Club Resort Amanacer (Check room rates!)
- SMAK’s Hotel (Check room rates!)
For more details, check out the Best Resorts in Bantayan Island!
Bantayan Island Budget
The estimated budget for our Bantayan Island Itinerary is around 9,755 PHP (~175 USD), including meals, transportation between islands, scooter rentals and gas, accommodation, tour fees, entrance fees, and environmental fees.
The budget for a decent Filipino meal at local eateries is 150 PHP (~3 USD). You can definitely spend more or less on food, depending on your taste, appetite, and diet.
The budget for the accommodation per night is set at 1,500 PHP (~30 USD) which is usually good for two with complimentary breakfast. You can find budget accommodations in Bantayan Island for 500 PHP (~10 USD) per night.
We did not include transportation within the islands in the breakdown of expenses, assuming you are renting a scooter. A scooter for rent in Bantayan Island costs 900 PHP (~20 USD) for 3 days. Three liters of gas cost around 210 PHP (~5 USD).
Overall, here’s the total expense for a Bantayan Island trip:
Meals | 150 PHP x 2 meals x 3 days | 900 PHP |
Accommodation | 1,500 PHP x 3 nights | 4,500 PHP |
Scooter in Bantayan | 300 x 2 days | 600 PHP |
Gas | 70 PHP x 3 liters | 210 PHP |
Tours, fees, and other expenses | | 4,445 PHP |
TOTAL | | 9,755 PHP (~175 USD) |
Bantayan Island Travel Guide
Still in the process of finalizing your trip to Bantayan Island? Our Bantayan Island Travel Guide can help you. This guide highlights the best things to do in Bantayan Island, top tourist spots, the best beaches, how to get there, and more.
Continue your trip to Cebu by checking out our North Cebu Itinerary and South Cebu Itinerary.
If you have questions, drop them in the comments. I will get back to you ASAP!
For updates, follow CEBU INSIDER on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Booking.com