Heading to Bantayan Island, Cebu? Our Bantayan Travel Guide 2023 has the most updated details you need to get to and around the island.
If you’re wondering what the travel requirements are, how to get there, how much it costs to get there, where to stay, where to eat, the internet situation, and what to do in Bantayan Island, this is the ONLY travel guide to Bantayan Island you need to read.
Looking to explore Cebu Island? Check out the 35 Things to Do in Cebu!
Bantayan Island Travel Requirements
Is it okay to travel to Bantayan Island now? What are the requirements to go to Bantayan Island?
Is it okay to travel to Bantayan Island now?
Yes, Bantayan Island now accepts both local and foreign tourists, granted you are COVID-19 vaccinated. If you are non-vaccinated, you can still enter Bantayan Island, but you need to present a negative RT-PCR or antigen test result for COVID-19 upon entry.
What are the requirements to go to Bantayan Island?
Before entering Bantayan Island, you need to present a few travel requirements at Hagnaya Port before you are allowed to take the ferry to Santa Fe in Bantayan Island. Here are Bantayan Island’s travel requirements applicable to both locals and foreign tourists:
- Booking confirmation from accredited hotels, hostels, Airbnb, or any accommodation type
- COVID-19 vaccination card or negative RT-PCR or antigen test result for non-vaccinated
- Valid ID
How to Get to Bantayan Island (4 Ways)
There are four ways to get to Bantayan Island. The easiest would be through Mandaue or Cebu City.
Via Cebu City by Bus
- Go to the NEW Cebu North Bus Terminal at the SM City Cebu parking area beside the MyBus terminal.
- Take a Ceres bus to Hagnaya Port. Fare is 165 PHP (~3 USD) for aircon and 140 PHP (~2.5 USD) for non-aircon. Travel time is about 4-5 hours.
- Take a ferry to Santa Fe Port in Bantayan Island. Fare is 280 PHP (~5 USD). Travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Via Cebu City by Van
- Go to the van terminal at SM City Cebu.
- Take a van to Hagnaya Port. Fare is 200 PHP (~4 USD). Travel time is 3 hours.
- Take a ferry to Santa Fe Port in Bantayan Island. Fare is 280 PHP (~5 USD). Travel time is 1 hour.
Note: Vans don’t leave until they get full. Each van carries around 12 passengers. It can get too tight inside.
Via Private Transfer
The most convenient way to get to Bantayan Island from Cebu City is through chartered vehicles with a driver. A private transfer from Cebu Airport or any point in the city to Hagnaya Port (jump-off point to Bantayan Island) costs 2,400 PHP (~45 USD). You have an option for bigger vehicles that can accommodate up to 10 people.
By Chartered Plane
Air Island Tours offers a direct charter flight from Mactan airport in Lapu-Lapu City to Bantayan Island. The chartered flight from Mactan to Bantayan costs 23,000 PHP (~410 USD). Travel time is 40 minutes.
For more information, contact them at (+63) 976 044 8822.
Whichever way you take, leave Cebu City as early as 2:00 am. Buses leave the city as early as 2:00 am.
The first ferry trip from Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island is 2:00 am and the last ferry trip leaves at 4:30 pm.
The first ferry trip from Santa Fe Port, Bantayan Island to Hagnaya Port is 4:00 am and the last trip is 6:00 pm.
For more details, check out How to Get to Bantayan Island and Bantayan Ferry and Bus Schedule and Fare.
Bantayan Island Fare From Cebu 2023
The fare to Bantayan Island from Cebu ranges between 445 PHP (~8 USD) to 480 PHP (~8.5 USD), depending on the mode of transportation.
- Cebu City to Hagnaya Port, San Remigio – 200 PHP (~4 USD)
- Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe Port, Bantayan Island – 280 PHP (~5 USD)
The tricycle fare in Bantayan Island is 30-100 PHP (~0.5-2 USD), depending on how far you’ll go.
I highly recommend renting a scooter for 300 PHP (~6 USD) per day to get around the island easily. Many locals outside the Santa Fe Port gate will offer scooters for rent.
Where to Stay in Bantayan Island
1. Private room Airbnb
- Overall rating: 4.98 / 5
- Accommodation type: Private room in a home with access to public beach
- Facilities: Aircon, private bath/toilet, ref, TV, queen bed, free parking, workspace, kitchen
- Location: Santa Fe
- Internet speed: 75mbps
- Price: From 1,099 PHP (~20 USD) per night
2. 2BR Airbnb
- Overall rating: 4.96 / 5
- Accommodation type: Vacation home with direct access to public beach
- Facilities: Aircon, private toilet/bathroom, ref, TV, garden, sea view, free parking, workspace, kitchen
- Location: Santa Fe
- Internet speed: 24mbps
- Price: From 4,200 PHP (~76 USD) per night
3. Marlin’s Beach Resort
- Overall rating: 8.0 / 10
- WiFi rating: 7.5 / 10
- Accommodation type: Hotel resort with beachfront
- Facilities: Aircon, safety deposit box, garden, free parking, bar, restaurant
- Location: Santa Fe
- Price: From 5,200 PHP (~94 USD) per night
Check out Marlins Beach Resort!
4. Anahaw Seaside Inn
- Overall rating: 9.2 /10
- WiFi rating: 8.0 / 10
- Accommodation type: Hotel resort with direct access to public beach
- Facilities: Aircon, TV, ref, safety deposit box, terrace, free parking
- Location: Santa Fe
- Price: From 2,200 (~40 USD) per night
5. Edsan Apartment
- Overall rating: 8.5 / 10
- Wifi rating: 8.3 / 10
- Accommodation type: Apartment with access to public beach
- Facilities: Fan/aircon, free parking, safety deposit box, garden view, shared kitchen
- Location: Santa Fe
- Price: From 1,300 PHP (~ USD)
Things to Do in Bantayan Island
What are the major activities that can be done by tourists in Bantayan Island? Here are some worthwhile activities and tourist attractions to visit:
1. Sandira Beach
Also known as Paradise Beach, Sandira Beach features powder-like white sand and clear water hidden behind the craggy cliffs of Santa Fe. You can either go for a peaceful morning swim, bask in the afternoon sun, or watch the magnificent sunset.
2. Kota Beach
Kota Beach is the beachfront of a few beach resorts. It’s one of the best beaches in Bantayan Island because it’s clean. The easiest way to locate Kota Beach is through Kota Beach Resort. But if the resort does not allow you entry, there’s an alleyway you can enter leading to the beach just outside the resort’s gate.
3. Skydiving in Bantayan Island
If you’re into thrilling adventures, skydiving in Bantayan Island is tops. Jump off the plane 10,000 feet above the sea with a tandem skydiver and see the islands below like never before. The best time to skydive in Bantayan Island is between November and January. Skydiving with Skydive Greater Cebu costs 20,500 PHP (~370 USD). Call them at (+63) 917 167 3226.
4. Baigad Lagoon Beach
A newly restored beach in Bantayan Island, Baigad Lagoon Beach is worth visiting if you want a clean, tranquil beach. There are facilities inside the resort like hammocks, tables, benches, and toilet, so you can definitely stay here longer. Entrance fee is 100 PHP (~2 USD) for day use.
5. Virgin Island
While you’re in Bantayan Island, go on a Virgin Island tour. Virgin Island is a 30-minute boat ride from Kota Beach in Santa Fe. Also known as Sillon Island, Virgin Island arguably has one of the best beaches in Cebu, boasting fine white sand and crystal-clear water. Entrance fee is 500 PHP (~9 USD) good for 2 people and the boat fee is 800 PHP (~14 USD) good for 5 people.
For more activities, check out the 18 Things to Do in Bantayan Island!
Internet in Bantayan Island
Is there WiFi in Bantayan Island? Can I work remotely there? We will answer your questions.
Is there WiFi in Bantayan Island?
Yes, there’s WiFi coverage in Bantayan Island. Depending on your host, the internet service could either be Globe or PLDT. Both ISPs have good internet coverage in the island.
However, not all parts of Bantayan Island have good coverage. In addition, some hotels might charge you a fee to access high-speed internet.
Is there a Globe signal in Bantayan Island?
Yes, Globe has good coverage in Bantayan Island. I’m a Globe user and I’ve always been dependent on my Globe data while working in the island. Same thing for Smart.
Bantayan Island Travel Guide: Sample Budget and Itinerary
Of course, our Bantayan Island Travel Guide 2023 isn’t complete without a sample budget and itinerary. Check out our Bantayan Island Itinerary for 4 days and 3 nights!
Bantayan Island Guide FAQs
1. How much is the fare from Cebu to Bantayan?
The fare from Cebu Island to Bantayan Island ranges between 445 PHP (~8 USD) to 480 PHP (~8.5 USD), depending on the mode of transportation.
2. How much is the tricycle fare in Bantayan Island?
The tricycle fare in Bantayan Island is 30-100 PHP (~0.5-2 USD), depending on how far you’ll go.
3. How long is the ferry ride from Hagnaya to Bantayan Island?
The ferry from Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island takes 1 hour. Overall, it takes 4-6 hours from Cebu City to Bantayan Island, depending on your mode of transportation.
Besides a chartered plane, taking a van takes you to Hagnaya Port faster than an aircon or non-aircon bus.
4. How many days do you need in Bantayan Island?
We highly recommend spending 2-3 days to explore the entire Bantayan Island and its neighboring islands.
