A visit to Balidbid Lagoon was the highlight of my trip during my adventures around Bantayan Island in Cebu. This unique saltwater lagoon is a must-see destination and I highly recommend adding it to your Bantayan itinerary!
Here is a complete guide to Balidbid Lagoon including where to find it, how much it costs, and what to expect when you arrive.
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WHERE IS THE BANTAYAN LAGOON?
Balidbid Lagoon can be found on the eastern coastline of Bantayan Island.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
From the main hub of Sante Fe, it’s approximately a 15-minute drive or a 1-hour walk to Balidbid Lagoon.
HOW TO GET HERE
There’s a couple of options on how to get around Bantayan Island and they are by scooter, habal habal, tricycle, or jeepney.
You can rent a scooter in Bantayan for as little as 250 pesos per day and make your own way around the island at your own pace. The best place to rent a scooter is via your accommodation.
If you are not confident driving a scooter, the other option is to hail down a tricycle or habal habal (motorbike taxi) along the main road in Santa Fe and get a ride to Balidbid Lagoon. For a 15-minute drive, you can expect to pay around 50-100 pesos.
See More → 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
Balidbid Lagoon Bantayan
BALIDBID LAGOON ENTRANCE FEE
When you arrive at the lagoon, one of the local landowners will make themselves known to you and you will have to pay them a small entrance fee of 20 pesos before continuing down to the lagoon.
BANTAYAN ISLAND HOPPING TOUR
If you wish to do a Bantayan Island Hopping tour, you can do a day trip over to Virgin Island and it also includes a visit to Balidbid Lagoon on the tour.
You can read my other blog post on Bantayan Island Hopping HERE which includes everything you need to know about where to book and what’s included.
Island hopping to Virgin Island
Bantayan Lagoon
BALIDBID LAGOON BANTAYAN
Balidbid features a saltwater lagoon with an ocean inlet that is surrounded by lush greenery and boasts glistening white sandbanks along the edges.
This insane location blew me away when I sent my drone up to capture some aerial shots of the lagoon and it reminded me of the Whitsundays in Australia!
There was a slight current in the lagoon when we visited, so we walked upstream, jumped in the water, and floated down towards the end of the inlet. We did this several times as it was lots of fun and also very relaxing!
Do note that the current can get quite strong so know your limits and listen to the locals if they advise against swimming in the lagoon.
We spent around 1 hour at Balidbid Lagoon enjoying the cool waters and it was a perfect way to end the Bantayan Island Hopping tour.
Must Read → 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
Saltwater lagoon at Balidbid Bantayan
Aerial shot of the lagoon
Idyllic scenes
WHERE TO STAY ON BANTAYAN ISLAND
Bantayan Island has dozens of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay near to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Coral Blue Oriental Beach Villas
Coral Blue Oriental is one of the best semi-luxury accommodations and centrally located in Santa Fe. Offering beachfront villas and suites with free wifi, a private beach area, a seaside restaurant, and a bar. There are one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas available which air-conditioned and fitted with a flat-screen tv, DVD player, lock safe, fridge, and balcony with ocean views. Recommended for couples, families, and friends!
Mid Range: Sf Cantina
I personally stayed at Sf Cantina, a small and cozy guesthouse located right on the beach in Sante Fe. The property features a beach bar and restaurant, free wifi, lounge chairs, and oceanfront accommodation. The rooms have air conditioning and fitted with a flat-screen tv, large bed, wardrobe, and private bathroom. Continental breakfast is also available at Sf Cantina. Affordable place to stay for couples, friends, and families.
Budget: Edsan Apartments
Edsan Apartment is the best budget accommodation on Bantayan Island. The property is centrally located in Santa Fe and features a garden, bbq facilities, a shared kitchen area, terrace, and free wifi. Enjoy your privacy in these budget apartments which can sleep 2 people and up to 6 people and fitted with air-conditioning/fan-cooled, large beds, a private bathroom, and a patio. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, friends, and families!
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY ON BANTAYAN ISLAND, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
AIRBNB BANTAYAN ISLAND
Another option for accommodation in Bantayan Island is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals.
Use the search box below to find all available Airbnb’s in Bantayan.
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BEST TOURS IN CEBU
LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Philippines Travel Guide!
BUY NOW ON AMAZON → LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES
MORE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDES
- Philippines Guide: 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
- Cebu: 15 Things To Do In Cebu
- Bohol: 31 Epic Things To Do In Bohol
- Siargao: 15 Things To Do In Siargao
- El Nido: El Nido Island Hopping
- Coron: Coron Island Hopping
- Boracay: 15 Things To Do In Boracay
- Siquijor: 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary
- Bantayan: 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
- Malapascua: 11 Things To Do In Malapascua
- Camiguin: 13 Best Camiguin Tourist Spots
- Romblon: 12 Epic Things To Do In Romblon
- Tablas: 10 Things To Do In Tablas
- Carabao: 7 Best Things To Do In Carabao
- Dumaguete: Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
- Sumilon Island: Sumilon Island Itinerary
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JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
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MY SHOP
Before you go, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
SEE MORE → MY SHOP
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about Balidbid Lagoon, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Travels!
Hey, I’m Jonny – surfer, skater, photographer, and coffee-lover from Australia!
With a burning passion for travel and the outdoors, I launched this Adventure Travel Blog in 2017, and I’ve been exploring the world ever since!
My little corner of the interwebs is a space where I love to share all of my epic adventures, cultural experiences, and captivating photos from around the globe with the ultimate goal to inspire and motivate other like-minded travelers to explore this wonderful earth too!
