Balidbid Lagoon was the highlight of my trip during my adventures around Bantayan Island in Cebu. This unique saltwater lagoon and 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!
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WHERE IS THE BANTAYAN LAGOON & HOW TO GET THERE
Balidbid Lagoon can be found on the eastern coastline of Bantayan Island. Using Google Maps, simply type in Balidbid Lagoon and this will direct you to the exact pin location.
From the main hub of Sante Fe, it’s approximately a 15-minute drive or a 1-hour walk to this Bantayan Lagoon.
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
Taking a dip at Balidbid Lagoon Bantayan
BALIDBID LAGOON ENTRANCE FEE
When you arrive at Balidbid 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.
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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 of 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
Bantayan Lagoon
BALIDBID LAGOON BANTAYAN
This insane location blew me away when I sent my drone up to capture some aerial shots of Balidbid Lagoon and it reminded me of the Whitsundays in Australia!
Balidbid features a saltwater lagoon with an ocean inlet that is surrounded by lush greenery and boasts glistening white sandbanks along the edges.
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.
Saltwater lagoon at Balidbid Bantayan
Aerial shot of Balidbid Lagoon
Idyllic scenes at the Bantayan Lagoon
WHERE TO STAY IN BANTAYAN
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 in Bantayan to fit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers. 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 on Bantayan Island and centrally located in Santa Fe. Offering beachfront villas and suites with free wifi, private beach area, 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!
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Mid Range: Sf Cantina
I personally stayed at Sf Cantina, a small and cosy 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 fro couples, friends and families.
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Budget: Edsan Apartments
Edsan Apartment is the best budget accommodation in Bantayan Island. The property is centrally located in Santa Fe and features a garden, bbq facilities, 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, private bathroom and a patio. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, friends and families!
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN BANTAYAN, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
PIN LOCATION OF BANTAYAN LAGOON
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AIRBNB BANTAYAN
Another option for accommodation in Bantayan is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals on Bantayan Island.
Get your $40 Airbnb discount here!
MORE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDES
Bantayan Island Guide: 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
Cebu Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Cebu
Siquijor Travel Guide: 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary
Malapascua Island Guide: 11 Things To Do In Malapascua
Siargao Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Siargao
Bohol Travel Guide: 31 Epic Things To Do In Bohol
Camiguin Travel Guide: 13 Best Camiguin Tourist Spots
Sumilon Island Guide: Sumilon Island Itinerary
Dumaguete City Guide: Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
MY CAMERA GEAR
• DSLR Mirrorless Camera: Sony A7ii
• Drone Camera: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• GoPro: GoPro Hero 7 Black
• Everyday Lens: Sony F2.8 24/70mm
• Camera Bag: Lowepro Protactic 31L
• Selfie Stick: Sandmarc Metal Edition 1.2m
• Tripod: Joby Flexible GorillaPod
• GoPro Dome: Underwater GoPro Dome
• Power Bank: Anker Powerbank
• External Hardrive: WD Elements 4TB
WHAT TO PACK FOR PHILIPPINES?
• Waterproof Phone Case: Universal Waterproof Case
• Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Water Bottle
• Rain Jacket: North Face Rain Jacket
• Water Shoes: Slip-on Water Shoes
• Day Bag: Nomatic 20L Day Bag
• Power Adapter: Universal Power Adapter
• Packing Cubes: 4 Set Packing Cubes
• Microfibre Towel: Quick Dry Travel Towel
• Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Money Belt: Hidden Money Belt
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about the Bantayan Lagoon, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Travels!
