Bantayan Island is an off-the-beaten-path tourist destination in Cebu. There are so many epic things to do in Bantayan Island including white sand beaches, saltwater lagoons, mangrove boardwalks, cave pools, old ruins, skydiving, and island hopping. Bantayan Island is said to be the Boracay of the south and it sure gives it a run for its money!
RELATED ARTICLE → 15 THINGS TO DO IN BANTAYAN
In this guide, I’m going to sort you out with all the information you need to know on how to get from Cebu to Bantayan Island.
I’m going to be covering everything from getting from Cebu to Bantayan Island via the ferry but also how you can get from Cebu City to Bantayan Island if you are arriving by plane.
Table of Contents
Cebu To Bantayan Island – Bus & Ferry
The most common route is from Cebu City to Bantayan Island with the use of the public bus and then a short ferry ride to Bantayan Island.
The bus from Cebu to Bantayan Island operates on a daily basis and departs every hour from the Cebu North Bus Terminal bound for Hagnaya Port on the northwestern coast of Cebu Island.
The cost of the bus is around 185 pesos and the journey time is 4 hours.
Another option of how to go to Bantayan Island is to ride in a shared minivan or take a private transfer which includes a pick-up from your hotel in Cebu City and drop-off at Hagnaya Port in North Cebu.
This is the option that I went for because it was much more comfortable than the bus and the journey time was faster.
Book Now → Shared Minivan from Cebu to Bantayan Island
Book Now → Private Transfer from Cebu to Bantayan Island
Ferries depart from Hagnaya Port, mainland Cebu to Bantayan Island, 7 days a week, between 4:00 am and 4:30 pm. The cost of the ferry from Hagnaya to Bantayan is 185 pesos.
You can book both your private and public transport from Cebu City to Bantayan Island using klook.com. They have some great deals and I’ve used them so many times before to book my tickets.
Cebu to Bantayan Island
Best Tours In Cebu
How To Go To Bantayan Island – Plane, Bus & Ferry
Not many people know but you are also able to get to Bantayan Island via plane. This is a slightly more complicated and less direct route, however, if you’re coming from overseas outside of the Philippines, this is a great option for you.
One of the most convenient ways to reach Bantayan Island is via Cebu City. If your route is Cebu airport to Bantayan, you’re going to fly into Mactan-Cebu International airport which is the second busiest and most important hub in the Philippines.
Check out below exactly how you can get from Cebu to Bantayan Island if you’re arriving by plane:
After landing at Mactan-Cebu airport, you’re going to take a bus to the Cebu North Bus Terminal which leaves every 20 to 30 minutes for around 25 pesos. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi or Uber which will cost around 200 to 300 pesos, depending on traffic.
Upon arrival at the Cebu North Bus Terminal, you’re going to board a Ceres bus, bound for Hagnaya Port.
Travel time between the Cebu North Bus Terminal and Hagnaya Port is around 4 hours and will cost 165 pesos.
You’ll find for 200 pesos you can take a direct route, where the bus boards the ferry and drives directly onto Bantayan Island. This route, however, is a little more complicated.
Board the Island Shipping or Super Shuttle ferry at Hagnaya Port bound for Santa Fe Port in Bantayan Island. The travel time for this journey is 1 hour and the fee is 170 pesos. An additional 10 pesos terminal fee will also apply.
At Santa Fe Port, take the covered walkway to the Tourism Office where you will also have to pay a 30 pesos ecological fee.
From here you can find your transport to your resort on Bantayan Island with the most popular form of transport being tricycle for 20 to 30 pesos. If you have pre-arranged a shuttle service, this is also where they will collect you.
So there you go, a little more complicated journey but that’s to be expected when flights are involved. The total journey time from Cebu City to Bantayan is around 5 to 6 hours, excluding waiting times.
Cebu to Bantayan Island
Malapascua To Bantayan Island
If you happen to be on Malapascua Island and heading to Bantayan Island from here, the most convenient option is taking an outrigger boat and the cost is around 800-900 pesos per person.
It’s best to find a small group of people heading from Malapascua to Bantayan so you can split the cost of the boat between you all. Simply ask your accommodation in Malapascua and they will be able to help organize a boat and skipper for you.
The journey time between Malapascua Cebu and Bantayan Island is 2 to 3 hours depending on the sea conditions.
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Malapascua Island
Things To Do In Bantayan Island
Now that you’ve got all the information on how to get from Cebu to Bantayan Island, you may want to read my Ultimate Bantayan Travel Guide which includes 15 Awesome Things To Do In Bantayan Island!
Bantayan Island Map
Bantayan Island is located in the Visayan Sea off the northwestern coast of Cebu Island in the Philippines.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
Best Time to Visit Bantayan Island
The best time to visit, weather-wise, is between December and June when temperatures are hot and there is minimal rainfall. This is also high season in Bantayan so expect to see many tourists during these months.
I recommend visiting on the shoulder months of the high season which would be July and November which sees a bit of rainfall but usually only lasts for a couple of hours and the rest of the day is sunny.
Try to avoid the typhoon season which is typically between August and October.
RELATED ARTICLE → 3 WEEK PHILIPPINES ITINERARY
Where To Stay In Bantayan
Bantayan has dozens of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay 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 on the island 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 the 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, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
How To Get Around
There’s a couple of options on how to get around the 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 to all of the Bantayan Island tourist spots 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. For a 15-minute drive, you can expect to pay around 50-100 pesos.
Exploring the island by scooter
Airbnb Bantayan Island
Another option for accommodation on the 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.
WANT TO SAVE $$$ ON AIRBNB? GET MY AIRBNB MONEY SAVING GUIDE
Lonely Planet Philippines
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Philippines Guide!
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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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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!
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Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about how to get to Bantayan Island, 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!
Are there strict protocols to follow in travelling this pandemic? specially in the bus terminal, port, upon arriving in bantayan?
Author
I am not quite sure at this time, you’ll have to do some research in the local media regarding the protocols.