If you’re looking for a laid-back adventure outside the bustling city, escape from Cebu to Bantayan Island. Once known as a serene fishing community, the island experienced a tourism boost in the last couple of years. What drew visitors in were its white sand beaches, breathtaking waves, and the hospitality and warmth of the locals. Finally, the beauty of Bantayan Island tourist spots is what makes this destination worth the trip.
Plan a hassle-free trip using this practical Bantayan Island travel guide. Here’s all you need to know from transportation to attractions.
A Vacationer’s Guide from Cebu to Bantayan Island Tourist Attractions
How Far is Cebu to Bantayan Island?
Bantayan Island is located on the northwestern part of Cebu province, and is located roughly 140 kilometers from Cebu City. Combining land and sea travel, it takes approximately 4.5 to 6 hours to reach the island. As for air travel, the Mactan International Airport serves chartered flights to Bantayan Island twice a week, reducing travel time to just around 40 minutes.
Transportation Options to Cebu
Option 1: Fly to Cebu
Air travel is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Cebu from any point in the Philippines. You can book your flight through online booking portals like Chelsea Travel. Just select “Flights” as your preferred travel type, then choose from the list of available schedules from different domestic airlines, like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, or AirAsia.
Option 2: Sail to Cebu
Visitors from nearby locations in Visayas and Mindanao can take a ferry. Despite a lengthier travel time, it is a much cheaper and scenic option compared to air travel. It is also ideal for travelers bringing a larger volume of cargo on board.
Starlite Ferries offers regular trips from Dapitan and Surigao to Cebu. You can also conveniently book your ferry trip using the Chelsea Travel portal.
Dapitan, Zamboanga Del Norte Routes
- Dapitan to Cebu: 9:00 AM, Saturday and Monday, 2x a week (10 HRS)
- Cebu to Dapitan: 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday, 2x a week (10 HRS)
Surigao del Norte Routes
- Surigao to Cebu: 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Monday, 5x a week (10 HRS)
- Cebu to Surigao: 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 5x a week (10 HRS)
Transportation from Cebu to Bantayan Island
By Bus or Van
For land transport, trips usually originate from the North Bus Terminal beside SM City Cebu.
- From Mactan International Airport: Take a myBus to the North Bus Terminal for a Php 50 fare. Trips operate every 30 minutes from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- From the Port of Cebu: You can take a taxi, jeepney, or use ride-hailing apps to reach the North Bus Terminal.
- Bus: Board a Ceres bus bound for Hagnaya Port. Rates start at Php 299. The first trip starts at 4:00 am and runs every 20 minutes. Travel time takes approximately 3.5 hours.
- Van: Take a van to Hagnaya Port. Rates start at Php 300. Vans depart more frequently than buses and take just 2-3 hours.
By Ferry from Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe, Bantayan Island
Upon arrival at the port, you can choose from two local ferry services that will take you to Santa Fe port in Bantayan Island.
- Island Shipping: Php 370, 1:00 AM to 11:00 PM (every odd number, passenger only)
- Super Shuttle Ferry: Php 392, 2:00 AM to 4:30 PM (allows RoRo cargo like motorbikes, cars, pickup and SUVs)
Note that fees listed are exclusive of the Php 25 terminal fee.
Build Your Bantayan Island Itinerary: 12 Must-See Tourist Attractions
1. Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort
Fee: Php 250
Address: Sitio Kalubian, Island Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort weaves eco-therapy with recreation through its facilities. Explore cave pools, eco-trails, and charming gardens in front of the postcard-like ocean view. The resort also offers overnight guest accommodations, dining options, and a swimming pool.
2. Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Garden (Camp Sawi)
Fee: Php 75
Address: Brgy. Obo-ob, Bantayan Island
Walk beneath a lush canopy of mangroves at Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Garden. Visitors and locals also call this place Camp Sawi, because it served as the filming location of a Pinoy movie of the same name. It is one of the Bantayan Island tourist attractions that is pristine, rustic, and offers a healing getaway for romantics.
3. 4 Monkeys Garden & Restaurant
Fee: None
Address: Purok-7, Before Bantayan and Sta. Fe boundary, Brgy. Obo-ob
Where food meets flowers, 4 Monkeys Garden & Restaurant offers a blooming experience on the island. Add this stop to your Bantayan Island itinerary, take pictures among fresh and colorful flowers, enjoy savory dishes, and relax in your own kubo. Choose from their mouthwatering specials like pork sinigang, porksilog, calamares, and buttered chicken.
4. Sandira Beach
Fee: Php 70
Address: Santa Fe, Bantayan Island
Sandira Beach is not just a local favorite. Its mini Boracay vibe makes it one of the popular seaside Bantayan Island tourist spots. It is just an 18-minute ride from Santa Fe port. The beach boasts unspoiled sand, cozy greenery, and a stunning view of the sea.
5. Kota Park
Fee: None, donations are welcome
Address: Bantayan – Madridejos Rd, Madridejos
Further up north, you can find one of the most dreamy tropical Bantayan Island tourist spots. Kota Park is free, accessible, and historic. The boardwalk is a famous spot for watching sunsets over the horizon. You can relax at any open public benches or tables, or even explore the remnants of an old Spanish kota or fort right next to the park.
6. The Ruins
Fee: None
Address: Pooc, Santa Fe
Although not as grand or historic as other Bantayan Island tourist attractions, The Ruins is frequented for its resilient structure and neighboring cliff-diving spot. This roadside spot was rumored abandoned by a German expat years ago, and has since suffered damage from the weather. It is also covered in street graffiti, which made it a nice photo spot.
7. Butterfly Garden
Fee: Php 100
Address: Purok 1B, Obo-ob
If you’re looking for picturesque Bantayan Island tourist attractions for nature lovers, the Butterfly Garden is a must. It opened in December 2025 as a sanctuary for butterflies on the island. They also have a garden restaurant and offer various creative and recreational activities for guests. Visitors have noted how knowledgeable and passionate their staff are when it comes to these stunning butterflies.
8. Virgin Island
Fee: Php 350 (hut rental is separate)
Explore more adventurous Bantayan Island tourist spots through an island hopping experience. Virgin Island is one of the two main destinations. It lies off the coast of barangays Baigad and Sillion on the eastern part. Although small in size, this spot offers access to hammocks, tables, swimming area, and cliff diving. It’s also great for snorkeling.
9. Hilantagaan Island
Fee: No published entrance fee. Inquire through travel agencies.
A few meters from Virgin Island is Hilantagaan, a larger island with a small residential fishing community. Thanks to the love and care of the locals for this destination, the place has become one of the popular Bantayan Island tourist attractions teeming with rich marine biodiversity and crystal clear waters.
10. The Fountain of Love
Address: SMAK’s Hotel, Saagundo St., Poblacion, Santa Fe
If you’re staying at SMAK’s Hotel in Santa Fe, don’t miss out on the gorgeous Fountain of Love. It is a romantic little spot tucked away in the hotel’s landscaped garden. It looks especially charming at nighttime, where you can go for a short stroll with your partner. For non-stay guests, you can still enjoy a filling dinner at their in-house restobar.
11. St. Peter the Apostle Parish – Bantayan
Address: Across Bantayan Central Plaza, Pres. M. L. Quezon St, Bantayan
Don’t miss out on more historic Bantayan Island tourist attractions. St. Peter the Apostle Parish, or the Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol, appears just like any other Spanish-era church in the Philippines; however, true beauty awaits inside. The stunning, vibrant ceiling murals were painted by local artists, each depicting key events in the Bible and other Catholic images.
12. Baigad Lagoon
Fee: Php 250 (Pool fee is separate)
Finally, if you wish to truly escape the hustle and bustle of city noise, Baigad Lagoon is the way to go. This inland lagoon is complete with resort facilities, like a pool, restobar, tables, and a pristine white beach. Baigad lagoon is situated in a less crowded area on the island, making it a perfect place for those who like an off the beaten path Bantayan island itinerary.
Beyond its fishing community roots and rich history, this island offers endless choices for travelers — from soul-searching seaside destinations to fun family-friendly activities. Be sure to include this itinerary to Bantayan Island on your next trip to Cebu.
ALSO READ: 12 Underrated Beaches in the Philippines
Fly and Sail to Cebu and Visit Bantayan Island Tourist Spots
Looking for a comfortable and convenient way to travel to Cebu? Starlite Ferries operates RoRo services between Cebu, Dapitan, and Surigao del Norte all year round. Embark on a safe and scenic journey to the Queen City of the South when you book online via Chelsea Travel. We also accommodate flight bookings to Cebu from any point in the country. Simply select “Flights” as your Travel Type on the Chelsea Travel site and choose from our available flight schedules.
Ready to fly and sail? Click here to book now!