At the northwest of Cebu lies a bewitching island that will capture your heart from the very first gaze. It is the Bantayan Island! It is located in the Visayan Sea, across the Tanon Strait. It has an estimated population of 136,960 according to the census in 2010.

The island divided administratively into three municipalities:

Bantayan – This is the largest of all three municipalities and covers the central part of the island. This island is considered as a first income class municipality. It is also the most populous town in the island.
Madridejos – This is a fourth income class municipality that is located in the northern part of the island. The old name of this municipality is “Lawis”.
Santa Fe – The area of this municipality covers the southeastern portion of Bantayan Island. This municipality is considered as the gateway to Bantayan and its islands because the airport and principal ferry port is located within the municipality.

The first thing that entered my head was “peace.”

When our boat touched the beach, I sensed it in an instant. It was in the fresh air, the gentle waves. Each second my toes dipped in its wide, wide bed of white, white sand was a moment of therapy. By noon I was lying under the shade by the shore, reading a book and enjoying a pint of beer. Sun shining. Water shimmering. Wind dancing. And I was in the middle of it all, just taking it all in.

A.) Beautiful Beaches

Just off the coast of Cebu, Bantayan Island is known among backpackers as a hidden gem. It is a literal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, as well as of the busy tourist beaches like Boracay and Palawan (after all, who wants a truckload of tourists getting in the way of their bonding time with the sun and sea?).

But even now as more and more tourists pay a visit to Bantayan Island, there is still something enchanting about this gorgeous, white-sand beach that still begs attention from hideaway seekers. We’re not sure if it’s the amazing food that comes at amazingly cheap prices, or there’s some strange siren song that lures people in – but whatever it is, Bantayan Island definitely has its own brand of magic. If you’re traveling on a budget, here’s a handy travel guide you can pluck ideas from for your Bantayan Island getaway.

B.) Church of Bantayan

The St. Peter and Paul Church which is to be as the first and oldest parish established in Cebu, Philippines. Founded in June 11, 1580, the Bantayan Church was offered to the Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion by the Augustinian Priests. After it was accomplished, Saint Peter became the patron saint. The parish territory extended to Maripipi, Panamao and Limangcawayan of Leyte. In 1600, the church was burned and destroyed by the Moro. It was repaired in that same year and the management was turned over to the secular. The construction of the existing structure commenced in 1839 and was finished in 1863.

Used to be a hiding place for the townsfolk during calamities and war, the Bantayan Church stands firm and has seen a lot of notable historical events which happened to Bantayan Island. Considered as one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, together with Santo Niño de Cebu in Cebu City, Baclayon Church in Bohol, Guiob Church in Camiguin and Saint James Parish Church in Dapitan among many others, the Bantayan Church has walls of coral stones just like most of the century-old churches mentioned above. It used to have a roof made of Tisa Clay but because of age, the clays broke. The church’s existing roof is now made of Stainless Steel.

C.) Delicious Foods

I count my allowable number of days of vacation leaves; I ponder, then decide what to do. Search online, scour thru my ‘to-see’ list then my mind finally agrees with my soul and decides that I do deserve to go on a vacation.

A general sense of confusion, early morning flights, Metro Manila traffic going to the airport, the possibility of going thru obscure places and miscomprehensions of languages. I pack my bags and always confuse what to bring, subject myself to being searched and patted down at airport security. I pass thru security and I’ve boarded the plane. Once seated, sweaty, clueless as to what to do in the next hour or two. Eager on what will happen throughout the day.

Our ancestors are nomadic people who are always on the move, going through different conditions. In their quest for greener pastures, vast lands and better source of food. Present day, most of us sit in front of our computers and glued in our cubicle. Mind numbingly on autopilot not knowing that 7-9 hours of the day had passed. Hopefully, you are doing a job you enjoy, to pay the bills, government contributions, taxes at the end of the month. Incessantly living the same routine for 5 days/week

I travel to break the norm, to refresh my soul and to regenerate my integrity to myself that I deserve to regain back my wits. Arriving in any destination, exhausted yet instantly rewarded with a sense of fulfillment. It is our human nature to defy the rule of monotony and to always be inquisitive with what is out there for us.

After my food binge in Cebu City and before I even attempt to cover the immensity of Cebu, I wanted to see Bantayan Island. I have been reading good reviews and recommendations from people that I know that the island is picturesque with powdery white sand and turquoise water.

D.) Main source of Living

Bantayan Island is the popular holiday destination right now. It sees an influx of tourists every Summer, attracting hundreds of holidaymakers coming from around the world. Tourism is basically one of Bantayan’s main source of income. Although there are some small-scale industries in the island, tourism, along with fishing and agriculture,is what really drives the economy there.

Holidaymakers come in large numbers to the island most notably during Holy Week. It’s one of the only time in the year that people can get away from work, and students start their Summer vacation. Visitors particularly enjoy the fine white sand and its notable uncrowded.

E.) People in BantayanBantayanons are so heart warming and so hospitable for every tourist that will visit. They make the visitors glad through how they welcome and they are prepared when there are coming of visitors. Bantayanons are not that rich but we are wealthy of kindness.