Bantayan Island becomes more and more popular as numerous people from around the world discovers its charm and peaceful seclusion. Simplicity, modesty and reasonable prices are the present state of the resorts and hotels in Bantayan Island.
If you are seeking a jumping party atmoshpere, Bantayan Island is not your place, but if it is the other way around which you desire peace, tranquility and a simple island paradise experience, you will surely fall in love with this beautiful island.
Bantayan Island comprises 3 municipalities - Santa Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos.
Kota Beach Resort located at F. Duarte St. Poblacion Santa Fe, Bantayan Island is one of the resorts in Bantayan Island that lets you achieve serenity.
The major scenes in the film Camp Sawi was shot at Kota Beach Resort. But contrary to the film story, my network provider, Smart, provides great network coverage during my stay in Bantayan Island. But, I did not bother to call/text/chat the person who caused my heartache. Because my intention is to be at peace and move on from an unfortunate life as what the film wanted to relay to viewers. Haha!
HOW TO GET THERE
If you are in Cebu City, you go first to Cebu North Bus Terminal (Subangdaku, Mandaue City) and ride a bus with route to Hagnaya or Lambusan. If you ride a Hagnaya route, you will stop at their last bus stop (Port of Hagnaya) but if you ride a Lambusan route, still stop at Port of Hagnaya its just that it will still go beyond Port of Hagnaya since their last stop is Lambusan. Time of travel from Cebu North Bus Terminal to Port of Hagnaya is 3-3.5 hours. Fare is around Php130 -Php140 for non-airconditioned buses and Php 160-Php170 for airconditioned buses. Airconditioned buses are available from 7 AM to 7 PM however non-airconditioned buses are available 24 hours ( but still take note of the Ferry schedule from Port of Hagnaya to Port of Santa Fe).
Then from Port of Hagnaya, you need to ride a passenger/cargo ship to Port of Santa Fe. See photos below for schedule and fare rates (same for fares going back to Port of Hagnaya). In addition, there is terminal fee of Php 10 in Port of Hagnaya and Php 15 in Santa Fe port.
When you arrive at Port of Santa Fe, you can contact Manong Jose (+63 932 712 4883) if you plan to rent a motorcycle (either automatic or geared motorcycle). Please make sure you have your driver's license as I bet you do not want to be in trouble. I arrived at 8 AM and planned to only stay until 5pm the same day so Manong Jose offered to let me rent his motorcycle for just Php 200; Php 400 - Php 500 for a 24-hour/overnight rent. Just leave 1 valid ID to him (not your driver's license).
Yet there are still many public transportation waiting for you outside the Port of Santa Fe so you do not have to worry about transportation if you are in a group.
Kota Beach resort is 3-5 mins away from the port.
ACCOMMODATION
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| Photo from Kota Beach Resort website |
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| Photo from Kota Beach Resort website |
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| Photo from Kota Beach Resort website |
Children below 10 years old are free of charge. Rates are inclusive of government taxes.
They also have a restaurant inside and a bar where you can play billiards.
For inquiries/questions about Kota Beach resort:
I did not notice that it is already beyond 5pm as I enjoyed the scenery and the calmness of the place. I rushed going back to Port of Santa Fe since last trip is at 6 PM. Ticket booths do not sell tickets in advance so I could just buy some when I arrived;tickets are available 15 mins before the scheduled trips.
SEGWAY
Immediately after renting a motorcycle, I went straight to Bantayan proper (Municipality of Bantayan) to buy stuff I need for my short stayas there is a public market or a lot of store in Bantayan proper than in Santa Fe.
And within the premises is the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church which is considered to be one of the oldest church in the Philippines.
Nice. Got to try it this week.
ReplyDeleteYou will find peace here. :)
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