In this guide, I’m going to provide you with all the information you need to know on how to get from Cebu to Bantayan Island.
I’ll cover everything from getting from Cebu to Bantayan Island via the ferry and how you can get from Cebu City to Bantayan Island if you are arriving by plane.
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 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: Transport from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port
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.
Please note: Currently there is no option to book the ferry online. You can simply purchase a ferry ticket in person at the Hagnaya Port terminal.
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HOW TO GO TO BANTAYAN ISLAND – PLANE + BUS + FERRY
If you’re coming from overseas outside of the Philippines, one of the most convenient ways to reach Bantayan Island is via Cebu City.
See below how you can get from Cebu to Bantayan Island if you’re arriving by plane.
You’re going to fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport which is the second busiest and most important hub in the Philippines.
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.
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Board the Island Shipping or Super Shuttle ferry at Hagnaya Port bound for Santa Fe Port on 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 a 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.
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.
THINGS TO DO ON 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 Bantayan Island Travel Guide.
Read Now: 15 AWESOME Things To Do On Bantayan Island
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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 ON BANTAYAN ISLAND
Bantayan has dozens of accommodation options to choose from when planning your trip.
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.
LUXURY: AMIHAN BEACH CABANAS
Amihan Beach Cabanas is the most luxurious resort on Bantayan Island, featuring a restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace, and a private beach area, and breakfast is included for all guests.
Choose from either a sea view room, a villa, or a family room. Each room has air conditioning, views from the balcony, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.
It’s the perfect place to stay for couples, a group of friends, or families on a luxury budget.
MID RANGE: SF CANTINA
Sf Cantina is a small and cozy guesthouse located right on the beach in Sante Fe, featuring a beach bar and restaurant, free Wi-Fi, lounge chairs, and oceanfront rooms.
The rooms have air conditioning and are fitted with a flat-screen TV, large comfortable beds, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom.
Sf Cantina is an affordable place to stay for couples, friends, or families.
BUDGET: EDSAN APARTMENT
Edsan Apartment is the best budget accommodation on the island. Centrally located in Santa Fe and features a garden, BBQ facilities, a shared kitchen area, a terrace, and free Wi-Fi.
Enjoy your privacy in these budget apartments which can sleep 2 people and up to 6 people and are fitted with air-conditioning/fan-cooled, large beds, a private bathroom, and a patio.
It’s the perfect place to stay for solo travelers, couples, friends, or families on a budget.
For All Other Places To Stay, Search On Booking.com
HOW TO GET AROUND
There are 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 all of the Bantayan Island tourist spots at your own pace.
If you are not confident driving a scooter, the other option is to hail 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.
BANTAYAN ISLAND MAP
Bantayan Island is located in the Visayan Sea off the northwestern coast of Cebu Island in the Philippines.
Click here for an interactive map of the island.
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FINAL THOUGHTS – HOW TO GET TO BANTAYAN ISLAND
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.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
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THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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Many thanks!
Are there strict protocols to follow in travelling this pandemic? specially in the bus terminal, port, upon arriving in bantayan?
I am not quite sure at this time, you’ll have to do some research in the local media regarding the protocols.
Hello Jonny..nice blogg.. i am planing travel with bus to bantayan..
I have a big backpack.
I cant bring that bag into the bus..
What can i do ? Do the buses have a storage?
Hey buddy, you shouldn’t have an issue taking a backpack on the bus to Bantayan. However, if you have to leave it anywhere I would suggest leaving it at your hotel in Cebu City for a few days, they should let you store it there. Have a great trip 🙂