The clock hit 30 minutes before 6 in the evening, and our great escape began. Sometimes, the best journeys begin right after work. On that Friday, I slipped out of the office, meeting my partner, and with hearts set on Bantayan, we drove toward Daanbantayan Port at a speed we’d never attempted, desperate to catch the last ferry trip.

We made it! Parking the car, we quickly boarded the final barge crossing to Santa Fe, Bantayan’s port town. The ferry fares were ₱170 per person, and the smooth, hour-long trip was charged with excitement.

From the Santa Fe port, we hopped on a tricycle, traveling through dark, uneven roads for a considerable distance to reach Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort, which is tucked deep in the woods. By the time we arrived, it was literally pitch black, and the surroundings were undeniably wild and natural! You could hear the loud, distinct orchestra of insects while walking from the entrance to the resort’s reception, located dramatically by the cliffside.

The atmosphere was one of charming simplicity, less a resort, more of a retreat village, which made the experience more relaxing. The night was profoundly silent, transporting us back to a time before technology, creating a feeling where being so intensely immersed in nature felt almost surreal and wonderfully raw.

Breakfast by the Cliff

The morning unfolded with sunlight and pineapple juice served in a reused glass, part of the resort’s sustainable approach. I remember sitting at the restaurant, looking out at the sea while enjoying the slow time of my rest day over my breakfast away from the city. The waters below weren’t safe for swimming because the restaurant was placed over rocky cliffs, but the view of the open sea was very relaxing.

Following a wonderful breakfast, we immersed ourselves in the infinity pool, which is situated over the cliff edge. The view was spectacular. We swim, taking in the lush surroundings, the melodic humming of the birds, and the crisp, fresh air carried on the breeze from the forest. What a memorable way to spend a weekend! After this final moment, we checked out and made our way to Santa Fe for the rest of our journey.

St. Bernard’s Charm

We check in at St. Bernard Resort on our second day on the island. Our nipa hut welcomed us with its signature round window, framed with curtains like a Pinterest photo. Through it, I saw more nipa huts, a pathway lined with plants, and coconut trees bent toward the ocean.

The resort restaurant offered a stunning view of a calm shoreline, where fishing boats floated gently, amplifying the serene atmosphere. The beautiful backdrop truly enhanced our breakfast experience. The entire setting was peacefully quiet, as we were the only diners. The only minor challenge was that the kitchen wasn’t fully equipped for all à la carte requests. Nevertheless, the wait was negligible, as we were happy to slow down and simply enjoy the perfect silence and the gorgeous beach view.

Camp Sawi and the Kota Beach

Just before noon, we took a short ride to Camp Sawi at Kota Beach Resort. We grabbed some drinks, found a spot by the resort bar, and watched tourists enjoying the gorgeous, refined white sandbar.

I made sure to take a photo with the famous Camp Sawi signage, even though the name (meaning “broken-hearted”) was entirely ironic for me. I’m quite the opposite, happily in love and enjoying every moment of exploring the island with my partner, who makes every experience memorable.

Motorbike Adventures

After a relaxing time, we decided to rent a motorbike and head north toward Madridejos, retracing the route the tricycle had taken us past Bantayan Island Nature Park. That ride alone was pure fun and full of memories, the wind whipping through our hair, the sun kissing our skin, and our laughter echoing over every bump in the road. It felt exactly like a scene from a movie.

Our first stop was the historic Kota Fort, a structure that clearly spoke of the island’s past. Just a short distance away, we discovered a striking white bridge that extended boldly out into the sea, attracting us to walk toward the horizon, a dare we happily accepted.

We had successfully completed the island loop, from Santa Fe, up to Madridejos, and all the way back, without ever consulting a map or needing a concrete plan. Our night ended back in Santa Fe center, where we settled in for dinner. This last leg of the trip gave us a chance to experience the bustling scenery and active nightlife surrounding Kota Beach. Returning to our resort, we were able to trade the evening buzz for the profound silence of the dark shoreline, captivated by the dramatic beauty of the skyline.

On our final day, we allowed ourselves to sleep in, waking just in time to catch the stunning beauty of our resort’s shore.

We planned our last meal strategically, choosing a lunch spot near Kota Beach. This made the logistics seamless: we could return the rental motorbike right there and proceed easily on foot toward the port for our journey back to Cebu City.

This wasn’t just a trip; it was a blend of open-air adventure and profound tranquility.

Bantayan Island gave us much more than sightseeing. We successfully looped the entire island without a plan, proving that the best memories are created in shared laughter, quiet moments, and the simple beauty of an island that gave us the perfect space for a moment in life to breathe, making it a truly unforgettable and restorative journey.

It provided a cherished space defined by love, sunsets, and silence.

Travel Information

Getting There:
• Ferry from Daanbantayan (Maya Port) to Santa Fe: ₱170 per passenger.
• Vehicles (cars): ₱600–800, depending on type.
• Sailing time: 1 hour.

Getting Around:
• Motorbike rentals in Santa Fe: ₱300–400/day. Easy way to explore Sta. Fe, Bantayan town, and Madridejos at your own pace.