Boracay isn't for everyone, It's great if you want to mingle with fellow travelers, savor the hustling and bustling night life then you're right at home. However if you're more keen on the calmness of the sea, the pristine waters, fine oh so fine sand and the laid back culture of island life. My friend, let me offer you Bantayan Island.
Located in the northern tip of Cebu, filled with the most pristine of waters and beautiful island formations. Bantayan Island is a 4 hour journey from Cebu city.
I took this shot one morning, this is all natural, what you see is what you get there
The thing about Bantayan Island is, thanks to it's rather remote location, the people you meet there are either locals or like minded travelers who want the same thing you do. REST AND RELAXATION BABY.
Imagine waking up to this
You might be thinking, it's boring or the place is underdeveloped and the thought of stinky comfort rooms are driving you crazy! The thing is, the resorts here are top notch, one of the highest rated in Trip advisor and other travel sites.
this is but one of the humble offerings in the Island, from Anika resort, they recycled shipping containers as their guest rooms and the results are fantastic
It's easy to go around the Island and do some island tours as well! the fares are cheap, and the island relatively small you can reach every corner by an hour!
You can go around the island using these makeshift Tricycle rides, costing you roughly half a dollar a trip!
So aside from reading those books that you probably brought, what else can you do on the island? Well theres...
FOOD TRIPPING
Big ass fresh scallops baked to perfection!
I'm not kidding when I say that seafood here is dirt cheap! Fresh without the fishy smell or taste and tasty to boot! The island is home to a lot of retirees, both abroad and from within the country who wished a more laid back lifestyle than the what the city provides.
From Spanish, French, American, Greek to Italian food, this island is a haven for food trippers
Spicy schublig in the beach? Because why the hell not!
One of the Philippine's signature dishes, the Sisig is great with booze!
Well if you're on a diet, boo you! you can opt for an island tour and explore the many Spanish colonial era sites and buildings on the Island!
This church was built in 1580, one of the oldest parishes in the Philippines
The island is riddled with pockets upon pockets of a bygone era
If you're not much of a history buff yourself, you can opt to go island hopping instead! Or go to Ogtongcaves! Unforunately I'll have to upload those sites on a different post as I don't have good shots of them at the moment.
Finally! If you're craving for some booze but don't like the noise from angry and drunk teens to go with it, you've come to the right place in Bantayan! The night life here is quiet, cultured with that iconic Filipino accomodation and warmth.
You can get booze, shakes, Icecream cocktails, groceries and a whole lot of other things on this strip
Or how about trinkets and shells?
This ain't a tourist trap either, most drinks and food are priced reasonably, some even cheaper than what the city offers!
So what are you waiting for? Come chill with us
Do this for yourself NOW! Book a trip to Cebu and do yourself a favor and relax.
This chair is waiting just for you
All photos above are mine, kindly ask permission if you're planning to use them (I'd gladly say yes!)
Ciao!