Bantayan Island | How to Get There and How it Got its Name

_{Know More about the Place}

Bantayan island is one of Cebu, Philippines' finest tourist spot. It is located in the northern part of Cebu. It is a 3-hour ride from North Bus Terminal if you prefer to take a bus. It is better to leave early because the bus stops at Hagnaya port in San Remegio and a barge is going to take you to the island itself for another 1 hour and a half. The island is best known for tourist for its remote features and peaceful living with its countryside.

_{Coming Up with the Name}

In the 17th century, Moro pirates continually tried to invade Visayas to capture slaves. As a defense, Filipinos built tall stone walls and watchtowers meaning "Bantayan sa Hari" translated in English as "Watchtowers of the King". These towers served as lookouts. Whenever Moro pirates attempt to hit their watchtower, they all go "bantayan!" which means "watch out!" to alert everyone around.

_{This is Kota beach. Its magnificent feature is the sandbar which is mostly explicit during lowtide.}

_{Here's where the Ceres stops and the loading-unloading of the passengers.}

_{The Hagnaya port. The ferry leaves to Bantayan Island every 2 hours. Earliest departure time is at 4:00 am and the last trip from Bantayan back to Hagnaya is at 6:00 pm.}

_{The main source of transportation in the area are tricycles, motorbikes, and bicycles.}

_{Before jumping on the beach, it's best to fill our stomachs beforehand. This restaurant is the closest to the beach. It is a 10-minute walk going to the beach.}

_{These vehicles are parked outside a school area. Going straight is where the beach is located. A lot of students find time to relax after a day in school since their school is a 5-minute walk to the the blue waters.}

_{A lot of native houses and hostels are available for check in. Best to book a week before but since it's currently off season, no need to worry about the vacancies.}

_{Half of the visitors are mostly foreigners. With a clear view of the beach, it is a total slack off after a tough time at work. A perfect unwinding method is always lying on the sand with good sea breeze.}

_{These may not be all you want to know but these are some of what you needed to know about Bantayan Island. To more travels within the Philippines! Take care, y'all ;)}

Lovelots,
Mai💕