Holy Week Distraction in Bantayan: Day One

It started last January when Nx suggested that we go to Bantayan Island during the Holy week. I was a bit hesitant to go since I never experienced leaving the house during that time. There were also financial and parental considerations to deal with. April came and we had to make up our minds if we were going or not. After the group’s deliberation, we all decided to go.

A little info about Bantayan Island here. 



Bantayan Island (by stein)

We agreed to meet around 5 A.M. at the North Bus Terminal (NBT). The NBT is the hub for buses, mini-buses, and v-hires bound for the northern part of Cebu. It was pretty funny because we originally planned to go there around 4 a.m. to secure comfortable seats. It was peak season due to the holy week so it’s expected to see a lot of passengers. Unfortunately, the group’s constant rule/curse is to arrive one hour after the meeting time, thus, the 5 a.m.:)

NBT from Google maps

When we arrived at the NBT, we then headed to the Ceres bus bound for Hagnaya. You can ride buses from AutoBus or Ceres. We didn’t expect to see only a handful of passengers considering the peak season. However, we were thankful. If you want some drinks and snacks, you can buy it at the terminal. The bus will also have a one-time stopover in a restaurant throughout the trip. Take note that aside from buses, there are also v-hires that can take you to Hagnaya.

CEBU-HAGNAYA TRIP (via bus)

Travel Time: 2 ½ hours (morning travel), 3-4 hours (noon to night considering the frequent stops and traffic)

Bus Fare: P132.00 (regular fare), P106.00 (student fare/with ID)

After the bus trip, we then headed to the Hagnaya port terminal to purchase a ticket. You don’t have to worry because the bus will stop in front of the port terminal. There are many shipping companies to choose from depending on the time you arrived. Fast crafts are also available. It really depends on your preference and itinerary. Pay for your ticket and then fill in some details for the passenger’s manifest.

HAGNAYA-STA. FE TRIP (via ferry)

Travel time: 1-2 hours (standard ferry), 25 minutes ( fastcraft)

Fare: P170.00 (regular), P144.50 (student), and P85.00 (children 1 year and above)

Terminal fee: P10.00

You have to prepare yourself if you’re suffering from seasickness. Waves tend to be big depending on the season. The ferry docks at the Sta. Fe wharf. You will be greeted not only by a huge “Welcome to (the) Municipality of Sta. Fe” but tricycle as well as trisikad drivers. You can just tell them where you’re heading and they will take you there for a P20.00 fare. The good thing about Bantayan is that there are a lot of resorts and lodgings to choose from. It ranges from P16,000 (suite from Ogtong) to 350.00 per day lodgings. Just ask the drivers about it and they can give information for free. For adventure seekers, resorts also offer tents for rent at a very affordable cost.

MOVING ON…

After the trisikad driver took us to our lodging, we arranged our things and went to the Sta. Fe market for our lunch. Restaurants, carenderias, and barbecue stands are available in Sta. Fe so you won’t have trouble looking for food. There are also stores that sell basic necessities like water, toiletries, carbonated drinks, and a lot more. When we’ve managed to appease our hunger, we went to visit Stef’s grandmother.

stef chatting with her kind grandmother

Nx trying to relax even if it's too hot

the photographer

Subject #1: Gumamela

Yummy bread:)

Fresh papayas!

After lots of catching up, we decided to get henna tattoos from a sidewalk artist. When the artist was drawing on my skin, I think I had a stiff neck from too much stretching and limited movements to ensure a clean and mistake-free tattoo. Lol.

Nikki's henna

My henna (back view)

Side view^^

It was already the latter part of the day and we went to the market again to buy our dinner. We watched the ongoing procession while buying our roasted chicken and hanging rice. It wasn’t as grandiose compared to the Bantayan proper’s procession but it was still worth seeing.

Pieta

Uncooked version of our dinner^^

Dinner was certainly satisfying. It was still early and we got nothing to do so we decided to stroll along the shoreline wherever our feet takes us. There were a lot of people on the beaches either strolling, camping, playing, or simply talking. The cool winds mingled with the festive air engulfed us as we walked. Small tables with items for sale were also lined up on the area. We’ve reached the famous Sugar beach as well as Rommel’s beach which was the site of multiple events during the holy week. We went back to our lodging when we got tired of walking. J It was a bit disappointing though to come across lowly-taught individuals who spent their time creating trouble to other individuals who were just strolling. Bummer!

the beach at dusk

thousands of footprints (no, i didn't count it)

LODGING

 For more information about resorts or places to stay in, please refer to this site.

To continue our trip around the isle of Bantayan, please read our second day here:)