Bantayan, an island paraiso

Bantayan Island Paradise

Which is better: two or ten? I'd say TWO, hands down

June 3, 2010-- At around 5.30 in the morning, sleep deprivation finally took its toll and our alarm set at 4:30 am was altered by the snoozefest button. Ergo we overslept and the schedule was adjusted accordingly but reluctantly.

Tip for Bantayan travellers coming from Cebu City, wake up early! To make myself clear, wake up at 3am early. The travel from Fuente Osmeña to North Terminal (The bus terminal for travel to Hagnaya Port) would last around 15 minutes since it is located near SM City Cebu. But the travel from the bus to Hagnaya port lasts 3 hours!TH-REEE A-WERZZZZ.

FYI, Hagnaya port is located at northern Cebu whereas Cebu City is located at the Southeast area. So imagine traveling pass towns, municipalities and cities of Cebu.

Finally, at around 9:40 am we arrived at the Hagnaya seaport praying we can still catch the 9:30 scheduled Roro departure. Roro boats are called to be so as acronym to a ship that houses a vehicle (ro)lling-in and (ro)lling-off. Ergo, Ro-ro.

Back to the topic, the most deplorable highlight of that day was due to the fact that the next Roro will come at 11:00 and will depart at 11:30 am. In short, we were not able to catch the 9:30 schedule.

While the last trip from Bantayan back to Cebu is at 3:30pm. Take into account the one and a half hour Roro ride. You do the math. But since I hinted with the two or ten question, yes, two-hour tour and ten-hour round trip travel time.

Travel to Hagnaya port. Taken by a very high shutter speed (1/100 and F 18 aperture.)

The island, however, was worth it. Upon arrival at the Bantayan sea port we rented a motorcycle driver to tour us around Sta Fe.

Bantayan proper is located on the next island (we're not in the mood to swim that far). It was a great high point of the day since I'm not a fan of motorcycles for they're cumbersome machinery (and well, I can't get on and/or off them easily) and still the change of heart was a good vibe. The ride was enjoyable considering the thrill of falling off while taking photos.

Here's my driver photo for Bantayan. He's the best since he charged us 200 pesos for his motorcycle (Check my other driver photo(s))

From Sta Fe Beach Club, here's Sta Fe, Bantayan Island

(Bantayan is made up of three municipalities Bantayan, Madridejos & Sta Fe)

Another Thumbs up! to the Philippine Island Paradise

Green trees, blue skies, white cotton candy worthy clouds, blue green sea = Paraiso.

Ziel's White Castle pose. LOL. OR Palmolive ang gaan-gaan ng feeling pose. Whatevs.

It is my belief that these rocks are (were) corals some time in the past.

This is Ogtong Cave of Bantayan Island. One of the island's famous landmarks.

Here's me swimming. woohoo. But those rocks are killing me.

And then another pose.

Here's Ziel with her pose.

Ogtong Cavvveee!!

Look I'm so tall these kids are sailing around me. LOL

Riziel's waving goodbye (or bidding a welcome)

Goodbye Bantayan Wait for me! Arrivederci! (@ the Roro from Bantayan back to Hagnaya port)

-pau