How to Get from Cebu City to Bantayan Island: A Step-by-Step Guide
With so many beautiful islands in the Philippines, you’ll want to visit them all! Unfortunately, determining how to get from island to island can be a bit challenging. Here’s a how to guide to get you from Cebu City to Bantayan Island, one step at a time. You’ll find a timeline along with details on cost and experience to help you prepare for your trip.
Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Getting from Cebu City to Bantayan Island
On a map, Cebu City and Bantayan Island are not far apart, only 58 miles. However, it will take about 5.5 hours to make the journey. This will take you across many different modes of transportation, so buckle up… you’re in for a ride!
Take a Taxi from Cebu City to the North Bus Terminal
At 8:45 am, I flagged down a white taxi outside of my hostel in Cebu City, Le Village Guesthouse and Hostel. The ride was only about 10 minutes to arrive at the North bus terminal. It technically is walk-able but the sidewalks are questionable in many areas.
Also, I left at 8:45 am, but you can leave earlier or later to start your trek from Cebu City to Bantayan Island. I will provide times as a frame ofreference so you can plan accordingly.
Cost of a Taxi from Cebu City to the North Bus Terminal: 120 PHP
- 100 PHP for the taxi
- 10 PHP bus terminal drop off fee
- 10 PHP for the tip
Taking Taxis in Cebu City
Taxis are an easy option in Cebu City and will almost always use their meter. Flag them down, and then verify their meter is on or agree on a price before you take off. The other option is to use app-based Uber or Easy. No matter which option you choose, it should be similar in price.
Take a Bus or Van from the North Bus Terminal in Cebu to Hagnaya Port
From the North Bus Terminal there are many vans and buses available throughout the day to get to Hagnaya Port. Ceres is the most well-known company. Prices will vary some on amenities such as air-conditioning or wifi – some claimed to have wifi at least. Finding a true print, up-to-date schedule seemed nearly impossible for me, but there is usually one leaving every hour if not more frequently.
It was recommended to me to wait for an air-conditioned one due to the heat and fumes you will encounter from the open window buses. Obviously up to personal choice and time/cost limitations. The buses and vans should have their destinations labeled. It will be on the front of the buses and generally listed inside the vans. You can also ask someone just to verify that you’re headed the correct place.
Tickets are purchased onboard the bus or in the van. No need to purchase ahead. The roads are constantly under construction and wildly curvy in some areas – just a heads up if you suffer from motion sickness. I took an air-conditioned van, and we stopped once for food, drinks, and bathrooms.
At 9:00 am, I was on the bus and headed North to Hagnaya Port.
Cost for Air-conditioned Van from the North Bus Terminal in Cebu to Hagnaya Port: 200 PHP; Non-air-conditioned buses run 140 PHP; Air-conditioned buses are 165 PHP
Catch a Ferry from Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island
At 12:00 pm, we arrived at Hagnaya Port. Here you will need to wait for the next ferry to Bantayan Island. For me, this was at 12:30 pm. Fortunately, there are a number of food stands around, perfect for grabbing lunch.
There are a two ferry companies running, Super Shuttle Ferry and Island Shipping. Both have their times listed and take you to Santa Fe Port on Bantayan Island. The last ones tend to run around 5:00 pm, so do not miss it!
You can purchase your ferry ticket ahead of time online, or you can purchase it directly at the ticket booth upon arrival. Do not purchase it elsewhere to avoid fraudulent tickets.
Next, you’ll need to write your name and age down, pay the 10 PHP port fee, which they give you a stamp in return for it, and either wait for your ferry or go ahead and board. I took Super Shuttle Ferry. There are cars and trucks also loaded but the upper area of the ferry has seats, bathrooms, and a small snack bar. We actually left closer to 12:45 pm.
Cost of Ferry from Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island: 180 PHP
- 170 PHP for the ferry (This may have gone up to 180 PHP.)
- 10 PHP for the port fee
Find the latest Super Shuttle Ferry schedule.
Take a Tricycle from the Santa Fe Pier on Bantayan Island to Your Hotel
At 2:00 pm, we pulled into Santa Fe Pier on Bantayan Island.
Upon arrival the tricycle drivers jump onboard the ship as it is still parking and rush everyone trying to find a rider. I intended to walk and said no to about 10 of them but ended up eventually giving in as it was only 20 pesos or a 1.2 mile walk with my backpack.
Cost of Tricycle from Santa Fe Pier on Bantayan Island to Your Hotel: 20 PHP
Arrive at Your Hotel
By 2:15 pm, I had arrived at my hotel, Kota Beach Resort, on Bantayan Island.
The Cost of Getting from Cebu City to Bantayan Island
While getting from Cebu City to Bantayan Island has multiple steps and is a bit time consuming, it is not expensive. The total cost of the journey was 520 PHP (or around $11 USD).
- Taxi from Cebu City to the North Bus Terminal: 120 PHP
- Air-conditioned Van from the North Bus Terminal in Cebu to Hagnaya Port: 200 PHP
- Ferry from Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island: 180 PHP
- Tricycle from Santa Fe Pier on Bantayan Island to Your Hotel: 20 PHP
3 Ways to Decrease the Cost
If 520 PHP seems high to you, there are a few ways to decrease your cost.
- Walk or take jeepneys to the North Bus Terminal in Cebu City instead of taking a taxi. This would also eliminate the need to tip or pay the drop off fee. Savings: 120 PHP
- Take an open window bus (140 PHP) instead of an air-conditioned bus (165 PHP) or van (200 PHP). Savings: 60 PHP
- Walk once you arrive on Bantayan Island rather than take a tricycle. I recommend checking distances prior to arrival in this case. My hotel was only 1.2 miles away or 1.92 km. Savings: 20 PHP
Learn more about budgeting for a trip to the Philippines.
Optional Itinerary Add-ons for Bantayan Island
Since the journey from Cebu City to Bantayan is time consuming, you will want to make the journey worth the effort. Here are some possible activities you’ll want to consider adding into your itinerary from Bantayan Island.
1. Explore Bantayan Island by Motorbike
While on Bantayan Island, my favorite activity was renting a motorbike to explore the island. You will get to venture to all parts of the island at your leisure. Even if you’ve never driven a motorbike before, Bantayan Island is a great place to learn!
2. Day Trip to Virgin Island
Take an easy, and beautiful day trip from Bantayan Island to Virgin Island, also known as Sillon Island. It is well-known for its pristine beaches and is uninhabited. You cannot stay overnight on the island. Then from Virgin Island you can either return to Bantayan Island or continue on to Malapascua Island.
I highly recommend doing this day trip as a stop while island-hopping from Bantayan Island to Malapascua Island. If that does not interest you, you can always head straight back to Cebu City from Bantayan Island by reversing the above directions.
3. Continue Your Adventure on Malapascua Island
On Malapascua Island, you can take in some world-class scuba diving and explore the island. Then, when you’re ready to return to the mainland, you can travel directly to Cebu City from Malapascua Island.
Learn more travel tips for the Philippines.
Like this post? Pin it.
