Renting a Motorbike to Explore Bantayan Island
One of the best ways to get around the islands in the Philippines is by renting a motorbike, and Bantayan is no exception. Don’t worry, it’s super easy and cheap. And, you don’t even need previous experience! Let’s take a look at all of the details you need to know about renting a motorbike in Bantayan Island and where to go once you have it!
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Renting a Motorbike in Bantayan Island
Upon arrival on Bantayan Island, you’ll notice pretty quickly that it is small and more of a “local” island vs. touristy island – which is great! But in order to get around to see anything on the island, you’re going to need transportation. I highly recommend a motorbike.
To find a motorbike to rent, you can simply ask your hotel, and they will point you in the right direction. In my case, they (Kota Beach Resort) called someone up and brought the motorbike directly to me.
Admittedly, I had never previously driven a motorbike. I had only driven ATVs, been a passenger on motorcycles, and been a cyclist, so surely that adds up to being able to drive a motorbike, right? Well, no one seemed concerned with my lack of experience with motorbikes, so I rented one for the day for 250PHP – just over $5. The bike was pretty new, which was a relief, and the guy gave me the rundown on the buttons and gears. It didn’t seem too complicated… and off I went!
Learn everything you need to know about budgeting for travel in the Philippines.
Getting Around Bantayan Island by Motorbike
The biggest challenge to renting a motorbike in Bantayan Island is the lack of directions and street signage. In fact, the map I was provided was hand drawn with a few lines and stars to mark the three main towns. It was not super helpful, but thankfully, I had downloaded a map on my phone too. Warning to all motorbike adventurers: Nothing is marked well on Bantayan Island. Due to this, I highly recommend you take a detailed map with you.
Map in hand (or in pocket) – next up, is making sure you have gas. For me, the gas station was my first stop as the motorbike came with an empty gas tank. Upon arrival at the gas station, I filled up the tank with 100PHP. I was told would get me around the whole island. Spoiler alert: It did.
First Stop: Octong Cave… or Bantayan Town
Heading out from my hotel, Kota Beach Resort, my first stop on the adventure around the island was going to be Octong Cave. The cave is slightly hidden as it is surrounded by a resort. As such, I managed to miss my turn, which of course was not marked. Ultimately, I decided it was not a big deal, and headed on to my next stop, Bantayan town! Someone…. please go check out Octong Cave and let me know how it is!
Finding Bantayan Town is simple – just follow the main road for a while. Hopefully by the time you reach town, you’ll have the hang of the bike, because arriving in town can be a bit chaotic. I recommend parking near the main square and walking around to see:
- St. Peter and Paul Church: The oldest church on the island at over five centuries old. There happened to be a wedding going on while I was there. Fun fact: Most Filipinos are Catholic.
- Markets: There are a number of small markets around town selling anything you might need. For me, this entailed stopping to buy much needed Off! as I had hopes of not being dinner to mosquitos for the second night in a row.
- Restaurants: I recommend grabbed lunch while in town.
People were friendly with all of the kids waving and saying hello. They really like foreigners. After feeling content with your exploration of town, it’s time to head on to the next stop: Kota Park.
Second Stop: Kota Park
The next destination is Kota Park at the end of the island. As there is only one main road to get there, the drive is easy, and you can’t get lost. However, keep an eye out for the park entrance as I missed it and ended up in a very poor and dilapidated area. Granted, all of the kids were excited to see a foreigner and came over to check me out. A few kids were yelling out “Money!” as they know that tourists come with money. That was not nearly as cute as those who were just curious about me. The adults however just kind of stared at me. In any case, I made my way back to the park entrance and pulled in.
The park in essence is a beachfront area with a pier and a cafe. It’s pretty but nothing special, especially if the weather isn’t ideal. It was very overcast when I was there and the beach at my resort was nicer, so I personally didn’t stay long. But, if you want some beach time, it is an option. Otherwise, after a short walk and some pictures, it’s time to move on.
Third Stop: Bantayan Island Nature Park
With no road signs and no way to stare at a map and drive a motorbike, getting to the Bantayan Island Nature Park is a challenge. I slowly made it there by weaving my way to the coastal road which takes you there. You will likely go through many neighborhoods and past dozens of school children all smiling, waving and saying hello and a few “What’s your name?!”. The hospitality of the children is remarkable and truly inspiring – perhaps my favorite part of the island!
Finding the Bantayan Island Nature Park is similar to finding the other sights: I passed it and ended up at a crossroad where a passing motorbike pointed me back in the direction I had come from. It turns out there are a few tiny signs to follow to the entrance. Warning: You will likely get lost.
The Bantayan Island Nature Park has a 200PHP entrance fee, which not knowing what it entailed I reluctantly paid it. Turns out, it was worth it.
Inside you’ll be greeted by a variety of caged birds, a cave which features a natural swimming pool, a spa, a bar, and a giant infinity pool overlooking the sea and a nearby island. Things I did not encounter: Other tourists. That’s right, I was the only one there. In fact, on the whole island I only encountered about seven other tourists. Having paid the entrance fee, I decided to enjoy my own private infinity pool. Life certainly is good!
Moving on… in the Wrong Direction, Again
After a bit of relaxing, its time to off-road on your motorbike back to the main road which is half paved and half dirt – a bit of a bumpy ride. My plan was to close my loop around the island, but I chose the wrong direction (again) at a crossroad and returned to Bantayan Town – oops!
Since I still had time, I decided to check out some of the beaches on the way back to my home base in Santa Fe. It turns out, they are all surrounded by local neighborhoods, and I was too much of a tourist attraction to really want to stop. While the beaches weren’t ideal, it is fun to see more of the back roads. And, the people really are lovely. After that detour, I continued on to reach the part of the island I had missed from my wrong turn.
This part of the island (between the Bantayan Island Nature Park and Santa Fe) has a lot more beaches. The sand and water are nice, but it is very barren with very little shade and few coconut trees. I determined of all of the beaches on the island, Kota Beach Resort has some of the best!
Returning the Motorbike
Generally when renting a motorbike, you have it for the whole day. I had told them I’d return it by 5pm which worked out great as the island is small, you can see the whole island in one day. It gave me time to finish my exploring and make it back to my resort. Upon return, I turned the motorbike back over to the owner. He was pleased to see it was still in one piece. I think he was concerned, which he probably should have been!
My Post Motorbike Adventure in the Dark
Having returned the motorbike, I decided to walk the two blocks into town to have dinner. Unlike my first night on the island where the road was well lit, it was pitch black. The locals lingering on the street kept trying to sell me a motorbike ride into town in case I was “scared” to walk the two blocks. Instead, I grabbed my headlamp and walked it. As it turns out, all of the lights in town were also out and everywhere was lit by candle light.
Deciding that I didn’t want to hang out in the pitch black town, I bought some water and snacks and returned home for the night. Come morning, there was no power at my resort either. It was most likely knocked out by the nearby typhoon. Fortunately, you don’t need a ton of electricity to enjoy exploring Bantayan Island. Besides, I was headed onward to Malapascua Island in the morning!
Planning Onward Travel from Bantayan Island
Similarly to getting to Bantayan Island, traveling onward can take some finagling. My next destination was Malapascua Island to go diving with the Thresher Sharks. Unfortunately, the options to get from Bantayan Island to Malapascua Island are limited. The two options are:
- Rent a private boat to make the transfer. The best rate I received was 1300PHP.
- Take the tricycle to the pier. Catch the ferry back to Hagnaya. Find a tricycle to Don Pedro. Catch a bus to Maya. Take a ferry to Malapascua Island. And then take a motorbike to my hostel. This option would only cost about 500PHP but be a LOT more hassle.
Unable to justify the cost of the private boat, I resigned to the fact it would be a more complicated route to get there. However, a French and Costa Rican couple who live in China, plus their French Mother who was traveling with them, were headed the same way. Ultimately, we opted to rent a boat together. It turned out perfectly as we planned out a lovely day trip to Virgin Island and then continued on to Malapascua. As with most things in the Philippines – they might not be easy but they always seem to work out for the best!
Find full details about getting from Bantayan Island to Malapascua Island with a day trip to Virgin Island.
Plan Your Adventure in the Philippines
Now that you know everything you need to about renting a motorbike in Bantayan Island, you can start planning the rest of your time in the Philippines. I wrote extensively about my 2 weeks there. Check out these posts:
- Budgeting for the Philippines: 2 Week Itinerary plus Costs
- Travel Tips for the Philippines
- How to Get from Cebu City to Bantayan Island: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Island Hopping in the Philippines: Bantayan Island to Malapascua Island
- And more!
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