The Tide is High in Bantayan Island

After spending the night at Bantayan Island, we woke up early as we were looking forward for the high tide. We wanted to experience the beach here at its best.

We just soaked ourselves and relax, like this was the only thing we wanted to do that day. This was the clearest water ever (though Boracay is the coolest) and the perfect beach for swimming (far better than Boracay, I should say). You can stay into the water longer than when you are in Boracay because it was just cool enough.

The deepness is almost uniform so if you cannot swim or you do not have the endurance to swim for hours then you can just stay near the shore and still enjoy the cool and crystal clear waters. And you should go barefoot because the sand it so good for your bare feet.

The Sand. Well we were not able to stop ourselves from playing the sand. We just love the sand there and we all wish to go back even just for the sand alone.

We were on the public beach, that is why you can see some garbage. I hope that the public will be more careful and vigilant in taking care of this area here. They need to preserve this place or we will all miss this for life. Reading it in blogs is never enough. We should all go and visit this beach again and again, whenever possible.

We had fun with the sand and with more fun on the water.

It was hard to leave this paradise. The inhabitants here were very lucky and we envy them a lot.

This is the most memorable family trip we had in our lifetime. This beach had made it extra special.

Family Dinner in Bantayan Island

We had our only dinner in Bantayan Island at Marlin Beach Resort. The restaurant was fronting the beach and somewhat native to look at. We dined here so that we can use their beach front that afternoon. We ordered in advance because from my experience the service here is slow.

At first, we enjoyed the view and scenery which produces good vibes. We started to play joke while waiting for the food. We laughed as we recount the adventures we have together during the day. Each one of us had it's own story to share. We pointed out the misadventures of one another and we enjoyed telling it more at the expense of the victim. Haha!

But then hunger knocked on our tummy. We started to think about food and we wanted to eat badly. The laughter subsided and our brains were so full of food and eating. Who can blame us? Our day were so full of rides, of island hopping, of swimming and of running along the beach. The elders provided us biscuits and water but it was not enough. We needed solid food and we wanted it right now.

They delivered our orders one after the other. We were starving and we all stared at the food as it was the only thing that matters to us. But no matter how hungry we were, we cannot afford to eat until everybody gets his own share. We must wait a little bit and just ease our hunger a little bit with the sight of our food at the center of the table. But this proves to be more difficult than imagining it.

Finally the wait is over. Ready, Get Set and Go!!

That is how you smile when your tummy is full after starving for quite a long time. After I told this story, no one can blame us if we cannot stop from laughing at ourselves every time we see all these photos. Haha!

When it's Low Tide in Sta. Fe, Bantayan

After our island hopping to smaller islands of Bantayan, we went back to Sta. Fe. We were all eager to swim but to our dismay, it's already low tide. Wherever we go, the water is below knee-deep. 

But it did not stop us from enjoying the beach. The shallow water did not discourage us from exploring the beach. The sand was so smooth, so white and powdered and we decided to play with it like little children happily playing the mud.

We started building sand castles and end up competing on who can build the tallest one. The losers of the game tried to destroy the taller ones in any way possible while those who think they were winners tried to protect their castles with their body. Can you imagine the faces of those with broken castles and those who runaway after a successful hit that cut the sand castles into half?

From building sand castles to chasing each other and to jogging around barefooted on the sand. We all shared the heavenly feeling of just walking on the beach. We keep on running and walking enjoying the touch of sand into our barefoot. That was how we spend our afternoon while waiting for the darkness to cover the island. 

While the young ones were busy spending their energy on the beach, the elders were relaxing themselves along the shore merrily looking at us and the wonderful scenery of the island. The resort has a superb view of white sandbars extending endlessly beyond our sight.

Island Hopping in Bantayan Island

Once we arrived at the house that we were renting, someone offered us to go for "island hopping". There were plenty of agents anywhere in Sta. Fe offering rides or rooms for rent. So you can actually just go there without any plan and still enjoy the beach and the sea foods offered by the island and its locals.

For a price of 1,800 pesos we were able to go for an island hopping experience. This was quite cheap compared to the 3,000 to 3,500 boat rental if you were in the Cebu City. The children were very happy as we can only get this ride once in a blue moon.

First thing first. We asked the captain to bring us to an island where we eat a lot of sea food. He then brought us to Hilantagaan Island. And look over there, we were on our way towards that island. So we breath in and relax watching on the clear waters as we go along.

We were delighted with the crystal clear waters that once we docked into the shallow waters of the island we jump into the water right away. Of course we need to use the life jacket just in case we get into trouble. 

It was super hot and we admire this island for these solid rocks where our weary souls can take shelter upon. After swimming, snorkeling and chasing those big and tame fishes we took our rest and enjoy the shade offered along the shore. The children kept on telling us on how they wish they could hunt those fishes. Only they do not have the means. They felt that they could catch them easily because the fishes here were very friendly. Haha, too bad for them!!

How about the seafood? Well, we were not lucky that time. There were few choices as the vendors already bought the fishermen's morning catch and sold it somewhere. At least we were able to buy some which was good enough for our lunch. We paid 400 pesos for the beach hut and 100 pesos as cooking charges. We ate a lot during that lunch because we got exhausted with the swimming activities we had on that island.

After lunch we leave the island and got to Hilantagaan Diot, which was a smaller island. We decided to just pass the island as Sta. Fe beach is far more better and we run out of drinking water. The captain then brought us to the island below, which was called "Virgin Island" and said that this was our last stop. The sandbar was thick, white and nice but the entrance fee is too extravagant for us. At 500 pesos per head, plus we were around 18 heads, truly we cannot afford it no matter how lovely that beach was.

We just requested the captain to pass the island as near as possible for us to get a good view of this precious island. Most tourists we've seen were foreigners. And if you need total isolation, then this island is the best for you to spend your days and nights. 

Time was up! We went back to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island.

OFF to Bantayan Island

After our family bonding in Camotes Islands, we all agree to continue our white beach hunting in Bantayan Island. This time around, we made it sure that we will be staying in white beach and never on rocky shores again. This is not going to be an issue when you are in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island. Just look at my background photo (in case I have not change) or the photo above to know why or you can check this link:

 https://plus.google.com/photos/109618088330370070492/albums/6141982422181194913 .

Around 6:AM in the morning, we were already waiting for a bus to ride. The family has been very excited and was looking forward to see the most beautiful beach of our home province. They were all smiling in spite of not having any breakfast yet. After our series of travels (Bohol and Camotes), we observe that they have no appetite of food right before our trip. But once they are on the ride, they will be asking for food and their mothers had always been ready. Mothers are masters of anticipating their children's need indeed!!

After two hours of bus ride from home to Hagnaya Port, we settled ourselves in a "RORO Ferry Boat" ready to depart towards to Bantayan Island. Big smiles are all over our faces while joking at each other. There were no dull moments when a big family like ours were altogether travelling and sharing some fun and adventures.

It took another hour to ride the boat and land to Sta. Fe, Bantayan. While on the boat, as expected the children started eating. After that, they roamed around the boat looking for a space with a perfect view of the vast sea. They loved watching the sea during voyage. They were actually waiting for the flying fishes to jump and fly over the water. They wanted to see the dolphins and even sharks as we passed by. Well, it seemed that these fishes were the ones passing us by because the boat moves so slow that without them the travel would be super boring. 

The port is a long walk (Sorry, I cannot find a photo of it.). After that we need to ride a "trisikad" (three-wheeled manual vehicle) to reach the chosen resort. They were charging twenty pesos per head which is very expensive. If not for the bags that we were carrying, we would choose to walk the distance. Our's is only five minutes away and most resorts are within fifteen minutes walk from the port.

                                     

The municipality of Bantayan is still thirty minutes away from Sta. Fe via tricycle. If you want to see their famous dried fish, you need to go there to get it cheap. Although the vendors were also wiser. We noticed that they offer separate prices for locals and tourists. For tourist, the price is high that you would wish not to buy at all.

Camotes Islands : Trip Expenses (April 2015)

Summer is still on! So for those who are planning to explore these islands, below are the expenses we incurred during our recent visit to Camotes Islands.

Group Expenses of 12 pax:		Group	Per Pax	Child
	Accommodation  (2 nights at Keshe Beach - Bakaw)	7,100.00	591.67
	Transportation ( Jeepney for 2 days within the islands)	3,200.00	266.67
	Parking Fees for two days - individual share	30.00	2.50
	Day 1 - Food (cooked for lunch and raw for dinner)	1,000.00	83.33
	Day 1 - Groceries (rice, etc.)	450.00	37.50
	Day 2 - Lunch and Table Fee (P50) at Bukilat Cave	505.00	42.08
	Day 2 - Fish, etc for Dinner	493.00	41.08
Day 1	Within San Francisco
	Boat fare + Terminal Fee ( Danao City - Camotes Port)		185.00	90.00
	Barangay Fee + Entrance Fee at Timubo Cave (P10+20)		30.00	15.00
	Barangay Fee at Danao Lake		15.00	None
	Kayak Fee for 30 minutes at Danao Lake		50.00
	Ice Buko/Pinipig at Santiago Public Beach		20.00
	Entrance at Mangodlong Beach Resort		20.00	10.00
	Water ( 2 bottles of 900ML - P30 each		60.00
Day 2 - Puro and Tudela
	Entrance - Buho Rock		20.00	10.00
	Entrance - Bukilat Cave		10.00	5.00
	Water ( 2 bottles of 900ML - P30 each		60.00
Day 3 - Home
	Keshe to Consuelo Port		50.00	50.00
	Boat fare + Terminal Fee (Consuelo Port to Danao City)		185.00	90.00
	Total Expenses per Pax is 1,769.83.

    

We all bought something for our breakfast such as bread, coffee, chocolate drinks, juices, junk foods, biscuits, etc. You also need to prepare coins just in case you need to use the toilet. They are charging two to five pesos. 

Food Trip in Boracay

I have been reading a lot of articles on where to dine best in Boracay. Bloggers had been recommending a lot of dining possibilities where you can experience great food with great value for your money. Since we were on a budget trip, we decided to go for "smoke house" for their famous balbacua.

Balbacua is for my father because we, the siblings, will not eat beef dishes. We inherited it from my mother who never let my father ate any beef dishes at home. She will not even let our father use any of our utensils. That is why my father ate beef with our neighbors using our neighbor's plate. I already mentioned this sentiment on my previous blog.

I've mistaken it as a grill house so the people at 'd Mall cannot figure out what we are looking for. It was hard to find it there but I was determine as I always was so in the end we find it in a hidden corner at the back of "Andok's Grill". The food there were serve while smoking hot and I find it less appealing but still we give it a try.

These dishes could have been delicious if only the meat were fresh. We were disappointed and in the end we decided to dine again and again at "Andoks". The food there was cheap and taste good enough for our liking.

We also searched Jonah's for the famous fruit shake. Bloggers wrote that they were cheap and the best in the island but it's not cheap and it taste ordinary. For 100-120 pesos per bottle, I cannot feel the great value of my money. I am a fan of "Thirsty" and it's far more better that the shake we've come to in Boracay. I find it expensive and not worth to visit.

We are choosy when it comes to food and we do not like too much spices. Others may find them great and we still respect their opinion. After all, each of us have unique taste buds.

After the food trip, we stayed at the beach and enjoyed the beauty of the island. People from different races were everywhere and we were happy to be just there watching them from afar. My sisters will be bringing home more stories about this famous island.