Bantayan Island, Cebu - Philippines
What if tomorrow never comes ? Life is so short to worry, we never know what awaits ahead of us so better enjoy it now.
Covid-19 Pandemic gives the whole world an outrageus outbreak. A lot of positive and negative impacts that driven our lives into a drastic situation. Isolation is one of the biggest challenge we all faced during this time of crisis. Traveling to one place to another has been restricted and unable to visit your loved one is frustrating. So what if you are going to have a break from your usual stressful life with a scenic view and refreshing breeze from the beach which is enticing you to have a bit of relaxation ? Would that sound interesting ? Of course it would be very interesting, who would not want to breathe from being stress of what is going on around us. However, for several months since the start of the pandemic, we have to deal with the new normal and respect the country’s restrictions and Safety Health Protocol to ensure everybody’s well being.
If you really love to travel you always find ways how to attain that certain cravings you have in yourself. So one day I came to the point thinking of those ‘What If scenarios like ; if I will not take the risk so how long do I have to wait until it’ll be over ? If I’d stay home the entire time then what’s my assurance not to be infected with the virus ? If I will take the vaccine or not…. then what ? Anyway, I took it regardless of the uncertaintess and doubts. I know my body so well and it’s just a matter of how do I take care of it. Thanks God I’m totally fine after the shots even my families and friends who did the same thing.
In the midst of the Pandemic everything turns quite expensive, more than 50% of the usual price or with some additional cost at the same time like PCR test or concerning health protocols regulations. In spite of that, I tried to travel in a nearby region we have after few restrictions were lifted like crossing one place to another as long as you are vaccinated. So with that, without any hesitation we planned it with my 2 younger cousins to visit Cebu last July 2021.
Cebu is commonly known as the Queen City of the South, basically we have Northern and Southern part. It is one of the island in Philippines wherby you can find different places in one such as mountains and beaches. Living in a tropical country is very common for us to plunge into a water anytime of the year or even in night time.
With my cousins we are excited to explore now the Northern Part of Cebu which we are heading to Bantayan Island. Honestly, Cebu is not new to me knowing it’s my second home and I spent most of the time here since we got a place already where we can call on our own after how many years in renting. It’s a small flat but good enough and it’s a practical way living within the city.
We tried to catch the bus at 2AM but unfortunately we missed it for a few minutes, though the next trip would be just in an hour anyway. Our starting point is in Cebu City and the Bus Terminal is located at SM City (North Reclamation Area). So we took the bus via Hagnaya Port (San Regimio municipality), approximately 3 hours of travel time and for the Ferry it takes more than an hour as well. When we arrive in Sta Fe port, the tourism check us if what we will be doing and if we have a place to stay. Luckily, I have a great friend who lives in the island and he promised me to show us around.
While waiting for him, we rapidly eat our breakfast and it’s a good thing there’s a nearby carenderia ( homade cook food), it’s really delicious and the price is affordable too. When my friend arrived, he bring us first in Bantayan Church with a mesmerizing painting in the ceiling. After that we went to the Mangrove plantations then spent the rest of the afternoon in the beach. The water is so great, warm and not that salty at all. Nobody cares if we will be burnt under the sun, this is an amazing moment we have and we never know if when we can come back again in this island. Since the hotel is quite pricey here, my friend suggested if we like to spend the night in the camp area. So we agreed because it’s just 100php per head only, that’s why we brought our own tent. There’s also a tent for rent out there if you dont have, toilet and shower area is also available. You can check our Bantayan escapades in the following videos below.
It was a great fun for us even if it’s just an overnight stay in this island. This trip was budgeted, we spent more or less 1000php per head. We were able to save more because my friend give us a free ride with the motorcab and for the food since we are 3 so we shared and it’s not that costly. For the bus, one way fare is 245php, Ferry is 185, if you want to rent a motor it’s 250php for 24hrs.
I hope you can visit Bantayan Island in Cebu too my dear readers. It’s one of the most beautiful island in Philippines. A lot of things to explore, not only the nature, the society but even our selves too. Living in this roller coaster life, there’s some certain situation that we must consider taking a risk as well positively. What if tomorrow never comes ? Life is so short to worry, we never know what awaits ahead of us so better enjoy it now.
