Northern Cebu (Malapascua, Kalanggaman, Bantayan)

It's been a while since the last time I blogged about just anything.

Been reading Travel Blogs for the past weeks and it just inspires me a lot... to travel and blog at the same time.

Because of that, I came up to this. :)

Here's our itinerary (Courtesy of Anne Iza) for our 2D/2N tour to Northern Cebu.

Day 0
Arrival: Mactan International Airport 

Day 1: Malapascua-Kalanggaman
- Bus ride to Maya Port (P180, 5hours max, 2:30am)
- Boat ride from Maya to Malapascua (P100, plus 2 mini boat rides for P20/each)

Upon arrival at Malapascua (8:30am), there were a lot of tour guides who don't ask for money. They will just simply give you options, and of course, options that will let them get a commission. Since most of the tourists are there for Kalanggaman Island, we booked a boat that will bring us to that beautiful island for P400/each. (Don't worry! The tour guides can help you look for a boat.)

We booked our hotel prior. We stayed at Starlight Hotel. Quite expensive. I suggest you look for a cheaper hotel.

We checked in our hotel, and grabbed some breakfast just outside the hotel.

Changed up, and prepared for sailing for roughly around 2 hours. Going there, the waves were not friendly, so pray hard.

Note: There were no life jackets visible while your sailing your life away.

Note: Bring your own baon and water.

Note: No internet signal.

We were instructed to be back at 2:30 as it's not safe to travel back to Malapascua Island beyond that time. And so we did.

What made me fall in love with Kalanggaman? Fine sand, beautiful sandbar, crystal clear water.

We arrived at Malapascua Island around 4:30 PM. Really, we did not do anything in Malapascua. It's just where we stayed for the night.

Day 2: Bantayan Island

Remember Camp Sawi? Yes, the movie. This is where most of the scenes were shot.

We rented a boat that will bring us directly to Bantayan Island from Malapascua Island for P3000 all in.

It was a small boat. No life jackets, either. Good thing the weather was cooperating, so no big waves, but still scary. :)

Upon arrival at Bantayan Island, we checked in our hotel (Adelaida Pension House - not recommended) and went outside to have lunch. 

In the afternoon, around 2pm, we toured around Bantayan Island riding a Tricycle that costs P700.

In Bantayan Island, please take note of the "DON'Ts":

1. Do not eat at CouCou Bar Hotel And Restaurant -their food is not worth it. 

2. Do not check in at Adelaida Pensionne Hotel - their AC don't work.

And thought it would be the end of everything, until we decided to visit the "Virgin Island" the day after, just across Bantayan Island.

Day 3: Virgin Island, Bantayan

We went to the port at around 5am and went back to our hotel at 9am.

Boat Ride: P1000, private boat

Entrance Fee: P500 for the first 2 guests, P100 for the succeeding guests (Per group)

It was a wonderful place. We had our pictures taken there. They also have a diving area.

Worth a visit!

From Bantayan, we went back to Cebu (1hour travel) via Ferry for P170 with 2 P5 Terminal Fees (I still don't understand why)

From Hagnaya Port, we took a van with other passengers for P250-300 each. Instead of traveling for 4 hours with a bus, it only took 2 hours with van.

To sum it all up, this trip is the shortest trip I ever had outside Davao but a very worth it one. 

Total Expenses (Less airfare): P7000

Special thanks to:

Brian Namuag
Maria Scarlita
Anne Iza
Maria Alfonso Cellacay

PS: If you want to visit Bantayan Island, reach out to Kuya Driver: 09292072800 - he's the one who toured us at a very low cost. :)