Whist there are still places in Cebu City which I would like to share to all of you, I pretty much decided to move towards the Northern part of the province. I was planning of sharing the Temple of Leah but @ninski's blog is enough to share to you the things the temple can offer.
So, it would be better for me to go out of the city and share the beauty of this island located at the Northern most part of Cebu City province. This is perfect for today's weather as it is sunny and cloudy at the same time, by the way, I am writing this while boarded on a fast craft en route to Cebu City from Bohol.
If there's an island in Cebu which I always look forward visiting, it would be none other than Bantayan. I have been to Bantayan for more than four times and I am still looking forward to visiting its other parts.
Today, allow me to give you a glimpse of how beautiful its white sand beaches from the Budyong Beach Resort's point of view.
Tropical coconut trees, long stretched white sand beach shore, floating house, clear blue sea waters and native cottages. These are just some of the stuffs we have seen and experienced when staying at Budyong Beach Resort in Bantayan Island, Cebu.
The resort is part of the white sand beach resorts lying along the coastal area of Bantayan Island in Sta. Fe municipality.
Our first day was spent walking around the main town of Sta. Fe which is just a small town so it won't be hard to find certain areas and get there. But it is notable that there's a growing number of eateries and bars catering the needs of the hungry locals and foreigners alike.
The second day was all about Virgin Island. This is a separate white sand beach a few minutes from Bantayan and it was a favorite of mine since we stepped our feet in its fine, almost sugary white sand. It was very virgin when we first came there that you'll have to get back to Bantayan if you missed to bring supplies such as ice and water.
The boys loving the clear waters of Virgin Island, Bantayan
It was also in Virgin Island where James, my husband burned his back due to his snorkeling obsession. He was super entertained with the fishes around that he was snorkeling for hours and forgot to reapply sunscreen. He had endured that bacon-like back for months.
My husband and I.
Our last day was also spent at the resort, cherishing every single moment with the team while we went out to buy some dried boneless dangit which is a specialty of the island. It costs less when bought there than buying from the city.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay but we also believe in good customer service and yet we were not given the proper customer service while staying the entire three day-two nights stay in the island.
Sunrise in Bantayan Island from Budyong Beach Resort's shore.
Here are the instances which concludes that their customer service is just rated 3 over 10 stars.
Our check in should have been twelve noon. When we arrived at the resort, we were told there are still guests in our reserved cottages so we have to wait. We ate lunch outside and waited for the room to be cleaned up and ready for us. Thank goodness my companions were very patient.
Prior to arriving in the island, I myself had booked for a boat to send us to Virgin Island. It's another island in Sta. Fe which has gorgeous waters and unspoiled shores. But then the boat was still being contacted when we arrived there. Another waiting game.
While we were about to check out of the resort, we all waited outside for the front desk personnel so we can pay for our remaining rent fee but it took them fifteen minutes to show up at the frontdesk. When they were already there, they seem not to have the right amount for the change so we have to wait for few more minutes for the change.
Glad we enjoyed Bantayan island and instead we had just brushed off the bad service we had received from the resort's management.
Of course a jump shot won't be forgotten. Hooray for Bantayan's beauty!
In case you're wondering if I would be recommending it, No I don't really want to recommend the resort. I heard the neighboring resorts have better customer service. Let's find out on our next Bantayan Island getaway soon.
How to get there?
From Cebu City, take a cab or public jeepney going to North Bus Terminal. Buses and V-hires are available 24/7 bound for Hagnaya. Fare is usually at Php160 and travel time is around 3 hours. From Hagnaya, take a ferry. They leave every couple of hours from 6am to 5pm. Travel time will take 1 hour. In Bantayan, there are lots of tricycles which can take you to Budyong, the drivers know every resort in the island but again, beware of those drivers who take advantage of their passengers.
Rates:
*Disclaimer: Rates information taken from Budyong Beach Resort's Site
HOUSE MATE ROOMS - Php. 7,000.00 per night (good for 15 persons)
THIRD LINE ROOMS - Php. 3,800.00 per night (3 beds good for 6 persons)
FAMILY ROOMS - Php. 2,800.00 per night (3 beds good for 6 persons)
BEACH FRONT ROOMS - Php. 2,200.00 per night (2 beds good for 4 persons)
SECOND LINE ROOMS (2 BEDS) - Php. 2,000.00 per night (2 beds good for 4 persons)
SECOND LINE ROOMS (1 BED) - Php. 1,800.00 per night (1 bed good for 2 persons)
Disclaimer: All photos are originally mine. Forgot to add watermarks, or too tired to add them. Feel free to use but please add credits!
Camera Used: Canon 1000D
Lens: Kit lens 18-55mm
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I love the clear blue water. Nice pud diay kaayo diha ba pero dili lang nice ila customer service.
yes sir.. but hopefully they had improved since our last stay
The water looks so clear! And it seems like the place wasn't overcrowded, was it? Sorry to hear about the unprofessional hotel service, but it looks like you got over it pretty quickly ;)
indeed enjoyed the island. the water was definitely clear you should visit it someday!
I've been in Cebu for 6 months and I haven't seen/visited places like this. Hopefully, my pack would be able to have a summer vacation in Cebu. Bantayan is on the list.
aw.nag unsa man ka sa cebu sis? 6 months taas2 pod na panahon
Nagreview ko daadto. Hehe medyo taas2 jid siya. Navisit ra nako before mga company ug eat all you can na restaurant haha
These beaches look stunning. I hope to go there one day.
you should check it out
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thanks!
Amazing Cebu! Thank you for our beautiful tour guide @junebride :)
welcome sis! thanks as well for checking it!
wow its such a lovely place and i like beaches because i like it so much. thanks for sharing.
thanks birju!