Travel by ferry from Cebu Island to the Santa Fe Ferry Terminal on Bantayan Island to begin your exploration of a beautiful Philippines location. Once you arrive at the port on Bantayan Island, get around by motorcycle or jeepney. See the sights of the southeastern Santa Fe municipality and travel to Bantayan in the centre of the island and Madridejos in the north.
Farmers and fishermen use the terminal to deliver their eggs, crabs and other products to the larger island of Cebu every day. Look for these friendly and industrious locals as you step onto the pier. Listen for distinctive Bisaya and Cebuano dialects.
Santa Fe is known for pretty beaches. Enjoy the white sand and blue-green waters of Beach Placid and Santa Fe Beach Club north of the terminal. Marikaban Beach is on the southern shores, about a 15-minute drive from the ferry port.
Travel north to Madridejos, the island’s most agricultural section. Visit the pretty church of the Immaculate Conception Parish near the town plaza. Explore Kota Park at the island’s northern tip to see ancient watchtowers built as protection against Moro warriors.
The large Bantayan Public Market on the western side of the island is a popular spot where you can purchase food for use during your stay and souvenirs, or “pasalubong,” to take home as gifts. See, smell and taste the dried seafood and fish caught in the waters just off the island.
Nearby, see the church of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, a 150-year-old structure of stone and coral. The parish was originally founded in the 1500s during the early Spanish introduction of Christianity to the islands. Book a hotel early if you want to visit the church during the popular Holy Week celebrations around Easter.
The Santa Fe Ferry Terminal connects with Hagnaya on northern Cebu Island via multiple daily ferry trips. Cross the 12 miles (19 kilometres) of the Visayan Sea in 60 to 90 minutes. Plan your travel from Cebu or other locations to Hagnaya to arrive in time to catch the last Bantayan ferry, which leaves in the late afternoon.
