Everything you need to know before you go. Transport, money, safety, packing, and budget in one place.
Currency
Philippine Peso (₱)
Power
220V / Type A & B plugs
Climate
Tropical, avg 28°C year-round
Connectivity
Mobile data available, slow WiFi
The island is small enough to ride from one end to the other in about 45 minutes. Roads are flat and well-paved.
🏍️ Motorbike Rental — ₱350–500/day
Most flexible option. Easy to ride even for beginners. Ask your accommodation for rentals.
🛺 Tricycle with Driver — ₱800–1,000/day
Full island tour. Ideal for 2–3 people. Short trips cost ₱50–100 per ride.
🚐 Multicab/Van — ₱3,000–4,000/day
For groups. Open-air multicabs (₱3,000–3,500). Air-conditioned vans ~₱4,000.
Bantayan is still largely a cash economy. Some resorts accept GCash or cards, but most of the island operates on cash only — entrance fees, tricycles, small eateries, market vendors.
ATMs are available in Santa Fe and Bantayan Town but stop working during power outages. Bring sufficient cash in small denominations (₱50, ₱100, ₱500) before arriving.
Pro tip: Withdraw cash in Cebu City before taking the bus. ATM lines on the island can be long during peak season.
Bantayan has a very low crime rate and is one of the safer island destinations in the Philippines. Locals are welcoming and genuinely helpful.
Respect local culture: Avoid walking around towns in swimwear. Cover up away from the beach. Dress modestly when visiting churches. Remove shoes entering homes.
Water safety: Beaches have a very shallow incline. Always check tide conditions before swimming.
Power outages are frequent. Always carry a charged power bank and cash. Mid-range resorts usually have backup generators; budget guesthouses may not.
Water outages can occur during extremely low tides. Keep a filled water bottle for such situations.
☀️ Reef-safe sunscreen — protect the marine ecosystem
🔋 Power bank — essential for frequent outages
📱 Waterproof phone pouch — island hopping and snorkeling
💧 Dry bag — keeps valuables safe on boat trips
🤿 Snorkel gear — or rent on-site (quality varies)
🦟 Insect repellent — mosquitoes active at dusk
💊 Medications — island drug stores have limited stock
🍫 Energy bars — for long boat trips and islands without food
💵 Cash in small bills — ₱50s, ₱100s, ₱500s
Most accommodations are in Santa Fe, from budget guesthouses (₱500–800/night) to mid-range beachfront resorts (₱1,500–3,000+/night). Expect locally owned, character-filled stays rather than international chains.
Book in advance during March–May and Holy Week. Popular areas: the main Santa Fe beachfront strip and the quieter Okoy area further south.
Tip: Some resorts offer free port pickup via shuttle van. Check with your accommodation before arrival.
| Item | Cost (₱) |
|---|---|
| Bus (Cebu → Hagnaya) | 140–200 |
| Ferry (Hagnaya → Santa Fe) | ~300 |
| Environmental fee | 30 |
| Tricycle (per trip) | 50–100 |
| Motorbike rental (per day) | 350–500 |
| Tricycle island tour (full day) | 800–1,000 |
| Meals (local eatery) | 100–300 |
| Accommodation (per night) | 500–3,000+ |
| Virgin Island entrance | 250–500 |
| Skydiving (tandem) | ~18,000 |
Budget travelers can expect ~₱1,500–2,500/day including accommodation, food, and basic transport.
🚔 PNP Bantayan
(032) 438-9030
⚓ Coast Guard
0917-724-3682
🏛️ Tourism Office
(032) 438-9004
🆘 Emergency
911