Step-by-step routes from Cebu City, alternative ports, and everything you need to know about the journey.
Most travelers arrive via Cebu City. There are two main routes: the classic land-and-sea combo, or a short direct flight.
Budget-friendly • ~5-6 hours total
Mactan-Cebu Airport
Take MyBus to North Bus Terminal (P25, every 20-30 min). Or Grab/taxi for P150-300.
Cebu North Bus Terminal
Board a Ceres bus to Hagnaya Port (~4 hours, P140-165). Or a Direct Bus (P200) that drives onto the ferry.
Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe Port
RoRo ferry, ~1-1.5 hours. Ferry fare: ~P300. Frequent departures throughout the day.
Arrive at Bantayan Island
Pay P30 environmental fee at the gate. Tricycle to your resort: P50-100.
Faster option • ~30 minutes
Air Juan operates flights from Mactan-Cebu International Airport directly to Bantayan Airport. The scenic flight takes only about 30 minutes.
Important: Flight availability varies and schedules may change. Book well in advance. Inquiries typically through social media. Fare starts at around P1,000.
Malapascua Island: Private boat, ~2-3 hours. No public boat service.
Cadiz City (Negros): Motorized boat from New Cadiz City Port.
Medellin, Cebu: Fastcraft from Santa Fe, ~55 minutes.
Take an early morning flight to Cebu to maximize your first day. PAL and Cebu Pacific have flights landing before 6am.
The Direct Bus is worth the P200 fare. It drives onto the ferry so you skip the walk-on transfer at Hagnaya Port.
Withdraw cash in Cebu City. Island ATMs have long lines during peak season and stop working during power outages.
Book accommodation before arrival during March-May and Holy Week. Hotels fill up fast.