Bantayan Island is made up of three distinct municipalities, each with its own personality.
Santa Fe is where the vast majority of travelers stay. The ferry port and the small airport are both here, making it the natural arrival point. The main strip is walkable — resorts, restaurants, bars, dive shops, and tour booking offices line the beach road. MJ Square is the central food and nightlife hub.
This is the most "tourist-friendly" part of the island, with the widest range of accommodation from budget guesthouses to mid-range beachfront resorts.
Iconic curved sandbar with natural lagoons at low tide.
Long beachfront with multiple resorts. Great for sunset walks.
Secluded, pristine, and crowd-free — especially at dawn.
Natural cave pool inside Santa Fe Beach Resort.
Food hub with restaurants, seafood buffets, and nightlife.
Protected snorkeling area close to shore. No boat needed.
The largest and oldest municipality — the cultural, religious, and commercial heart. Home to the centuries-old Sts. Peter & Paul Church, the public market, the fish market, and local government offices. A completely different feel from touristy Santa Fe.
The food here is consistently better and cheaper. Eateries serve home-cooked Filipino meals, and the grilled seafood stalls are standouts.
Founded 1580. Coral stone construction. Restored ceiling murals.
120-hectare mangrove forest with boardwalks and kayaking.
Explore, harvest, and taste dragon fruit ice cream and jam.
8-hectare property with gardens and underground pool.
Fresh catch daily. Scallops at a fraction of mainland prices.
Two beaches flanking a lagoon. A quiet leisure haven.
The northernmost municipality and least visited by tourists — exactly what makes it special. Fishing communities, quiet coastal roads, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks.
The Kota Fort ruins are the main draw — Spanish-era watchtower remains on coastal cliffs with crystal-clear water below. About 45-60 minutes from Santa Fe by motorbike.
Spanish-era watchtower on coastal cliffs. Cliff jumping into bright waters.
Isolated northern tip with dramatic sunset views.
Uninterrupted shoreline paths through fishing villages.
Watch boats come in with the day's catch at dawn.
Motorbike (P350-500/day) is the most flexible option. Roads are flat and paved. Santa Fe to Madridejos in about 45 minutes.
Tricycle with driver (P800-1,000/day) for a full island tour. Ideal for groups of 2-3.
Multicab (P3,000-3,500/day) for bigger groups with fresh air, or Van (P4,000/day) with air-conditioning.