The Bantayan Escapade 2008

Summer is here again and like everyone else, I'm making a list of perfect places to go to and spend this season as worthwhile as it could possibly get. For most people like me, I'm sure the list is long. However, for travel freaks with limited budget (count me in), cutting costs and finding alternatives are a must.

Few months ago, I had an amazing experience with newly-found friends from Manila who came and visited Cebu. I accompanied them to one of the Cebu's famous- for -white- sand -beaches town, Moalboal. Even I myself have been there for quite several times, but the beauty of the tropical place always makes me give a surprising appreciation. Like every visit is a first visit!

We really had a great time and right away planned another trip to Cebu during the summer. Like a proud Cebuana, I suggested we visit Bantayan Island where most people go to during the holy week. And the fact that it is a cheaper alternative than going to Boracay Island, where most of their holy week holidays were previously spent, the trip appeared even more appealing to them. Right then, the plan is sure as sun is shining. And I, their official tour guide!

Going to Bantayan during the holy week requires advance preparation. Transportation, resort reservations and accommodation are on its peak since hundreds and hundreds of locals and tourists are coming to the place due to its dual occasions, the town fiesta and the Lenten season. Gladly we are part of that enormous crowd. Ten of us, with our backpacks and summer attires, off we go to the island paradise.

Early Morning Traffic (North Bus Terminal) (March 20,2008 -departure day)

While the entire city is observing Maundy Thursday, my friends and I are getting ready to take off the city. Since the van rental we reserved was unknowingly cancelled, we decided to take a bus (like most people do) going to Hagnaya port, northern part of Cebu where we depart for Bantayan. It is a 3-4 hour bus ride. Not bad. Knowing that we all are excited for this trip, obviously we don’t mind at all. Besides, we don’t have a choice! But seeing people like a stampede, everyone wants to get the first ride; some people even enter thru the bus window. The North Bus Terminal is a mess. The buses can’t even stay for long, people fill it up in just seconds. For almost an hour we waited for a ride, but obviously we can’t get it if we just sit around and wait for the people to decrease in number. Thanks to my friend who’s driving a v-hire, he offered us a ride and paid a fair amount. At exactly, eight in the morning we left Cebu city, finally after more than an hour of waiting at the terminal. Our excitement is refueled, the 12-seater, air-conditioned van saved the day!

Joining the crowd at Hagnaya Port port of Sta.Fe

We only had few stops during the three-hour comfy ride and arriving at the Hagnaya port is not so exhausting. Although there was a thick crowd but we were able to get the tickets in no time. Sailing to Bantayan Island was only a few minutes away and in less than an hour, we set foot in the ports of Sta. Fe where a loud music from the town band greets the tourists and locals arriving in the island.