You may find this funny but yes, you read it right - it was my first time in Cebu's top beach destination, Bantayan Island. Together with CBS Blogger friends, we enjoyed the white sand, clear blue water and of course, the foods that locals can offer. That quick trip was made possible by Arlei Travel and Tours which brought us to the island safely.

FaceCebu Author Mark Monta in Virgin Island During Sunset

It was early 5 in Saturday morning when everybody met at a food chain in The Walk, IT Park. We were all excited to enjoy another summer weekend. With Arlei's "rent a car" service, we had an amazing trip riding a Coaster going to Hagnaya Port. Aside from a comfortable ride, the driver is friendly and accommodating. So, how's our Bantayan Island experience?

CBS Bloggers with Arlei Travel And Tours Van with Background of The Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Pic by Lloyd Chua of LloydAndbehold.com

Here are some activities I recommend when you visit Bantayan Island.

1. Island Hopping - You should visit Hilantagaan island for a quick snorkeling activity and then go directly to Virgin Island for a romantic Sunset experience.

FaceCebu Author in Hilantagaan Island

FaceCebu Author, Mark Monta in Virgin island

Sunset Shot at Virgin Island

Sunset Shot at Virgin Island

Sunset Shot at Virgin Island

Sunset Shot at Virgin Island

2. Visit Obo-ob Mangrove Forest - I  did not try this last weekend but base on my online friends, this spot can give you another way of experiencing the island aside from beaches and white sands.

A post shared by Mutya Martin (@mutyamartin) on Sep 19, 2016 at 4:04am PDT

3. Tour the island with a Bike or Motorcycle - You can rent a bike or motorcycle to be used during the Tour. Locals from the port or in local Market area can offer you in just PHP 150.00, you can already enjoy the island within 24 hours.

Travelers Couch Blogger in Bantayan Island

4. Stargazing in the beachfront under a Tent - There are public beach fronts which you can set-up your tent with your friends or loved ones. But if you are lucky to have booked a room in a resort which is beachfront, then you can get those blanket or towel, set them up in the white sand and enjoy the stars at night.

5. Enjoy local foods / Visit Food District - Everybody loves to visit MJ Square and I don't disagree because comfortable foods and other fast foods are available there. But personally, if you are in hurry and hungry, please do not try Chef Panyang Restaurants and I mean all branches inside MJ Square. Here are the reasons:
a. For 3-4 branches of Chef Panyang inside MJ Square, they only have one and only Kitchen which will cook all the orders of the 3-4 branches. (Which I think the reason of 45 mins to 1 hour waiting time)
b. Untrained Personnel - Waiters will get your order in details but food will come "not in details".

Kai Adventure Apparel T-shirt was worn by FaceCebu Author, Mark Monta

And of course, before I forgot. A shout-out to Kai Adventure Apparel for a comfortable T-shirt. Kai Adventure Apparel is an outdoor brand apparel that specializes in adventure souvenirs for outdoor enthusiasts alike. It also provides customized t-shirt souvenirs for outdoor events and activities. For inquiries, check out their website www.kaiadventureapparel.com or visit them in Facebook at @kaiadventureapparel.


Arlei Travel And Tours Contact Details

Facebook: @ArleiTravel
Website: www.arleitravelandtours.com
Email: arleitravelandtours@gmail.com

Phone/Mobile:
(032) 514 2184
+63942-557-0141
+63917-777-0045

In this "Social Media" Era, instant fame is so easy just like instant coffee. That's why if you're a backpacking or travel enthusiasts, with just a beautifully edited photo of a certain place, you'll be then eager to visit it. Even though a picture paints a thousand words, sometimes the picture does not look very good in person which fails your expectations but trust FaceCebu this time, Isla Gigantes or Isla De Gigantes is indeed stunning and beautiful which will exceed your anticipations. So what is the major activity in this famous island of Iloilo province? Island Hopping is the answer!

Timex Gang in famous Cabugao Islet

Isla Gigantes Contact Details:

For Accomodation, contact MJ's Beach Inn via 09989816812 and look for Paul
For Island Hopping and Tour: Contact Gigantes island Tours and Services
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Gigantesislandtour/
Website: www.gigantesisland.com
Contact Number: 09157595000
For Van Services (Iloilo City to Port/Vice Versa) : Contact Alog via 09103105624




1. Isla Gigantes North for Farola de Sibulac-Babac  (Lighthouse)










2. Chill in Galancia Sand Seashore






3. The Best Gigantes, Antonia Islet









4. Amazing Pulupandan Islet







5. Jacket-Jacket White Sand Islet




6. Famous Cabugao Gamay Islet Top View








 




7. Long stretch of White Sand by Bantigue Islet







8. Such white sand at Puting Baybay Islet










Here are some additional stops and spots:
1. Isla Gigantes Sunset





2. Saltwater Lagoon (Tanke), Isla de Gigantes Sur (which is not available for entry)

This is how it looks outside.

This is how it looks inside

How To Travel to Isla Gigantes From Cebu? (Recommended Guide)
1. From your fave Airlines, get a trip from Cebu to Iloilo International Airport
2. From the Airport, you may:
   a. Take a Van to SM City Cebu
   b. Take a Taxi to Tagbak Terminal
3. If you choose option "a" above, then you may:
   a. take a jeepney bound to Leganes and drop to Tagbak Terminal
   b. take a taxi to Tagbak Terminal
4. From Tagbak Terminal, get a bus bound to Estancia. 4 Hours Travel Time. PHP 185-200 fare.
5. Take a tricycle from Estancia Ceres Terminal to Estancia Feeder Port.
6. Public Boat is available in the port going to Isla Gigantes