For those who dream of relaxing on a beautiful sandy beach, lovers of diving and Asian exoticism, a vacation in the Philippines is an excellent choice.

The Philippines is a state located in the Pacific Ocean on more than seven thousand islands that are part of the Malay Archipelago. The relief of the islands is mostly mountainous, a significant part of them is covered with lush tropical forests. The islands are washed by the waters of three seas, these are the Philippine and South China Seas and the Sulawesi Sea. In the north, the archipelago is separated from Taiwan by the Bashi Strait.

The climate of the Philippines is tropical monsoonal. A feature of this climate is a large amount of precipitation, which falls from spring to autumn. But in winter there is practically no precipitation, which is especially noticeable in the west of the islands of Luzon, Palawan and the Visayas. In the north of the territory, typhoons are not uncommon and the danger of tsunamis is great.

Despite the not very stable political situation, the Philippines, whose beaches are ideal for comfortable rest attract many tourists. Any of the thousands of islands can serve as a wonderful vacation spot, for lovers of convenience and peace - wonderfully equipped sandy beaches, for extreme lovers - a lot of opportunities for recreation in uncharted territories. For such, the rainy season is not a hindrance. In general, nature, climate, culture of these places are exotic for a resident middle lane. The largest of the entire group of Philippine islands are Luzon, Samar, Mindao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Panay, Leyte.

Frantic Rhythm big city will drive anyone crazy. Sitting at the next report, you dream of soaking up the sun on the sea or ocean. So isn't it time to let your dream come true? Take a vacation, pack your bags and fly away from all hardships to where virgin nature, tropical forests, alluring reefs, mysterious caves, breathtaking landscapes. The best beaches Philippines with their Asian hospitality, they will give you an unforgettable fairy tale.

Unique and not similar to each other. They invariably attract thousands of tourists from all over the world, offering vacationers a warm caressing sea (water temperature 26-28 degrees), sparkling with multifaceted shades - from blue to emerald green, and dazzling White sand.

In the north of Panay Island is the famous Boracay beach - it is one of the ten best beaches in the world. The sand shimmering in the sun and the crystal clear sea attract here, like a magnet, lovers of swimming in warm waters, scuba diving and windsurfing. Only in Boracay and Hawaii can you see miniature, white clouds, clustered on the horizon in small piles. Apart from water activities, Boracay is the center of club parties. The fun here continues from dusk to dawn.

A more relaxed and relaxed atmosphere offers Bantayan Beach (Cebu Province). Here you will not hear loud music, which is a constant companion of noisy and cheerful Boracay. Only the whisper of coastal waves and a light breath of fresh breeze break the serenity of relaxation in this virgin paradise.


For a long time, Palawan, despite the amazing beauty of its places, remained deprived of the attention of vacationers. The color of this place is given by the village houses, lost among the untouched wildlife. At present, the situation has changed dramatically. According to most vacationers, Palawan has the best beaches in the Philippines.

The beaches of the island are very popular with divers and other lovers. thrill. The absolute favorite is the Honda Bay beach, consisting of several islets, surrounded by coral reefs, crystal clear waters and soft white sand. The uniqueness of these places was also highly appreciated by UNESCO, declaring the Tubbataha reef a world heritage in 1998 and taking it under its protection. No matter what type of holiday you choose - whether it's swimming in the cool waters, exploring the underwater world with scuba diving or sunbathing - Honda Bay will make a lasting impression on you!


In the province of Palawan, the resort of El Nido is located, which includes about 45 islands, as if ringed with marble rocks, which gave shelter to a variety of tropical birds. The beaches of El Nido, like all the rest Philippines beaches are incredibly beautiful. Among other things, this area is famous for its delicious and interesting soups - in Chinese restaurants, you will certainly be offered to try Nido soup, made from the nests of local birds. Virgin nature, beautiful forests, sunny beaches, inviting reefs, mysterious caves and breathtaking landscapes - you will not find such a view anywhere else!


Puraran and Siargao best beaches in the philippines for surfers, they are on par with the beaches of Australia, Hawaii and Japan. The most popular is Puraran, located on the island of Catanduanes. On weekends, lovers flock here to ride the wave from the ranks of tourists and local residents. The territory of the beach is limited by high rocks and stones. In the cold season, there are very strong currents in the sea and endless downpours. Huge waves of Siargao Beach, up to 12 feet high, from August to March attract desperate and brave athletes. The Siargao Cup Surfing Competition is held annually in mid-autumn, an important sporting event in the country that attracts participants from other countries.


In the Philippines, the beaches are distinguished by wonderful white sand, which does not burn even at noon, picturesque corals and beautiful clear water. Tourists have the opportunity to combine beach holiday with diving and surfing. The most popular are some of the most visited beaches.

On the island of Boracay, everything is equipped for a comfortable stay, here is the most famous and fashionable resort in the Philippines. A lot of hotels and a beautiful beach for many kilometers, blue clear water are combined with an abundance of free space.


Mindoro Island offers vacationers beaches located in Muelle Bay near the city of Puerto Galera. The beaches of White Beach and Tamarou Beach, Laguna Beach and Sabang, located in the bay, are wonderfully suited for relaxing on the beach and diving.

Close to Bohol island are divers and tourists who like to combine swimming in the sea with visiting restaurants and entertainment centers will find the small island of Panlao. There are many hotels on the island and great places to relax on the beaches, you just need to be careful because of the abundance of sea urchins in the coastal strip and on the beach.


For those who prefer solitude, Cabilao Island, located west of Bohol, is ideal. The 2 km long Dolho Beach is an ideal place for divers due to its crystal clear waters and abundance of corals.

Catanduanes Island is located very close to Luzon, where the capital of the Philippines, Manila, is located. The beaches of the island, of which the most famous is Puraran, become the object of attention of Manila residents who spend their weekends here. In addition, Catanduanes attracts surfers who are not afraid of strong currents, which are quite dangerous in the autumn.


Great places to stay can be found near the island of Cebu. There are many inexpensive hotels on Bantayan Island, so there are enough vacationers, especially since, like everywhere else in the Philippines, the beaches are beautiful. The beaches on the island of Malapasca, located to the northeast of Cebu, are world famous, there is excellent diving for fans of diving with sharks. And the island of Puo will give its shelter to lovers of solitude.


Beach holidays in the Philippines attract more and more tourists, due to the fact that swimming can be combined with outdoor activities, cruises, excursions, even air safaris. You can use the beaches that are perfectly equipped for tourists visiting the Philippines, or you can become the discoverers of paradises. The abundance of islands allows you to escape from the vagaries of rather unstable weather, moving from beach to beach.

The Philippines has fully recovered from the effects of Typhoon Haiyan and is actively thanking the whole world for the support provided to them in difficult times. Now is the time to remember the rich heritage of the archipelago's 7,000 islands, in particular its white-sand beaches surrounded by tropical palms. CNN has compiled a list of the top 10 beaches in the Philippines.

1. El Nido, Palawan

The coastal city of El Nido is the "last frontier" of the Philippines and the gateway to the world of wildlife. Of course, there is the finest white sand and crystal blue water, but the beaches of El Nido rightfully take first place due to the views that open from its lagoons. Majestic rock formations, virgin nature, marble cliffs, prehistoric caves and many waterfalls - everywhere a human foot can go, and the view is mesmerizing.

El Nido is also one of the best destinations for diving - the coastal waters of Palawan are fraught with more than 50 species of corals, as well as rare species of animals such as whales, whale sharks, manatees, rays, dolphins and sea turtles.

2. Boracay, Aklan

The white beaches of Boracay stretch for 4 km along the coast of the island and gladly welcome travelers from all over the world. Families relax on the beach during the day, tourists enjoy water sports, and at night the lights of cozy restaurants and bars light up along the beach, which are open until dawn.

In the first months of the year, kiteboarders and windsurfers from all over the world come to Boracay to take part in the International Funboard Cup. Strong waves at this time of the year make the island perfect place pilgrimage for all lovers of these sports.

3. Palaui, Cagayan Valley

This secluded island is the Philippines' little secret. It is quite difficult to get there, but stubborn travelers will be generously rewarded. White sands in the embrace of volcanic rocks gently merge with the azure waters of the lagoon, revealing the untouched virgin nature of this place. There are no hotels on Palui, so if you want to stay there for more than one day, travelers are offered the opportunity to put up tents on the shore.

Snorkeling and diving off the coast of Palui will reveal to travelers the underwater gardens of coral reefs and the wealth of their inhabitants.

Among the other beaches included in the CNN rating, such popular destinations in Russia as Bohol, Cebu and Davao are also indicated. The beaches in the Philippines are distinguished by white sand, clear ocean water and rich undersea world, therefore, the rating is more dependent on other opportunities that open up on the island, or the uniqueness of the local nature.

1. El Nido, Palawan
2. Boracay, Aklan
3. Palaui, Cagayan Valley
4. Panglao, Bohol
5. Bantayan, Cebu
6. Caramoan, South Camarines
7. Samal, Davao
8. Siargao Islands, Surigao North
9. Grande Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga
10. Pagudpud, North Ilocos

You can find detailed information and news about the Philippines on the website of the Ministry of Tourism (www.tourism.gov.ph) or the representative office of the tourism office in Russia (

The best beaches in the Philippines

The secret lagoon is located next to the island of Palawan. Often, tourists from Palawan go for a walk along the secret lagoon. Everyone has their own goal - fishing (fortunately, the variety of marine life completely satisfies the tastes of the most experienced fishermen), the excursion direction is a rocky channel with wild palm trees and other greenery on drooping stones.

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Mindoro Beach, Philippines

The best beaches in the Philippines

Mindoro is the seventh largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It is separated by mountains and has two provinces: western and eastern. The Spaniards, having conquered this area, called it the "Gold Mine". Gorgeous waterfalls, amazingly extraordinary life under water, beautiful park, dive clubs, yachts - these are the advantages of Mindoro.

You will be transported to the world of a fairy tale among coral reefs, jungles, beautiful mountains. Tamarao is a local dwarf buffalo, it seems to be some kind of magical character. Travelers visit cockfights. The seasons in Mindoro are well defined. From May to September it is windy and rainy here, so it is stormy. But the rest of the period there is little precipitation, the water is calm. The mountains are a little cooler, but this does not spoil the overall comfort.

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Sumilon Beach, Philippines

The best beaches in the Philippines

Philippine Island Sumilon is located to the east of Cebu. On the territory of this island there is a sandy beach strewn with clean white sand. Now main beach Sumilon Island bears the proud title of National Wildlife Refuge. It is also recognized as a marine reserve. This sandy Philippine beach is considered ideal for active diving.

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Nacpan Beach, Philippines

The best beaches in the Philippines

Nacpan Beach can be called a sort of paradise on earth. It is located in the Philippines, on the territory of a colorful marine reserve called El Nido (Palawan Island). On all sides, the beach is surrounded by a variety of exotic plants that cannot but delight the eye. Water, in turn, attracts tourists with fabulous turquoise. Perhaps the main hallmark, which distinguishes Nacpan from other beaches, is a kind of curiosity in its features. Tourists, having arrived in El Nido, will be able to feel alone, because on the shore, you will not notice a crowd of tourists - they are practically absent here!

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White Beach Beach, Philippines

The best beaches in the Philippines

Beachgoers often praise one wonderful place on the island of Boracay in the Philippines. And it is called White (or as they say White) Beach. The infrastructure is developed. The island itself is small, has no airport, but there are many boats. The length of the White Beach itself is 4 km. It's amazing, it's not for nothing that it's in the top 10 in the world!

White sand changes along the length of the beach, at first it can be compared with semolina, the further north it becomes, the smaller it becomes. The pleasant turquoise hue of the water immediately attracts vacationers, the bottom is even, smooth, there are no stones and other surprises on it. Corals are further away from the coast. You can see everything in the water. If you are afraid of great depth, waves, then do not miss this beach.

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Pamilacan Island Beach, Philippines

The best beaches in the Philippines

Do you want to see real dolphins? How about watching live whales? So a trip to the Pamilacan is for you. It is an island in the Philippines, belonging to the Bohol Atoll. Back in 1565, the leader agreed to be friends with representatives of Spain. In those ancient times, the relationship between the Filipinos and the Spaniards began. People who are strikingly different in mentality and way of life.

Clean and white sandy beaches attract people to the local sunny holiday. There are equipped places, but mostly wild beaches. Hotels lurk in the mangrove thickets, as if hiding among the virgin and charming nature. Fishing in Pamilacan has always existed, and given the demand of tourists, it is gaining momentum.

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The Philippines is a group of islands located in South-East Asia, and are washed Pacific Ocean. The country is famous for its mild climate, picturesque nature, as well as mysterious healers-healers. Tourists and travelers from all over the world flock here all year round. They are attracted by crystal clear water, sandy beaches, rich underwater world.

The coast of the Philippines offers vacationers a lot of sports entertainment: kayaking, windsurfing, yachting, spearfishing. After active rest you can lie with great pleasure on the wonderful local beaches, since there are no problems with this.

The best beaches in the Philippines

white beach

The name of the beach speaks for itself. A five-kilometer strip of white sand along the ocean will not leave anyone indifferent from tourists. All over coastline there are many quite inexpensive hotels, bars and restaurants. White Beach is rightfully included in the hundred best beaches in the world. But a distinctive feature of this place is a calm, cozy atmosphere and not a very large crowd of people (with the exception of April-May, when school holidays come). There are practically no corals here, so diving enthusiasts will have to take a boat to the nearest reef. From November to April, the traditional time for the influx of windsurfers.

Honda Bay

The bay, located on the island of Palawan, traditionally attracts diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. This place has only recently become popular with vacationers, so the infrastructure is not so developed here - there are very few shops and restaurants. Honda Bay is white sand beaches and picturesque corals around them.

Malapaska

A small island has only recently taken a place in the ranking of the best beaches in the world. Malapasca is located near the island of Cebu. An attraction is the vast population of local sharks, which attracts the attention of divers from all over the world. The best time to relax on the island is February-May, when the weather is dry and warm.

Bantayan

At a distance of 15 kilometers from the island of Cebu lies Bantayan. It is famous for its crystal clear water and fine white sand. Bantayan relatively inexpensive resort. The influx of people here is quite significant, especially in the Santa Fe area. Those wishing to retire should go to the island of Puo.

Puraran

One of the best places for surfing in the Philippines. On weekends, metropolitan residents from Manila come here. The resort is also famous for its fine white sand and excellent, wide beaches. Puraran is located in the rainiest region of the country, so best time April-June will be for vacation.

These are the best beaches in the Philippines, but the choice was not so easy. After all, nature has generously endowed the country with luxurious beaches.

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We tell you where in the Philippines it is best to live and relax for those who dream of heavenly landscapes and the clearest sea, but at the same time prefer peace and solitude. All about Bantayan Island: a detailed guide and tips.

Exchange rate: 1 Philippine peso (PHP) ≈ 1.3 RUB.

Why you should go to Bantayan

Tired of the noisy and dirty Manila and Cebu City, we decided to settle on some paradise island that the Philippines is famous for for two weeks. The question arose where it is better to live and relax in the Philippines. We collected information about various islands for a long time and chose the best one for living according to the following criteria:

• excellent beaches;
• peace and quiet;
• lack of crowds of tourists;
• inexpensive accommodation;
• inexpensive food;
• security.

Comparison with other islands. Boracay, Panglao, Palawan, Malapascua and Bantayan claimed the title of the best island in the Philippines. We immediately threw back the south of the Philippines because of the terrorists - just recently, tourists were kidnapped from the Samala resort, and we didn’t want to take risks. Boracay did not suit us because of the high prices and congestion of tourists, Palawan - remoteness, high cost and lack of permanent power supply (El Nido), the once paradise Malapascua, judging by the reviews, has not yet fully recovered from the devastating typhoon, and the reviews about Panglao were not the best, as we ourselves were convinced by visiting the island at the very end of our trip to the Philippines. Bantayan remained: good feedback, nice pictures, proximity to Cebu. And we went there.

Atmosphere on the island. After living for two weeks on the island in the resort of Santa Fe, we can say that this is the place where you want to return. In Santa Fe, there is an atmosphere of thoughtful idleness: during the day there is practically no one on the streets, only European expats sip beer in bars, and in the evening tourists creep out to restaurants. There is always a siesta here, and the scenery is almost like from a Bounty advertisement. Bantayan can rightfully be called one of the best islands in the Philippines for recreation and life.

Feel free to choose Bantayan Island for relaxation - it has not yet been spoiled by tourists at all. Read this review - our tips will help you easily organize your vacation.

How to get to Bantayan from Cebu City

Bantayan Island is located in the northwest of Cebu Island. There are no ferries from Cebu City to Bantayan, you need to sail from the port of Hagnaya Port. You can get to the port by bus, which departs from the North Terminal - you can get there by taxi, tricycle or jeepney (the 01K route and several others run from the city center). Buses from the Northern Bus Station run frequently, approximately every half an hour, from 4 am to 5 pm. Travel time is approximately 4 hours. The ticket costs 170 pesos.

We were on a flight that leaves at 10:30 (actually it leaves at 11). The buses are comfortable, with air conditioning, TV and Wi-Fi. On the way, one stop lasting half an hour - you can eat and go to the toilet (entrance 2 pesos). In total, we drove 4 hours, but the way back took a little longer due to traffic jams - about 5 hours.

The bus arrives directly at the port of Hagnai, upon arrival we purchased tickets for the nearest ferry (180 pesos ticket and 10 pesos port tax). Ferries run from approximately 6 am to 6 pm hourly. On the way - about 1 hour. Schedules can be viewed and, but it's hard to say how relevant they are - this is the Philippines.

The port of Santa Fe is full of tricycles (motorcycles with a sidecar) that will take you anywhere. Bargain, the ticket costs 15-25 pesos per person depending on the distance.

Where to live in Bantayan: hotels, resorts, guesthouses

The most pleasant place to live in Bantayan is the resort town of Santa Fe (although you can hardly call it a city). Why is he good? As we wrote above, there is a pleasant atmosphere here, deserted beaches, clear sea and beautiful scenery. The best beaches are in Santa Fe - the rest are unsuitable for swimming.

Second Big City- Bantayan. There is a large market, many cafes, an old church, an ATM. Tourists come here only for food and attractions.

The third city is Madridejos. There is a dilapidated Spanish fort (Kota Park). There are practically no tourists.

We lived in Santa Fe, so we give the names and prices of the resort hotels that we went around on our own, and also give advice.

Most luxury hotels located on the first line: mostly rooms with a fan cost from 800 pesos, with air conditioning - from 1000 pesos. It is cheaper in guesthouses and small hotels: from 500 pesos for a room with a fan and from 800 for an air-conditioned room.

Casa Isabel Hostel

600 pesos for two for a barn with a disgusting smell of paint, poisonous green walls, a noisy fan and a shared bathroom. Here we spent our first night in Santa Fe. The beach is quite far. On the plus side: friendly hostess who personally prepares a delicious breakfast.

Nordic Inn

900 pesos for two for a room with its own bathroom. The room is nice but modest, there was no table and chair. Quite expensive, they refused to give a discount for long stay, although we read a review that someone lived in this guesthouse for 15 thousand pesos a month. Very close to the beach.

Mayet's Beach Resort

Located on the first line, right on the beach, but far from the city center - next to the Ogtong Cave Resort. There are no places to eat nearby. A room with a fan - 600 pesos, with air conditioning - 1200 pesos. The furnishings are meager, there was practically no furniture in the rooms for 600 pesos. The reviews wrote that a lot of ants.

Yooneek Beach Resort and Yooneek Inn

There are bungalows on the beach (Resort) and across the road (Inn). Prices are high both there and there: for a room with a fan 1100 and 990 pesos, respectively, with air conditioning - 1700 and 1300 pesos. Repelled by a large number of European vacationers and high prices. At the reception it was written that there is a discount for long-steers.

Budyong Beach Resort

Good retreat. Bungalow on the third line with a fan and a bathroom - 800 pesos. Outside there is a table and chairs, in the room there is a TV and a wardrobe. Up to 700 pesos off for long stays. On line 3, the Wi-Fi signal is weak.

Kota Beach (next to Budyong Beach Resort)

Beautiful resort on the first line. The cheapest room costs 900 pesos (with fan) - cool, comfortable, furnished and with its own bathroom. Outside, on the terrace, there is a table and chairs. Air-conditioned room - from 1400 pesos. Significant minus - Wi-Fi only in the public area.

There is also Kota Beach Resort next to the port, we were not there - we are talking about the fact that next to Budyong Beach Resort.

Sophia Resort

Rooms with a fan - 800 pesos, with air conditioning - 1000 pesos, 1500 are good bungalows. Rooms for 800 pesos are modest, there is a bathroom, but there is no wardrobe. There are sockets on the street, a table and chairs, but the room smells unpleasant. Far from the center of the resort.

seven star

Bungalow with fan for 700, with air conditioning - 800. Beach 3 minutes walk. Discount for long stay - 100 pesos. The bungalows are not bad, but from the outside the courtyard looks bad - construction debris is lying around.

Amihan Beach Cabanas

Very nice and cozy resort with bungalows, hammocks and gazebos on the beach. Expensive: bungalow with a fan 2500 pesos, with air conditioning - 3000. But there are all the amenities, even a refrigerator and hot water, which is very rare in the Philippines.

RR Lodging House

After looking at a bunch of hotels, we stopped at this guesthouse. The room is very bright and comfortable, spacious enough, there is a shower and toilet, a table, a wardrobe, a TV, and air conditioning - we paid 650 pesos per day for it (it costs 800 without a discount). Room with fan and no bathroom - 450 pesos. There is a terrace with table and chairs. The owner - his name is Raul - brings a thermos of hot water every morning. Laundry - 50 per kilogram.

Of the minuses: a lot of insects (ants and large cockroaches!); cold shower only; there was no cleaning for 2 weeks at all (1 time they changed the linen); During the day, the owner's child was constantly crying. Pros: nice room, 1 minute to the beach. How to find: A. Batobalonos street, after HR Music Bar and opposite Casa Blanca.

Adviсe:

• If you arrive late in the evening it is better to book inexpensive hotel for one night, and in the morning go around the city in search of suitable housing - Santa Fe is very small, it is easy to get around on foot.
• We recommend that you do not book accommodation for a long time immediately, but visit hotels and choose the best option, as often the picture on the site is not true: there may be a dark and musty room, poor Wi-Fi signal or thin walls, etc. besides if you are going to stay for more than two weeks, you can ask for a discount for a long stay (long stay).
• There is a large selection of houses on the island - you just need to walk around and look for the appropriate signs and announcements (House for rent) or contact the locals.

How else can you look for accommodation in Santa Fe? Look for hostels, apartments and hotels on the Roomguru search engine, it will select the most profitable options among a variety of booking systems.

Prices for food and products in Bantayan (Santa Fe)

Filipino food is not very varied: mainly rice with additives, grilled meat and soup. All this is inexpensive if you find an institution for locals. There are few of these in Santa Fe - most cafes and restaurants have a greatly inflated price tag.

In the city center there is a small place where you can eat tasty and inexpensive - we went there very often. This is an inconspicuous eatery, but the food is delicious. Address: on the right side of A. Batobalonos street, if you walk along it from the beach. There are two churches in the neighborhood (they are opposite each other), next to it is Burger Junction fast food, a little further away is Casa Isabel hostel.

Prices in the institution for locals:

• a plate of unleavened rice - 10 pesos;
• a plate of rice fried with garlic (garlic rice - very tasty!) - 25 pesos;
• grilled pork (3 skewers) - 20 pesos;
• grilled chicken leg - 45-50 pesos;
• grilled chicken breast - 45 pesos;
• plate of vegetables - 20 pesos;
• seafood - 40-50 per plate (serve);
• instant coffee - 15 pesos;
• tea - 15 pesos;
• a glass of water - 2 pesos.

You can also eat inexpensively at the food court, which is located on the same street approximately opposite Cafe del Mare - you can eat there relatively inexpensively, but the prices are almost one and a half to two times higher than in the previous establishment.

Food court prices:

• soup (small portion - 35 pesos, large - 70);
• pork barbecue (1 skewers) - 12 pesos;
• chicken wing - 40 pesos;
• chicken liver - 20 pesos;
• chicken with rice - 85 pesos;
• grilled squid - 85 pesos;
• grilled shrimp - 35 pesos;
• grilled bangus fillet - 85 pesos;
• drinks - 15 pesos;
• beer - 40 pesos.

On A. Batobalonos street there are many popular establishments of various cuisines: German, Italian, Portuguese, etc., there is also a small market on it, which in the morning is overgrown with additional tents in front of the entrance. Opposite the market, not far from the exchanger, there is also a fruit shop where you can buy fruits a little cheaper.

Fruit prices:

• mango - 90-100 pesos per kg;
• pomelo - 80 pesos apiece in the market and 40 per kg in a tent (however, they are dry there, it is better to take them in the market);
• papaya - about 50 per kg;
• bananas - about 40 pesos;
• soursop - 60 per kg;
• langsat - 90-100 per kg;
• coconut - 20-30 apiece;
• tangerines - 5 pesos apiece.

Prices for alcohol in stores are too high, for example, San Miguel beer - 37-50 pesos depending on the type, a little more expensive - in bars.

In Bantayan City, in the market, the cost of fruits is almost the same as in Santa Fe, food in the food courts is a little cheaper.

Also on our site you can read about housing, food and transport in the Philippines in general.

Rent a bike and bike in Bantayan

Renting a bike or bicycle on the island is not a problem at all. In Santa Fe, every second bike owner will take you to the rental shop, and on the street you will only hear "motorbike, ma'am" and "rent a motorbike, sir." Cost per day: from 200 pesos for a scooter, from 250 for a semi-automatic and 300 for a full-fledged motorcycle. The bikes are not bad, one might say, in excellent condition, but the roads are not, so you won’t particularly ride around the island. The asphalt is uneven, potholes and patches, in some places it simply does not exist - either concrete slabs or a dirt road.

Bicycle rental is not so common, you can find it in the supermarket area near the Corner Inn.

What to see in Bantayan

Bantayan is not rich in attractions. The road also does not bring pleasure because of weakness. The entire island can easily be explored in one day. What to see on the island? Here are some of the attractions that we liked, the cost of entry and tips on how to get there.

paradise beach

Anyone who has always dreamed of visiting a paradise beach should definitely visit this place. Finding a beach is quite difficult, but possible. We found only the third time.

Instructions: you need to drive through Ogtong Cave Resort, then along the coast to the small village of Moalboal. After passing it, on the left, look for an inconspicuous path, as if leading into a thicket of shrubs and trees. There are no pointers. You turn there - the road over stones and frozen corals is unpleasant and exhausting. At the fork, you need to turn right - you will run into a fence. Behind him - Paradise Beach with a well-groomed area and a couple of pavilions. The place is non-tourist, during our visit for 2 hours there was not a single tourist. Very beautiful, quiet and secluded. Entrance - 50 pesos. If you get lost, ask in the village - we were guided by a local resident.

St Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan

The old church makes a good impression. Beautiful stained-glass windows and interior decoration in general - without pretentiousness and vulgarity.

Kota Park in Madridejos

old spanish fort pedestrian bridge and a lighthouse in the very north of the island. Couples in love come to the bridge to meet the sunset, and local children run along the corals exposed at low tide. To get to the fort, you need to arrive early.

Ogtong Cave

Located on the territory of the resort of the same name. For 120 pesos you can look at an underground cave with crystal clear blue water. someone writes that you can swim in it, and someone denies it. We decided not to visit it, as there is a similar one in Bohol.

Omagieca Mangrove Garden (Obo-Ob)

For those interested in mangroves. You can see turtles, fish, starfish, shrimps, birds. We saw only fish and birds. Calm and quiet. Entrance 50 pesos.

What else you can visit on Bantayan: Tiyaba Cave, Sunrise Beach, Dalton Pass Shrine. You can go to the next virgin island(Virgin Island) - approximately 700 pesos per person round trip.

Cons of Bantayan

And at paradise island Bantayan has its drawbacks, alas:

• bad roads;
• poorly developed infrastructure;
• there are power outages;
• selection of fruit and inexpensive food is small;
• food is monotonous;
• hotel prices are higher than we expected;
• few attractions;
• to extend, you have to go to another island - for example, Cebu;
• pesky pearl dealers and children begging for money;
• the sea is shallow, it is not always convenient to swim - at low tide it can go 15-20 meters;
• corals are close, so there is a risk of stepping on sea ​​urchin, a star, a snake, or someone else worse - you need to carefully watch where you are stepping and not enter the sea if it is muddy and there are waves. We met all of the above, also Lyosha was stung by a jellyfish - so just in case, get insurance before the trip. But here is great diving and snorkeling!

However, all these shortcomings are either characteristic of the country as a whole, or you can turn a blind eye to them. As a result, Bantayan is one of the best places in the Philippines, where everyone who is thirsty should go a relaxing holiday on the shores of a beautiful sea.

To get to know the country better, read our extensive material about - all useful information, which may be useful for a tourist on a trip, and our tips and recommendations based on personal experience.

Intro image source: © truetraveller.ru.