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 through the secret lagoon. Everyone has their own goal - fishing (good, variety sea ​​creatures fully satisfies the well-known tastes of the most experienced fishermen), the excursion direction is a rocky canal with wildly growing palm trees and other greenery on saggy rocks.

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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 divided by mountains and has two provinces: western and eastern. The Spaniards, having conquered this area, nicknamed 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, and beautiful mountains. Tamarao is a local dwarf buffalo that seems like some kind of magical character. Travelers attend cockfights. The seasons in Mindoro are well defined. From May to September it is windy and rainy, which is why it is stormy. But throughout the rest of the period there is little precipitation and the water is calm. It is a little cooler in the mountains, but this does not spoil the overall comfort.

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Sumilon Beach, Philippines

The best beaches in the Philippines

The Philippine island of Sumilon is located east of Cebu. On the territory of this island there is sand beach, strewn with clean white sand. Now the main beach of Sumilon Island bears the proud title of a National Protected Area. 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 kind 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. The water, in turn, attracts tourists with its fabulous turquoise. Perhaps the main distinguishing feature that sets Nacpan apart from other beaches is a certain curiosity in its features. Tourists, arriving in El Nido, will be able to feel secluded, 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’s called White (or as they also say White) Beach. The infrastructure is developed. The island itself is small and does not have an airport, but there are many boats. The length of the Wait Beach itself is 4 km. He is magnificent, it is not for nothing that he is among the top ten in the world!

The white sand varies along the length of the beach, at first it can be compared to semolina, the further you go north, the finer it becomes. The pleasant turquoise hue of the water immediately attracts vacationers; the bottom is flat, smooth, and there are no stones or other surprises on it. Corals are located further from the shore. You can see everything in the water. If you are afraid of great depths and waves, then do not miss this beach.

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Pamilacan Beach, Philippines

The best beaches in the Philippines

Do you want to see real dolphins? How about watching whales live? So a trip to Pamilacan is for you. It is an island in the Philippines, part of 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 with strikingly different mentality and way of life.

Clean and snow-white beaches attract people to the local sunny holiday. There are equipped places, but mostly the beaches are wild. Hotels are hidden in the mangroves, as if hidden among pristine and charming nature. Fishing in Pamilakan has always existed, and given the demand of tourists, it is gaining momentum.

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If you are going on vacation and have chosen the most fabulous and unforgettable place - the Philippines, then you need to know the best beaches in the Philippines - the most beautiful and snow-white in the whole world. Of course, someone will argue: - however, if you really want to plunge into a tropical beach paradise, then first of all, I advise you to pay attention to the Philippines with its wonderful beaches.

A warm bluish-blue, sometimes turquoise sea splashes before your eyes, very fine white sand on the beaches, palm trees that lean towards the sea, and this whole view is reminiscent of an advertisement for a “bounty bar”. And you can see all this with your own eyes, touch it, swim, and lie on the snow-white sand. So pack your suitcase and go! The Philippines are islands where tourists come not only to sunbathe on the beaches, but also to go diving, surfing, snorkeling, i.e. admire the underwater world with a mask and fins.

You can see about the climate, population and much more about the Philippines in the article. And now we'll talk only about one thing: about the most beautiful, eye-catching beaches of the Philippines.

The best islands in the Philippines with the most beautiful beaches

Boracay Island

Beaches on the island Boracay is the most popular in the world, the beach called White is listed in the top ten best beaches in the world, so this island A must visit at least once in your life. The island is only 7 km long and 1 to 2 km wide.

White Beach

The most popular beach on the island is White beach(White Beach). It is famous for its white sand, which even at the most extreme heat does not burn your heels, because... it doesn't overheat. Along the entire beach, which is 4 km long, there are hotels for every taste and color, restaurants, bars, discos. Most are located right on the beach, giving you the opportunity to watch the sunset with your favorite cocktail or an exotic seafood dish prepared right before your eyes.

This beach is divided into three parts, which are called boat stations.


You can find many more interesting beaches on the island, but there are also some where access is closed; such beaches can be purchased by the hotel. Such a beach will be surrounded by a fence and it will be extremely difficult to get there, although you can try to introduce yourself as a hotel guest, but as they say, it’s not worth the candle, there are already enough beaches.

Dinivid Beach

There is also an interesting beach called Dinivid Beach - this is a very beautiful beach, which is surrounded by rocks, you can get to it if you walk along the coast along the cliff that separates it from the main beach.

Bulabog Beach

The main gathering place for kiters. Bulabog Beach is one of the first gathering places for kiteboarders in all of Asia.

Puka Beach

Puka Beach is a piece beach world untouched by humanity, there are no hotels, bars or restaurants on it. Very pure water, white sand, and from the heat you can hide in the shade under the large leaves of palm trees. If you get really hungry, you can find restaurants at the entrance to the beach.


Cebu Island

The island of Cebu is interesting for its history; Ferdinand Magellan landed here in 1521. Immediately, but a little later, he was killed by a leader from the neighboring island of Mactan. And after Magellan discovered this island and died here, the first colonists (Christians) who came here founded the city of Cebu, which became the first capital of the Philippines. Therefore, Cebu is considered the most historical place Philippines, there are architectural structures preserved from those times - a Spanish fortress, monuments to Magellan and the leader Lapu-Lapu, who killed him. The most interesting thing is that the locals show respect for both one and the other monument, because Magellan opened the way to Christianity for them, and the leader Lapu-Lapu, a fighter for his people, was against the Spanish colonialists.

Now the island of Cebu is popular for its beaches, and its historical part, and an abundance of fruits, and rattan wicker furniture, as well as jewelry made of semi-precious stones, coconut products, and ukuleles.

What you can see in Cebu these days historical monuments, also go shopping, sit in various restaurants with delicious food. There you can go snorkeling (swimming with a mask and fins to observe the underwater world), windsurfing, fishing, or just go out boat trip on a yacht.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW that medicine is quite expensive in the Philippines, so it is better to take care of the medical insurance policy in advance so as not to pay a tidy sum on the spot even for a small scratch. I suggest you read the following articles and purchase insurance online through our trusted resource:

Malapasca Island

This island is not large, but it is famous for its beautiful, snow-white beaches that dazzle the eyes in the sun. It is located near the island of Cebu. In Malapasca you can go diving and see the local sharks. It is better to come here from February to May - this is the most wonderful time to relax and the best beach holiday in winter.

Bohol Island

Bohol Island is a wonderful place with many natural attractions, such as the Chocolate Hills, which are apparently named after chocolate candies, because... very similar to truffles. These hills hang over very beautiful beaches and it looks very breathtaking.
The beaches are famous for their white coral sand, which Singapore bought and exported for its beaches. It is very interesting in itself that the island is of volcanic origin. The smallest monkey in the world also lives here - it is called the tarsier, this is one of the symbols of the Philippines.

Other worthy islands in the Philippines that attract tourists

Alona Beach - on Panlao Island

Not far from the island of Bohol small island Panlao, where there is an 800-meter Alona beach, there are many hotels, restaurants, diving centers for those who like to dive and see marine life with their own eyes. Tourists who come here say that it is crowded at any time of the day.

Doljo Beach

Dolho Beach is 2 km long, there are not many cafes and restaurants on it, but they are sometimes found, they say that it is rarely clean of algae, but still the view is stunning, simply unreal.

Attention! It is imperative to beware of sea urchins, and in such places wear protected swimming shoes; if there are algae, then a urchin may be entangled and hidden in them, which, if you step on it, will cause pain and trouble in the form of a wound, for which you need time to heal.

Palawan Island

The island of Palawan is made up of many small islands led by big island. Here you can see the beauty of the impenetrable jungle filled with rare animals, this beautiful beaches and caves. This place can definitely be called a place for the rich; there are a lot of good, expensive hotels for every taste. This place is also famous for diving. Here, as in many other places in the Philippines, there are beautiful white beaches.

The main attraction of Palawan is its National Park, which consists of many interconnected caves through which the underground river. A great place to go scuba diving is Honda Bay. The most a nice place for beach holidays and swimming, this is the island (marine reserve) of El Nido.

In Palawan, one of the islands of this archipelago, you can also find an uninhabited island where you can have a picnic and do whatever comes into your head. You just need to hire a boat to take you there and remember to pick you back up after some time.

Small islands, not far from the island of Palawan: Matinloc, Cadlao - are remarkable for their beaches, where you can also go snorkeling, because... not very deep and a very beautiful underwater world opens up to the tourist.

As they say, if there is a paradise in the world, this is the Philippines, I’m kidding, of course, however, it’s worth flying to the Philippines for a couple of weeks, especially since the trip itself won’t take much of your energy. - very simple. It’s your decision to prepare or buy a hot package tour. If you are interested in cheap air tickets to the Philippines, I advise you to get acquainted, or simply use the search form below.

Despite the fact that in the Philippines there is simply a huge number of all kinds of attractions that are scattered across the islands, and regional residents primarily go to the Philippines for a beach holiday, and it is simply magnificent in a country of 7107 islands.

Of course, articles like this are written by people and their opinion can often be subjective, so below is the rating of the 10 best beaches in the Philippines from Sun Philippino

1. White Beach, Boracay. Of course, it simply couldn’t be any other way; the well-deserved first place in this ranking goes to White Beach on the island of Boracay. Often the entire Philippines is meant by this island and many tourists don’t even think that there is not only Boracay but also Bohol, Cebu, Palawan and the list is huge. Let's return to the beach; it is 4 kilometers of wide sandy strip. The sand is amazingly white, very fine and delicate. Exactly White color sand plus the clarity of the water and give the famous color of Boracay, azure blue. Very beautiful. This beach is ideal for swimming. Uniform gentle entry into the sea. The absence of stones and corals at the bottom as well as algae make this swimming safe and comfortable even for small children. This beach is simply a must-visit, and if not on your first visit to the Philippines, then certainly on your next one.

Boracay Island has an endless number of eateries and restaurants, and at night it is an island with a vibrant nightlife. Clubs, discos, hookah bars, live music and of course alcohol. Boracay attracts people from the beach on one side and party people on the other. The island is conducive to new acquaintances and large groups of people.

How to get to Boracay

There are no airports on Boracay itself; two airports are located on the neighboring island of Panay.

1. Kalibo International Airport where flights from China and Korea land and of course the cheapest flights from domestic airlines are here. On average, a Manila - Kalibo flight costs $40, then a minivan transfer for 200 pesos or a taxi for 1,500 pesos will take you in about 1.5 hours to the port of Caticlan from where boats depart for Boracay, at one ticket office you can buy the boat ticket itself, in neighboring port fee and fee to the environmental company for a total of 170 pesos. On the island itself, in the port, there are tricycles on which passengers get to their hotels.

2. You can fly domestic flights to Caticlan Airport, these flights are more expensive and average $70 per person. But 10 minutes by tricycle and you are in the port of the same city of Caticlan, then a boat.

3. You can sail to the port of Caticlan on the island of Panay by ferry from the port of Batangas in the south of Luzon; it will be very inexpensive, about 900 pesos, but very long and tiring. The ferry takes 10 hours.

2. Moalboal Beach, Cebu. Many people and even experienced travelers are accustomed to thinking and writing that there are no beaches on the island of Cebu. The city of Moalboal categorically refutes these allegations. The town of Moalboal, 7 kilometers from the highway, has two beach areas. One is //// and the other is to the north and there is a huge beach there called white sand beach, almost all beaches that are wide, long and with white sand in the Philippines are called that. Therefore, we put Moalboal after a comma. So the white sand beach, Moalboal. This is approximately 1.5 kilometers of wide beach line from white sand. The entrance to the water is excellent. Swimming is a pleasure, there are very few people, along the beach there are cafes overlooking the beach with very reasonable prices for food and drinks. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas on the beach, since there are very few hotels on the beach itself and the hotel business in this direction is, for mysterious reasons, poorly developed. I am shocked by this situation, because among absolutely all the beaches in the Philippines of this level, this one is the closest because it is located on the mainland and only 3 hours drive from international airport city ​​of Cebu and you don’t have to sail anywhere else, stand in line for ferries or boats, or transfer to Thaicycles with suitcases. Everything is very simple: airport, transfer from the airport for 650 pesos, beach!

3. Pagudpud Beach, Luzon. The beach surprised me with its size and emptiness. This is about 3 kilometers of wide sandy beach and there are very few vacationers. Being there you understand what Boracay was like 30 years ago. There is an excellent descent into the water, there is a separate crustal reef that is easy to swim to and there is something to see. That is, this is a rare combination of getting caught and snorkeling. This is not common in the Philippines and usually snorkeling beaches are completely unsuitable for swimming and swimming and vice versa. There are hotels on the beach and there are very few of them. Costs from 5000 pesos to 400 pesos. I especially liked the modest bamboo houses right on the beach for 300 pesos per person, all they have is a bed and bamboo walls, but it looks very romantic and seems to hint that you already have everything you need to be happy. Shared shower. The beach is very picturesque and photographic. There is a palm grove and along much of the beach there are tall palm trees, very tall palm trees.

4. Anda Bohol. Quiet and calm unexplored beaches on the popular island of Bohol near the city of Anda will surprise you. We are accustomed to thinking that the only beach area in Bohol is Alona Beach on the Panglao Peninsula, which, by the way, is not included in this author’s subjective list of the best beaches in the Philippines. But meanwhile, if you go 3 hours from Tagbilaran or 1.5 hours from the chocolate hills towards Lambanok, you will be amazed by truly beach treasures.

Anda city is very small provincial town with a very good and beloved mayor in Bohol. The city has the most important and widest beach and it is only satellite maps it looks attractive, but in practice it is not suitable for swimming because of the corals, you need to walk along them for a very long time to get to the depth, and it will be a sharp depth with waves and the risk of hitting the coral wall. But of course, you shouldn’t get upset and turn back when you see this beauty. you need to rent a motorcycle and, armed with a map, carefully turn into all turns from the main road and at every turn you will find secluded lagoon-type beaches with white sand and a complete absence of people. In some places there will be boats, in others there won’t be, in others it will be shallow, and in others you can’t imagine a better place for swimming. It is very difficult to point out specific places since there are really a lot of them. We can only say unequivocally that the East Coast Hotel has its own beach, which is very beautiful and very suitable for swimming.

An additional gift for those who completed this search route will be small but very beautiful caves filled with fresh, cool water in which you can and should swim, especially after the sultry heat if you find it.

5. Las Cabanas Palawan

6 Nakpan Palwan

7. Malapascua Beach

8. Paradise Bantayan

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

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 for which the Philippines is famous for two weeks. The question arose, where is the best place to live and relax in the Philippines. We spent a long time collecting information about various islands and choosing the best one to live according to the following criteria:

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

Comparison with other islands. Boracay, Panglao, Palawan, Malapascua and Bantayan were contenders for the title of the best island in the Philippines. We immediately abandoned the south of the Philippines because of terrorists - just recently tourists were kidnapped from the Samala resort, and we didn’t want to take any risks. Boracay was not suitable for us due to high prices and crowds of tourists, Palawan - remoteness, high cost and lack of constant power supply (El Nido), the once paradise Malapascua, judging by the reviews, has not yet fully recovered from the devastating typhoon, and reviews of Panglao were not the best, as we ourselves were convinced of when we visited the island at the very end of our trip to the Philippines. Bantayan remained: good feedback, beautiful photos, proximity to Cebu. And we went there.

Atmosphere on the island. Having lived on the island at the Santa Fe resort for two weeks, we can say that this is the place where we want to return. An atmosphere of thoughtful idleness reigns in Santa Fe: during the day there is practically no one on the streets, only expat Europeans sip beer in bars, and in the evening tourists creep out to restaurants. There is always a siesta here, and the landscapes are almost like something out of a Bounty advertisement. Bantayan can rightfully be called one of the best islands in the Philippines for holidays and life.

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

How to get to Bantayan from Cebu City

Bantayan Island is located northwest of Cebu Island. There are no ferries from Cebu City to Bantayan; you need to sail from 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 (route 01K and several others run from the city center). Buses from the Northern Bus Station run frequently, approximately every half 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. There is one half-hour stop along the way - you can eat and go to the toilet (entrance 2 pesos). In total, we drove for 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 Hagnaya, upon arrival we purchased tickets for the nearest ferry (180 pesos ticket and 10 pesos port tax). Ferries run from approximately 6am to 6pm hourly. The journey takes about 1 hour. Look at the ferry schedule, but it’s hard to say how relevant it is - this is the Philippines, after all.

The port of Santa Fe is full of tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) 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 stay in Bantayan is the resort town of Santa Fe (although it would be a stretch to call it a city). What's good about it? As we wrote above, there is a pleasant atmosphere, deserted beaches, clear sea and beautiful scenery. Best beaches specifically in Santa Fe - the rest are unsuitable for swimming.

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

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

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

The most expensive hotels located on the first line: mostly rooms with a fan cost from 800 pesos, with air conditioning - from 1000 pesos. Guesthouses and small hotels are cheaper: from 500 pesos for a room with a fan and from 800 with air conditioning.

Casa Isabel Hostel

600 pesos for two for a cell with a disgusting smell of paint, poisonous green walls, a noisy fan and a shared bathroom. This is where we spent our first night in Santa Fe. It's quite far from the beach. Pros: a friendly hostess who will personally prepare a delicious breakfast.

Nordic Inn

900 pesos for two for a room with its own bathroom. The room was good, but modest, there was no table or chair. Quite expensive, they refused to give a discount for long-term stays, 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 Ogtong Cave Resort. There are no places to eat nearby. Room with fan - 600 pesos, with air conditioning - 1200 pesos. The furnishings were sparse, there was practically no furniture in the rooms for 600 pesos. The reviews said that there were a lot of ants.

Yooneek Beach Resort and Yooneek Inn

There are bungalows on the beach (Resort) and there is one across the road (Inn). Prices in both places are high: for a room with a fan 1100 and 990 pesos, respectively, for a room with air conditioning - 1700 and 1300 pesos. The large number of vacationing Europeans and high prices pushed them away. At the reception it was written that there was a discount for longsteers.

Budyong Beach Resort

Not a bad resort. Third line bungalow with fan and bathroom - 800 pesos. There is a table and chairs outside, and a TV and wardrobe in the room. They discount up to 700 pesos for long stays. Wi-Fi signal on line 3 is weak.

Kota Beach (next to Budyong Beach Resort)

Beautiful resort on the first line. The cheapest room costs 900 pesos (with a fan) - cool, cozy, furnished and with its own bathroom. There is a table and chairs outside on the terrace. Room with air conditioning - from 1400 pesos. A significant disadvantage is that Wi-Fi is only in the public area.

There is also Kota Beach Resort near the port, we were not there - we're talking about about what is next to Budyong Beach Resort.

Sophia Resort

Rooms with a fan - 800 pesos, with air conditioning - 1000 pesos, good bungalows cost 1500. The rooms for 800 pesos are modest, there is a bathroom, but no closet. There are sockets on the street, a table and chairs, but the smell in the room is unpleasant. A bit far from the resort center.

Seven Star

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

Amihan Beach Cabanas

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

RR Lodging House

After looking at a bunch of hotels, we stopped at this guesthouse. The room is very bright and cozy, quite spacious, there is a shower and toilet, a table, a wardrobe, a TV, and also an air conditioner - for it we paid 650 pesos per day (without a discount it costs 800). 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 with hot water. Washing - 50 per kilogram.

Of the minuses: a lot of insects (ants and large cockroaches!); only cold shower; there was no cleaning in 2 weeks (they changed the linen once); During the day, the owner's child was constantly crying. Pros: good 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 an inexpensive hotel for one night, and in the morning walk around the city in search of suitable accommodation - Santa Fe is very small, it is easy to get around on foot.
  • We recommend not to book accommodation for a long period of time right away, but to visit hotels and choose the best option, since often the picture on the website does not correspond to reality: there may be a dark and musty room, a poor Wi-Fi signal or thin walls, etc. in addition , if you are going to stay for more than two weeks, you can ask for a discount for a 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 advertisements (House for rent) or contact the locals.

How else can you look for housing in Santa Fe? Search for hostels, apartments and hotels on the Roomguru search engine, it will select the most profitable options among many booking systems.

Prices for food and groceries in Bantayan (Santa Fe)

Filipino food doesn't have much variety: it's mostly rice with additives, grilled meats and soup. All this is inexpensive if you find an establishment for locals. There are few of these in Santa Fe - most cafes and restaurants are highly overpriced.

In the city center there is a small place where you can eat tasty and inexpensive food - 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 next door (they are opposite each other), next to it is the fast food Burger Junction, and a little further away is the Casa Isabel hostel.

Prices at the establishment 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;
  • a plate of vegetables - 20 pesos;
  • seafood - 40-50 per plate (serve);
  • instant coffee - 15 pesos;
  • tea - 15 pesos;
  • 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.

Cost of meals at the food court:

  • soup (small portion - 35 pesos, large - 70);
  • pork barbecue (1 kebab) - 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., and there is also a small market, which in the mornings acquires 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 fruit a little cheaper.

Fruit prices:

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

The prices for alcohol in stores are inflated, for example, San Miguel beer is 37-50 pesos depending on the type, a little more expensive in bars.

In Bantayan City, the cost of fruit at the market is almost the same as in Santa Fe; at the food courts, food costs a little less.

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

Bike and Bicycle Rental in Bantayan

Renting a motorbike or bicycle on the island is not a problem at all. In Santa Fe, every second bike owner will take you to a rental point, and on the street you will only hear “motorbike, ma’am” and “rent e 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 can’t really ride around the island. The asphalt is uneven, full of potholes and patches, and in some places it simply isn’t there - either concrete slabs or a dirt road.

Bicycle rentals are not that common, but can be found in the supermarket area near the Corner Inn.

What to see in Bantayan

Bantayan is not rich in attractions. The road is also not enjoyable due to the roughness. You can easily travel around the entire island in one day. What to see on the island? Here are some of the attractions we liked, the cost of entry and tips on how to get there.

Paradise Beach

The one who always dreamed of visiting paradise beach, must definitely visit this place. Finding a beach is quite difficult, but possible. We found it only the third time.

Instructions: you need to drive through Ogtong Cave Resort, then along the coast to the small village of Moalboal. Having passed it, look on the left for an inconspicuous path that seems to lead into a thicket of bushes and trees. There are no signs. 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 it is Paradise Beach with a well-groomed area and a couple of gazebos. The place is non-tourist; during our visit there were not a single tourist for 2 hours. Very beautiful, quiet and secluded. Entrance - 50 pesos. If you get lost, ask in the village - a local resident guided us.

St Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan

The ancient church makes a pleasant impression. Beautiful stained glass windows and interior decoration in general - without pretentiousness or vulgarity.

Kota Park in Madridejos

Ancient Spanish fort pedestrian bridge and a lighthouse in the very north of the island. Couples in love come to the bridge to watch the sunset, and local children run along the exposed corals 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 underground cave with crystal clear blue water. someone writes that you can swim in it, and someone denies this. We decided not to visit it, since there is a similar one in Bohol.

Omagieca Mangrove Garden (Obo-Ob)

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

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

Cons of Bantayan

And the paradise island of Bantayan has its drawbacks, alas:

  • bad roads;
  • poorly developed infrastructure;
  • there are power outages;
  • the selection of fruits and inexpensive food is small;
  • the food is monotonous;
  • hotel prices are higher than we expected;
  • few attractions;
  • to renew, you will have to go to another island - for example, Cebu;
  • pestering pearl merchants 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 away;
  • the corals are close, so there is a risk of stepping on sea ​​urchin, a star, a snake, or something worse - you need to carefully watch where you are stepping, and not enter the sea if it is cloudy and there are waves. We met all of the above, and Lesha was also stung by a jellyfish - so just in case, purchase insurance before your trip. But there is excellent diving and snorkeling here!

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 anyone who craves a relaxing holiday on the shores of the beautiful sea should go.

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

Introductory image source: © truetraveller.ru.

The main trump cards of the Philippine Islands are their nature, exoticism and local residents. Incredibly beautiful landscapes, rainforests And National parks attract travelers from all over the world. Transparent water and snow-white beaches give the country the status of a paradise. And Filipinos are always very sociable, smiling and ready to help any tourist. The archipelago consists of more than 7 thousand islands, each of which has its own recreational features.

Selecting a location

The best islands of the Philippines, popular with most tourists, can be represented in the form of the following list: Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Palawan, Panglau, Negros, Bantayan. The selection criteria are individual for each tourist. If the main criterion for selection is the opportunity to spend time actively, then any part of the archipelago will do. Diving, snorkeling and kiting are developed at the highest level. For divers, this is a real expanse - a rich underwater world combined with clear waters opens up new facets of this hobby.

Other key criteria, especially for family trips, often include:

  • low cost of living;
  • safety and tranquility;
  • developed beach structure;
  • low prices for food and entertainment;
  • lack of tourist crowds.

Boracay's equal beach holiday No. Snow-white sand has a powder-like texture, and hotel complexes located in the shade of branchy palm trees. When the sun sets, activity begins night life. This is one of best options for young people. The entertainment infrastructure is very widely developed - bars, restaurants, discos. But all these advantages have led to a large influx of travelers. So for those looking for solitude, Boracay is unlikely to be suitable. And the prices are above average.

Bohol is primarily chosen by those who welcome eco-tourism. A world-class attraction is the picturesque Chocolate Hills. Bug-eyed monkeys, tarsiers, live here. An entire park is dedicated to animals. The infrastructure is poorly developed, there are also few nightlife activities, so the main attraction of the territory lies in the coastal zone.

Panglao is located near Bohol, and coastline It’s better there, but the price tags for accommodation are not the most acceptable. On the contrary, to shops, you have to go across the bridge to Bohol. Not everyone is happy with the constant movement from Bohol territory to Panglao. The beaches are crowded, with foreigners and locals gathering from morning until sunset.

Palawan's main attraction is a park consisting of a network of caves connected by an underground river. Vacations are considered comfortable, but also expensive. In addition to the pricing policy, travelers are not satisfied with the remoteness of this part from the main archipelago and the lack of constant power supply. But for lovers of untouched nature and solitude, the place is perfect. This is the safest part of the archipelago - there are no volcanoes nearby and earthquakes do not occur.

Divers love Negros. This is the main positive side of the point. Another advantage is the large number of spas. The beaches are small, with volcanic sand. It will be quite possible to retire away from the main tourist flow. Those who like to wander through the jungle will also find something to keep themselves busy.

Cebu is predominantly excursion holiday. Cebu has many historical attractions, plenty of shopping, beautiful nature and ideal climatic conditions. But the underdeveloped beach infrastructure is not suitable for everyone, because most vacationers are looking for a good coastal area in this area. island state. However, very close to Cebu is the small island of Bantayan. Bantayan satisfies all the above criteria. Its size is quite large, there are shops and good internet. At the same time, it is small for large crowds of travelers and local vacationers. The coastal area here is no worse than in Boracay, and prices for accommodation and food are much lower. It is often called a lost paradise due to the lack of crowds of tourists. For family vacation and on vacation with children, the place will be an ideal destination. There are three cities on the island territory - Santa Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos. The first of them is in great demand.

The tourist decides which island in the Philippines to choose on his own, depending on his preferences and the nature of his vacation. The local currency is Philippine pesos. One dollar is equal to 49 pesos, 1 peso is equivalent to 1.25 rubles.

How to get there?

In order to travel to Bantayan, you need to board ferry crossing in the city of Hagnaya. Ferries depart every 30-60 minutes depending on the time of day. However, flights may be canceled if there are not enough passengers for the trip. A ticket in 2019 costs 170 local units, the travel time is 70-80 minutes.

You can get to the station from Cebu City by bus. To do this, you should find the Northern Bus Station next to the large supermarket “SMcityCebu”. At the station you need to find buses going to Hagnai. The travel time will be about 3.5 hours. The fare ranges from 120 to 180 pesos, depending on the type of carrier. Older cars without air conditioning are cheaper.

From here you can take a specialized route that goes directly to the island, as it is transported by a cargo ferry. There are only 4 of them per day: at 12 am, at 4 am, at 10 am and at 12:30.

If the departure is planned from Boracay, then from the city of Iloilo you need to take a passenger boat - Bangui. Boats move only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Departure at 9 am. On other days, ships move in the opposite direction at the same time. The journey will take about 3.5 hours. But it is worth considering that due to low tides, the schedule may be different.

Bantayan is often combined with the island of Malapascua. From here you need to get to the port of Mayo, where you can board bus route for 18 pesos. You should get off at the Don Pedro stop, and then take a tricycle (motorcycle with sidecar) to Hagnay. Fee: 15 local units. Transport will take you to the ferry station, as in the first case.
Upon arrival at the port of Santa Fe, you can also take a tricycle. You can negotiate with the drivers, and any route will not cost 25 p. First, everyone quotes a price of at least a hundred.

Accommodation

Where to relax in the Philippines if you choose Bantayan territory? Of the three settlements Santa Fe stands out. There are high-quality deserted beaches, the most beautiful landscapes, cleanliness and tranquility. The town of the same name as the island is mainly intended for buying groceries and sightseeing. This is a big market Square, many catering outlets and ATMs. Madridejos is famous for the ruins of a fort, which are suitable as a landscape for a photo shoot. There are practically no tourists there.

Prices for housing start from 500 pesos per room in small hostels, and from 1000 for a hotel on the first line. Holidays in December are considered the peak of the tourist season, which can cause housing prices to increase. Some hotels will offer a discount for long-term stays. For an average cost of 800 p. you can get Double Room with private bathroom, TV, wardrobe and fan. For a minimal fee there may be no bathroom, no closet, just beds and chairs.

If your arrival occurs at night, it is better to book a hostel for the first night, and in the morning go looking for suitable housing if this option does not suit you. It is not worth leaving a reservation immediately for a long time, since upon check-in many disadvantages may be revealed, and the money will not be returned. It is not difficult to rent a house; the indigenous population offers many options. You should look for "House for rent" signs.

Meal fee

A traveler even with the most modest budget will not go hungry - the price tags for food here are low. However, Filipino food cannot be called diverse. Many of the dishes offered consist of the same products - meat, rice with additives, soups. But fruits are presented in abundance.

In the central part of the island there are many cafes, food courts and other food outlets. At food courts the cost will be slightly higher than in cafeterias.

Overview of approximate food prices (in pesos):

  • a bowl of soup from 35 to 70;
  • small pork kebab - 12;
  • unleavened rice - 10, and rice fried with garlic - 25;
  • grilled shrimp and squid - 35 and 85, respectively;
  • rice with chicken - 85;
  • one chicken wing - 40, breast - 45;
  • seafood plate - up to 50;
  • chicken liver - 20;
  • tea and coffee - 15;
  • beer - 40.

The cheapest can be called Hard Kock Kafe, but its downside is that the menu is very limited. Ice Blue cafe serves good fish and pork dishes. They also offer delicious fruit shakes. You can taste excellent cocktails at Cou cou cafe. You should not order European dishes, even if they are on the list - there will be a noticeable difference from the usual dishes.

Here you can try the national dish called dangit - fried chicken with rice, wrapped in banana leaves. Other traditional dishes are sold mainly from street stalls. The dish is called egg balut - these are duck eggs in which the fruit has not yet fully developed.

Philippine prices for alcoholic drinks are not inflated. The local beer San Migue has a pleasant taste; the fee starts from 30 p., it will be a little more expensive in bars. Among European varieties you can find Heineken, Corona, Budweiser.
There is also a market in the center with many fruit stalls.

Fruits cost the following amounts:

  • mango - up to 100;
  • pomelo - up to 80;
  • papaya - about 50;
  • bananas - about 40;
  • apples - from 40 per kg;
  • coconut - from 20 per piece;
  • tangerines - from 5 for 1 piece.

Beaches and entertainment

It is better to relax in the Philippines on the Bantayan coast. There are three main beaches on the island territory, which is not much, but there are no complaints about their arrangement and quality.

SugarBeach (sometimes called Kotabeach after the hotel of the same name nearby). It stretches 2 kilometers in length. The water is crystal clear and the entrance to the sea is perfect. Granulated sugar is great for playing on. In January, nearby hotels put out their sun loungers. The main feature is the V-shape, which is why both sunset and sunrise can be observed from one place.

Alice Beach. It starts from the ferry station and is considered best place to watch the sunrise. There are always sunbeds and umbrellas here, even though there are only a few of them. The sand is slightly yellowish from shells and pebbles.

Maya Beach. It has a very short line, which means that during low tides it takes a long time to reach the water. There is an excellent hotel very close by.

Other entertainment options include a boat tour to Virgin Island, which costs P1,200 per day, including a very tasty lunch. This is a prime spot for snorkelers as it is home to the closest coral reef.

Nature lovers should visit the mangrove garden, entrance fee is 50 p. Here you can watch turtles, fish and birds. Oktong Cave is located next to the hotel of the same name, so its guests can swim in the underground pool for free. Other tourists will have to pay 100 p.

It is also recommended to visit the ancient Catholic church in Sante Fe, visit the tennis court and admire the cockfights. For all visits it is better to rent a motorbike. A simple scooter will cost 200 p. per day, a bike with a semi-automatic transmission will cost 250, and a full-fledged motorcycle will cost 300. It should be taken into account that the island roads are very bad, with holes and potholes. This is the first disadvantage of Bantayan.

Other negative points include:

  • pestering traders;
  • power outages;
  • during low tides the sea becomes shallow, making swimming uncomfortable;
  • monotonous food;
  • poorly developed infrastructure.

When to go to the archipelago?

Having decided where to relax in the Philippines, you need to decide on the optimal period for the trip. The high season is considered to be the period from November to April. It is at this time that the water and air heat up to high temperatures, and heavy rains stop. The traveler will have to get used to the fact that his clothes will always remain a little damp at this time.

In March, those who want to weather They weren't that hot. During this period, divers can observe the spring spawning of fish. Those who are afraid of seismic activity are advised to go here in February, when its values ​​are minimal. But house prices may rise slightly compared to other periods. The heat is subsiding, and you can claim a beautiful and even tan.

If the vacation takes place in September, then you need to take into account that there will still be precipitation, although it will already begin to decline. There will not be many hot days, so the risk of burning is reduced. Many foreigners prefer this season because of the possibility of successful fishing.

Where is the best place for families with children to go? While Bantayan is recommended for its tranquility, Bohol offers more tranquility with more varied food options, the opportunity to visit a marine sanctuary and a greater selection of clinics in case of emergencies. The coastal area is quite safe; the water will only reach your waist for a long time. Preference should be given to the central and western parts of the archipelago. If a typhoon happens, they are the safest.

Every traveler has different parameters for where to be in the Philippines. It all depends not only on the traveler’s wallet, but also on age, the nature of the trip and personal hobbies. Couples with children are not recommended to go on an excursion into the jungle - there is a risk of meeting snakes and spiders.

Tourist flow from Russia to Philippine Islands established and is only growing every year. This is not only a wonderful climate and breathtaking natural views, but also delicious cuisine, developed resorts with many offers for divers. Question, ...