Bantayan Island is in the Visayan Sea, Philippines, located just west off the northern tip of Cebu Island. The island, politically a part of the Province of Cebu, is about 7 miles (11 km) wide by 10 miles (16 km) long. It is also the main and largest island of the Bantayan Island Group that is roughly the geographical center of the Philippines. Bantayan Islands are considered as Cebu’s fishing ground from where boatloads of fish are transported daily to Cebu City and Negros. Bantayan island has been dubbed as the quiet version of tourist favorite Boracay, which is considered by many as one of the best beach destinations in the world.
Located just west off the northern tip of Cebu in Southern Philippines, Bantayan is known for its white sand, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals. It is composed of three municipalities – Sta. Fe (where most of the resorts are), Bantayan and Madrilejos.
The island got its name during the Spanish regime, when watchtowers (“bantayan” in Tagalog) were built around it to serve as lookouts for the invading Moros from Mindanao.
Bantayan island is the ideal place for beach-lovers who are not into the party scene, and those who want to do some soul-searching. Most foreign and local tourists visit Bantayan during the Holy Week, and the island has since been called the “Lenten Capital of the Visayas.”
For those who are planning to go to Bantayan island this year, here are five things that you can do to make the most out of your visit.
Enjoy the Silence
robably one of the best things about Bantayan island is its lack of noise – no loud music from bars, no masseuses and vendors along the shoreline, and barely any kids running around.
The beaches are divided among resorts, which are mostly small and are relatively quieter than the ones in Boracay and other places in the country.
So, savor the peace and quiet while it lasts. Pick a spot on the beach and wait for the sun to rise. Take a barefoot stroll. Look into the horizon and listen to the waves. You will not be able to do any of these in the hustling and bustling city of Manila.
Sample of the Seafood
Bantayan island is best known for its “buwad danggit,” which is not too salty and overpowering compared to other types of dried fish.
Go to any restaurant or resort to try this dried fish, which is best enjoyed with an extra runny sunny side up and garlic rice.
While on the island, stay away from meat and sample not only the buwad danggit but also the vast array of seafood. Almost everything here tastes fresh, from the scallops and squid to the “aninikad,” an exotic shellfish.
Go to the Market
Take a bag or two home for your family and friends. But don’t forget to store these in boxes – otherwise, you may have to leave your buwad danggit, known for its very fishy smell, at the airport.
The Bantayan market also has bottles of pickled danggit entrails, which vendors said are best paired with ground corn, as well as other Cebu specialties such as dried mangoes, otap (an oval-shaped puff pastry) and rosquillos (sweet, crunchy cookies).
Instead of buying “pasalubong” (travel gifts) at the airport which are usually priced higher, drop by the Bantayan market, a quick drive from Sta. Fe.
Take in the sights and smells of the piles of buwad danggit, squid and other types of seafood, which is one of the most important industries of the island.
Visit a Church
Just a few steps from the market is Sts. Peter and Paul Church, an old yet beautiful structure made from corals and stones found on the island.
Locals said the church was destroyed by Muslims in the 1600s, and was eventually reconstructed.
Others, meanwhile, claim that parishioners here are exempted from the “no-meat” rule every Good Friday as they celebrate “victory over great hardship,” whatever that is.
Whether the story is true or not, this church is worth a visit.
Something New
Dive, snorkel, or learn how to swim. Explore the island. Learn a few words from the local dialect. Sing karaoke with a stranger.
For nature lovers, drop by the School of the Sea and Earth Advocates, just a few minutes away from the resorts in Sta. Fe. Here, you can learn firsthand about building coral nurseries and “fish condos,” structures made to replace corals damaged by dynamite fishing.
Time seems to flow slowly in this peaceful island, giving you a great opportunity to relax, be happy and feel genuinely at home.
Source:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CIcBEBYwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bantayan_Island