3D2N Northern Cebu Adventure: Daanbantayan, Bantayan Island and Borbon
The North is calling… and I must go!
It’s been more than two years since my last adventure in the Northern part of Cebu and to be honest, I kind of want to revisit the wonders it offers. Besides, I don’t want 2021 to end without spending a one-of-a-lifetime North Cebu vacation with my main family in Cebu. I mean, this could be our last trip together. Who knows? Out of the blue, I suggested to them to go on a 3-day adventure in the North; and the rest is history.
Day 1: Daanbantayan
It was a day after tropical cyclone “Lannie” entered the the Philippine Area of Responsibility that we finally saw a go signal. The day was sunny and all boat trips were back to operations. Thank God for a beautiful weather. So instatntly, we booked a Day Use package at Golden Sands Destination Resort in Daanbantayan. There is a huge discount for vaccinated individuals as part of their promo (Php 950 for adult, Php 475 for kids).
What I love the most about it is that there were no guests during our visit so it seemed like we had the resort all to ourselves exclusively. We toured around the vicinity without worrying much on social distancing.
Golden Sands Destination Resorts boasts the longest stretch of white sugary sand in the whole of Cebu province. It was my first time in the resort so I made sure to maximize my experience. Here are the top things to do in Golden Sands:
Beach
Kayaking
Biking
Swimming Pool
Fidela’s Restaurant
At around 3PM, we departed from Golden Sands and traveled to Hagnaya Port in San Remegio for about 50 minutes. We planned on catching the last trip (5:30PM) going to Sta. Fe, Bantayan but we arrived earlier and booked the 4:30PM trip instead. The journey was smooth aboard Shuttle Ferry but we later realized it was slower than the other boat scheduled to depart at 5:30PM. Here’s the schedule of ferry trips to Bantayan from Hagnaya and vice versa, including boat fares.
Our accommodation for two nights is Mayet’s Beach Resort. We paid 2,500 for the room per night for 5 pax. Again, we were the only guests in the resort.
Day 2: Bantayan Island
Ahhh, the island life. It’s really good to be back in Bantayan Island, my favorite destination in the North. Aside from achieving that much-needed SEAhabilitation, we also get to experience new things and meet old folks who helped us making sure our stay in the island is worthwhile.
Here are some unique point of interests to visit when in Bantayan Island:
Kota Beach, Sta. Fe
Omageica Mangrove Eco Park
The Ruins
Poblacion
Mayet’s Beach Resort
We only spent two days and two nights in Bantayan and only visited the destinations we didn’t get to see during our previous Bantayan individual escapades. We’ve been to Sugar Beach, Ogtong Cave, Virgin Island, Kota Park in Madredejos, Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort and more. Bantayan is still awe-inspiring, in any case.
Day 3: Borbon
We woke up around 5AM to prep up and catch the 7:30AM boat ride (RoRo) from Sta. Fe port in Bantayan to Hagnaya port in San Remegio. We arrived at exactly 8:30AM at Hagnaya Port, exactly an hour sea journey. I must say Island Shipping is way faster than Shuttle Ferry.
We stopped by at Bogo City and have our breakfast in Jollibee. We then continued our road trip along the Central Nautical Highway and visited the newly-opened attraction in barangay Bili, Borbon – Master’s Dragon Peak.
Master’s Dragon Peak seems like a pirate ship floating in the mountains. It’s unique and it’s instagramable so your entrance fee of Php 99 is worth it.
See more details and photos here: Master’s Dragon Peak
Around 12 noon, we bid goodbye to Master’s Dragon Peak. On our way home, we passed by Sogod, Catmon and Danao for some quick pasalubong shopping. I must say I had a blast with the Northern Cebu getaway over the weekend with my family. It was pretty quick, yet chill vacation. There’s a lot more to visit in the North but time is not on our side so I guess there’s a reason to come back to the North very soon.
I hope you too enjoyed reading my last escapade in the Philippines. ’til next adventure!
hello. we are planning to stay at golden sands and going to bantayan after. what mode of transport dis you use to get to hagnaya port? do they have taxis in daanbantayan that will take you to the port? thanks for you reply.