Cebu (Part I: Bantayan Island, Virgin Island)

Bantayan Island has been dubbed one of the best beach places you will see in the Philippines. It is also said that it can rival that of Boracay with the perks of having a non-existent commercial vibe to the island. I've been planning for years to visit this place but there was always something that hindered me from getting here. Case in point was the tragic typhoon that struck our country last 2013 which largely affected the Visayas region. As a result, we took it off our list and went elsewhere.

Headed to Cebu

Come by 2014, we again re-considered coming back. I already had an itinerary (for years) but the trip just never materialized. After a few inquiries here and there, we were assured that the island has recovered. Finally, we were set to visit one of the must-sees in my bucket-list! 

Ferry from Hagnaya to Santa Fe

Getting there: Take a flight via Cebu Pacific from Manila to Cebu. (Like 70% of the time, our flight was again delayed which added much to our frustration). Once you reach Mactan Airport, take a cab and head straight to the North Bus Terminal near SM. Get the bus headed to Hagnaya Port. It will take between 4-5 hours before you reach the port. Once you're at the docks, take a ferry headed to Santa Fe (in Bantayan Island). This will take another 45 minutes to an hour before you reach the island.

Bantayan Island

Once we reached the island, the staff from Anika Island Resort picked us up from the pier. They have been in contact with us even before we boarded our plane. Those simple gestures really made a big difference. Since we were here for the beach, we booked their Ocean View Room. Best view in the house!

Anika Island Resort

View from our room

Our first day was more of a relaxed day. It was late in the afternoon when we arrived so all we did was check the beach and chilled by the veranda at night. We hanged out by the veranda until it was time to rest.

Bantayan Island

We didn't catch the sunrise during our second day because the weather was quite gloomy. From morning until afternoon, the rain was pouring really hard. Since we were already at Bantayan Island, we tried our best to make the most of this trip. When the rain subsided a bit, we pushed through with our trip to Virgin Island. We brought our rain gear and a few bottles of beer to keep ourselves dry and warm.

Boat ride to Virgin Island

Contrary to its name, Virgin Island is privately owned. The island has an entrance fee and you have to pay if you want to use any of their amenities. Though we would've preferred the island to be more bare, it is quite well-maintained.

Virgin Island

Virgin Island

Virgin Island

It rained throughout the whole day (but the rain did stop for a few minutes) when we were at Virgin Island. Due to the mostly bad weather, we had the whole island to ourselves. After our island excursion, we were so tired that we didn't even make it to dinner time.

Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island

During our last day, the weather was better and we were lucky enough to catch the sunrise. I wasn't able to take a lot of photos since I took a video of the sunrise. The sunrise is absolutely more stunning in person.

Our island trip ended with an early checkout after breakfast as we still had one more night in Cebu City. The ride going back seemed to take longer and it was not as comfortable as getting to the island. And yes, it rained again when we reached Cebu City. I guess this was part of the whole experience. Hate it or love it!

Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is what I exactly expected. I wish we could have stayed longer as we did not really wander around due to the bad weather. Maybe next time!

Head to Cebu (Part II: Cebu City, Henry Hotel)

- Just Another Wanderer

Boracay: Fifth Time Around

It's my fifth time in Boracay when I visited last November 2014. I've been back almost every year since 2005. Whatever you heard about Boracay is true. Whether it be the good or the bad. Bottom line is, you have to visit the place yourself. I've been here during the summer months, rainy season and off-season. Each season means a whole different vibe to the island. I somewhat prefer the weather this time when we visited. It wasn't rainy at all and was sunny during day time but cool at night.   

Boracay Island

I won't be thoroughly reviewing the must-sees as there are numerous blogs about this already. Our trip was mainly composed of beach bumming in the afternoon and lounging with drinks at night. Here are the place we visited during our short weekend stay:

1) Dos Mestizos

(Address: Remedios street, Sitio Manggayad,, Boracay Island, Sunset Road, Malay, 5608 Aklan)

One of the places I'd like to recommend is Dos Mestizos - a Spanish restaurant located near La Carmella Boracay bordering Station 2 and 3. Food was great and I recommend that you order their Salpicao de Vaca and Ensalada de Pulpo. Don't forget to try their Paellas as well. They come in different portions depending on your group size.

Dos Mestizos is a must-visit

We were fortunate enough to catch their Rockaoke Night. Our group participated and jammed to the tunes of Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. 

2) Real Coffee

(Address: Station 2 2/F Sea World, 5608 Boracay, Aklan, Philippines)

A must-try when you are in Boracay. Their calamansi muffins is a staple pasalubong among fellow local travelers. Don't forget to order at least a day before if you're planning to take some back home. Real Coffee has since moved (to the address above) and this was my first time to visit their new location. There's also another branch along Station 1.

3) Jonah's

(Address: Aklan Brgy. Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay)

Fruit shakes at Jonah's

You will easily locate this place heading towards Station 1 from D'Mall. Jonah's is another staple in Boracay who's best-known for their fresh fruit shakes. You can make your own fruit shake mix or order straight from their menu. Very affordable!

4) Aria

(Address: Beachfront, D' Mall, Station 2, Boracay Island, Boracay)

Aria

Situated just in front of D'Mall (and beside Epic), Aria is one place that you will not miss spotting in Boracay. The place gets packed each time I visit the island. They offer Italian cuisine much to the delight of everyone. They branched out a few years back in Metro Manila but has since closed. Aria is one of those good-eat places in Boracay but only in Boracay. Yep, you read that correct!

Boracay Island

Boracay Island

Our trip was cut-short as we had to return back from a long-weekend holiday. Other than the one's we went to, we were hoping to try the much raved Tilapia 'N Chips (a local version of Fish 'N Chips) but failed to do so.

I will definitely be back for the 6th time!

- Just Another Wanderer