The Feeling Blogger

Bantayan Island is in the Visayan Sea, Philippines, located just west off the northern tip of Cebu Island. Bantayan Islands are considered as Cebu’s fishing ground from where boatloads of fish are transported daily to Cebu City and Negros. The island can be reached via bus from Cebu City (via the North Bus Terminal near SM City Shopping Mall) then via ferry from Hagnaya Wharf in San Remigio, Cebu, or from Sagay in Negros Occidental. No commercial flights or overnight ferries are currently operating from Cebu City. It is possible to charter small private aircraft from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, to Bantayan Airport on Bantayan Island. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bantayan_Island)

We went there last February to celebrate my bestfriend's 25th birthday. She wanted to celebrate it at a beach for a change. So, she invited us together with our close friends and her sister. We had our reservations at Budyong Beach Resort but when we arrived there, the attendant told us that the room we booked was occupied because the previous occupants decided to extend their stay. What??? Are you okay? We booked it for this day, so we should be the priority. Can't you ask them to transfer to another available room because someone had already booked it? We arrived earlier than the check-in time so there's no way to cancel our reservation. She told us that there's only one available room left which is way more expensive than what we reserved for. We did not agree thus, we looked for a nearby resort that could handle customers better. Good thing there's a nearby resort just beside Budyong Resort, Kota Beach. We asked for the rates and we agreed to stay here rather than be pissed with Budyong's poor customer service.

Going there...

Big Ferry

From North Bus Terminal, ride a bus that goes to Hagnaya Wharf(fare: P130-150)
From Hagnaya Wharf ride a Ferry going to Sta. Fe, Bantayan (fare: P70-90)
From Sta. Fe Port, hire a trisikad(three-wheeled bicycle) to Budyong/Kota Beach (fare: P20/pax)

The Place

Kota Beach is located in Sta. Fe, Bantayan, Cebu. It has a lot of rooms and single-detached cottages. We chose to stay in the rooms because it is lesser in price compared to cottages. Though cottages are better coz it's nearer to the beach and is more private and nice. But since we can't afford it, we'll just feast our eyes in awe. Kota Beach personnel are very accommodating. They treat customers very well and with a smile.

Reception area

Cottage

What I loved most about this resort is the very long shoreline. I love beaches that has a long stretch of sand coz I want to run around without bumping other people. The sand is very fine and almost white. I haven't been to Boracay so I can't really tell the difference but this is for me the best beach I've been so far and second would be Alcoy, Cebu beach.

Shoreline

I also like that it has many trees and flowering plants in the resort. As I always say, "I love trees and the green environment". The plants are landscaped well. I felt like I was in an expensive resort. The only thing I can complain is that of there restaurant. Food prices are quite high but food isn't that good. I suggest you better eat or buy food outside.

Sandbar?

Big waves

We flew Chinese lanterns at night

The unreliable Budyong Beach Resort

The Verdict

Again, one of the best beaches I've been to. I give this Kota Beach a thumbs up especially in terms of customer service. They also offer free shuttle ride to and from the resort which is a major plus. So if you plan to visit Sta. Fe soon, book and stay here.

** We spent around P1500.00/person for this trip.