Where to eat in Bantayan Island Cebu? MJ Square, HR Native Restaurant, Tristan’s Pizza

Posted on May 12, 2018November 5, 2018by One Armed Wanderer

Bantayan Island in Cebu is undoubtedly one of the must visit island in the Philippines. Like Boracay in Aklan and El Nido in Palawan, Bantayan Island is a popular tourist destination among locals and foreign tourists alike.

Where to Eat in Bantayan Island Cebu?

Bantayan Island is tourist ready. Just like Boracay, there is a number of restaurants, bars and café in the island.

Bantayan beach resorts such as Anika Island Resort, Hoyohoy Villas Resort and Beach Placid have their own restaurant. However, food their menu may be limited or more expensive. If you are a food adventurer, there are other food places and restaurants in the island. Below are my top 3 recommended places to satisfy your gastronomic adventures in Bantayan Island:

1. MJ Square

MJ Square is the most popular food place in Bantayan Island. Located in Santa Fe Poblacion, MJ Square is near to various beach resorts in the island. It is a few minute tricycle ride away from Anika Island Resort, Beach Placid Resort and Hoyohoy Villas. MJ Square is just a few minute walk from beach resorts such as Amihan Beach Cabanas, Ritzy’s White Beach Resort, Marlins Beach Resort and Yoonek Beach Resort and Kota Beach Resort.

MJ Square Bantayan Island Map
A food complex with various restaurants and cafes, MJ Square is definitely a go to place for food lovers and adventurers. This Bantayan Island food place offers a wide array of food choices.

Here is a short video of MJ Square in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.

Complete list of restaurants in MJ Square:

Chef Panyang – This restaurant has the biggest area and has widest food options. Chef Panyang serves mostly Filipino dishes. If you are on a budget, Chef Panyang offers 59 Php (approx. $1.14) meal. It’s probably the cheapest meal you can have in the island. If you love seafood, they also have seafood all you can at only 299 Php (approx. $5.75).

Cupcake Island Cakery – If you love sweets, visit MJ Square’s Cupcake Island Cakery. This mini bakeshop offers various cakes that will truly satisfy your cravings.

Bantayan Burrito Company – This MJ Square restaurant serves Mexican cuisine and is Vegan friendly.
Shake Me – This small and colorful place in MJ Square is perfect if you are craving for ice cream or shakes in the island.

Channa’s Café & Wine – This mini cafe is a perfect place to hang-out with your Bantayan travel buddies. Channa’s Cafe serves hot & cold coffee and coffee based drinks. They also serve flavored beer. Their drinks are priced from 50 Php (approx $1.00) to 90 Php (approx. $1.80).

Tapa Master – This Bantayan Island restaurant’s speciality is gourmet and exotic Tapas ranging from 89 Php (approx. $1.72) to 269 Php (approx. $5.17). They also offer sisig and various types of sausages.

Hallas Taverna
Stix Smoke House
Paradiso Snack Bar
Sarapoi
Liquido – If you love to drink, Liquido serves various alcoholic drinks.
Hello Spank
All Time Fry

During our 4 days and 4 night stay in Bantayan Island, we had most of our meals at MJ Square. I highly recommend Tapa Master as they serve great breakfast!

Overall, you will love MJ Square’s wide array of food choices. This is the go to place if you are on a budget. The idea of food complex is good as you get to befriend other tourists in the area. The only downside are the flies in the complex.

2. HR Music Bar & Native Restaurant

Located in A. Batobalonos St., HR Native Restaurant is just a few meters away from MJ Square. This restaurant has a wide array of offerings on their menu. They serve seafood, pork, beef, vegetables, pizzas, sandwiches, cold drinks and cocktails.

HR Native Restaurant Map

HR Native Restaurant was the very first restaurant we visited in Bantayan island as it was recommended by our tricycle driver. We later did not regret to dine at HR as their baked scallops in Mozarella cheese (225 Php – approx. $4.50) was very delicious! I should say that it’s the best tasting baked scallops I’ve tried so far.

HR Native Restaurant Menu

Overall, HR Native Restaurant is a good food place in the island. The native ambiance makes the dining experience special. Their baked scallops is a must try!

3. Tristan’s Pizza Hauz and Restaurant

Tristan’s Pizza Hauz & Restaurant is another must visit restaurant in Bantayan Island. Located in F. Roska street and is near to various beach resorts in Santa Fe. Jen and I were very lucky to have met the owner of Tristan’s Pizza Hauz. We learned from her that the place used to be a resort and restaurant. After the typhoon Yolanda, she had to give up the resort and only retained its restaurant.

We ordered their best seller mixed seafood pizza for 450 Php (approx. $8.82). It was a surprise that the pizza is generously topped with mozzarella cheese and seafood (especially shrimps). We super loved the pizza! I should say that it’s one of the best seafood pizza I had!

Apart from pizzas, this underrated food place in Bantayan Island also serves breakfast meals, salads, pastas, rice meals, snacks and beers.

Overall, Tristan’s Pizza Hauz is a must visit for pizza lovers! The place may not be as popular as MJ Square and other restaurants in Bantayan Island, but is definitely one of the islan’s best food place!

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How to get to Bantayan Island from Manila or Cebu City + Travel Tips, Bus and Ferry Schedule

Posted on April 9, 2018April 9, 2018by One Armed Wanderer

Bantayan Island is one among the countless beautiful islands in the Philippines. This must visit Philippine tourist destination is situated in the Visayan sea and is in the West part of the Northern end of Cebu. Just like Boracay, Bantayan island boasts its fine white sand beaches.

How to get to Bantayan Island From Manila

Here’s a short video on how to get to Bantayan Island:

1. Manila Airport to Cebu Airport

Fly from Manila to Cebu. Take a flight from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Cebu’s Mactan International Airport. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

2. Cebu Airport to Cebu North Bus Terminal

In Mactan International Airport, hail a taxi cab going to Cebu North Bus Terminal. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and fare is approximately 150 Php.

3. Cebu North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port

In Cebu North Bus Terminal, take a RORO bus direct to Bantayan Island. These buses will bring you to Bantayan Island via Hagnaya Port. Travel time from Cebu North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port is approximately 3 hours. Fare is 225 Php.

Bus trip schedule from Cebu North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port

Ceres Liner cater Bantayan direct trips. For the bus trip schedule please refer to “Bus trip to Hagnaya Port” section of the table below.

Bus trip to Hagnaya Port		Ferry Departure (Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island)
1st Trip	11:45 PM	4:00 AM
2nd Trip	12:15 AM	4:00 AM
3rd Trip	3:00 AM	7:30 AM
4th Trip	6:00 AM	10:30 AM
5th Trip	8:00 AM	12:30 PM
6th Trip	10:00 AM	2:30 PM
Last Trip	12:00 PM	4:30 PM

4. Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe Port, Bantayan Island

In Hagnaya Port, bus passengers are asked to get off the bus, buy ferry ticket and pay for the terminal me. You may leave your luggage or backpack in the bus while buying your ferry ticket and paying for the terminal fee.

The bus will onboard the ferry first. Once the bus has onboarded, passengers are asked to onboard the ferry.

Ferry Ticket – 180 Php
Terminal Fee – 20 Php

Super Shuttle Ferry Schedule (Departure time in Hagnaya Port)

For the ferry schedule, refer to “Ferry Departure (Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island)” section of the table below:

Bus trip to Hagnaya Port		Ferry Departure (Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island)
1st Trip	11:45 PM	4:00 AM
2nd Trip	12:15 AM	4:00 AM
3rd Trip	3:00 AM	7:30 AM
4th Trip	6:00 AM	10:30 AM
5th Trip	8:00 AM	12:30 PM
6th Trip	10:00 AM	2:30 PM
Last Trip	12:00 PM	4:30 PM

Ferry travel time from Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe Port in Bantayan island is approximately 1 hour.

The ferry will dock to Santa Fe Port. The bus will offboard the ferry first. After the bus has offboarded, passengers are asked to ride the bus.

Just inform the bus driver and fare collector to drop you at Bantayan Tourism office which is few meters away from the port. From there, go inside the tourism office and pay 30 Php for the environmental fee.

Travel Tips:

Carefully plan your trip going to Bantayan Island. The total travel time from Cebu’s Mactan International Airport to Hagnaya Port is approximately 4 hours. Last trip from Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island is at 4:30 PM. Thus, you should be in Mactan International Airport earlier than 12:00 PM to catch the last Ferry trip to Bantayan Island.

If you are coming from Manila, the total travel time to Bantayan Island could take up to 8 hours. That includes the waiting time in airport and terminals. If you are not pressed of time, you can spend your first day in Cebu City instead and travel to Bantayan Island the next day.

There are two types of taxis in Mactan International Airport. The yellow ones are airport taxis and the white ones are public taxis. Yellow taxis are more expensive.

In Cebu North Bus terminal, they charge 10 Pesos for person upon entry in terminal. We assumed that these are terminal fee.

The 3-hour bus ride from Cebu North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya port has 2 stopovers where passengers can take quick meals or have a toilet break. If you are a smoker, the stopovers have smoking area.

Where to Stay in Bantayan Island

Budget Beach Resort

Midrange to High-End Beach Resort

View from the beachfront villa — Hoyohoy Villas Resort

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Cheap Beach Resort in Bantayan Island Cebu – Beach Placid Resort Review

Posted on March 24, 2018June 8, 2018by One Armed Wanderer

Beach Placid Resort in Bantayan Island Cebu is the perfect beach resort for backpackers and budget travelers. Located along the stretch of Sta. Fe beach, Beach Placid Resort share the same shore with other more expensive and pricey resorts such as Anika Island Resort and Hoyohoy Villas. Meaning, you get to enjoy the fine white sands and pristine waters of Santa Fe Bantayan Island without emptying your pocket.

Here is a short video of Beach Placid Resort:

Beach Placid Bantayan Island Cebu Philippines

Open Cottages, Beach Beds and Cabanas

Being a budget-friendly Bantayan resort, staying in Beach Placid will not limit you to enjoy and relax by the beach. There are open cottages, beach beds and cabanas in this affordable Bantayan beach resort. During our stay, we made use of their cottages and cabana by the beach without any charges.

Beachfront Surprise!

Jen enjoying the beachfront view on our room's veranda. — Jen enjoying the beachfront view on our room’s veranda.

Unlike other Bantayan beach resorts where beachfront rooms are quite expensive, Beach Pacid’s are affordable. We did not expect too much on the room we booked via Agoda as the fine print says it’s a Beach View Cottage. With the price, we assumed that we are getting a non-beachfront room. However, we were surprised that the room was on a beachfront!

We checked-in at 3 beach resorts during our 4-day visit in Bantayan Island. We stayed at non-beachfront rooms of Anika Island Resort and Hoyohoy Villas Resort. But the cheapest accommodation we had was a beachfront room at Beach Placid.

Beach Placid’s Beach View Cottage (Beachfront Room)

Since we experienced Anika Island Resort’s accommodation prior to Beach Placid. I should say that our room at Anika Island Resort was better than what we had at Beach Placid. Nonetheless, the room was good and are truly for backpackers and budget-travelers.

room

toilet and bath

The Beach View Cottage we booked has a small veranda and a bench. If you are a smoker, the resort allows smoking in the veranda. The room comes with an air-conditioning unit, queen size bed, a small refrigerator and a dresser. The toilet and bath is quite spacious. Toilet has no bidet but there is a hot and cold shower. Only bath towels and tissue roll are provided so make sure to bring toiletries when you are checking-in at the resort.

I personally love the view once you open the door of the room. It is relaxing as you directly see the breathtaking beach and enjoy the relaxing sea winds right on your door. This what makes Beach Placid stand out from Anika or Hoyohoy, you get to experience a beachfront room at an affordable price!

Beach Placid Bantayan Island Room Rates

Below are the published room rates of Beach Placid Resort:

Note: We booked our discounted Beach Placid beachfront room online. I am giving you a discounted room rate by booking HERE.

Room Type	PAX	Price	Price (during holy week)
Quadruple Room #19	4 to 5 persons	3,000 Php	6,000 Php
Quadruple Room #20	3 to 5 persons	2,500 Php	5,000 Php
Quadruple Room #21 and #22	2 to 3 persons	1,700 Php	3,400 Php
Native Sea View Cottage	2 persons	1,800 Php	3,600 Php
Non-beachfront Aircon Cottage	4 persons	3,000 Php	6,000 Php
Non-beachfront Triplex	4 persons	3,000 Php	6,000 Php
Beachfront Duplex Rooms	4 persons	3,500 Php	7,000 Php
Beachfront Native Aircon Cottage	2 persons	2,300 Php	4,600 Php
Beachfront – Triplex Room	2 persons	2,300 Php	4,600 Php
Non-Beachfront Aircon Cottage	2 persons	1,700 Php	3,400 Php

Well Maintained Bantayan Island Beach Resort

Beach Placid Resort is well-maintained. During our entire stay, there are always someone who is around the resort. Since we visited on a season where winds push seaweeds on the shore, the staff ensures to always clean the beachfront.

Activities in Beach Placid

Beach Placid also offers island hopping tour at an affordable price. For only 900 Php, you get to enjoy Hilantagaan and Virgin Island. The boatman will pick you up right in the shore of Beach Placid. Note that rates outside the resort can go as low as 800 Php. We decided to take Beach Placid’s island hopping tour to ensure our safety.

If you get hungry, Beach Placid Resort has an open-air restaurant with affordable menu. They also have a bar and offers free karaoke (videoke) if you purchase sodas, shakes or any alcoholic beverages. If you want to relax, Beach Placid also offers in-room or by the beach massage service for only 350 Php.

Affordable Bantayan Resort with Great Customer Service

Being a budget beach resort, I did not expect anything grand about Beach Placid. I was not impressed by the reception when we checked-in at Anika but Beach Placid’s reception was different. The receptionists were very friendly and welcoming. They even allowed us to leave our bags in the reception as we were too early for the check-in.

Highly Recommended Resort in Bantayan for Budget Travellers and Backpackers

I highly recommend Beach Placid Resort if you are a backpacker or on a budget. Their rooms may not be as grand as Anika Island Resort and Hoyohoy Villas Resort, but are decent enough for the price. The entire beach resort is clean. Customer service is great. And of course, their rooms are very affordable. Truly the best Bantayan beach resort for budget travellers!

Jen and I spotted these kids in the resort’s vicinity. We were happy to have distributed the toys we brought to the island. – Travel with a Purpose

Beach Placid Resort
Adress: F. Roska Street, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines
Contact Numbers:
(63)32-406-5686
(63)32-438-9070
(63)917-722-2993
Email Address:
[email protected]
[email protected]

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Hoyohoy Villas – Boutique Beach Resort in Bantayan Island Cebu, Philippines + Blog Review, Room Rates

Posted on March 4, 2018June 8, 2018by One Armed Wanderer

Hoyohoy Villas is one among the many resorts in the beautiful Bantayan Island in Cebu, Philippines. The only boutique resort in Bantayan Island, Hoyohoy Villas showcases unique villas, beautiful landscapes and peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Here’s a short video of Hoyohoy Villas Bantayan Island:

Strategic Location

Located in F. Roska St., Talisay, Hoyohoy Villas is very near Santa Fe port – the gateway of Bantayan Island. Hoyohoy Villas is just 5-minute tricycle or motorcycle ride away from the port. Meaning, you will not have to endure long travel to the resort once you arrive in Bantayan Island.

This Bantayan resort is also near to Sante Fe Poblacion where the public market, souvenir shops, church and most of the bars and restaurants are located.

Perfect Bantayan Resort for Relaxation

If you are looking for a resort to relax, Hoyohoy Villas is the best resort in Bantayan Island. With only 6 villas and 2 casitas rooms, Hoyohoy Villas is definitely less crowded compared to more popular resorts in the island. The peaceful ambiance makes Hoyohoy Villas stand out among the rest of Bantayan beach resorts.

The resort’s beachfront has 2 stylish beach beads, 2 cabanas with pillows and mattresses and a wooden swing chair. There are also beach beds with leather mattresses around the resort’s vicinity.

Our favorite spot in Hoyohoy Villas!q — Our favorite spot in Hoyohoy Villas!

During our stay in Hoyohoy Villas, we felt like we rented the entire resort. There are only few guests and we rarely see them hanging out in the beachfront.

Unique Architecture and Beautiful Landscape

Being a boutique resort, Hoyohoy Villas will not disappoint you. It may be limited in real estate but it’s Instagram worthy surroundings compensates. Its villas are unique and the entire resort’s landscape is truly promising. The six villas in stilts are carefully arranged providing a good view of the stylish swimming pool right in the heart of the resort.

The Villas

Hoyohoy Villas has a total of 6 rice granary inspired villas. 5 of which have single rooms and the other villa has 2 rooms. The villas are named after various kinds of winds:

Habagat (Southwest wind) – beachfront villa
Amihan (Cool Northeast Monsoon) – beachfront villa
Timog (Southwind)
Kanaway (Northwestern wind) – has 2 rooms
Syatan (Southwestern wind)
Kadulhoan (Southeastern wind)

Interestingly enough, villas invoke elegance of the past combined with comfort of the present. This creates a truly relaxing atmosphere during your stay in the resort. Each villa has a unique concept and are all simple and elegant. Rooms come with air-conditioning unit, cable TV, minibar, telephone for the reception. Toilet and batch comes with hot tub.

High-End Resort with Budget-Friendly Room Options

Hoyohoy Villas is one of the few high-end resorts in Bantayan Island. There is undoubtedly a price to pay for the resort’s beautiful landscapes, unique villas, breathtaking beachfront, peaceful ambiance and great customer service. A villa is priced from 5,000 Php (approx. $100) to 6,000 Php (approx. $120). However, if you are on a budget and want to stay at Hoyohoy Villas, they offer 2 affordable and budget-friendly “Casitas Frangipani” rooms at only 3,000 Php a night.

Hoyohoy Villas Room Rates

Beachfront Villas (good for 2 persons)– 6,000 Php
Regular Villas(good for 2 persons) – 5,000 Php
Casitas Frangipani (good for 2 persons) – 3,000 Php

Tip: Instead of paying the publish room rate, you can enjoy huge discounts by booking your Hoyohoy villa/room HERE.

Hoyohoy Villas’ Casitas Room

The 2 Casitas rooms are located near the entrance and right before the reception of the resort. It is technically the farthest from the beachfront but near the reception and restaurant. Being farthest to the beachfront is not an issue since you get to pass by and enjoy the beautiful landscape and architecture of the resort when you’re going to the beachfront.

Unlike the villas which scream elegance, Casitas rooms are simple and modern. The matching finish of doors and ceiling adds up to the modern feel. The white walls compliment to the floor of the entire room.

Casitas

A Casitas room comes with an air-conditioning unit with remote, bed side glass tables, night lamps and stylish sofa. The bed and the 2 ordinary and 2 goose down pillows are very comfortable. There is also an interesting art piece above the bed headboard.

Hot and cold shower

toilet

The toilet and bath was a surprise! Once you open the sliding door, the shower area with a natural light ceiling will greet you. The Zen like look and feel of the shower area is truly surprising! On the right of the shower area is the vanity area with huge mirror and basic Hoyohoy Villas toiletries. On the left is the toilet area accentuated by the wall art and a cool ladder-like towel rack.

Jen and I originally wanted a villa because of the outdoor shower. Since a villa is too expensive for us, we booked a Casistas room instead. Well, the Casitas room did not disappoint! We felt like we were staying in a hotel.

As of March 2018, there are only 2 available Casitas rooms and another 2 are under construction.

Tip: We paid 2,700+ Pesos (approx. $54) instead of 3,000 Php (approx. $60)for the Casitas Frangipani Room. You too can enjoy a discounted villa/room by booking HERE.

Hoyohoy Villas’ Beachfront Villa (Amihan)

Beachfront Villa Habagat (rightmost villa) — Beachfront Villa Amihan (rightmost villa)

One of the two beachfront villas in Hoyohoy Villas is “Amihan”. The Villa Amihan’s ground level comes with a Spanish colonial era inspired furnitures and fixtures such as dining set, cabinet and a treasure chest and a single bed.

best room in bantayan island cebu philippines

The second level is an elegant room with an air-conditioning unit, cable TV, mini refrigerator, bench, bed side table with a stylish lamp, human size mirror, dinette set, wooden speaker and a stylish sofa. I personally love the flat screen cable TV placed in an easel. Just like its ground level, the room’s Filipino-Spanish colonial inspired design is truly elegant. Something that art and history lovers will love!

Just like the Casitas room, the villa’s toilet and bath is also a surprise! It comes with the basic Hoyohoy Villas toiletries, bath tub and an outdoor garden shower!

Superb Customer Service

We checked-in at 3 beach resorts during our 4-day Bantayan Island visit – Anika Island Resort, Beach Placid and Hoyohoy Villas. Among these 3 Bantayan beach resorts, I should say that Hoyohoy Villas has the best customer service!

Welcome drinks — Leah, one of the staff, serves the welcome drinks

We were warmly and greeted upon our arrival in the resort. After the fast check-in, Leah, one of the resort’s staff, surprised us by serving welcome drinks. We also borrowed a knife, pate and forks for the mangoes we bought outside. They did not hesitate and immediately provided our request.

All the staff are accommodating and polite. Throughout our stay, given that we booked their cheapest room, we felt special and valued just like other guests who were staying in the more expensive villas.

I even asked Leah if I can take photos and videos of one of their villas. After waiting for a couple of minutes, they granted my request! I was able to check-out their most expensive beachfront villa!

Lastly, we were a bit beyond the 12 PM check-out as we were still packing our things. They allowed us to stay a little longer without extra cost. They even proactively arranged a tricycle that will bring us to the Santa Fe port right after our check-out.

Highly Recommended Bantayan Beach Resort

I would definitely recommend Hoyohoy Villas if you are visiting Bantayan Island in Cebu. Location is strategic. The resort’s atmosphere is serene and peaceful. The villas are beautiful and elegant and the Casitas rooms are neat and stylish. And of course, customer service is great! I would definitely check-in here on my next Bantayan Island visit!

Hoyohoy Villas Bantayan Island

Address: F Roska St. Bgy. Talisay, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu
Contact Numbers: (032) 3240208 / (032) 4389018
E-mail: [email protected]
Online booking with discounted room rates HERE

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Anika Island Resort in Bantayan Island Cebu + Review, Room Rates

Posted on March 2, 2018by One Armed Wanderer

Anika Island Resort is one among the best resorts in Bantayan Island Island, Cebu, Philippines. Located in Santa Fe, this Bantayan Island resort is very near to Sta.Fe Port Ferry – gateway of Bantayan island if you are coming from mainland Cebu.

Anika Island Resort Bantayan Island Cebu Philippines — Anika Island Resort, Bantayan Island, Cebu Philippines

Highly Rated Bantayan Island Resort

Annika Island Resort is a highly rated resort in Bantayan island. The average ratings of guests who have visited Anika Island Resort are higher compared to other resorts in the island. Below are the average ratings of Anika Island Resort as of March 1, 2018:

Tripadvisor – 4 out of 5 (Excellent)
Agoda – 8.4 out of 10 (Excellent)
Travelbook – 4.6 out of 5 (Excellent)

The rating and reviews made us decide to book Anika Island Resort for our first night in Bantayan Island. For a discounted room rate, we booked our Anika Island Resort cottage via Travelbook. Like us, you too can enjoy huge discounts by booking HERE or HERE.

Hassle Free Check-In

Upon arriving in Sta.Fe port, we hailed a tricycle to bring us to Anika Island Resort. Travel time from port to the resort is roughly 5 minutes. Fare is 20 Php ($0.40) per person.

The check-in process was a breeze. I just told them that I booked thru Travelbook. The Anika Island Resort reception asked me to fill-out a short guest information form. And that’s it! They did not bother to ask for the booking reference number.

Good Customer Service

Most online reviews indicate that Anika Island Resort has good customer service. The reception experience upon our check-in was okay but Jason, the staff who assisted us to our room, made us feel very special. He was very polite and helpful. Jason carried our bags while heading us to our cottage. He even shared useful information about the tourists attractions and some useful tips during our stay in the island. Apart from Jason, the staff especially the guards were very helpful. The check-out was also a breeze and the staff in the reception were very friendly.

Iconic Sun-Basking Area

Anika Bantayan Island Cebu Philippines — Anika Island Resort

Among all Bantayan Island Resorts, Anika Island Resort has the most beautiful and iconic beach bed area. They have this huge Anika signage which is guests and passers-by have their pictures taken.

Unique and Neatly Arranged Cottages

Anika Island Resort’s property is small in land area. However, they utilized its limited real estate and ensured that the swimming pool, cottages and other facilities are strategically situated. Also, this Bantayan resort has unique and beautiful cottages which walls are primarily made of container vans.

Well-Kept Surroundings and Beachfront

Common areas such as the beachfront, garden and restaurant are always clean. During our entire stay at Anika Island Resort, we often see resort’s staff cleaning around the resort. Since we visited on a season where there are seaweeds in the beachfront, there is a designated staff who makes sure to clean and remove the seaweeds on the shore.

Anika Island Resort’s Garden View Room

Garden View Cottages Anika Resort Bantayan

Since an Ocean View Room is too pricey for us, we opted to book a Garden View Room via Travelbook. We booked the room at 2,544 Php (approx. $50.88) instead of 2,700 Php (approx. $54).

Garden View Room Anika Bantayan

arden View Room Anika Bantayan

The room or should I say the cottage has a veranda with a dinette set. This is also the area in your cottage where smoking is allowed. The room comes with an LCD cable TV, air-conditioning unit, closet and safe deposit box. We personally loved the comfortable bed and 3 pillows. Our only rant is the Wifi which we weren’t able to use to slow internet connection.

The toilet and bath come with bath towels, soap and toothpaste. There is hot and cold shower and the toilet has a bidet. The water pressure was good too. Overall, the room and the toilet and bath are very clean.

View from our cottage's veranda — View from our cottage’s veranda

Anika Island Resort Room Rates

Anika Island Resort easily gets fully booked even lean-season. Book your Anika room in advance H ERE or HERE.

Ocean View Room

These are beachfront rooms in the resort. Nearest to the iconic beach bed area of Anika Island Resort. An Ocean View Room is good for 3 persons and costs 4,000 Php (approx. $80) a night.

Garden View Room

These rooms are situated right behind the Ocean View Rooms but still near the beach. Guests in these rooms will enjoy the garden view of the resort. If you have kids, these rooms are also the nearest to the resort’s playground. A Garden View Room is good for 2 persons at 2,700 Php (approx. $54) a night.

Sunset Pool Side

Sunset Pool Side Rooms are the nearest to the resort’s pool. These rooms remind me of Boracay’s Hennan Prime Beach Resort direct pool access rooms. With 2 single bed, veranda and view of the resort’s pool at 2,900 Php (approx. $58) a night.

Beach Villa

Choose from a single detached villa good for 3 persons for 4,200 Php (approx. $84) or duplex villa good for 3 persons at 3,700 Php (approx. $74) a night.

Courtyard Room

Situated at the back part of the resort. These are the rooms nearest to the entrance of Anika Island Resort. These are the cheapest rooms in the resort at 2,000 Php (approx. $40) a night.

Recommended Bantayan Beach Resort

Overall, I would recommend Anika Island Beach Resort to anyone who is visiting Bantayan Island in Cebu. The entire resort and the cottages are well-maintained. Customer service is good. And of course the beach is awesome!

Anika Island Resort

Address: F. Roska St., Brgy. Okoy
Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island 6047
Cebu, Philippines
Mobile: (+63) 917 328 4898 / (+63) 999 886 4465 / (+63) 922 843 9517
Telephone: (+63 32) 438-9073

Email: [email protected]

Discounted online booking HERE / HERE

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Pensionne La Florentina – Cheap Accommodation in Cebu City near Ayala Mall

Posted on February 23, 2018February 23, 2018by One Armed Wanderer

Pensionne La Florentina is one among the cheapest and best pension houses in Cebu City. This 4 storey pension house with 15 rooms is a popular accommodation among budget travelers and backpackers visiting Cebu City, Philippines.

Good Location

Situated along the quiet street of Acacia corner Escario, Pensionne La Florentina is a perfect accommodation to those who want peaceful and quiet surroundings. This Cebu City pension house also provides easy access to various tourist destinations in the city.

Ayala Mall is just a few minute walk from Pensionne La Florentina.

Pensionne La Florentina Location Map
Homey Feel

Pensionne La Florentina’s facade screams hostel instead of a pension house. I personally love the wooden veranda-like design on each room’s facade. The fusion of old and modern design makes its facade truly eye-catching.

The property has a small wooden gate where the security guard is usually manning. Upon entrance, on the right is the reception area and on the left is a mini open hang-out place with wooden furnitures. In between is a glass door that serves as the main entrance of the building.

I should say that I did not expect much as Pensionne La Florentina’s rates are cheaply priced. Surprisingly, its lobby or should I say common area gives its guests a homey vibe. Most of the furnishings and fixtures are wooden. The antique fixtures and wooden furnitures will make you feel you’re traveling back Spanish-colonial era.

Clean, Simple and Homey Room

As expected from a budget accommodation, there is nothing fancy in the room. The twin bedroom we booked via Agoda is very clean and well-maintained. There is a small old school TV with clear cable channels. The air-conditioning unit looks old but works perfectly. The beds and pillows are not first class but are definitely comfortable enough for a good night sleep. We personally loved the soft linens and pillow cases.

Just like the facade and common areas, the room has a homey vibe. I felt like I was just staying at a friend’s room. I love the lightning as it gives more homey atmosphere in the room. As for the comfort room, it is very clean as well. Shower towels, toilet papers and soap are also provided.

Pensionne La Florentina Room Rates

An overnight stay in this Cebu city pension house is very affordable. At only 1,050 Pesos (approximately $21), you can choose from their Twin Bedroom or Double Bedroom.

Tip: Get discounts when you book your Pensionne La Florentina room HERE.

Facilities

24 hour front desk
24 hour security
WiFi in common areas
parking space
cleaning, laundry and ironing services (from 8 AM to 8PM only)
smoking areas in balcony

Tips

Book in advance and get discounted room rates HERE.
Upon check-in, ask the receptionist for a room situated on the second floor. Note that the pension house has 4 levels and there is no elevator.
Pensionne La Florentina are for budget travelers and backpackers. Do not check-in here if you are expecting fancy and high-end rooms and amenities.

Recommended Pension House in Cebu City

Pensionne La Florentina is definitely not the typical expensive hotel around Cebu City.The entire place is clean, well-maintained and has its own charm. With its room affordability, location and security I should say that this pension house if value for your money!

Pensionne La Florentina

Address: Acacia Street corner Escario Street, Gororodo Avenue, Cebu City
Contact Numbers: 2313381 / 2326738
Online Booking HERE