It's been a decade plus of not being able to visit this place as Bantayan Island used to bring not so good memories relating to Holy Week, hassle-full processing of accommodations back then and actually going back to Cebu City a day earlier than expected because the event we paid for flaked on us..but that's on a totally irrelevant story.
I live in a place quite far from Bantayan Island and traveling for a total of 6 hours (car+boat) with a hyper toddler in tow might take a toll on us so we decided not to go just yet. Bantayan Island is so beautiful-so much so that a 3D2N stay is not enough. When you can, stay for a week to make the most out what this island has to offer.
..so when the invitation from Cebu Provincial Government and GMR Group came in 2 days before the scheduled departure (this after only staying in Cebu for 4 days since I was at Manila for a week prior) came as a lovely and welcome surprise. Like most laagans out there, we weren't really expecting to fly out-or be given travel opportunities anytime this year til the second half. I confirmed within 15 minutes of receiving the invitation and my giddiness doubled when I read the first paragraph of the itinerary saying that we will be flown out of a chartered plane from Mactan Cebu International Airport to the island and the travel time will only take 30 minutes. It couldn't get any better but then I knew Janine (@offdutymama) and Dee (@deeexplores) are also coming so we haven't been really talking about anything since.
Going back, I met the two at the MCIA Malasakit Desk (grabe baya tag hugot aning malasakit desk) at 5AM and I think it was already a sin to be perky and alive this early. Everyone at the airport was still groggy but I guess you can't contain us 😂 For me, it's time to make new and beautiful memories in this beautiful island.
Should you plan to fly (and SAVE LOTS OF TIME) from Cebu to Bantayan Island, send an email to reservations@airjuan.com for plane rates with dates as I have checked their official website upon landing there and they are still updating it.
Apparently, ours was the inaugural flight. What a historic moment! After booking your flights, don't forget to download the TRAZE app so that our local government can do their standard contact tracing in the most hassle-free possible; All you have to do after installing and signing up is to scan the qr code in places where you are and then you are automatically tagged as having been there. Checking in only takes seconds I swear Cebu City and other provinces should re-align and use this too.
As of November 29, 2020, here are the requirements upon entering the island
Here are some of the shots my friends and I took:
low-key obsessed with this lifeguard area 😆
This Bantayan Island Escapade is conceptualized as a scaled and controlled model of how the new tourism normal will be. With this island's pristine white beaches, picturesque setting, warm community spirit and conveniently-located airport, Bantayan Island is the ideal place to showcase a safe, curated and integrated, worry-free experience.