Cebu to Bantayan Island: An Epic Adventure with Family and Friends

February 10, 2023 — Cebu, Philippines

If you're looking for a trip full of laughs, adrenaline, epic eats, and tropical views straight out of a postcard — look no further. This Cebu City and Bantayan Island getaway is the kind of adventure that brings family and friends closer, fills your camera roll fast, and leaves you saying, “When are we coming back?”

City Sights, Street Food & Surprises

We kicked off the trip in the lively heart of Cebu City — and wow, what a ride! First stop: Magellan’s Cross, where we all made wishes and took group selfies under the famous wooden dome. Just around the corner is the Santo Niño Basilica, where history meets faith in the most colorful way. Even if you’re not into churches, the energy and architecture here are amazing.

Then we stormed the gates of Fort San Pedro like explorers — climbing its old stone steps, peeking through cannons, and imagining pirate attacks (yes, even the adults joined in). Next up, we climbed to the Taoist Temple, where dragons guard the entrance and the view over the city is unbeatable. It felt like we were in a real-life movie set!

But nothing brought us together like food. At Larsian BBQ, we gathered around the grill stations, picked our skewers, and watched them sizzle to perfection. Grilled pork, chicken, squid, Cebu chorizo, and that famous hanging rice (puso) — it was a feast fit for kings (and hungry travelers!).

Island Escape Mode: ON

Then the real adventure began. We loaded up the van, hit the road, and caught a ferry to the stunning Bantayan Island — and let me tell you, the moment we saw that turquoise water and powder-white sand, we knew we found paradise.

First thing we did? Jump in the ocean, of course. Then we rented bikes and cruised through Santa Fe, waving at locals, stopping for mango shakes, and chasing golden-hour sunsets along the shore. No traffic, no stress — just beach vibes and island laughs.

One of the most exciting parts of the trip? Island hopping! We hopped on a boat with our crew, music blasting, and headed to Virgin Island. We snorkeled in crystal-clear water, spotted colorful fish, played beach volleyball, and had a seafood lunch grilled right on the sand. The place was so beautiful, it felt unreal.

Back on Bantayan, we took a side trip to Ogtong Cave, a hidden underground pool where we took a refreshing dip and screamed (in a good way!) when we jumped into the cool, clear water. For a chill break, we explored the old Bantayan Church, where time seemed to slow down — a nice moment of quiet after all the fun.

Unforgettable Moments, Nonstop Fun

This trip wasn’t just a vacation — it was a wild, laughter-filled adventure with people we love. From city explorations to island thrills, every moment was packed with something new: culture, food, beaches, bikes, boats, and memories we’ll never forget.

If you’re ready for a tropical getaway that’s exciting, energizing, and 100% unforgettable, Cebu and Bantayan Island are calling. Just pack your bags, grab your favorite people, and let the adventure begin!

By: Meme Borja