Island in Cebu, Philippines
Bantayan
Flat, sandy island off northern Cebu with white beaches, relaxed beach towns and few cars. Good for slow, low-key weeks; limited healthcare, dull nightlife and a bumpy ferry transfer.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$607–926Comfortable, one person · ₱38,000–58,000Details
- Value for money95/100Better value than 94% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–MayWarmest: May, 31°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDo not drink tap water; use refill stations or bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$6.4–16.0Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundHagnaya–Santa Fe ferryWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashMostly cash.Details
Where to stay in Bantayan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Santa Fe | Beaches, resorts, restaurants and the ferry port |
| Bantayan town | Local centre with market, banks and the hospital |
| Madridejos | Quieter fishing town with fort ruins and northern beaches |
Apps that work in Bantayan
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: No ride apps. Use tricycles and habal-habal motorbike taxis; agree the fare first and keep small bills.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mostly cash Mostly cash. Resorts and some restaurants take cards; ATMs are few and can run empty, so bring pesos from Cebu.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
Going to Bantayan solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.