http://www.excitingcebu.com/amazing-cebu/things-to-do-in-cebu-city/ In May of 2011 Jessie and I (Rusty Ferguson an American expat living in the Philippines) went to Bantayan Island in Cebu Philippines. Bantayan Island is a peaceful place. Serenity is the word that comes to mind. It is lacking of the many of the normal sounds ones usually hears in the Philippines. There are no motorized tricycles for example. Instead pedicabs are used. A bicycle with a side car is attached powered by mostly young men of the island. The opening scene is our ride to Tristan's Bantayan Island Beach Resort. Tristan's is not fancy but is very low cost. Rooms there will cost you from I think P400 to P1000. The P1000 room faces the Visayan Sea. The food there is wonderful and presented as if you were staying in a much more expensive resort. I often see people from those more expensive resorts eating at Tristan's. Nancy the owner will see to it that you are treated like royalty. At high tide, you'll walk down the steps and right into the Visayan Sea. Often the waters lap over the edge the resort's sea wall. Sometimes the steps are submerged in the sea completely. The beach is power while sand and one area is called Sugar Beach due to the fine grain of the sand. Honestly, I couldn't tell the difference between Sugar Beach and the other beaches I visited. There are some resorts that are located on more rocky areas and swimming is not the main attraction there. The most popular area for water recreation is the Santa Fe portion of the island. Though, I have stayed at Tickty Boo Beach Resort to the south and found it to be just fine. When I was there, there was a bit more seaweed in the water but that could have just been the time of year. There is some seaweed in the water in the Santa Fe region as well. There wasn't a lot of it and it didn't bother me. Not growing from the seafloor but floating past us in the water. Bantayan is normally not a party place. During most times there are not a lot of tourist there. When we head into the sea, we have a few Filipinos nearby. Often Jessie and I have the beach to ourselves.. During Holy Week, Bantayan Island is full of activity with many people. Prices will usually be double or more. Don't go to Bantayan during Holy Week and expect serenity because you'll not find it. If you are thinking of moving to or visiting the Philippines check out this link and download my eBook: http://www.excitingcebu.com/expat-training-manual/ If you have been to Bantayan Island, leave a comment and let us know what you thought of it.

• published: 11 Jul 2013
• views: 11