FAQs
What are the 'must have' items I should bring with me?
Sunblock - its hard to find and expensive. Rechargable batteries as local batteries don't last long. basic medicine like paracetamol and calpol for small children as there is a limited range on the island.
Can you bring your own or cook your own food at the resorts?
Some allow it, others don't so check it out with your resort before you arrive. A lot of resorts will cook your food for you for a small fee. This can be good if you are on a beach resort, as you can buy daily catches of fresh crabs, fish and shrimp from the locals who patrol the beach. Once you buy from them they will come and find you again the next day but are polite if you refuse.
Is fishing equipment available for hire on Bantayan Island?
Not that we are aware of but please email us if you know of equipment available for hire. So for now bring your own fishing equipment with you. The local boatment will take you fishing for a fee and there is plenty of live bait locally to buy. If you want to troll bring your own equipment as there is none available on the island. Bantayan Town shops do stock a very basic range of hooks, line, steel traces and weight but no crimps for steel wire and no suitable lins and swivels. Best option is bring what you need.
Are there any fast food chains on Bantayan Island?
Thankfully NO! No Jollibee, No Chow King, No McDonalds, No Pizza Hut and No KFC! This is one of the reasons Bantayan Island remains unspoiled and is a refreshing change. The range of good food available on the island is evergrowing so you won't even miss the chains.
Can I buy load for my phone on Bantayan Island?
Yes. But there are no outlets for Smart Buddy, Globe or Sun cards of any value. (Please email us if you know of an outlet that does sell these cards.) Many roadside places offer passaload but only in small amounts. Best to bring some extra top-up cards with you.
Where is the best place to eat?
A good question. There are many good places to eat. And the good thing is they all offer something a little different so it doesn't get boring. Best thing is to try them for yourself and then you can let us know what you thought. We will be adding a rating system to all food places in the near future so look out for that and then you can rate the places you tried. Have a look at our Food section to view each restaurant's own menu.
Where is the best place to stay?
Another good question. It really depends on what matters most to you. Price? Comfort? Beach Front? Service? Have a look through our Accommodation section to see what each resort offers and then you can decide which one suits you best and should give you enough of an idea so there are no nasty surprises when you arrive.
Do I need to book my resort in advance? e?
Yes if it is Holy Week or the January Sinulog Celebrations which will be booked up for many months in advance. Otherwise No. If you are arriving on the 5.30 ferry from Hagnaya that gets in around 6.45 - 7pm then its gonna be tricky to get sorted that evening especially in the dark. So may be worth booking for one night only then shop around the following day.
Can I bring my car to Bantayan Island?
Yes and its relatively simple. Have a look at our Travel Info page for full details on how to do it
Are there flights to Bantayan Island?
Right now no but plans are being developed for regular flights within 3-5 years
Is there crime on the island?
Virtually none. Occasionally a beer too many leads to arguments and the local police will lock you up for a night to sober up and pay them a healthy release fine. Moral of the story drink but don't fight.
Do mobiles work okay on Bantayan Island?
Yes if you are on GLOBE network the reception is good. SMART is okay. SUN is not so good.
Is there wireless access anywhere on Bantayan Island?
Yes. Yooneek Beach Resort currently have wifi daily between 6am and midnight. Tickety Boo Beach Resort is in the process of getting it installed.
Is there a hospital in case of a medical emergency?
Not a hospital as such but there is an emergency clinic in Bantayan Town who will assist with medical emergencies.
Are there any poisonous animals or insects on Bantayan Island?
No which is good news for small children. There are of course many mosquitos especially during the summer months so choosing air conditioned rooms if you have small children is a better option than taking a fan room and leaving the window open.
Is Bantayan Island suitable for small children?
Yes its great with clean beaches and no poisonous insects or animals. like with all the Philippines though there are stray dogs which small children like to touch and most carry rabies so don't let your children play with them. Most of the roads joining the bars and resorts are used by bikers and vehicles who usually don't speed but there are exceptions as always so keep small children close to you. Most resort swimming pools have deep ends and are not so shallow so never let your children swim alone or unsupervised. These are routine safety instructions for small children and are not unique to Bantayan Island.
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FAQs
