Bantayan Island

In my eyes the most beautiful hotel in Santa Fe, is the Santa Fe Ogtong Cave Beach Resort which has almost everything what you can imagine for a nice and relaxing vacation on the Philippines. By relaxing, almost deserted beaches which can be run to the port is all in all up to 4-5 Km, the hotel also offers fine cuisine, surrounded by a  super clean facility which is maintained by few gardeners.

Especially it should be mentioned here, that in the garden, what several acres already contains, only native plants are found and no imported plants just because they look beautiful. The sprawling complex has its name from an underwater cave which you can also swim to explore. An experience only could be disturbed by the bats in the cave. Unfortunately, children less than 12 years are not admitted in the natural cave because deeper areas exist which you can reach only by diving.

Certainly you can call the Cottages from Ogtong Cave, the only rentable beach villas in Bantayan. There are indeed some private homes which are offered as a beach villa but none of these houses near the beach promises even approximately the right of a villa. The approximately 30-40 sqm cottages have air conditioning and private terrace with sea views. Right Here, one of the smaller houses who point that the hotel has the right to get highest class called. What will be mentioned at this place is the service still needs to be given one here.The staff is trained and knows how to behave in the Philippines, which unfortunately is not always the case. One immediately recognizes that has prevailed here, the styles of the ever-friendly owners. Here you are always welcome, and seldom the feeling to be just a guest. Open Requests are read of the eyes and the many helpers are always ready to sweeten the day.

Although it might be for some a real break in style with a Philippines Travel is to jump into a pool but I think it should like to mention it anyway if only because it simply offers a wonderful refreshment. The water of the pool comes out of the cave which always has enough cold groundwater. Again, a further plus point because I know the pool is not chlorinated. The Ogtong Cave hotel is not only for hotel guests, it has opened its pool and restaurant also for other visitor, I would like to dwell on the prices a little. A day ticket for adults is 120 pesos at the moment and drinks are very cheap (30-60 pesos). A good meal in a restaurant costs around 250-350 pesos but it’s for potions you can’t finish. Filipino cuisine is offered, Thai cuisine and some international dishes. My favourite is the Thai Chicken with Red Curry. A real pleasure.

A Trip what is always worth, when you are on vacation on Bantayan Island, is to get to Virgin Island. It is a small Island north east of Santa Fe. The Island with a tiny bay in the north and a beautiful beach in south has almost only a very small population. Some Caretaker fit for years on the island which is usually at a bargain price of 8 million U.S. dollars for sale. At least that means only the rumour mill. And again nobody knows how accurate this information are, because nobody is interested when he wants to spent a beautiful day on the Island. You can rent a boat from the fishermen, almost everywhere, but you should really never take more than 2 people in small boats because they are not designed for this. Anyway, the price difference between small fisher boats and big boats is very low. Recommended is the big boat from “Bantayan Cottages” near the port that can carry 15-25 people and offer the best price for 1500 pesos. (Small fishing boats cost an average of 1000 pesos and are not nearly as comfortable to sit)

After a boat ride of about 30 minutes to get to the little left Island. Fine powder sand beach of the finest greeted each newcomer and invites you to stay. There are small cottages on Virgin Island where you can relax and public grill places where people can prepare meals. Often some fishermen offer small fish or shells, but you should not rely on it. Who here likes to barbecue itself should either be self sufficient in the market of Bantayan, or order it at the boat rental. The crew will also cook the dinner when they get a little something from, and are also very helpful in everything else. Snorkelling on Virgin Island is well suited, but you should not expect too much because by the currents there are not that many corals. Fun anyway.

It should be noted that you still go back to at least 4:30 pm to 4:45 pm so you can enjoy a beautiful sunset from the boat. Here it’s most familiar to talk to the boat crew to raise the good places.