2025 Daanbantayan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Beach Resort! Malepas Island located in Cebu. The specific address is Sitio Pasil, Logon, Daan Bantayan, Malepas Island, Cebu, Philippines 6013. It is about 160 kilometers from the city center and 180 kilometers from the airport. The resort offers a variety of room types such as deluxe air-conditioned rooms, air-conditioned standard rooms, and superior deluxe rooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, balcony/terrace, minibar, satellite channels/cable TV, shower facilities, etc. Leisure facilities: It has a private beach and provides snorkeling, diving, spa, massage and other leisure activities. The resort is located on the beach and has a beautiful environment, suitable for vacation and relaxation. You can enjoy leisurely time in the restaurant by the beach, order a drink and sit and watch the sea view. Its location makes it a paradise for divers, with a private beach and dive center. The room is spacious and comfortable, and welcome drinks are provided to give guests a warm experience.

We wanted our first trip to Cebu and the Philippines to be special and so we booked this resort right at the start of the summer holidays. We stayed in the garden room which overlooked the lush green of the surroundings. The main hotel area has a water feature and is open to the elements and nature. Every morning we had beautiful birdsong. The resort was quiet which made it feel like our own little paradise on the beach. The staff couldn’t be more attentive and obliging. Kusina restaurant did great room service and the karaoke and other performances were entertaining. Kandaya resort was just the getaway we needed! #summerincebu #philippines #Getaway #Lovethephilippines

The journey to Kalanggaman Island was an adventure in itself. The boat ride was smooth and enjoyable, allowing me to appreciate the stunning views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters and surrounding islands. As we approached the island, the sight of the long stretch of powdery white sand and vibrant coral reefs took my breath away. Once ashore, I was greeted by the warm and friendly locals who made me feel instantly welcome. The island is well-maintained, with clean facilities and shaded picnic areas. The clear, calm waters were perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Exploring the underwater world was like entering a vibrant aquarium, with an abundance of colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine life. One of the highlights of my visit was walking along the picturesque sandbar that stretches out into the ocean. It was like walking on a dream, with the crystal-clear waters on both sides and the gentle breeze soothing my soul. The sandbar is an ideal spot for photo opportunities and a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. For those seeking adventure, there are various activities available on the island, such as paddleboarding, jet skiing, and even camping. I highly recommend staying overnight to witness the mesmerizing sunset and the starry night sky. The tranquility of the island at night is truly magical. The island is well-preserved and the locals take great pride in keeping it clean and pristine. There are designated trash bins and signs reminding visitors to be mindful of their waste. I applaud the efforts made to protect this natural wonder and urge everyone to do their part in preserving its beauty. Overall, Kalanggaman Island is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature's wonders. Its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and abundant activities make it an ideal spot for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. Just make sure to bring sunscreen, a camera, and an open heart, as this island will steal it away. #trip #beachlife #campingglamping #island #islandtravel #islandlife #philippines #philippinestrip #philippinespride

Transportation strategy: If you want to enter the island on the first day, you must choose a flight arriving in the morning, because no matter what kind of transportation, it takes more than 3 hours to drive, and when you get to the pier, you have to take a 40-minute boat ride to the island. Must-visit attractions: There is a beach on the north side of the island, and there are Japanese ships outside where you can snorkel and watch. If you want to watch the sunset, you can walk up to the lighthouse, but there are a lot of mosquitoes. You can also swim outside Tepanee Resort. Saw the little baby shark! If you just want to drink coffee on the beach, there is a cafe on the beach in the north. It is quite atmospheric and you can take a walk if you have time. Recommended hotels: Don’t choose accommodations priced below 1,500P. Most of them don’t have hot water or air conditioning. The island lacks supplies, so they rely on shipping. Many things are more expensive than Cebu Island. Must-try food: I personally don’t like Filipino food, but there is a dish that looks very similar to Hong Kong-style roast pork called Lechon Kawali. You can try it. It’s delicious with pickles and vinegar. You can’t help but drink it. It’s available in almost every restaurant. Mango Shake, the delicious one is at Mabuhay on the beach, basically I have tried many of them and this one is the best. Thresher Shark Diving: This time I met Eric, a coach from Taiwan. My neutrality is not very good, but I have improved a lot with his many suggestions. Thank you for his help in arranging this enjoyable thresher shark diving trip. If you need his contact information, you can find Migration Diving on ins. Shopping guide: If I really want to talk about it, it’s the thresher shark wood carving. There is a small shop owned by a barber in the back alley. Tell him that you are Eric’s friend. We have known each other for a long time and I think his craftsmanship on the island is more meticulous. It’s not expensive at only a few hundred pesos, and it’s a nice thing to take back as a souvenir. There are also many people selling T-shirts on the island, so pick something good-looking~ I like the ones related to the diving spots, so that I can better recall the diving here. #

Located in Danbantayan, the northernmost part of Cebu Island, Gold Sand Resort is a 4-hour drive from the city. Driving north, you can see beautiful scenery that is different from Oslob in the south. The resort is also huge, with a lagoon in front of the resort and a wide white beach that you can't find in Mactan if you cross a bridge here and there. It is a natural sand beach that you can't find in Mactan. For reference, the sand on the artificial beach at Mactan Resort was all moved here. It is difficult for visitors to visit, but since it is near Maya Port, I recommend stopping by once when passing through Malapascua. I came here for a day of healing and liked it so much that I extended my stay for another day.

#staycation One of the beautiful beaches in Cebu is in Malapascua Island. It is located in an island baranggay of Daanbantayan in the northern part of Cebu. We stayed in Hippocampus Beach Resort. Here, even this resort is in the beach front, we still got a very affordable room, good for 2 persons. Our stay there was very comfortable and staffs were accommodating and helpful. We were able to enjoy our stay there. The resort also has its own SCUBA diving shop that offers diving packages. #tripblazers #beachlife #cebudestination

Santa Rosa DeLima,Daanbantayan Cebu ,Philippines Santa Rosa DeLima Parish - Daanbantayan, Cebu A Catholic parish church in central Philippines has been declared as the country’s first archdiocesan shrine dedicated to St. Rose of Lima. Located in Daanbantayan town at the northern tip of the island province of Cebu, the parish was founded in 1858 and its stone church was inaugurated in 1886. It is one of the most preserved heritage churches in the province. It also added that a plenary indulgence is granted to every pilgrim after fulfilling the usual conditions during the traditional feast day of St. Rose of Lima. St. Rose of Lima is a Dominican tertiary from Peru who was the first canonized saint from the Americas on April 12, 1671 by Pope Clement X. She is historically significant to the Philippines as she was declared as the secondary patroness of the Peru and by the Indies, which included the Philippines on August 11, 1670 through the papal bull “Sacrosancti apostolatus cura” by the same pontiff. #myfaithnews #saintsoftoday #familypilgrim TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY🙏

I knew I would love Kawit beach even before setting foot on it. If you are looking for a beautiful beach resort in Kawit, Medellin, Cebu (north), check out Paradizzo Beach Resort. This resort is probably the most popular beach destination in Medellin. Paradizzo has a lot to offer such as rooms for your overnight stay, tents and tables for day use and night use, kayak, paddle board, island hopping, restaurant, Sebu Cha, live music, etc. You will definitely love your stay there as you do not have to wait for the tide to go high to enjoy swimming. Gibitngit Island is just a few minutes away from the resort and you can tour the island from there and if you are planning to go to Bantayan Island, the nearby Kawit Port is just a walking distance. Play the video below to take a tour inside Paradizzo. Thank you to the very accommodating staff at Paradizzo, I did enjoy my stay. #tigeryear2022 #beachlife #summervacation #

Who else loves great view with Great food?? and large servings. … duh! ofcourse that’s what we all want! The place is so instagrammable , very quiet , cozy and soooo relaxing. bigger space for my “kiat and fun” kiddos. We’ve been there in Friday , yet the place is not crowded ; well organized. 👏 would always love to go back soon. 🥰 A very beautiful place, i felt secure and safe with their health protocols. Staff was so nice, polite and accommodating. Lots of activities like kayaking, biking, hiking and instagramable views of nature. Worth the trip from Cebu and i'd return again without hesitation. #cozy #relaxing #moonview #unforgettableexperiences #beachview

a great place to unwind and relax.#luxuryhotel

A secluded gem tuck right at the northern tip of Cebu Island. Architecture style is contemporary Bali style. Car parking is right at the entrance and a golf cart will take you to the reception. They have an inviting pool and a great all dining restaurant. We ordered the stir fried lobster and were surprised at the quantity for it's reasonable pricing. They are standard rooms and private individual villas for rent. Some sea sports were spotted at the lagoon area in front of the private villas. A great place to relax if you have the spending power! #beautifulsunset #summerdays #summervacation #summerdays #luxurystays #vacation

The first time we visit the place was during night time, the place is well lit and easy to locate. I love the choice of light they use in the bistro, and the huge Christmas tree with red chair- that's a highlight. The following morning the whole family went there for lunch. We tried 4 different dishes (tuna panga, tuna belly, sisig, spaghetti) everything is worth the wait. We did enjoy! ..and yeah, I had burger on my first visit! SUPAH YUMMY! the patty is tender, juicy, thick and real meat. Happy to have this place here in Daanbantayan! #cafe #restaurant #greatday #happytummy

SERVICE: 10/10. Staff members are polite, attentive, and knowledgeable on their assigned areas/tasks. AMENITIES: 9/10. RESTAURANT: 10/10. Love the ambiance and the scenery, facing the ocean. FOOD: 7/10. For a 5-star resort, food was not that much impressive. Shrimp during dinner was obviously not fresh. American breakfast and Filipino breakfast was good tho. ROOMS: 10/10. Very spacious, very clean, especially the bathrooms they're so spacious and looks so classy. POOL: Big, very clean and water is very clear. SEA: 8/10. Good for swimming but not that great. But I like the activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and biking. #beaches #sunset #besttravesldestination #staycations #beyondborders #luxury

I personally stayed at Neverland and can’t recommend this place enough! The staff are super friendly and will welcome you into their loving community. The rooms available are thatched bamboo huts that sleep up to two people and fitted with power sockets, a fan, comfortable beds, and a mosquito net. There is also a dormitory room with bunk beds if you don’t mind sharing a room with other guests. Neverland has an in-house vegan restaurant with delicious food and the wifi is solid! For all you budget travelers, I can highly recommend staying at Neverland during your visit. #urbanexplorer #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches #momentsmission

Nestled on a white sandy beach amidst the northern tropical landscape in the island of Cebu is a haven, where land, sea and sky meet and blend seamlessly to form the postcard-perfect backdrop of KANDAYA Resort, an idyllic, luxury destination located in the coastal heart of historic Daanbantayan. Named in homage to Datu Daya, an ancient brave tribal chieftain whom once stood as protector of old Bantayan, this piece of paradise located north of Cebu, offers an enviable mix of serenity, adventure, relaxation, and tradition to reinvigorate the body, refresh the mind, and uplift the spirit. Our team of chefs and cooks prepare specialty Asian and Western cuisines at Kusina Restaurant, with a focus on regional favorites, Filipino comfort food, and beloved Cantonese recipes. As well, a variety of nutritious dietary menus, including vegetarian selections with some farm-to-table greens, are available daily#scenicspotguide #decembertravel #summervacation #travelinspiration #beaches

A hidden, unspoiled and undiscovered island between Cebu and Masbate. The islands are located in the Visayan sea, in between Masbate and Cebu. It serves as a temporary shelter for tired fishermen and migratory birds. It's about 35 minutes from Carnaza, Daanbantayan, Cebu. #beachvacation

It was literally a " hard way" to get to the island. There were small boats available for rental and big waves. Getting almost half towards the island, waves were bouncing back and forth to the extent that the boat was barely moving. Not to exaggerate but all the stuffs and passengers were seriously wet. It wasn't really easy being on a 3-hour boat transfer, wet and hungry. We were expecting a carenderia at the resort but there were none. We were informed that we have to buy meat and etc and the staffs on the resort will cook it (of course there a service charge to it). Hungry and sleepy after almost 8 hours of travel from Cebu, we looked for a market only to find out that there is no market available on the island. We looked for a meat and there is none. We searched for fish and the locals told us that we have to wait for the fisherman to get back from fishing! This is unexpected but I found it super amazing and truly unbelievable as to how the locals have survived to this type of living. Locals are living near the sea and the primary source of income of the people is fishing. They are beyond hospitable and very welcoming! God, you'll never find people like these in the city. The sea is so amazing, it has captured our hearts. The wind is fresh and clean. Everything is almost perfect. Given the chance, i will definitely go back here. Compared to other tourist destinations, Carnaza Island is cheaper for beginners and the island is not crowded. By the way, we were able to buy something for dinner which is a live chicken. The seller had it cleaned before passing it us though. The place is ideal for group of friends who are looking for an adventure and wanting to unwind or escape from the city air. After all, you should not be "arte" if you want to enjoy the island because you will not survive. 😂 #maydaytrip #urbanexplorer

A beautiful sunset #unedited #awesomepic #teacherventure

Date of Stay: 1 June – 7 June 2025 Resort: Evolution Beach and Dive Resort， MalapascuaThis was my second visit to Malapascua， and it absolutely lived up to my expectations! We arrived right after the busy season， which meant fewer people but still perfect weather. The sun shone nearly every day， and diving conditions were ideal.A trip highlight was our dive at Kimud Shoal on 2 June. The visibility was superb， and we were fortunate to encounter Thresher Sharks—majestic and unforgettable! We also explored Gato Island’s cave dive， which was both eerie and thrilling. A standout moment was our night dive at Lighthouse， where we watched Mandarin Fish in their mating dance—a truly enchanting experience I’ll always remember.The team at Evolution Beach and Dive Resort were professional， knowledgeable， and made the entire adventure smooth and enjoyable. I will definitely return!One small letdown: we’d hoped to visit Kalanggaman Island and Capitancillo Island， but the resort requires a minimum of six divers for those trips. Unfortunately， we didn't have enough people during our stay， so we missed those excursions.That said， I highly recommend Evolution Beach and Dive Resort for anyone seeking a peaceful and private escape， as it's located away from the island’s more bustling areas. It’s perfect for divers looking for a well-organized experience and a quiet place to relax after exploring Malapascua’s rich marine life—especially the incredible Thresher Sharks.

🏝️Kalanggaman Island: Where Even My Problems Took a Vacation Sandbar so long it felt like a runway for my island fantasies ✈️ Crystal-clear water, zero stress, and the only decision was: swim, nap, or take another 500 photos? This island really said: “Come for the views, stay for the main character moment.” #KalanggamanIsland #VitaminSeaOverload #TripMoments #IslandFlex #SunkissedAndUnbothered #PhilippinesTravel#postandearn

#summervacay Kalanggaman Island in Leyte is a quiet escape known for its long, white sandbar stretching into clear blue waters. The beach is soft, the sea is calm, and the whole island feels untouched and peaceful. There are no big buildings here just a few huts and picnic spots. You bring your own food, swim, walk along the shore, and enjoy the view. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take deep breaths, and let the simple beauty of nature do the rest.

📅 Itinerary Day1：Cebu city Day2: Malapascua 🏨 Accommodation : blue coral 📌 Tips Enjoy all the island tours they also very cheap #malapascua

#philippinestrip If you’ve ever imagined yourself standing on a long white sandbar surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, with nothing but the sound of gentle waves and a light breeze on your face, then you’ve already dreamed of Kalanggaman Island. Tucked away off the coast of Leyte in the Philippines, this tiny, uninhabited island feels like a secret slice of paradise. It’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking raw beauty, peace, and that “lost in the tropics” feeling. When I decided to explore #kalanggaman , I booked my flights to Cebu and my hotel stay in Palompon through Trip.com, which made it easy to plan everything ahead and enjoy the trip stress-free.

Pasig City, Philippines Travel Guide If you're looking to experience the charm of Southeast Asia, Pasig City in the Philippines is an excellent choice. Pasig City is close to Manila, offering convenient transportation. Upon arrival, visit St. Joseph Church, a beautiful building steeped in Filipino religious culture, where you can experience a rich atmosphere of faith. For food, don't miss the local specialties. Halo-halo is a must-try. This dessert combines shaved ice, fruit, condensed milk, and more, offering a rich, sweet, but not greasy taste, bursting with tropical flavors. Also try Adobo, chicken or pork marinated and stewed in vinegar, garlic, and other spices, resulting in tender meat with a tangy and appetizing flavor. For shopping, head to SM Megamall. This massive shopping center offers a wide variety of goods, from international brands to local specialties. When you're tired of shopping, you can relax and dine in one of the mall's restaurants. For accommodation, we recommend a resort hotel by the sea, where you can enjoy a comfortable stay and stunning ocean views. Pasig City is a travel destination that combines culture, cuisine, shopping, and beautiful scenery.

Tepanee Beach Resort is located on Malapascua Island, Philippines, a hidden paradise. 🏝️ The airport is close to the hotel, and taxis or private transfers are convenient. The beach is just a stone's throw away, making it perfect for sun and beach lovers. The resort is in a prime location and is a true gem on the island. The hotel is modern and stylish, with warm colors and a comfortable atmosphere. It also has a private beach, so you won't be disturbed by other tourists. 🌊 The front desk staff are friendly and welcoming, and the check-in process is smooth. The room is amazing! We stayed in a deluxe villa with a private balcony overlooking the beautiful sea. The room is spacious, the bed is comfortable, and the sheets are soft. The room also has a safe, air conditioning, and other amenities, making it feel like home. 🐚 The hotel has a variety of facilities and activities to make your stay more enjoyable. 🌺 You can relax on the beach or swim in the outdoor pool. The hotel's restaurant is also excellent, especially the Amihan Restaurant, which serves delicious pizza. The only downside is that there is a small hill between the hotel and the beach, which may be challenging for older guests or those with mobility issues. However, this is a minor issue and doesn't affect the overall experience. Overall, Tepanee Beach Resort is worth a visit. If you love the beach and want a peaceful vacation, this is the place for you! 🌅

It was my first time on Malapascua Island, and staying at Tepanee Beach Resort felt like discovering a true hidden paradise. The hotel is located in Logon Daanbantayan, at the tip of this beautiful island. Although transportation on the island relies heavily on boats, this only adds to the island's mystique. When you step onto the hotel's private beach, all your travel fatigue seems to vanish. In terms of location, Tepanee Resort is incredibly convenient. Whether you want to enjoy diving at Dive Society Malapascua or explore the underwater world at Divelink Cebu, these activities are just a short distance away. The hotel's decor is full of Southeast Asian charm, making it feel warm and homely. The reception staff are very professional, warm, and friendly, and you can feel their attentive care from the moment you check in. The room design is thoughtful, spacious, and bright, with a safe and air conditioning to ensure privacy and comfort for every guest. The deluxe villa I stayed in offered direct views of the sea, and the beautiful scenery was incredibly relaxing. The room was well-equipped, and simply sitting on the balcony watching the waves crash against the beach was a pleasure. The bed was very comfortable, and the pillows were great. It's worth mentioning that every room has a mosquito net, which is especially friendly for those who are afraid of mosquitoes. The entire stay felt like great value for money, even exceeding my expectations. There are many great restaurants near the hotel, such as Amihan Restaurant and Ocean Vida, offering delicious Southeast Asian cuisine. If you want to enjoy a meal in your room, the hotel also provides excellent room service. We particularly loved the pizza at Amihan Restaurant; it was really delicious! Dining there while enjoying the sea view was a real treat. Of course, the resort's pool is also a highlight not to be missed. Fitness enthusiasts can work out in the small gym. For a more luxurious experience, there's a massage room where you can enjoy a relaxing massage and feel rejuvenated. For diving enthusiasts, the hotel is located next to excellent diving spots. One small downside is that although the resort is fantastic overall, the internet connection is not very reliable and often disconnects. This could be a problem for those who need a stable internet connection. However, it's also a reminder to get closer to nature. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy beautiful sea views, Tepanee Beach Resort is definitely a great choice. After experiencing a wonderful vacation, I've decided to return to this private paradise next year to enjoy the tranquility and beauty once again.