Province of Cebu Travel Forum

hi! id been to cebu but just on the main city, haven't explored the islands.Me and my husband decided to see the beauty of cebu for our anniversary this coming may. id seen alot of pretty pictures from the 2 island, camotes and bantayan but here i am, asking for ur opinion which is the best among the 2 :) we're looking for a nice white sandy beach to relax, swim and nice view of nature to take pictures of. also, which beach resort/hotel do u recommend from the 2 island, a/c room and nice bathroom as well. ur information will be appreciated :)

Try Havelock island in the Union Territory Of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India. A very romantic place.

hi, thanks for the reply but i just want to visit an island with nice beach here within the philippines. :)

I has been a long time I haven't gone to these islands. Bantayan Island is more touristy than Camotes. In fact Cebuano events and parties are held in Bantayan even during the holy week! Camotes is more of an off the beaten track destination. Though Camotes has its own charm but if you want better facilities and more people, go to Bantayan. If want an "isolated" place then Camotes might be for you. Try checking out this Bantayan website at http://www.wowbantayan.com

Hi there, I would like to recommend "Panglao Island", about 1 to 1.5 hours from Cebu.The wellknown "Alona Beach" is simply too beautiful. We stayed in Panglao Island Nature Resort with its private jacuzzi attached.
www.panglaoisland.com

hi! i will recomend u panglao island in bohol. im sure you will relax n enjoy there.. u can ask some assistance with these person "ondoy" 09173604661. he is our driver before when i visit the island. 2 hrs from cebu, u have to ride a fastcraft wessam or ocean jet... gud luck guys

hi! i will recomend u panglao island in bohol. im sure you will relax n enjoy there.. u can ask some assistance with these person "ondoy" 09173604661. he is our driver before when i visit the island. 2 hrs from cebu, u have to ride a fastcraft wessam or ocean jet... gud luck guys

I have never been to Camotes Island, but heard many great things about it, though it could be more of an "off beaten" choice for a beach break--definitely not touristy around that part of the Philippines. It is between Cebu and Leyte. On the other hand, Bantayan Island is a ferry boat ride (about 4 hours) from Bantayan, Cebu, which is at the northern-most tip of Cebu. I have been there many years ago (I hope it did not change much) and if you opt for it, I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. The sand is sugary-white and the atmosphere quite tranquil and peaceful. It is very picturesque there. One of my most perfectly shot beach picture was taken in Bantayan Island (unfortunately, I can't send it to you since it is a hard copy-there was no digital camera back in 1995). When you get off the ferry, you will arrive at a town called Santa Fe (in Bantayan Island) and you will see a few accomodations around there. Back then, there were two (the one we stayed at was Kota Beach Resort) and there was another one (I forgot the name). There may be new ones now--I'm not sure. Kota was a good accommodation (I'm not sure how it is now since it's been over a decade ago), which offered the typical native huts with options to have AC & other amenities or without (the traditional way). Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure you will enjoy your stay in that part of the country as the beaches are EXCELLENT and the people are always hospitable!

hi there nelly, i agree with panglao island and id been there with my hubby on our first year of being bf/gf and the place is just so beautiful. very relaxing and nice beach. i wanna try cebu so wish me luck :)

hi risse! thanks for this information and sure did give me some ideas. its really difficult now to decide which beach to go. mmmm.. both are beautiful and have a nice beach to offer :)

You're quite welcome! Whichever island you decide to go, I'm sure you will enjoy it. Goodluck & Safe Travels!!!

There aren't much of a beach in Camotes. The two main resorts in there one is on a rocky/cliffy water (no beach) and the other one is on the San Francisco bay which is a tiny beach and water not good for swimming. Like someone said on here, this is more off the beaten track and isolated. You are more likely to be sucked on your resort.

Bantayan would be more for swimming, beach frolicking and well it is big enough to get around.

thanks reeya, actually im really considering bantayan island now. but i would like to get ur idea on which beach resort should we stay? we're a group of 4, me and my hubby and my parents, its our first wedding anniversary and for my parents, our gift for their wedding anniversary too. we just want an a/c room, standard bathroom and ofcourse nice beach to swim :) ( ofcourse good food is a must ) . thanks so much again!

Marlin Beach resort seem to be on your alley. They have a website I believe.

We have been there recently, Marlins was nice, the beach was well kept and is located on a bend of the island. But the area is a bit touristy.
If you want to feel quite secluded try the Sugar beach area where the beach is wider, less tourists. We stayed at a private beach house there with two rooms and aircon, kitchen. I think it goes for Php2,500 a night.
Bantayan is 4 hours away from CEbu city: 3 hour bus ride and 1 hour ferry ride.
Have fun!!!

im still undecided and now im thinking of checking the 2 island, one day at a time..im such a freak when it comes to beach and nature..cant blame me, who knows what will happen to the beauty of nature 10 years from now :)

Hi,

Camotes Island is a very nice place. I recommend Mangodlong Beach Resort in San Francisco, Camotes, it has wide and powdery white sand with clear water and nice facilities. It is only 5 minutes away from the famous lake Danao in Camotes, a bird sanctuary and park developed by Habagat outdoors.

Camotes is only 2.5 hours by fastcraft from Cebu City and you can arrange a transpo from the resort to pick you up at Poro Pier.Its only 15 minutes from Pier to Mangodlong Resort.Check their website at www.camotesresorts.com.ph

thank you so much for the response, il check the website you have here. do you have some pics to share? that would be lovely. thanks again! :)