Cebu City & Bantayan Island: The Ultimate Fun, Scenic, and Totally Worth-It Escape

February 10, 2023

Looking for a trip that’s got culture, stunning views, wild fun, island chills, and zero dull moments? Our adventure through Cebu City and Bantayan Island was everything you’d want in a getaway — exciting, feel-good, and full of the kind of memories you’ll be talking (and laughing) about for years. Whether you're with family, friends, or your whole barkada — this trip delivered.

Cebu City: Food, History & Epic Sights

We kicked things off in Cebu City, and the energy was high from the start. We explored historical landmarks like Magellan’s Cross, the Santo Niño Basilica, and Fort San Pedro — soaking in stories of the past while snapping all the must-have tourist photos (plus a few goofy ones, of course).

Then it was off to the Taoist Temple, where we climbed to the top, made our wishes, and enjoyed panoramic views that made the trek totally worth it. The peaceful vibe and colorful architecture gave us all a moment to just breathe and appreciate the view.

But the real jaw-dropper? The majestic Temple of Leah — Cebu’s own “Taj Mahal.” This Roman-style temple is grand, dramatic, and perfect for photos that scream epic. Between the columns, the statues, and the city views, we spent almost an hour just soaking it all in (and maybe pretending we were in a movie).

As the sun started to set, we headed to 10,000 Roses Café in Cordova — and wow. Watching the glowing white roses light up while the sky turned pink and orange? Absolutely magical. We grabbed drinks, chilled by the water, and just enjoyed the dreamy vibe — definitely one of our favorite city moments.

And what’s a Cebu trip without a feast? At Larsian BBQ, it was all-out food war — pork, chicken, squid, Cebu chorizo, and the iconic puso (hanging rice). Everyone had their favorites, and no one left without a food coma.

Bantayan Island: White Sands, Island Hopping & Camp Sawi Vibes

Then it was time for the real island escape — Bantayan Island! Just getting there felt like an adventure — a road trip, a ferry ride, and finally that jaw-dropping first glimpse of the ocean. The beach? Powder-soft white sand. The water? Crystal clear. The mood? Instantly relaxed.

But make no mistake — this wasn’t just a chill vacation. We explored, adventured, and made every moment count. We went island hopping to Virgin Island, where we snorkeled with colorful fish, had a beach picnic, and laughed nonstop as some of us (tried to) cliff dive. Every stop was picture-perfect, and every splash came with a shout and a smile.

We also explored Ogtong Cave, a hidden underground pool where we cooled off in the clearest water we’ve ever seen. It was peaceful, refreshing, and felt like our own little secret hideout.

One of the most unexpected and iconic stops? Camp Sawi — the infamous spot from the movie. Whether you're heartbroken or just here for the laughs, it's a fun, tongue-in-cheek place to visit. We posed under the “Welcome to Camp Sawi” sign, made up our own dramatic breakup scenes (just for fun!), and laughed our way through the camp-inspired photo zones. It was extra, dramatic, and totally hilarious — the perfect group bonding spot!

Back in Santa Fe, we cruised the island on bikes, found cute cafés, met friendly locals, and chased golden-hour sunsets that looked too good to be real. And before heading home, we stopped by Bantayan Church, a quiet, historic place that gave us all a moment to pause and reflect on this epic trip.

Final Verdict: 10/10 Would Go Again

This Cebu City and Bantayan Island trip was everything — thrilling, peaceful, full of laughter, and totally unforgettable. From city explorations to island hopping, from dramatic temples to glowing roses, from BBQ feasts to spontaneous beach dips — every moment had its own kind of magic.

And the best part? Sharing it with people you care about. Every laugh, every swim, every adventure was better because we were together.

So if you’re looking for a trip that’s fun, full of energy, and 100% worth it, pack your bags and head to Cebu and Bantayan. You won’t just come home with photos — you’ll come home with stories, inside jokes, and memories that last a lifetime.

By: Meme Borja