Ogtong Cave Resort in Sta. Fe Bantayan

Bantayan Island is famous for its white-sand and crystal clear beaches. There are several resorts offering amazing view of the island’s long stretch shoreline and splendid view of the beach. However, we had chosen to stay at Ogtong Cave resort during our Bantayan escapade. Basically, our decision were based on the reviews and the fact that I’m not into beaches (prior to this trip ) as I’ve mentioned in my previous entries.

Located at Sta. Fe Bantayan,  Ogtong Cave Resort is situated on a large natural rock. It’s one of the Class A rated resort in the island. Its main attraction includes cave, beautiful landscaped garden, clean facilities and fresh sea foods dishes. Their swimming pool also uses fresh water from the cave so it’s a big plus for me at least.

Beautiful Resort
My first impression of the resort is it’s beautiful. I can tell from the moment I saw the fountain near the entrance and when we were in their reception area. It is well maintained and clean.

Cottages and rooms are set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Grassy lawns and concrete walkways serve as pathways to the swimming pool and the beach.

Garden Villa

Non-Aircon Room

The view of the white sand beach and crystal clear water through the rocky cliff is great.  Plus the well-maintained landscaped garden perfectly provides a scenic view and relaxing atmosphere – it’s a perfect ambiance!

The Rocky Cliff

The Beach

The resort does not have a shoreline but it has a powdery white sand and crystal clear water. Its serenity is just perfect for those who want to relax and feel the calmness of the water and sea breeze.  No loud bars, jet skis and only few tourists – just the beach and its calmness.

The Beach during low tide

The view during sunset is also spectacular. It’s also ideal to have a walk along the shoreline to have a feel of its powdery white sand but not a good time to swim since its low tide.

The Cave and the Pool
As evident on its name, Ogtong Cave Resort, I am expecting for a big and exciting spelunking experience on the cave. But I was surprised and upset that it’s so small, more likely a pit. You have to go down a few steps on the stairs to have a feel of cool and fresh water.  What makes me more saddened was the fact that I was not able to swim on it as it was not allowed during our visit as advised by DENR.

The Cave

Disappointed by the cave, we just headed to the pool to have at least a swim unto the fresh water. The resort has a medium size pool. You need to have on your proper swimming attire though since they are a little strict on it.

The Pool

Accommodation

The resort offers variety of accommodation, from fan cooled to air conditioned rooms.  We had the Sea View room. It is concrete and well designed.  Overall we are satisfied with its amenities and cleanliness. It has the usual private toilet and bath with hot and cold shower, Cable TV, refrigerator with variety of drinks. And what I like most is the balcony overlooking the beach. The view is beautiful especially the early morning sunrise.

Sea View Villas

Below are the varieties of rooms they are offering:

• Non-Aircon Rooms - Php1, 600
• Garden Villa – Php 3,200
• Row House – Php 3,200
• Seaview Villa – Php 3,500
• Family Room – Php 4,300
• Deluxe Room – Php 4,300
• Duplex Room – Php 5,200
• White House – Php 7,000
• Deluxe Suite with Jacuzzi – Php 16,000

The resort has also a full service open air restaurant. They are offering variety of cuisines like Chinese, Thai and Native dishes. Fresh sea food dishes are also their specialty. I love their sizzling tangigue in particular. You can also have a wifi access in their restaurant.

Though we were frustrated by the cave, we were pleased generally with the resort’s amenities and services. Its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities is a major plus. The free service going/from the resort to the pier is also an added bonus.  You just need to inform them of your scheduled trip and they will arrange a free service. Their staffs are also friendly and accommodating.

So, that was our relaxing getaway at Ogtong Cave resort. It has indeed soothed and re energized us, just the way we planned it.

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Posted in: Bantayan,Cebu

Bantayan Island - The Philippines' Island Paradise

Bantayan Island was actually my first island destination ever since the wanderer side of me busted in. This post may seem very late as I visited the place August of last year but I think it’s only apt to include it on my blog as it was indeed a memorable getaway. It ignited my desire to travel and explore whatever good things this life can offer. I became a fan of beaches because of that trip.

Known as the Philippines’ Island Paradise, Bantayan Island boasts long stretch shoreline and crystal clear water. Though the white sands are not as powdery as that of Panglao Island and Boracay, all else is comparable. I think what made the Island more interesting and famous is that it’s unexplored and more peaceful compared to other top destinations.  It’s simple and quiet.

Bantayan Island is located northwest of Cebu. As there are other beautiful resorts within the Cebu metro area, at first I was reluctant to visit the island as you need to spend almost a day just for travelling alone (round trip).  But because of good reviews of the island and my curiosity, I decided to give it a try. Mind you, I’m not into beaches prior to this trip. I’m more of a fresh water (Hot and cold spring, waterfalls) and pool enthusiast.

Getting to Bantayan Island

Getting to the island is quite long and tiring. But I tell you, it’s worth it. It’s an escape from the noise and bustle of the Cebu City.

1. Go to North Bus Terminal. You can take a cab or the 01K jeep.
2. From the North terminal, bound a bus going to Hagnaya. To have a little comfort for a fairly travel, we took the Ceres aircon bus. Travel time is almost three hours. 
3. From the Hagnaya port, took a Ferry boat to Sta. Fe Bantayan. Travel time is almost one hour. Below is the Ferry trip schedule from Hagnaya - Sta. Fe. 

Upon reaching the port of Sta. Fe, the charming coastline and crystal clear water of Bantayan Island welcomed us. The exhausting feeling we had due to relatively long trip had simply vanished upon seeing the wonderful view, felt the cool sea breeze and fresh air.

Range of Accommodation

There are several resorts in Bantayan Island where you can stay depending on your preference and budget. I've listed a few of them:

• Budyong Beach Resort
  Tel. (63-32) 438-5700, 438-9040
• Kota Beach Resort
  Tel. (63-32)254-2726
• Maia’s Beach Resort
  Tel. (63-32) 438-0077
• Marlin Beach Resort
  Tel. (63-32) 438-9093
• Ogtong Cave Resort
  Tel. (63-32) 438-0031
• Sta.Fe Beach Resort
  Tel. (63-32) 438-0031/ 253-1339

There are actually several personnel from different beach resorts promoting their respective resorts at the port area, so it’s handy just in case you have not made any reservation yet. However, it’s advisable to make your booking ahead of time to ensure room availability especially if it’s peak season.

At the port area, you can actually have a glimpse of Sta. Fe beach club, a famous resort in the area.  It’s very near. However, we have decided to have our accommodation on their sister resort, the Ogtong Cave Resort, as we would like to see other attraction aside from the beach. Ogtong resort has a cave, Minnie zoo and swimming pool. I’ll get into detail about this resort on a separate post.

Island Paradise of the Philippines

True enough, the island is a delight. The beaches are beautiful and what I like most is its serenity. It’s perfect for those beach lovers out there who wants to have a quiet escape. Plus with its great restaurants offering delicious dishes especially sea foods, the place is truly a paradise!

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Posted in: Bantayan,Cebu