Crystal clear water
Already from the ferry we spotted those nice fabulous beaches with white sand that we had read about. This was really promising. Even in the port in Santa Fe the water was crystal clear. In fact many of the big resorts are located close to the port.
Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort
Most places were fully booked the day we arrived at Bantayan island. But on the fly we had managed to get a cottage at Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort. On the map it looked close to Santa Fe and the port. But the reality turned out to be different. The distance was 6-7 km and the road going there was partly very bad.
Simple accommodation but nice
When we finally arrived there someone was very hungry. We ordered lunch and ate it in their open air restaurant. The accommodation was simple but nice with private bathroom, AC and fan. I really liked the place because the whole resort was surrounded by lush forest vegetation but with a nice view over the sea.
Remote location
Due to the remote location of our resort, we were really dependent on our scooter, without it we had been stuck there. But every time when we were going back from town after darkness it was an adventure. Not so much for the traffic more on negotiating bad roads and watching out for stray dogs.
Food market in Santa Fe
The Food market is an area big as a few quarters where most restaurants and bars are situated. Are you looking for nightlife, then it’s here you should be. Many times we went all the way from our remotely resort in to the Food market for our dinner.
Our favorites
One favorite was the French bakery, he had super delicious cheese cakes and baguettes. Another fabulous place was the Tiki bar which had very yummy food, specially their hamburgers which were both big and tasty. Outside the central of Santa Fe we sometimes ate cheap at small eateries and barbecue places.
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A longer road trip this time
Inspired from our previous road trip to Sipalay we decided to go for an even longer one this time. So why not make it big and go roughly 600 km back and forth, like from Dumaguete to Bantayan island!
The need of travel light
When you are two persons on a regular scooter you need to travel light. There are many considerations you need to think about and one thing is not to bring too much clothes.
Go with the flow
We hadn’t made any detailed plan for our route. Our motto was to be spontaneous and go with the flow. We took the ferry from Tampi over to Bato to Cebu island.
Overnight in Malboal
Our first stretch was not that far. We arrived in Malboal when it started to be dark so we realized we had to stay there for the night. Some consultations among the booking sites and we ended up at the T Breeze Coastal Resort which was nicely located by the sea.
Hit the road again
The T Breeze Coastal Resort was really a nice place but we were bound for Bantayan island after all, so we had to hit the road early the next day.
Buko juice
Aside from dogs, buko juice is the man’s best friend when it comes to drinks. Refreshing and healthy at least if it’s fresh and comes without sugar. Strangely enough it’s sometimes hard to find fresh buko juice... despite there are so many coconut trees everywhere here.
The last stretch to Bantayan island and our first lunch at the Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort
Tuburan city
It took longer than expected to drive so we had to stay overnight at Tuburan city. Still around 80 km from where we would take the ferry over to Bantayan island. Tuburan hadn’t much to offer but we found a hotel and a 7/11. That’s all we needed!
Tired of driving
The next day we started early after breakfast. This last stretch up to Hagnaya port went fairly smooth. But I started to feel tired of driving so I wanted us to reach the ferry as soon as possible.
Related links:Review of Mooon Cafe in CebuThe tasteful Mooon Cafe
Nacho Supreme
My favorite dish in Moon Cafe is the Nacho Supreme which is a huge portion of corn tortilla chips, jalapeños, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, minced meat bolognese with melted cheese on top. They also have more regular dishes as well, beef, pork, chicken, soups, salads etc. Everyone will find something for their tastebuds except maybe for the vegetarians and vegans. There are only few vegetarian options, basically some of the salads, deep fried onion rings and pumpkin soup. As always the staff were friendly and helpful. No waiting time for the food and a good working WiFi for those who want to share their food experience on Internet.
Review of Siam Thai Cuisine Restaurant in CebuSiam Thai Cuisine
No khao neeo (sticky rice)
Spiciness was only moderate
Related links:
Review of Mooon Cafe in Cebu Review of Harbour City Restaurant in Cebu Review of Seafood Island in Ayala mall, Cebu Review of The Center Suites Hotel in Cebu Review of Seafood Island in Ayala mall, Cebu citySeafood in Ayala
Where to eat in Cebu? There are many options in this bustling city, the second largest city in the Philippines. You will find many excellent restaurants in Ayala mall and so also you will find Seafood Island on the 4:th floor of the mall. The ambience is nice and airy and one side of the restaurant comes with a view over Cebu Business Park through big windows.
Lots of yummy stuff
Seafood Island offer a variety of seafood, fish and meat. It took me a while to decide for the Binalot Boracay, a platter with lots of yummy stuff. Grilled shrimps, fish, squids and vegetables served with special rice with shrimp paste. This portion is good for at least two persons but since my appetite is comparable with two normal persons it was good for me.
Summary
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food 4 Service 4 Value 5 Atmosphere I was here late December 2016 Seafood Island Ayala Center 4 th level, Cebu, Cebu Business Park Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Related links:
Review of Mooon Cafe in Cebu Review of Siam Thai Cuisine Restaurant in Cebu Review of Harbour City Restaurant in Cebu Review of The Center Suites Hotel in Cebu A Chinese in Ayala Mall, Cebu
Harbour City, an excellent choice for Dim Sum
I ordered stuffed shrimps, shrimp toast, quail's egg Shaomai and garlic vegetables. All this of course together with plain rice and green tea. Despite it was at lunch time and the restaurant was full of guests, I didn't have to wait long until I got my food. The food was tasty and enough for me. Dim sum definitely appealed to my taste buds and Harbour City restaurant is an excellent choice if you like to explore this type of Chinese cuisine.
Related links:
Review of Mooon Cafe in Cebu Review of Siam Thai Cuisine Restaurant in Cebu Review of Seafood Island in Ayala mall, Cebu Review of The Center Suites Hotel in Cebu Good location near The Ayala Mall
I have stayed at The Center Suites two times and the last time was in December 2016. It has good location near The Ayala Mall, just walking distance 10 minutes. But the neighborhood just close to the hotel is a little bit rough. When you are walking from Ayala to the hotel, there is an unfinished construction site just close to the hotel at N Escario St and Gonzales Compound which you must pass. That construction site looks exactly the same as when I was there the first time in December 2015! When passing that area at night time it feels not safe, it's dark and shabby.
Offer much for the money
The Center Suites offer much for the money. Clean rooms with good working AC. Some of the rooms have "the silent and not too cold" type of AC. Breakfast is included and the staff is very nice and service minded. Free WiFi but the signal varies from excellent to less good depending on which room you have. The Center Suites is a nice hotel, very affordable and gives value for your money.
Entertainment for breakfast in the Bistro. (6 seconds video clip)
Osmeña Peak
The rooftop of Cebu Island. Osmeña Peak, rises 1,013 meters above sea level and is nestled between the southern towns of Dalaguete and Badian.
Casaroro Falls in Valencia, Dumaguete.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes
A nice little lake on the way the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes. Located in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
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