Bantayan is one of the islands blessed with white sand beaches in the northern tip of Cebu. No wonder tourists, both local and foreign, wouldn’t care traveling 4-5 hours (bus and boat) ride from Cebu City just to get a glimpse of that island tropic feels away from the urban jungle.
Did you ever feel like getting out of the city and go on to a trip spontaneously? Well Jane and I had these out of town plans that got postponed for quiet several times already. So one Friday afternoon, we decided to have a getaway over the weekend in Bantayan without any plans. I just Googled a few resort names and one thing caught my attention, Ogtong Cave Resort. 🙂
Ogtong Cave Resort is located at Barangay Pooc, Santa Fe and is just 15-minute away from the town proper. A tricycle or pedicab can take you there. What makes this resort stand-out is the relaxing freshwater inside Ogtong Cave aside from the white sand beach and swimming pools.
They are open from 8AM to 6PM for day use with an entrance fee of Php100. If you want to stay overnight, they have different rooms to choose from. Later did I know that they offer seaview villa and suite accommodation for high end tourists especially for honeymooners. So expect that it’s a bit pricey but still can be enjoyed in a budget.
Address: Brgy. Pooc, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu Philippines
Facebook: Santa Fe Beach Club & Ogtong Cave Resort
Tel/Fax: (032) 438-9129 | (032) 512-8928
Mobile: 0920-899-9456 | 0932-433-6282
Note: They have additional 12% VAT on all room rates. Breakfast no included.
Restaurant
Their restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and open 24 hours so guests can easily order beverages and goodies ready to eat. It has also a great view of the swimming pool and the sea. The garden landscape and different kinds of flora around the resort adds beauty, peace and freshness of the place.
Swimming Pool
The resort has 2 swimming pools, one for the regular day use visitors and checked-in guests while the other one is exclusive for Deluxe Suite guests. The former is also suitable for kids as nearly half of it is only 2-3 feet deep.
The Beach
They have white sand beach but the area along the resort is not that impressive. There’s no beachline during high tide but on low tide you can walk on a wide stretch of fine white sand. Actually, you can already see the Sugar Beach from here and take stroll.
Ogtong Cave
And here comes the main event where the name of the resort is attributed to, the Ogtong Cave. It is just near the swimming pool and you will take a few steps down into the cave where you can find a clear bluish freshwater lagoon. It is so refreshingly cool even with the scorching heat of the afternoon.
There are lots of interesting things and areas around the resort that are picture perfect. Just like this fence of lovely white bougainvilleas. We can’t help but be cheesy on this one. 🙂
The Night
And after all the fun under the sun, what better way to end the day than stargazing under the Milky Way. Perhaps this is something you don’t see often or not anymore in the city. The city may have five-star hotels but here you have billions of star to show and tell. 🙂
We had no TV, no internet, no disco music but we had an intimate time with nature. The immense stillness makes the environment so peaceful and serene. Within the silence you hear the whistling sea breeze, the rustle of the tree leaves and the relaxing sound of crickets. It was detoxifying to the mind, body and soul.
It doesn’t matter where you travel, what room you sleep or budget you have as long as you live with the moment, have fun and enjoy the little things. And when you have your best of friends or love ones with you, that my friend for me is a day well spent.
What is a day well spent for you? Share your thoughts and spread good vibes! 🙂
“How could I forget this place … When I was 6 yrs old we went here for our field trip during my nursery years … This is where I first experience a swimming pool and the cave … 🙂 🙂 now I’m 20, I wish to go back here … :'( ”
Jace | http://www.laagpamore.net
Wow I’m amazed you can still remember those times. I wonder how it was back then and how it has changed. You should take a visit soon Jace. 🙂
Yeah … I should visit back this place … I’t 15 years has passed already .. I wonder what’s new .. Basing on your photos,,, seems like the only thing I noticed that has changed is the entrance to the cave… 🙂 before there is no railings 🙂
Jace | http://www.laagpamore.net
Awww very nice!! Wala pajud ko kaadto Bantayan ever. Hmmfff.
Awww thanks Rea. Soon you’ll get there sa tamang panahon. hehehe 🙂
Awesome! I should include Bantayan on my list.
Oh yes you should Vanessa. This is just one of the best things to do in Bantayan. 🙂