The Sea Green Journal

It’s already Thursday. How was your day?

Like what I mentioned yesterday, I will show some of my pictures from the long weekend trip in today’s post (I decided to divide them into two parts since I have a lot of pictures to share – taking note that I even narrowed them down already).

Off to Bantayan I went. (Abrupt sentence construction, Pau.)

A few specifics in case someone needs the information (and for those who aren’t from the Philippines). Bantayan is one of the municipalities in the province of Cebu, Philippines. Located in the Northern Tip of Cebu, it is well-known for its crystal clear waters and its fine white sandy beaches.

There are several methods of getting there (People mostly go by land and take a ferry or a roro once they reach Hagnaya). Transportation options include buses, rented vans and your very own private vehicle. We basically rode our own car and hopped on the ferry going to the island (you can bring your car with you on the ferry, with additional fees of course).

Planning things such as accommodations and other arrangements way ahead of time (may it be your food options, itinerary, etc) – highly recommended especially during the busy months and events (i.e. April and May, Holy Week). A mixture of cuisines are available on the island – there are quaint restaurants (both in the resort you are staying at and a couple scattered around) and the market (small stores, the essentials, small bakeries, etc). Seafood lovers are in for a treat (the seafood on the plate before you, in most cases, were caught just minutes before you ordered – definitely fresh).

Simply Gorgeous!

The weather is definitely hot there (I am quite sensitive to hot weather). Lots of sunscreen and water – these are your best friends. In spite of the scorching heat, Bantayan is absolutely divine. It is one of my favorite places in the Cebu Province.

Gazillion pictures starts here (haha). I will post snippets on some of them as well. Have fun!

A gazillion sea urchins – freshly caught (A delicacy – I have no plans of trying it though. They did say it tastes great.)

Mango Pancakes with Honey for Breakfast

Tapasilog (We had breakfast brought to our room.)

Yup, I wear sweaterish tops to the beach – I’m cool like that. (Haha)

The Old Kota Fort – I was fascinated with this and its composition (Trivia – I love museums and historic sites). It was constructed in the 1790′s in order to protect young women and children from being abducted by the Moro Pirates and sold for slavery. In terms of architecture, the structure was made from coral stone, red sugar, egg white (common for old structures), lime and sand. It is almost a perfect square.

Little eerie tidbit – There were thirty-four Japanese soldiers executed inside the old structure. It was also used as a cemetery from the 1890′s to the 1950′s.

Huge Bags containing chips for sale at the market (definitely brings back childhood memories).

I always take pictures of cupcakes (it’s basically a given for me).

I will post the rest of the pictures tomorrow hopefully. Please stay tuned to part two of The Island Travelogue.

P.S. It’s Mum’s birthday tomorrow. Yey!

P.P.S. Please follow The Sea Green Journal by clicking on the button below. Thanks!

(Photo Credits – Paula Cañete)