Discovering Bantayan Island (Part 1): A Peaceful Escape at Anika Island Resort

Hivers, looking for a quiet place to relax? Want to enjoy white sand, clear blue water, and tasty seafood — without the big crowds? If you’re dreaming of a peaceful island trip with a bit of fun, Bantayan Island is the place for you! Found at the northern tip of Cebu Province, Bantayan Island is a hidden gem. It has soft white sand, clean blue sea, and a calm, easy-going vibe. Whether you want to rest on the beach, visit nearby islands, or enjoy fresh seafood, Bantayan Island has a little bit of everything for everyone. Bantayan isn’t just about beautiful beaches — it also has a rich history and local stories to share. Based on my research, the name “Bantayan” comes from the words “Bantayan sa Hari,” which means “Watchtowers of the King.” Because, long ago, 18 watchtowers were built during the Spanish times to protect the island from pirate attacks. Today, you can still see signs of the island’s past, along with colorful sea life, peaceful fishing villages, and delicious local food. All these make Bantayan Island a special and unforgettable place to visit.

Together with my aunts, uncles, and cousins, we visited Bantayan Island for a 2-day, 1-night vacation. It was my first time going to Bantayan, and of course, I was very excited to see what it looked like and how the place would feel. We started traveling to the north at exactly 3 a.m., and we arrived at the port at around 9 a.m.

Then, we arrived at Anika Island Resort around lunchtime. My cousin had already booked a room for us online, so when we arrived, we were able to go straight to our room and rest for a while. Anika is more than your typical resort — it’s a perfect hideaway where you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sky. The resort has very comfortable rooms with a veranda that overlooks the swimming pool, and some rooms even face the shore. Each room is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The room was also big enough that all of us — my cousins and I — could fit, with at least two people sharing each bed. The staff added some folding beds since we were a large group and wanted to stay together in one room. The bathrooms were clean and had complete toiletries, which made our stay even more comfortable.

After eating lunch, we changed into our swimwear and decided to swim in their pool.

The pool was big and had a nice, relaxing vibe. There were plenty of chairs and tables around it, so if you didn’t feel like swimming yet, you could just sit and relax nearby.

While enjoying the pool, my aunts and uncles went to the beach to rest — and of course, they took lots of pictures!

Other nice things to enjoy at the resort were:
✔️ A mini playground for children, located at the center of the resort
✔️ Palm trees, one of my favorite features, adding a relaxing and tropical feel
✔️ An in-house restaurant, so you don’t need to go outside to eat (but you can if you want to try other restaurants)
✔️ Tasty food served in big portions, with a variety of local and international dishes
✔️ Pretty and comfortable resting spots facing the beach
✔️ Fun activities like jet ski rentals, swimming, and snorkeling
✔️ Bicycle rentals for exploring nearby attractions
✔️ Free Wi-Fi available in public areas for guests

Anika Island Resort is now known as an eco-friendly place to stay. So, Hivers, if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with beautiful beaches, exciting adventures, and a touch of history, Bantayan Island is the perfect spot. From relaxing by the pool at Anika Island Resort to exploring the clear blue waters and tasting fresh seafood, this hidden paradise has something special for
everyone.

Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in one of Cebu’s best-kept secrets. Bantayan Island is waiting — are you ready to discover it?

P.S. In my next blog, I’ll share another amazing place to stay in Bantayan Island and more fun things to do there. Stay tuned!