:: Tourism
Sts Peter and Paul Parish Church
The most imposing historical structure in Bantayan is the over-a-century old Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church. Located at the heart of the town, just across the town plaza, the church is made of coral stones put together by a mixture of tree sap and limestone.
The church which was finished in 1863 is the seat of the first and, therefore, oldest parish in Visayas and Mindanao which was founded on June 11, 1580 as the Convento de la Asuncion de Nuestra Senora which was at the time was under the direct supervision of the Diocese of Manila.
With its skillfully crafted architecture and well-preserved antiquity, the church is not just a hub of spiritual activities but is a tourist "must-see" destination as well.
Semana Santa Sa Bantayan
The world-renowned Holy Week observance in Bantayan has attracted hordes of both local and foreign tourists. The highlight of the event is the solemn foot procession on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday when life-size images and icons are mounted on elaborately-decorated carrozas that depict various tableaus of the Passion of Christ.
Palawod Festival
Held every June 29, during the annual fiesta in honor of Sts. Peter & Paul, the Palawod Festival, has gained national and international acclaim. It holds the singular honor of being the 3-time Grand Champion of the province-wide Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals Competition.
The street dancing and ritual showdown competitions are performed with the four basic steps: Sulo (Torch), Bugsay (Paddle), Silik (Fins) and Isda (Fish). Touted as one of the most colorful and world-class festivals of Cebu, the Palawod depicts the unique fishing traditions of Bantayan.
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Museum
The Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Museum is one of only three parish-based museums in the Province of Cebu. It showcases old liturgical vestments, parish records, religious artifacts and antiques and the Papal Indult that gives permission to the people of Bantayan to have meat during Good Friday.
Sunset at
Lantawan Sa Bantayan
Lantaw means “to watch from a distance”. Strategically lining the seawall with a long stretch of benches interspersed with lamp posts and Ficus trees, the Lantawan is a mini park by the sea that offers a commanding view of awe-inspiring sunsets and of neighboring islets and the nearby Province of Negros Occidental.
Late afternoon is an opportune time when one can stay there, alone or in company of friends and loved ones, to sit back, relax and muse over the day’s happenings or just commune with nature or simply appreciate the sunset on the horizon.
Town Plaza
The exotic Bantayan Town Plaza is arguably the biggest and widest in the Province of Cebu. Old Agoho trees stand impressively around the Plaza’s perimeter. With a water fountain at its base, the Rizal Monument stand proudly and looks extraordinarily dramatic when night falls and the plaza lights are turned on.
Right across the church patio is the Kristo Rey Monument, while the Basketball and volleyball courts provide recreation and amusement. Long benches with an extended over-head pergola is a favorite rendezvous for lovers and friends.
The plaza rotunda is a setting of many important public functions. A water fountain at the center makes the place enchanting for evening gatherings. Adjacent to this is the children’s park where kids and adults could spend leisure time together.
Market and Food Park
The Bantayan Public market offers a variety of goods and wares. Marine, agricultural and industrial products are sold to shoppers and consumers who delight at purchasing various knickknacks, fresh seafood or the delectable boneless danggit.
The Islets
Bantayan has five islet barangays with many other smaller islets. These emerald green patches of land are sporadically spread out in the blue green waters that embrace the town. One can travel from one islet to another via motorized bancas and savor the fun of an island-hopping adventure.
Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Ecotourism
A vast Mangrove park established by the residents of Barangay Obo-ob residents offers an enchanting tour into the Mangrove forest along an elevated bamboo trail that traverses through the thickets of the park. A banca tour along the fringes of the Mangrove forest offers breathtaking encounters with migratory birds as well as marine creatures that abundantly cover the seabed. A land tour may also be arranged to check out the various heritage resources of the barangay.
