Bantayan Island Cebu

BANTAYAN - Origin of a name. BANTAYAN as the name implies has a very interesting history as an island group.

 During the time of Governor Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera ( 1635 - 1644), the Visayas were continually harassed by the Moros. Consequently, tall stone walls and watchtowers wer built in the different parts of the archipelago, for refuge and protection of the people from the moro aggression. The tall walls surround the convent and the church including half of the area where the Public Plaza now is. 

These watchtowers were loacally known as "BANTAYAN SA HARI " , meaning, " WATCHTOWERS OF THE KING" "KING OF SPAIN". The watchtowers served as look-outs for the incoming moro pirate vessels. In the course of their vigil after the moros, it became the common expression for them to say, BANTAYAN! BANTAYAN!, meaning, "KEEP WATCH! KEEP WATCH! , and that was how this island-group got its name. The presence of the relics of those watchtowers till today, attest to the well-fitting name BANTAYAN. 

Bantayan Island is located in the northern tip of Cebu. It is well know for its fine white sands and crystal clear waters. Considered as one of the most attractive tourist destination in the Philippines, its wide sandy beaches stretches long enough for a morning jog or a romantic walk as the sun sets. The island is a mixture of many things. It’s an ideal place for relaxation and self-exploration. It’s a favorite hiding place to those who need a break on the busy and fast changing world. Whether snorkeling, windsurfing or playing in the sand. Bantayan has all the ingredients mixed with fun, sun and silicon to be a shining tropical paradise in Asia.

Bantayan Island is essentially a fishing island group. It is reported to be within the migration route of fish coming from the equatorial belt of China Sea. Bantayan is blessed with abundant fish because of its strategic location.