Galingan Island: Paradise in Bantayan

Bantayan Island remains a top-of-mind summer destination all through these years. Its sugary beach sand creating a perfect contrast with the teal-blue waters consistently makes an overwhelming impression to its visitors. The unprecedented beauty of Bantayan extends up to its islets outlined by the untouched pulchritude of the shore. 

Island hopping in Bantayan gets even more exciting with this new potential destination. Aside from the jaw-dropping beauty of the Virgin Island, here's another must-see! Locals call it the "Galingan" in Hilantagaan Island. Hilantagaan, known to be a residential area, is a neighboring islet of Virgin Island.  It got its name from the traditional milling process using primarily stones as machines.The area is surrounded by large cliff rocks; hence, the name Galingan. Because it is privately owned, it has not been introduced often to island hopping tours.


I have not heard of Galingan until the boatman we hired for island hopping offered to take us there. I was even excited as he described the place with such innocent anticipation in his eyes. He, too, loved the Galingan. He happened to be the caretaker of that place which will be developed soon as a resort or a diving area.



From afar, you could only see the gigantic boulders like the ones you see in Medellin, Cebu. As you approach the island, the little cave-like structures bedded with fine white sand come into view. Jaw-dropper! This part here is at its best in the afternoon as the white shoreline is unveiled. 

Felt lucky that I have seen the raw beauty of this place before it's going to be commercialized. Thank you to Kuya Ronnie who was genuinely kind and humble. I highly recommend Kuya Ronnie because among the boatmen we've talked to on that day, he was the only one who didn't demand for an extra pay for the other resorts we planned to visit.

Kuya Ronnie | 09481024950

He was hesitant to even name the price which was relatively lower than others' offers - that innate innocence of a Filipino that should be rewarded and celebrated rather than abused. Among the places I visited in Cebu, this town probably has the most gentle and hospitable people. You are one of them, Kuya Ronnie. He won't get to read this blog but his gentleness is worth-sharing.

If you are visiting Bantayan Island and planning to have that island hopping experience, you shouldn't miss this. Reservations for island hopping services in Bantayan is unnecessary as the boatmen are all over the place. They have similar rates but they got lower pricing than the ones hired by the resort for you.