5. BE THRILLED AT THE THEMED PARKS

VinWonders themed park is a must-visit. It lies 28 km north from the town center. There are public buses every 30 minutes but for your convenience, a taxi or a private car will be the best way to go. 

This place is perfect for kids and kids at heart. You can enjoy a variety of heart-stopping adventure rides and child-friendly ones. It also features an aquarium with diverse underwater creatures. 

The best way to book a ticket would be online or through the hotel staff as there could be discounted packages that include passes to both VinWonders and VinSafari. 

More of this trip here:

6. VISIT THE SAFARI

VinSafari Phu Quoc is the largest and the most diversified one in the country. It has an extensive collection of species and a better environment for its inhabitants. Tickets for the safari could be bought as a bundle with VinWonders Theme Park passes. The theme park and safari are in two different locations so you can either take the taxi or the electric buggies as a cheaper option. 

check out more of this on Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc - YouTube

Mui Ne is a perfect holiday destination situated in the southeast of Vietnam. The most common jumping-off point when you're headed to Mui Ne is Ho Chi Minh City. It only takes a four-hour bus ride from HCM to this paradise. 

The tour kicks off at sunrise so you should jump start at 4 AM. In my case, I stayed at Long Son Beach and from there the van left at exactly 4AM for the White Sand Dunes where a crowd of tourists anticipates the magnificent sunrise. Although I'm not a morning person and I just had less than 2 hours of sleep on a 'real bed' (after I traveled on a night bus), I truly enjoyed the trip to the sand dunes. The scenic landscapes in rich orange hues seemed to stimulate my lethargic mood. The car windows were rolled down and the wind surged like it was drowning me.

5 Destinations: 1 Day | Vietnam

The throng of tourists seemed like ants against the overwhelming vastness of the sand dunes. As we arrived, a couple of tour guides or staff greeted us with some sort of offers for going up the sand dunes. For us to see the sunrise, we had to reach the highest point of the desert. Going up is no easy task. The best option was to take the ATV ride. Hiking is an option but we would have missed the sunrise if we took that option.

Sand Dunes | Mui Ne

ATV ride | Mui Ne

There were two options for the ATV ride, each bearing a different price tag.

          Option 1: Take the ATV ride to and fro the highest point of the desert - 500,000 VND / 21USD / 1100PHP good for two

           Option 2:  Take a ride to and fro + get to drive the ATV - 1M VND / 43USD /2200 PHP good for two


To spice up the experience, I tried the sand sledding which was totally invigorating. An old couple was offering a sand sled for 30,000VND.  I thought my facemask could prevent the sand to get in my face but I was wrong. There was sand all over me!

After about 45 minutes of strolling and gliding on the sand, the ATV guy picked us up and drove us down the desert.

the smiles in between struggles

2nd stop: Fishing Village

From the White Sand Dunes, we travelled about 30 minutes to the Fishing Village. If you're a fan of fresh seafood, this is the right place for you. This place is basically a marketplace of seafood situated on the beach. This is where you meet local vendors and fishermen.

Fish Village | Mui Ne

It's just sad to note that most people come there just to drop by or to see the place and not really to buy. Most tourists there are travelling from far places and buying fresh goods wouldn't be an ideal thing to do.

This stop was rather quick. I was actually imagining of dining in one of the restaurants there and enjoying a sumptuous seafood buffet but we had to hasten for the next destination.

Fish Village | Mui Ne

3rd stop: Fairy Stream

The idea of walking barefoot and walking across the stream really delighted me. This is my favorite part of the itinerary. Though it was scorching hot and the streets could have burnt our soles if we walked longer, I (with my friends) left my sandals in our van and crossed the street, walked down to the entrance of the stream, barefoot!

At the main entrance of the stream, there were makeshift shops selling fruits, refreshment, and souvenirs. Entrance fee is at 30,000VND.


The stream seemed unending with its rich orangey colors. The best experience was the squishy feeling of the tangerine mud against my feet. I enjoyed every bit of it! The trail ended with a mini waterfall. Yes, it was literally small unlike the gigantic ones I've seen in the Philippines.

Don't worry, if you forgot to grab a drink at the start of the walk, there are restaurants and cafes alongside the stream so you could take a break anytime. The trail is really easy and safe. The only thing you have to be prepared of is the heat of the sun.

I took my best travel photos here!

Fairy Stream | Mui Ne

4th stop: Red Sand Dunes

The heat of the sun felt like it was on full blast. We couldn't stand the heat for more than 10 minutes.  We had to hurry up as it was unbearable to walk on the desert. It was around 10:30 AM and we couldn't withstand the scorching heat of the sun. We took a few photos and stayed at a refreshment area just along the road.

the scorching hot Red Sand Dunes | Mui Ne

This stop is the nearest to our resort and we made it back to the resort just in time for lunch.

Finally, I'd like to add one more place in the itinerary although this wasn't really part of the tour package. Even though I just stayed there for less than a day, I definitely recommend this not-so-typical beach resort with the coolest island vibe.

5th stop: Long Son Mui Ne Beach - Campground Resort

Definitely a must-visit! I always travel on a budget and looking around some cheap hotels in travel websites has become more of a habit for me. My friend, who travelled with me, found this resort online. Honestly, we booked this place because of the price and its high ratings and not for its features or ammenities - and it didn't disappoint! The vibe and the service, not to mention its affordability, made this resort a top-rated one.

Till our next laag*!

If you've been to Bantayan Island in Cebu, you have surely gone to the Virgin Island as one of the island hopping destinations. It has been called 'virgin' for quite a long time and I've been curious whether this little paradise has lived up to its name.

grand entrance!

This is isn't the first blog I've written about Bantayan Island (that's how I love this place) so go ahead check out the fun things to do in Bantayan and some tips for island hopping in Virgin Island and other unpopular destinations surrounding the island.

Greetings!

Visiting it for the second time, I have noticed several changes as I walked past the main entrance. Because I often travel with a budget, I surely took notice on the sign board with the updated entrance fee. From just Php 100, it has increased to Php 500 / two pax with Php 100 per person in excess of two people. Really? Why?  I didn't understand at first because nothing was really changed except for some minor repairs and repaints.

bamboo pathways ahead

When I walked farther into the forest area, I began to understand why they've doubled their fees. One of the friendly staff told us about a diving cliff or moreso a man-made diving board. He directed us to the forested area to get to the diving spot. I saw newly constructed bamboo pathways hemmed in the big boulders amid the mangrove area.


After a few meters, I saw a wide wooden platform overlooking the sea beyond the cliff. The bamboo pathways had little corners where the small native huts with seats were situated. Those pretty little cottages somehow lured me into taking a nap after a stroll under the scorching sun. The breeze up there was as invigorating as a chilled drink but it tends to get really hot and humid during the day so prep up with your sunscreen and sunglasses.



The construction of the bamboo pathways made exploration to some parts of the forest possible. Now, you could actually walk on those tapered ends of the boulders which you couldn't do before.



As you get to the end of the bamboo bridge, the forest trail start. There's really no guide or resort staff to walk you to the diving spot or to guide your way in the forest so it's the best time to explore and get lost. (hyperbole, I know right) Walking without a guide seems scary at first. I got that Little-red-riding-hood feels as I walked past the tall trees alongside the trailed path. I felt a wolf is gonna snatch me anytime soon! LOL.


 If you just follow that trail - that single trail (or so I thought), you won't lose your way. At the end of the path, it would feel like you've passed through a portal to another world. Who would have thought that the forest would lead you to another white sand beach? Yes. This part is a perfect spot for yoga or some quiet reflection. While it gets so hot during the day, some coconut trees lined across the beach could share their shade for a tired 'hooman'.


Facing the beach, walk a few meters to your left and you'll find the much awaited diving spot. You could dive all you want. Don't worry lifeguards are always on their watch.

Going back to the main resort, I already felt a little haggard (hagardo versoza!) so grabbing a snack or a drink at their mini restaurant would be a perfect 'endgame'. Their prices are a bit higher than the usual like doubled compared to the prices in the main island.

You might also want to lounge on this floating hut as you wind up your trekking. Pretty much a perfect photo opp!

Except from the ones I mentioned above, nothing significant have changed especially in the main resort.


I admit, my impression of a virgin island is far from what I have recently seen and experienced. I used to imagine an uninhabited beach island with large boulders surrounding it. It seems that they are slowly turning Virgin Island into a resort with more facilities which for me is not bad at all. I embrace changes so long as these modifications are not destructive.

You may cast doubt with the rawness of the island but one thing is certain, the waters and the beach are as pristine and 'virgin' as they have always been. For the nth time, I'll never get tired of going back to this little paradise.

instragammable ayt?

Till our next laag*!

breathtaking view of Bantayan Island

It's one of the places in Cebu that I'd never tire of visiting despite the number of times I've been there. Personally, Bantayan will always be my go-to place when I think of summer or just any time of the year.

When it's not the peak of the season, it's a bit easier to book hotels or resorts in Bantayan. Sometimes, you don't really need a reservation at all if you've frequented the place.Walk-ins are always welcome with an array of choices of beach-side resorts/rooms.

I could bask all day. Nope, just kidding.

GETTING THERE...
Since it's going to take 3-4 hours of travel, I and my friend chose to start about our 2-hour bus ride at 11 PM at the North Bus Terminal. We were offered the Island Bus ride bound for Bantayan Island. We thought choosing that ride would save us time in getting the shipping tickets but when we arrived at Hagnaya Port at around 1:30 AM, there was a long queue of passengers. Well, we didn't mind the cue on the wee hours. After 30 minutes, we got our tickets but the departure time was at 3AM so we had an hour to sit around and eat.

The only great about the Island Bus ride was we were able to skip the hassle of getting a ride from Bantayan Port to the resort but most of the time, resorts there would offer port-to-resort pickup as part of their accommodation.  We got in there too early [maybe around 5AM] and the resort was still closed so we settled on the colorful wooden chairs along the beach.

THINGS TO DO

1. Beach resort hopping is pretty normal in this island given a number of beaches adjacent to each other. You can bask under the summer skies and lounge in the sugar-like sand or take a dose of photo sesh. The broad daylight and the cerulean sky that meets the aqua blue seas surely would add perfect detail to any photos; just don't forget your sunscreen! :D

Me in that 'blagir' (blogger) pose LOL.

Yooneek Beach Resort

Kota Beach - home of the famous Camp Sawi

the place got sensational after a movie was shot here, right in this spot LOL.

spotless public beach made me speechless

Other resorts we passed by

2. Island hopping is the next best thing [if not, the best] in Bantayan Island. Tourists would anticipate visiting the famous Virgin Island and the other undiscovered islets surrounding Bantayan. Reservations for a boat ride is quite easy and cheaper than in other provinces of Cebu. Boatmen are friendly as well. Check out my other blog about the island we visited, the Galingan Island. It's some sort of a private island but it would be soon built into a resort according to the boatmen we hired.

with the Goblin's wife LOL

3. Spelunking is another activity you shouldn't miss when in Bantayan island. Sto. Niño Cave and Ogtong Cave are two of the most popular caves in Bantayan situated within the resorts and are really accessible. It's pretty convenient to get there and even to get inside the cave as these don't really have dangerous terrains.

the mystic glow inside the Sto. Nino Cave

taking a quick dip because it's just too creepy waaaa

oh, hi fans down there HAHA

the only spot that I don't get elbowed by people

4. Mangrove garden could also be part of the itinerary but I won't recommend this. The Obo-ob Mangrove Garden is not as interesting as I thought it would be. After a hot afternoon stroll through its timber bridge, I just wanted to go back to the hotel or get somewhere else relaxing. I wasn't prepared for Mr. Sun because I thought it's going to be a little shady in there due to the mangroves plus it was in the afternoon. I was a bit exhausted. The place was not very impressive as I felt that it wasn't maintained well but I hope this would be given attention by its management as it could be a promising tourist destination.

bamboo bridge

their own version of Camp Sawi

at the end of the bamboo path, a hut awaits

5. Street foods are probably not only popular in Bantayan but also in other parts of Cebu or the Philippines [the universe, rather? lol] Check out MJ Square that's just a walking distance from all beach resorts. It's a food avenue not only for street food lovers but also for those who'd like to try Asian cuisine or even European taste. They have tea shops, pizza parlor, desert places, and even the Filipino 'carinderia' (Filipino term for restaurant) if you miss the lutong-bahay stuff (home-cooked meals).

MJ Square signage, you'll never get lost

Incredibly delicious

Famous lechon is here!

cute themed coffee shop;I didn't really expect I'd find one here

the budget-friendly brekky at P60 alongside the beach

6. Pasalubong (souvenir) shopping will always be part of the itinerary before going home. T-shirts, key chains, slippers, native products, among others are great ideas for pasalubong but if you want more unique and mouth-watering delicacies, you could go to their market area for an overwhelming choices of dried seafood.


7. Strolling around Bantayan Island, as classic as it sounds, would be worth it. You could visit their churches, ruins of old buildings, and other heritage sites. Some also rent motorbikes/scooters to stroll without limits.

the town church

GOING HOME...
Even before leaving the island, I was already anticipating of my next visit. [lol, that's how excited I was]. After 2 days [well not exactly 2 days] of the Bantayan escapade, I did not feel tired or what-not, I felt rejuvenated instead. [woah!]

Sta. Fe Port

I'll be back, Bantayan!

On my next visit, I'd want to try Skydiving and other water activities. Can't wait!

ITINERARY
I'm sharing our itinerary below but it's more of an unplanned one since we didn't really have an actual planned schedule upon going there [lol]. Anyway, here's the schedule we had with the places we went to and some activities with the corresponding price tags.

DAY 0

11:00 PM  - Island Bus ride to Hagnaya Port [fare: P200]

DAY 1

1:30 AM   - Arrival at Hagnaya Port
2:00 AM   - Got tickets for Island Shipping Lines bound for Bantayan Island [fare: P170]
3:00 AM   -  On board Island Shipping Lines
5:10 AM   - Arrived at Yooneek Resort [beach stroll and dozed off]
7:00 AM   - Breakfast [left our baggage at the front desk; check-in time was at 2PM]
8:00 AM   - Beach Resort Hopping [Photoshoot]
11:00 AM  - Early lunch at the marketplace
12:00 PM   - Hired a tricycle to Ogtong Cave Resort
12:30 PM   - Spelunking & swimming at Ogtong Cave
2:00 PM     - Went back to Yooneek and finally got our room keys
3:00 PM     - Afternoon strolls & Swimming
6:00  PM    - Barbecue food trip [yehey]
--walked back to the hotel and got lost --- [some streets were a bit creepy because it was really dark]

DAY 2

6:00 AM   - Early call time for island hopping [P500 boatride - good for 2]
8:00 AM   - Arrived at Virgin Island [sightseeing: P100]  updated fees here 
                    *had breakfast there; food-not bad
9:00 AM    - Hopped to Nature Island Park and Resort [P200 entrance fee]
                     *went caving to Sto. Niño Cave
                  - Galingan Island [check out my blog here] NO entrance fee
11:00 AM  - Early lunch
                   - Stroll around the market place for some pasalubong
                   - visited churches and plazas
2:00 PM     - Mangrove Garden [P50 sightseeing fee]
3:00 PM     - MJ Square *tried their superb halo-halo
4:00 PM     - GOING HOME