BANTAYAN ISLAND MAP
History:
Bantayan Island is an island located in the Visayan Sea, Philippines. It is situated to the west of the northern end of Cebu island, across the Tañon Strait.
The first full time residents of Bantayan Island, arrived on the island
during the period of time from 1635-1645. The king of Spain used the island as
an advanced warning system for the larger islands of Cebu, the Visayas and
Luzon.
Muslim marauders called “Moros” frequently made their way up from Mindanao invading the Christian settlements in the Visayas, murdering and robbing the people inhabiting these areas.
Because Bantayan Island is a natural barrier for entrance into the Visayas, small watchtowers were constructed all over Bantayan Island to serve as lookout post for invading Moros.
The name “Bantayan” comes from the Cebuano term that means “A Place to Watch”. The places of lookout were called in Cebuano: “Bantayan sa Hari”, meaning “A place to watch for the king”. The people who lived on the island adopted the term that described the purpose of their being there and shortened the name to “Bantayan Island”.
The town of Bantayan in the Municipality of Bantayan is the closest outpost and best view for any invading Moros who would approach the Island. Tall stone walls were also constructed at the site of Saint Peter and Paul’s church in Bantayan that surround the convent and the church near the area where the public plaza is currently located.
Muslim marauders called “Moros” frequently made their way up from Mindanao invading the Christian settlements in the Visayas, murdering and robbing the people inhabiting these areas.
Because Bantayan Island is a natural barrier for entrance into the Visayas, small watchtowers were constructed all over Bantayan Island to serve as lookout post for invading Moros.
The name “Bantayan” comes from the Cebuano term that means “A Place to Watch”. The places of lookout were called in Cebuano: “Bantayan sa Hari”, meaning “A place to watch for the king”. The people who lived on the island adopted the term that described the purpose of their being there and shortened the name to “Bantayan Island”.
The town of Bantayan in the Municipality of Bantayan is the closest outpost and best view for any invading Moros who would approach the Island. Tall stone walls were also constructed at the site of Saint Peter and Paul’s church in Bantayan that surround the convent and the church near the area where the public plaza is currently located.
Vacation
Destination:
Every year Bantayan Island becomes more and more popular as a greater
numbers of people from around the world discover it’s charm and peaceful
seclusion. Just a single walk along a sunset beach or a leisurely stroll on a
scooter beneath arching coconut palm tree lined roads, is all it takes to
firmly cement Bantayan Island into your list of favorite destinations.
The present state of the resorts and hotels on Bantayan Island is that of simplicity, modesty and reasonable prices. There are no five star resorts on the island and personally I hope that none ever arrive. There are enough luxury resort island destinations in other places, void of peace and quiet and the serenity that this island paradise offers. If you are seeking a jumping party atmosphere Bantayan Island is not your place. If on the other hand you have had enough of the traditional tourist traps and instead desire peace and quiet and a simple island paradise experience, you will quickly fall in love with this beautiful place.
It is the simple charm and peace of the island that lends itself to the greatest attraction for most people. There are no malls, movie theatres or fashion districts on Bantayan Island. Some have predicted that Bantayan Island is an early Boracay and that within a decade this quiet and peaceful paradise will be a booming destination just like Boracay. I certainly hope that it does not degrade into such a place.
The present state of the resorts and hotels on Bantayan Island is that of simplicity, modesty and reasonable prices. There are no five star resorts on the island and personally I hope that none ever arrive. There are enough luxury resort island destinations in other places, void of peace and quiet and the serenity that this island paradise offers. If you are seeking a jumping party atmosphere Bantayan Island is not your place. If on the other hand you have had enough of the traditional tourist traps and instead desire peace and quiet and a simple island paradise experience, you will quickly fall in love with this beautiful place.
It is the simple charm and peace of the island that lends itself to the greatest attraction for most people. There are no malls, movie theatres or fashion districts on Bantayan Island. Some have predicted that Bantayan Island is an early Boracay and that within a decade this quiet and peaceful paradise will be a booming destination just like Boracay. I certainly hope that it does not degrade into such a place.
Plaza
Pier / Pantalan
