Beautiful Moments at Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

“Welcome to paradise.”

This was the greeting we got when we met with Mr. Allan Monreal of Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort—and folks, he meant those words.

Bantayan is a favorite island getaway for many Cebuanos because of its natural beauty. Even an urban explorer like myself has fallen for its sleepy charm and gorgeous beaches. It’s just so easy to like Bantayan. Its laid-back, easygoing vibe is the perfect prescription for the daily stresses of living and working in a city.

Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort’s Many Delights

Nestled within a picturesque corner of Tami-ao, it’s a fair distance away from the vibrant hustle of Santa Fe, and this relative isolation is what makes the place special. You can truly relax here in its calming atmosphere where the sounds of the waves and occasional bursts of birdsong only serve to emphasize the serene beauty of nature.

Featuring the combined attractions of both a nature park and a resort, guests can wander around and explore a spring-fed cave pool, observe fauna such as peacocks and horses, engage in some water sports, relax in a fish spa, or simply go swimming by the beach. There’s even an infinity pool if you’re a weirdo who goes to an island but refuses to set foot in seawater (I am not naming names, but you know who you are).

Good Food and Good Eating with Gourmet Dangit

I’m a major food lover, and everywhere I go, I form an opinion about a place based in large part on how much I enjoyed the food. And, believe me, the selections at Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort get only raves from me.

The first standout was the Pan-Fried Fish Fillet in Creamy Kafir Lime Sauce during dinner. It was simply a luxurious experience with the crisp sweetness of the fish and the aromatic freshness of its sauce.

Another favorite was the Gourmet Dangit Pasta. Wait, what? Dangit in pasta? Oh, yes! Spanish sardines in pasta are yesterday’s news. Dangit is the new thing! The strong flavor of the dangit was complemented by the olive oil and spices, making the pasta a total culinary masterpiece.

The Gumamela Shake (yes, gumamela!) was also a revelation with its sweet creaminess while the Bacalao a la Gourmet Dangit was a hearty dish with its delicious potato slices.

Making a Difference in and for the Community

Ultimately, what’s most impressive about Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort isn’t its many attractions or delicious food offerings. It’s the fact that it’s a business driven by a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

It has its own NGO called Damgo sa Kaugmaon (Dream for the Future), which works with partners such as UP Cebu and DTI to help local fisherfolk in promoting local conservation and protection initiatives. Their efforts led to the creation of the Sumtim Fishy Gourmet Dangit brand, and they have more ideas brewing to help Bantayan and its residents create a community that prizes the environment so that the island’s natural riches can be preserved for many more guests to enjoy in the future.

So, when Mr. Monreal welcomed us to paradise, he wasn’t just speaking the truth. He was making a promise to help keep Bantayan a paradise, and that’s a promise that we have to make, too.