MisterShauniverse

How to get here:

Since we’re from Bago (city next to Bacolod), the closest part of our main island to reach this beautiful haven is from Pulupandan or Valladolid. It’s an hour and a half boat ride going there and seas are calmer in the morning, around 6am-7am. We depart from Valladolid as there are outrigger boats you can rent from there. (If interested, PM and I’ll refer you for an affordable boat rentals in Valladolid).

First to caught my attention when we reached the place is the sandbar. My eyes were drooling trying to figure out the best spots to take a selfie, and they’re everywhere!

You’ll just have to pay for the docking fee (boat parking) and the cottage (entrance was excluded, credits to our boatmen as they know the owner). Expect no electricity and wifi data connection (call and SMS text only). Who cares when you have this gorgeous island? It’s good to detox yourself once in a while away from your smartphones and social media and dig in to the beauty this place is serving you. Your Facebook and Instagram posts can wait when you get back to the main island.

You can also do island hopping to nearby islands but we prefer to stay and maximize the opportunity to have this island for ourselves. We get to circumnavigate this tiny island in 20 minutes and swim like there’s no next time.

We’re 8 together with our millenial Tita Terry who tag along and brave the seas to take a break from our busy and/or monotonous schedules. We spent roughly around P300 per person for the boat and entrance fees (libre bangka and bangkero; thanks to Genesis and Toto Genaruto).

Make sure to bring enough food and water (ice is a must) to sustain the whole day there. No stores or merchandise available in the island. You can cook and grill your foods there. People in the island are friendly and ready to assist you.

This gets a little lengthy. Feel free to PM me or comment down below if you have questions. 😘

One thing I’ve noticed is that that traffic in the city of Cebu is somehow becoming like that of Manila; a little stressful and time-consuming. 

All in all, the experience is one for the books.

Expenses:

P2600 - Lite Ferries Shipping Vehicle - P1300/car/way (Sedan type of cars) free ticket for the driver. You can get the promo of P1,100 if you’ll travel at the wee hours.

P3000 - gas for 4 days/3 nights Bacolod to Cebu to Bacolod

P200 - You may need to pay terminal fees for you and your car when you leave Toledo Port. No extra fees from San Carlos Port.

Our stay in Plantation Bay was sponsored by my cousins who are employees of the resort.

Comment or PM me if you have questions about this post or if you’re planning to visit Cebu for the first time via Bacolod.