There’s nothing like going to a nature retreat to chase the stresses away and spend quality time with yourself. If you are looking for exactly this, then choose Bantayan Island Nature Park as your accommodation the next time you are on the island.
Yes, BINP doesn’t have a beachfront and you might be asking why stay there when Bantayan Island is best known for its powdery white-sand beaches? Well, let me count the various reasons why!
It’s a Nature Park!
Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort is a huge property that not only provides comfortable and spacious accommodations but also lush trees, nature trails, direct access to the ocean, and beautiful sunrises. There are even cute cats freely roaming in the resort.
Allow the sound of the waves to lull you to sleep at night and then wake up to birdsong early in the morning. The whole nature park just gives you this energy from nature each day you’re staying there.
Cave Pool
My friends and I arrived at Bantayan Island Nature Park in the evening. As we were making our way to our room, we passed by this sign that there was a cave pool. Excited and curious, we immediately took a look. And we were promptly wowed!
You have to go down a few steps to enter the cave. The resort installed handrails so to make the way safer. The cave is big enough that you won’t feel constricted. Inside is a natural pool, the depth of which varies depending on the tides. The whole area is lighted up at night.
I was so happy to see that cave pool that I couldn’t resist a night swim!
Olympic-Sized Pool
After enjoying the cave pool, my friend Aldrin and I decided to do some more swimming at the resort’s Olympic-sized pool. Yes, they have one and it is perfect for pool lovers. You can swim as much as you please. There is also a smaller-sized pool for kids to one side. You can also get a good view of the ocean while swimming in the pool.
We highly recommend a night swim under the twinkling stars!
Delicious Dishes and Gourmet Dangit
Bantayan Island Nature Park serves super delicious meals at their restaurant. We enjoyed dishes with fresh ingredients, some of which were grown right there at the resort. The best part was when we got to try their Gourmet Dangit. Who knew that this often considered humble fish species can be elevated to a gourmet dish!
We got to try a pasta dish with gourmet dangit and also Gumamela shake, which was amazing! Seriously, the food at BINP will satisfy your palate every time!
Social and Environmental Responsibility
Another impressive thing about Bantayan Island Nature Park is that they are run by socially and environmentally responsible people. They have their own composting system and they process their garbage in the most effective way possible.
The resort also sponsors community events and they help in the conservation of Bantayan’s natural resources. They are not just a business. They are a steward of the environment and work tirelessly to ensure that Bantayan can be enjoyed by many more generations to come. I hope that other resorts on the island will follow their example.
Comfortable and Spacious Rooms
As mentioned above, the resort provides guests with spacious rooms that allow for maximum relaxation. My friends and I definitely enjoyed our stay there and had a great night’s sleep.
The rooms are clean and well-appointed. No complaints with the bathroom either. Plus, there’s hot shower available – something I always appreciate in any accommodation, even in this tropical country.
Direct Access to the Ocean
The resort does not have a beach front but they do have access to the ocean. We enjoyed an early morning swim after enjoying the sunrise at their view deck. Herbert (another friend I was with when we stayed there) jumped into the ocean and I followed suit. It was so fun and I felt like a kid again!
Fish Spa
If you want more relaxation, why not try the resort’s fish spa. Get rid of those dead skin and have your feet feel awesome!
Value for Money
All in all, Bantayan Island Nature Park provides great value for your money. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to get there from the Sta. Fe port but they do provide transport services for guests.
Here are their rates and other details for when you decide to book a room there:
Day Tour – Php 200Â
Standard Room | 2 Person – Php 2,500
Deluxe Room | 2 Persons – Php 3,300
Superior Room | 2 Persons – Php 3,500
Bungalow | 2 Persons – Php 4,500
Family Room | 6 Persons (Dorm Type) – Php 4,000
Family Room | 10 Persons (Dorm Type) – Php 7,500
- Inclusions ( Fully Air-conditioned Rooms | Wellness | Day Tour | Cave Pool | Fish Spa | Wading Pool | Bar and Resto | Picnic Areas)
Extra mattress – Php 500
Extra Bedroom – Php 600
You can reach them at their Facebook page: Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort
Thank you so much to sir Allan Monreal and the resort staff who welcomed us and made us feel so at home!
The resort is such a nice and relaxing place perfect for spending quality time with yourself surrounded by the beauty of nature.
