2 HOURS IN BANTAYAN ISLAND + disappointed with Kota Beach Resort

"I have a picture of you in my mind,never knew it could be so wrong" 
------lyrics from a song by Westlife

In a similar fashion,I had a picture of Bantayan Island and I was surprised it's something different from what I thought it is.

 
Bantayan Island in 2 hours

The Transportation In the Island
read Preview Post: the road to BANTAYAN ISLAND 

A group of men followed us the moment we disembarked in Bantayan.They offer transportation to nearby resorts.Pedicab drivers.I hardly noticed any taxi,not even a tricyle.We were hesitant at first.I was worried that it might be a gamble to take a non-motorized vehicle knowing that we only have 2hours to spare.The pedicab driver repeatedly reassured us that it will only take 5 minutes to get to our preferred resort KOTA BEACH.

They say It's More Fun in Bantayan

Shocked with KOTA BEACH RESORT

I should have taken the advice of our pedicab driver.He said that Kota Beach Resort is old and no longer popular in the area.He suggested another resort but I insisted he take us to our initial choice. I relied on the reviews of a few bloggers including an awesome online entity.I was therefore disappointed when I found out that what our driver said to us is true.Locals know best.Works 90% of the time.

What greeted us was an old reception area.It feels deserted actually.The place looked tired and near sorry state.I had a glimpse of the beach from the reception area and it looked equally disappointing.Reminding myself again about the limited time we have left,I decided to make the most of what the place can offer.Day tour at Kota Beach Resort costs 50 pesos per head.I asked the front desk attendant to waive the entrance fee since we intended to eat lunch (late lunch) at their restaurant.She agreed without so much effort on my part.

 
what went wrong with Kota Beach Resort ?

I kept my fingers crossed and placed our food orders.Hope the food would not disappoint further.

We strolled by the beach while they were preparing the food.The beach front of Kota Beach Resort was,from afar and up close,disappointing.It's short and there a cemented area parallel to the beach.My wife sat in one of the benches with a face not able to hide the frustration.I would like to note though that their nipa rooms are lovely and well fitted for a beach setting.I am not sure inside though.As I said,we didn't intend to stay overnight.

Just when we were about to simply accept defeat,I discovered a hidden gem.Beyond the border of Kota Beach Resort lies a view I never expected..........

 

 

 

It felt like seeing a desert of white sand hidden on the other side.So this is where all the sands are.A vast area of white sand.So vast it felt like being in a desert near the sea.

 

 

 

Then it hit me.Like the shifting sands of Capones and Alegre,the sands of Bantayan Island (in Sta. Fe area at least) shift location depending on the season.Luckily,the area where most of the sands were taken by the sea current is an undeveloped private property.The place was all for the two of us---me and my wife.

I allotted 30 minutes for picture taking purposes but it took us longer.The place was a temptation!

 

We hurried back to Kota Beach Resort afterwards delighted to see that our food was already waiting for us.I kept thanking the people at the restaurant.

Here's what we ate.

 

Grilled Squid and Pork Sinigang + ice cold royal tru orange.hehe


The food was delightful!

 

And the folks at Kota Beach were very friendly.They allowed us to charge our phone and dslr which at that time were already drained.I also got to talk to one of them and asked about the sand.She validated my theory.The sands are transferred by the sea current to the other side during monsoon season and stays there from June to early November.She reassured me though that by mid November,the sea current will slowly shift the sand back to the side of Kota Beach Resort and will stay there until the end of summer.

That's very favorable for the resort as November marks the start of peak season for tourist arrivals both in Bantayan and all throughout the country.

And so I am taking my word back.Yes,I was disappointed with KOTA BEACH RESORT but I came to the right place at the wrong time.As we were enjoying our meal,I imagined how the place would look like when all the sands are back----I imagined it to be beautiful. :)

I have to be back in Bantayan Island.Next time,it will not be as short as 2 hours!

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