SUGAR BEACH BANTAYAN ISLAND

Apr 18, 2022 | Philippines

Bantayan Island is one of Cebu province’s top beach destinations, its coastline ringed with stunning beaches. One of the best beaches on the island is Sugar Beach Bantayan, named after its sugary soft, pristine white sand.

Directly connected to Kota Beach, this stretch of sand is a popular destination for tourists looking for their dose of vitamin sea. We’ve put together this handy guide with everything you need to know about Sugar Beach Bantayan and its neighbouring Kota Beach.

Best time to go

Entrance fee

How to get there

What to expect

What to bring

Where to stay

Best time to visit Sugar Beach Bantayan Island

Sugar Beach Bantayan is best visited during the dry season from November to April. You should also try and get there during low tide so that you can experience the best of the Kota Beach sand bar.

How to get to Sugar Beach Bantayan

Bantayan Island is small, so most people get around by scooter which you can find from rentals all over the island. Another popular mode of transport is bicycle if you don’t plan on going too far. You can usually rent a bike from your accommodation provider, or ask them if they know anyone.
Sugar Beach is practically in the centre of Santa Fe town, located right next to Kota Beach. It’s for this reason you can tick two of the best beaches on Bantayan Island off your list in one day.

What to bring to Sugar Beach Bantayan

Prepare for your trip to Sugar Beach Bantayan with our must-have travel essentials.

Waterproof backpack & phone case: Earth Pak 35L or 55L Heavy Duty Backpack, IPX8 Waterproof Phone Case Included (click for price)
Snorkel, mask & fins: Cressi Adjustable Mask, Fin & Snorkel Set with Carry Bag (click for price)
Quick-dry microfiber travel towel: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel (click for price)
Insulated water bottle: Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle (click for price)
Hiking Sandals: Teva Women’s Hurricane Hiking Sandals (click for price), Teva Men’s Hurricane Hiking Sandals (click for price)

If you’re interested in photography and/or videography this is the gear we can’t live without:

Professional camera: Sony a7iv (click for price)
Action camera: GoPro HERO10 Black (click for price)
Drone: DJI Air 2s (click for price)

Related post: What's in our camera bag

Click here to see our complete camera gear

Entrance fee

There’s a 30 PHP entrance fee at Sugar Beach Bantayan, as well as an optional 150 – 200 PHP fee if you want to rent a tent for the day. There are a number of beachside restaurants and bars, so bring some extra cash for refreshments by the sea.

What to expect at Sugar Beach Bantayan

There are certain expectations that come with a name like Sugar Beach, and thankfully Sugar Beach Bantayan lived up to them. The sand resembled refined sugar, white and impossibly soft. The widest beach in Santa Fe, Sugar Beach Bantayan stretches for 1km and is up to 90 metres wide in some areas.
Sugar Beach Bantayan is lined with picturesque palm trees where you can find a spot under the shade and enjoy the simple pleasures of beach bumming. If you’re looking to quench your thirst, you can head to any of the many bars along the beach, or grab a fresh coconut and sip it beachside.

At one end of Sugar Beach Bantayan sits Kota Beach, an invisible line in the sand determining where one beach ends and the other starts. We spent some time in front of Kota Beach Resort, standup paddleboarding around the sandbar. If you’re looking to have a go at standup paddleboarding, SUP Bantayan is usually set up by the beach entrance, so you can rent your own board for 600 PHP for 2 hours.

Where to stay on Bantayan Island

Amihan Beach Cabanas

A boutique beachfront resort with stellar service and picturesque views.

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Santa Fe Beach Club

Located mere metres from the port, Santa Fe Beach club has comfortable rooms and the best beach on the island.

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Carl's Island Inn

An affordable and charming bed and breakfast for budget travellers.

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READ: 12 best tourist spots in Bantayan Island
bantayan island tourist spots
READ: 12 best Bantayan Island Beaches
6 Best Bantayan Island Beaches Travel Guide

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