Botigues Island
A small, undeveloped fishing island in Bantayan's southwest islet chain, reached by boat for swimming and island-hopping.
The overview
About Botigues Island
Botigues Island is one of roughly twenty small, low-lying islets that stretch about eight kilometers southwest from Bantayan town's port area, forming what locals call the Bantayan island group. The island is its own barangay, with a 2020 census population of just under 3,000, and its shoreline carries the white sand and shallow, clear water typical of the group. Like its neighboring islets, Botigues is flat, green, and largely undeveloped, home to a fishing community rather than resort infrastructure. A few of the nearer islands in the group can be reached on foot from Bantayan's main island at low tide, but Botigues itself requires a short boat trip. Visitors typically combine it with a stop at neighboring islets on a half-day island-hopping route arranged from Bantayan town or Sta. Fe. The draw here is quiet, uncrowded scenery rather than curated tourist facilities: sandbars, calm water for swimming, and a glimpse of daily life on one of Bantayan's smaller island barangays.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Part of Bantayan's southwest islet chain
- White sand and shallow, clear water
- Small fishing community, no resorts
- Boat access from Bantayan town or Sta. Fe
- Combine with nearby islets for island-hopping
- Quiet alternative to Sta. Fe's busier beaches
- 1 Book a pump boat island-hopping tour from Bantayan town or Sta. Fe port; there's no regular ferry to Botigues. Bring cash, sun protection, drinking water, and snacks, since the island has minimal facilities. Check sea conditions before heading out, especially during the habagat (monsoon) months.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, take a bus to Hagnaya Port, San Remigio (~3-4 hours), then a ferry to Bantayan Island (1-1.5 hours). From Bantayan town or Sta. Fe port, charter a pump boat for the roughly 30-45 minute crossing to Botigues.
Before you go
Frequently asked
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Nearby on the chart
Where to stay & eat nearby
Batiancila Studio Apartelle 2
Bantayan
A private self-catering bungalow rental on Bantayan Island with free parking.
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Batiancilas Native apartelle with AC
Bantayan
5-star native bungalow rental on Bantayan Island with air conditioning, rated 7.8/10.
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DJL Summer House - Bantayan Island
Bantayan
Whole-house rental on Bantayan Island, rated 7.7/10 by 12 guests, self-catering.
View & BookBantayan Island Nature Park and Resort
Bantayan
Nature-park resort in Barangay Tamiao, Bantayan, set in landscaped grounds away from the Santa Fe crowds.
View & BookWhere to stay near Bantayan
Search live rates for hotels and rentals near Botigues Island on Agoda — filter by your dates, price, and guest score.
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Entrance Fee
Free (pump boat charter fee applies)
Opening Hours
Daylight hours
Duration
Half day
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (November-May); calm morning seas.
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