Hilantagaan Island
A small island off southeastern Bantayan with a sandbar, snorkeling reef, and a fishing village, usually visited on island-hopping tours.
The overview
About Hilantagaan Island
Hilantagaan Island sits just off the southeastern section of Bantayan Island and is one of the standard stops on Santa Fe's island-hopping circuit, usually paired with Virgin Island and Balidbid Lagoon. It has two adjacent white sand beaches on its southern tip and a small sandbar that narrows or widens depending on the tide. Most island-hopping boats stop offshore at a popular snorkeling spot rather than landing on the island itself, since the surrounding reef holds a good variety of marine life for a short snorkel session. The island also has a modest fishing village, giving visitors a glimpse of local life for those who do go ashore. A full island-hopping tour covering Hilantagaan alongside Virgin Island and Balidbid Lagoon typically runs four to five hours out of Santa Fe, making it an easy half-day addition to a Bantayan itinerary.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- White sand beaches on the southern tip
- Sandbar that shifts with the tide
- Popular offshore snorkeling spot
- Small fishing village
- Standard stop on Santa Fe island-hopping tours
- Combinable with Virgin Island and Balidbid Lagoon
- 1 Book through a Santa Fe island-hopping operator rather than arranging a boat independently, since most tours already include this stop. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your own snorkel gear if you have it. Check the tide schedule if you want to see the sandbar at its widest. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, take a bus to Hagnaya Port in San Remigio (~3 hours), then a ferry to Santa Fe Port (~1 hour). Book an island-hopping tour from Santa Fe town, which departs by boat from the town's public beach area.
Before you go
Frequently asked
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Nearby on the chart
Where to stay & eat nearby
Coral Blue Oriental Beach Villas
Santa Fe
Beautiful bamboo villas with European touch on stunning beachfront.
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4VJ's Apartelle
Santa Fe
An 11-room apartelle in Santa Fe's Poblacion, Bantayan Island, rated 9.8 out of 10 from 217 reviews.
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Balay Bughaw
Santa Fe
A single-room guest house in Santa Fe on Bantayan Island, near the island's white-sand beaches.
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Balay Bughaw
Santa Fe
A small single-room guest house in Santa Fe, the gateway town to Bantayan Island.
View & BookWhere to stay near Santa Fe
Search live rates for hotels and rentals near Hilantagaan Island on Agoda — filter by your dates, price, and guest score.
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Entrance Fee
Included in island-hopping tour package (typically PHP 800-1,200 per person)
Opening Hours
Daylight hours
Duration
1-2 hours (as part of a half-day tour)
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Morning departures; dry season from December to May.
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