Kinatarkan (Guintacan) Island
A remote, cliff-ringed limestone island northeast of Bantayan, home to Laaw Lagoon and largely untouched by tourism development.
The overview
About Kinatarkan (Guintacan) Island
Kinatarkan Island, also known by its older name Guintacan, lies about 12 kilometers northeast of Bantayan Island within the municipality of Santa Fe, spanning three barangays: Hagdan, Kinatarkan, and Langub. It is a roughhewn limestone island roughly 6.8 kilometers long, ringed by towering rock cliffs, coves, and coral reefs, and it has stayed largely outside the tourism development seen elsewhere in the Bantayan group. The island's limestone terrain has produced sinkholes and natural pools inland, while the coastline alternates between cliff faces and pockets of white sand beach. Laaw Lagoon on the northeast coast is the best-known feature, but the island rewards slower exploration by habal-habal or on foot between barangays. Accommodation and dining options remain limited, and transport is infrequent, so a visit takes more planning than most other Bantayan-area spots. That same lack of development is what has kept the island's cliffs, lagoons, and beaches largely uncrowded.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Towering limestone cliffs
- Coves and coral reefs offshore
- Home to Laaw Lagoon
- Inland sinkholes and natural pools
- Three quiet barangays: Hagdan, Kinatarkan, Langub
- Minimal tourism development
- 1 Plan for limited food, water, and accommodation options on the island and bring cash and supplies from Santa Fe or Bantayan town. Boat schedules from Santa Fe and Daanbantayan are infrequent, so confirm return trip timing before heading out. A habal-habal is the practical way to move between barangays. 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 on Bantayan Island (~1 hour). From Santa Fe, arrange a pump boat to Kinatarkan Island (~1-2 hours depending on sea conditions); a ferry connection also runs from Daanbantayan.
Nearby on the chart
Where to stay & eat nearby
Kota Beach Resort
₱₱Santa Fe
Premier beachfront resort with stunning sandbar views and well-appointed cottages.
View & BookAmihan Beach Cabanas
₱₱Santa Fe
Sustainable bamboo cabanas on private beach with pool and eco-friendly design.
View & BookAnika Island Resort
₱Santa Fe
Popular resort offering comfortable, simple accommodations near the beach.
View & BookOgtong Cave Resort
₱₱Santa Fe
Unique resort featuring a natural cave with freshwater swimming pool.
View & BookKeep exploring
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Entrance Fee
Free (island); individual sites may charge separately
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours (island access depends on boat schedules)
Duration
Full day or overnight
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
Dry season from December to May; avoid rough-sea months.
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