|
GETTING
THERE
You
have a wide choice of routes going to Banton and back, as follows:
Manila–Batangas–Mindoro–Banton Route:
This is the fastest way to
get to Banton. Catch an early-morning Batangas-to-Calapan trip. From
Calapan take a shuttle (FX, bus) to Pinamalayan, then take a motorboat to
Banton. Total travel time including waiting time could be between 12 –
18 hours. Batangas-Calapan travel is around 45 minutes if on board the
fastcrafts while around 3 hours on board the Roll-On-Roll-Off vessels.
From Calapan to Pinamalayan, it takes 1 to 2 hours and from Pinamalayan to
Banton
Manila–Lucena–Banton Route:
Get to Lucena and catch a motor launch or
boat to Banton. This is one of the easier ways. Total travel time
including waiting time could be between 14 – 18 hours. The Lucena-to-Banton trip takes about eight (8) to twelve (12)
hours.
Manila/Batangas–Romblon–
Banton Route:
This is the most convenient
route. Board a ship at the Manila Harbor bound for Romblon, Romblon then
take a motorboat to Banton. Total travel time including waiting time could
be between sixteen (16) to twenty-two (22) hours. Romblon – Banton trip
takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Manila/Batangas–Odiongan–
Calatrava–Banton Route:
This
route is quite lengthy. From Manila or Batangas port, board a ship bound
for Odiongan.
From Odiongan, take an FX / Jeepney to
Calatrava and then
take a motorboat to Banton.
|
|
SCHEDULE
OF TRIPS FROM BANTON
|
| To |
Day |
Vessel/Boat |
| Pinamalayan |
Monday |
Stephen 1 |
|
Wednesday |
BMPC |
|
Saturday |
Banton Liner 5 |
Calatrava
/Romblon |
Monday |
BMPC |
|
|
|
| Romblon / Sibuyan |
Monday |
Del Rosario |
|
|
|
| Romblon |
Thursday |
Kalayaan VII |
|
Saturday |
Kalayaan IX |
| Lucena |
Thursday |
Del Rosario |
|
Tuesday |
Kalayaan IX |
|
Saturday |
Kalayaan VII |
|
Sunday |
Stephen 2 |
|
|
|
|
SCHEDULE
OF TRIPS TO BANTON
|
| From |
Day |
Vessel/Boat |
| Pinamalayan |
Tuesday |
Stephen 1 |
|
Thursday |
BMPC |
|
Sunday |
Banton Liner 5 |
Calatrava
/Romblon |
Monday |
BMPC |
|
|
|
| Romblon |
Tuesday |
Kalayaan IX |
|
Thursday |
Del Rosario |
| Romblon |
Saturday |
Kalayaan VII |
|
|
|
| Lucena |
Monday |
Del Rosario |
|
Wednesday |
Stephen 2 |
|
Wednesday |
Kalayaan VII |
|
Friday |
Kalayaan IX |
|
|
|
|
*This schedule is as of April 2005 and may
change from time to time.
|
 GOING
AROUND
|
|
Going
around should be no problem. The town is relatively small. You’ll
never get lost.
We
actually advise you to walk, rather than take a ride, unless it is
necessary for you to do so. Banton is consistently the
cleanest and greenest municipality in the province and in the
Southern Tagalog Region. You’ll enjoy walking.
To
go to the barangays or remote places in the island, you have the
following alternatives:
By
Land: Practically all barangays are connected by the island’s
circumferential road. The roads are relatively narrow but are
cemented. There are lots of uphill and downhill drives as well
as curves. Some parts of the road are cut off the mountainsides and
hillsides and may be scary for one who is not used to such
experience.
The
motorbike / motorcycle (2-wheeled) is the dominant mode of land
transportation in the island. Normally, three passengers, seated at
the back of the driver, are allowed. For safer travel, especially if
you are not used to such rides, you may ask the driver to drive you
alone but for a higher fare.While riding, relax.
You
may also take the multi-cab (4-wheeled vehicle). It operates
basically like the jeepney. There are only a few units operating
however and at peak seasons/hours, it may take a considerable
waiting time.
By
Sea: There are motorized outrigger canoes for hire. |
|
|
COMMUNICATION
There
is a SMART signal in Poblacion and in many barangays facing east.
There are also LIBERTY public calling stations. At the moment,
however, there are no Internet facilities.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Municipal
Guest House
This
is a two-floor concrete house located at the tip of Fort San
Nicolas. It has two bedrooms, a garden and a terrace fronting the
sea and the rising sun.
Fadri
Residence
This
is a two-floor house located at Purok Arlim. It has four (4)
small-sized bedrooms. One room is air-conditioned. For reservations,
contact 873-99-35.
Accommodations
do not include personal amenities (towels, soap, toothpaste, etc.)
and food although cooking wares and dining utensils are provided.
While
commercial accommodations seem scarce at the moment, this should
pose no problem as the Bantoanons are hospitable people and would be
willing to provide personal accommodations any time.
FOOD
There
are canteens scattered around the town where you can take or order
meals.
|
|
Tourist
Information
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