Kandugyap House by the Sea — Hotel in Bantayan Island

SNAPSHOT: Like other reviewers, we strongly recommend this small, boutique seacliff hotel for a relaxing and laid-back holiday. While couple rooms are not big, they are very comfortable, clean and tastefully furnished. Staff are friendly and very helpful; shout-out to manager Marielou! The outdoor pool and beach are a treat - this place is a wonderful retreat. We look forward to staying again in the future.||PROS: Bedroom AC and on-demand hot water system in bathroom both very good. Room air purifier also installed. Mini-fridge in room. Small bedside table with lamp provided. In-room wifi is strong. Infinity pool is small, but kept super clean. Plenty of outdoor furniture including tables overlooking the water. Each room has hanging racks for drying clothes. Slippers/thongs are provided. Ocean is wonderful for swimming - clean, clear and soooo warm! Canoes/kayaks available. You may be disappointed with the beach however since there is only a narrow white sand strip hugging the shoreline on both sides of the hotel.||CONS: Limited storage space for luggage and clothes. No safety deposit box for valuables. Insects are a problem at night outside, so pack your bug spray. Suggest management installs blocking curtains as some guests may be bothered by outside security lighting at night. Only one channel accessible on cable tv in our room.||FYI: Be aware that this hotel is located away from the town centre, but that is a big part of its idyllic charm. The hotel is a relatively short ride by tricycle or motorbike, however. From Santa Fe port to hotel takes about 15-20 minutes. No entertainment venues are close by, but there is a very good seafood restaurant within easy walking distance of the hotel. It is the only eatery in the vicinity unless you count the occasional roadside hawker. No kettle, microwave etc. in the room. Instant coffee sachets are provided. Plated breakfast is simple filipino style - good, but not great. Wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispensers plus hairdryer in the bathroom. Beach/pool towel provided FOC. ||ADVICE: Be aware that brown-outs occur regularly on the island and last for at least one hour. Bantayan Island takes the full brunt of a tropical sun in the mornings and early afternoons so pack plenty of sunscreen and stick to shaded areas if you are...

Poor handling and very unprofessional management.

Booked a staycation for 1 night a week before. I made the 50% deposit on August 19th, it was smooth at first, and they confirmed payment went thru and they got all the necessary details (guests' names, etc.).

The owner is in charge of transaction when you contact them directly thru their FB Page.

On the scheduled day (August 27), we parked our car inside, done filling up the forms at their frontdesk. We were then told where our room was. My kids enjoyed it inside not until, an hour or so passed, they knocked on the door and told us that there has been a mistake - it was not our room and our names were not even on the guest list for that day.

Since it was fully booked, they offered a separate place (owner's relative residence) somewhere downtown proper Sta. Fe and was told that we "can visit back to the resort to use the facilities/amenities". Imagine the inconvenience.

Worst part, when I demanded for a phone call to talk to the owner herself, the staffs refused to give me her contact details. However, I managed to get her phone number (when I remembered I paid my deposit thru GCash) - first 2 calls rejected immediately and I kept on calling until I got a text from her with many reasons (or should I say alibi?).

There was an apology sent via text, but for me, it was not even sincere one. Most of other resorts that day were full packed - the trouble of finding a place to stay.

So think twice or atleast confirm it numerous times ahead when considering this resort.

For me, it was enough, I would never recommend this to my friends...

It's an old house that was updated and renovated to be a B&B!

It's a short trike ride away from the crowd of Bantayan by Kota Beach, best for those folks who want the serenity the place brings.

The place only has 5 rooms depending on the number of guests, which makes for a quiet and peaceful stay!

Beach isn't the best vs Kota or Paradise / Sandira Beach (since it's rocky) but privacy wise - wow! We sat on the beach snorkeling by ourselves for the entire afternoon (seeking shade with the limestone rocks) but we only saw 3 kids and the occasional boat passing by.

Rooms are basic but everything is fully functional, design is well thought of. WiFi is decent, but repeaters would be best as the signal is strong only within the front part of the place.

Basic breakfast is provided, but you need to look for your own lunch and dinner. There's a small sari-sari store nearby for your other needs. (Vodka, Gin, etc.)

We were able to borrow the kitchen for some cooking also after buying from road side vendors, freshly caught clams and scallops for ₱175 in 2022 is amazing value for money!

Definitely recommended for the crowd who wants the off-the-beaten-path locations, that homey...