Heritage
St. Peter & Paul Church
Built in the 1600s from coral stone, and still standing.
About this destination
What makes it worth it
The St. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Bantayan town is one of the oldest churches in Cebu, originally built by Augustinian missionaries in the late 1500s and expanded through the Spanish colonial period. The structure is built from coral stone quarried from the surrounding reef, giving it a texture and weight that concrete churches can't replicate.
The church is still active, with mass held daily, and the adjacent plaza has the unhurried rhythm of a town centre that hasn't been redeveloped for tourism. Worth the 30-minute tricycle ride from Santa Fe.
Things to do
- Church and colonial architecture tour
- Bantayan town plaza walk
- Local market visit (mornings)
- Photography
Best time to visit
Year-round. Morning visits catch the golden light on the coral stone facade. Avoid Sunday mornings when mass attendance is heaviest.
How to get there
About 12km from Santa Fe by tricycle or jeepney (30 minutes). Easily combined with a visit to the Bantayan town market.
Plan your trip
Travel guides
Planning
3 Days on Bantayan Island: A Day-by-Day Itinerary
A paraw sail on day one, a sandbar on day two, and the island's quieter side on day three. A simple plan that leaves room to slow down.
· 4 min read
Planning
Best Time to Visit Bantayan Island: A Month-by-Month Guide
Calm seas, Holy Week crowds, rainy-season bargains: how to pick the right month for Bantayan, and which trips suit each season.
· 5 min read
Planning
How to Get to Bantayan Island from Cebu City
A bus to the top of Cebu, a short ferry across, and you're on the island. How the route works, how long it takes and how to make it easy.
· 4 min read
Good to know
Common questions
How old is the St. Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan?
It was originally built by Augustinian missionaries in the late 1500s and expanded through the Spanish colonial period, making it one of the oldest churches in Cebu. It's built from coral stone.
Is mass still held at the church?
Yes, mass is held daily. If you're visiting to look around, avoid Sunday mornings when attendance is heaviest.
How far is the church from Santa Fe?
About 12km, or around 30 minutes by tricycle or jeepney. It's easy to combine with a visit to the Bantayan town market.
Ready to visit?
Plan your trip to
St. Peter & Paul Church
Message us on WhatsApp and we'll put together an itinerary, sort the logistics, and answer any questions before the day.