Funtastic Gibitngil Island Resort, Medellin

Funtastic Gibitngil Island Resort [photo: RarusuChin/japanheartcebu.com]

Funtastic Gibitngil Island Resort

Funtastic Gibitngil Island Resort is the Gibitngil Island, a famous resort island with colorful cottages on top of rocks, coral rocks, and black rocks surrounded by pristine turquoise waters.

Some call this place a 'little' Palawan due to its walls of rocks that look fantastic.

Gibitngil is located North of Cebu City, the ninth municipality comprising the 4th congressional district of Cebu Province. After Bogo Town, it is about a 3-hour drive from the City.

Gibitngil is being closely monitored as a protected marine sanctuary by the residents and the Sea Patrol established by the local government.

It is a very safe place for visitors, in addition to the sea patrol office near the resort.

Activity & Rental Fees

Fees for rent and activities change over time, so please ensure you have extra travel and adventure budgets. Here are the fees as of the available information...

Entrance Fee: 15 PHP per adult and child, including environmental fee

There is no corkage fee.

Cottage Rates:

• Fees vary depending on the accommodation size. The cottage rent is on a per-day basis.
• Fees Available: 200, 300, 350, 400, and 500 PHP/day
• A facility for overnight stays (electric fan room) is suitable for four guests (1,500 PHP).

Activity Rentals

• Kayak: 200 PHP/hour
• Live Vest: 50 PHP/use
• Zip Line: 50 PHP/ride (one-way)

Boat Rentals

Check out the two choices as follows...

1. Boat for Roundtrip: 1,500 PHP, good for 10-15 people
2. Boat for Roundtrip: 1,500 PHP, suitable for 4 people.

If you travel alone or wish to join a group, the contact numbers are 0933-302-6638 / 0956-984-2596.

Cliff Jumping/diving

It is an excellent experience for those who want to face your fear of heights. You can start with the lower height first. The heights of the cliff available are 10 ft, 20 ft, and 30+.

Snorkeling & Fish Feeding

Indeed, you will enjoy swimming with snorkel gear on your mouth/face. Since the water is clear and clean, you can watch various fishes and other creatures underwater and within the corals.

Travel Tips

Overnight accommodations or rooms are unavailable on that island, although there is a plan to establish one or two.

Since there are no 'real' restaurants, you should bring your own provisions - it is practical as it is economical. You can buy your food and drinks from the mainland by taking a tricycle (or trisikad) to the market.

For More Information

See the contact information and resources below to learn more about Funtastic Gibitngil Island Resort's available travel resources.

Contact numbers: 0933-302-6638 / 0956-984-2596 / (032) 436-2031 / (032) 436-2959

Social: Facebook Page

Gibitngil Coral Rocks (Photo: RarusuChin/japanheartcebu.com)

Brief Historical Background

Gibitngil Island, located in Medellin in Northern Cebu, has a relatively understated history of developing into a tourist destination.

The island, part of the Medellin municipality declared in 1881 by a royal decree from Queen Isabel II of Spain, is known for its natural beauty, featuring rocky landscapes, pristine waters, and coral reefs.

The island's journey to becoming a popular tourist spot is linked to the development of Funtastic Island Resort, which began in 2011.

Initially established as a Bantay Dagat lookout for civilian fisheries patrol, the island's rock formations gradually drew visitors for its snorkeling and cliff diving opportunities.

As more visitors came, cottages and walkways were constructed on these rock formations. Although these structures were initially painted in various colors, they have been repainted mainly in white in recent years, giving the resort a more refined appearance.

Funtastic Island has become synonymous with Gibitngil, drawing visitors for its adventure activities and natural sceneries.

The main draw includes cliff diving from a 40-foot platform, hailed as the Adventure of the Year in 2014 by a local magazine show.

The island also offers kayaking, snorkeling, and a zipline experience, making it an exciting destination for thrill-seekers.

The increasing popularity of Gibitngil Island among tourists is also attributed to its accessibility from Cebu City, requiring a combination of land and boat travel.

However, the island's rustic charm, characterized by its simple coastal life and community, remains one of its most appealing.

This contrast of adventure activities with the tranquility of island life has made Gibitngil a unique and attractive destination for local and foreign tourists.

Funtastic Gibitngil Island Resort

Getting to Gibitngil Island

Gibitngil Island is about 3-4 hours from Cebu City. You can get closer to the island (and take a boat) by bus or car from Cebu City.

By Bus

Proceed to North Bus Terminal and take a bus or V-hire (van) to Kawit, Medellin. The bus fare is 180 PHP (subject to change), and V-hire is 170 PHP per passenger (subject to change). 

The trip takes between 3-4 hours from Cebu's terminal. At Kawit, you must take a motor boat to Funtastic Gibitngil Island Resort, which takes 15-20 minutes.

By Car

This ride should be quicker than the bus ride as you do not drop off or pick up passengers. Use a navigator app (e.g., Waze) for Kawit, Medellin. 

You must park your car at a resort in Kawit, which requires you to pay for their service (such as Kevin's Beach Resort, Seahorse Tourist Inn, and Emelia Hotel). The parking fee range is 50-150 PHP per day.

Well, that’s how you can visit the island.

Thank you for visiting this site.
Enjoy your holiday & travel.

Have an islandful of fun!^^