Kota Beach – Santa Fe's main white sand beach.

At a glance

Municipality

Santa Fe (barangay Poblacion per OpenStreetMap, near the Pooc border)

Getting there

Tricycle from Santa Fe port, about 2 km; walkable from the town centre

Entrance

Beach free; resort day-use fees vary (unverified, as of 2026)

Best time

Morning light; swim around high tide

Facilities

Resorts, restaurants and bars along the beach; public toilets not confirmed

Not the same as Kota Park

Kota Beach is in Santa Fe, in the south-east of Bantayan Island. Kota Park is a different place: an old Spanish fort in Madridejos at the northern tip of the island. Where the beach’s name comes from is not confirmed yet. OpenStreetMap also marks a ruin called “Kota Wall” right next to Kota Beach.

Where it is

Kota Beach lies on the east coast of Santa Fe, about 2 km from the ferry port. On OpenStreetMap the beach resort area is at about 11.153 N, 123.808 E. Sugar Beach and the Pooc area are next to it.

Getting there

• From Santa Fe port: tricycle, a few minutes. Agree on the fare before you get in.
• From Bantayan town: about 15–20 minutes by scooter, a little longer by tricycle (estimate).

Best time and tides

• Morning: Come early – mornings are the quietest time of day.
• Tides: At low tide large sand flats and a sandbar come out. Swimming is better around high tide. Check a tide table before you plan a swim.

Rules and nature

• Rubbish: Leave no rubbish and no cigarette ends in the sand.
• Shells and coral: Do not take shells, starfish or coral.
• Resort areas: Resort areas may have their own rules for loungers and day use.

Safety

• Water shoes: Water shoes are a good idea in shallow, rocky spots.
• Children: Watch children at the edge of the sandbar when the tide comes in.
• Cliff jumping: Nearby concrete ruins are used for cliff jumping; guides say the structure is unstable in parts. Jump only at high tide and at your own risk.

FAQ