Bantayan Island: Kota Park

Kota Park in Madridejos, Bantayan Island was a beautiful park and there was a connecting bridge from the beach to a lookout tower in the middle of the sea. In that 3-storey tower, you can see a lighthouse far out to sea and also a big “Welcome to Madridejos” sign in the seaside.

Madridejos Kota Park is an old Spanish Fort that was transformed into a park in Barangay Lawis, Madridejos in Bantayan Island. Kota or Kuta means fort. Lawis which means peninsula, was the original name of Madridejos. The fort in the northernmost edge of Bantayan was originally built in 1790 by the Spaniards to serve as a camp and a watch tower to protect the place and its people from pirates, who raids children for slavery. The fort was turned into a cemetery up until the 1950’s which gives it a haunting ambiance especially at night.

Aside from the ruins of the old fort which brings a feeling of nostalgia in the place, old relics and artifacts are displayed in its four pillars. Another highlight in the place is the Bontay Baywalk, a 187-meter footbridge connecting the shores of the island to a lighthouse (parola) or “watch-balcony.” The boardwalk is famous for getting an awe inspiring sight of the sunset.

A walk through the bridge will also
 allow tourists to see different 
underwater creatures including
 jellyfishes and different colored fishes. For adventurists, one can take a dip into the strong waters, which has become a common swimming ground for native children. According to legends, the baywalk was constructed by the people amidst a whipping current. For those who wish to stay in the park, there are aircon rooms available at Lawisanon Cafe inside Kota Park.

According to travel bloggers Kota Park was one of the 30 most beautiful beaches in the Philippines.

Kota Park is one of the most exciting place in Madridejos, Cebu.