Not Everything In Bantayan Is About Beaches And Kota Fort Proves It// Bantayan Travel VI

Hello, travelers! Indeed, we have come so far in my trip in Bantayan Island, from my first ship voyage to the island to Blue Lagoon, this travel narrative is getting exciting and exciting. If you wish to read and follow my Bantayan Island travel, you can access the sequence on the last part of this blog. After visiting the Blue Lagoon, where we spent five hours swimming around and relaxing with its relaxing and stress-relieving scenes, we immediately hopped in on the pumpboats and left the area. We started the engine of our rented motorcycle, and headed to our next destination in the island.

It was afternoon when I found our way on Madridejos, the northern tip of Bantayan Island, specifically to Kota Park, where we found ourselves in front of a stunning Kota Fort facade and learning about its history. In this blog, I will be sharing with you our first destination to have visited in Kota, which was the Kota Fort. Let's talk about its history.

But before that, it is essential to say we headed to the stalls first that sells foods since we didn't have lunch when we traveled to the north. We bought empanada and avocado milkshake from fresh avocado for our lunch since we didn't find any meals sold on the area. It was warm, refreshing, and comfortable spot to eat on the benches inside the park, and the local were so great to interact with. Bantayan people are so generous and kind. One of Bantayan Island's luxury.

Built in 1970's, the Kota Fort first served as a lookout for Muslim and Moro invaders. Inhabited and used as a garrison by the Spaniards. This served as a watchtower and refuge for the local inhabitants each time pirates attacked and plundered town along the sea coast. This fort is made of corals, sands, egg white, stones, sugar, and limestones (apog).

Rested on the northern town of Madridejos, Kota Fort is a popular spot in the town that gives a glimpse of the island's history that shaped the identity of the island. When it comes to understanding a place or destination, it is essential to consider its history to have a complete view of the place, of what is was and who it is now.

To talk about the history of Kota Fort is to remember the dark past that once existed here. Its story goes back from 1880 to 1917. According to old stories, Kota Fort was a Spanish fort built to protect the locals from Moro pirates. In simple terms, it served as a lookout point where people watched the sea for any unusual movement that could signal an attack. Many stood there before me, and they are part of the island’s history that deserves to be remembered.

After years of guarding and fighting against Moro invaders, the fort took on a different role. It became a burial ground—a place where bodies and souls were laid to rest. It marked a generation that lived with purpose and became part of history.

Later on, the fort changed once again. By the 1950s, it was turned into a place for From being a place of defense, it became a place for relaxation and enjoyment. Over time, people began to see it as a symbol of the island’s identity.

The island of Madridejos was once known as Lawis. It is said to have been founded by Loreto Mangubat, a descendant of Lapu-Lapu. In that early settlement, Kota, or the fort, was already present, serving as a watchtower for the people. In 1917, Lawis was officially renamed Madridejos in honor of the Archbishop of Cebu, Benito Romero de Madridejos.

Entering the fort and standing in front of its majestic walls meant so much to me like history. It was experiencing and reliving the lives that was once there, as well as honoring people who lived and died here. Around was many features used by the locals to safeguard the town and when we were inside, I saw old jars and pot, big stages, and abandoned rooms that was once a safe place and activity of old Bantayan people. Many flowers and trees can be seen inside and it is as clean as green. There are no commericialized corners or spots inside, it was the same old fort that protected the people. No changes, just pure history preserved by the municipality.

It was great to have visited there and things like this makes my life meaningful and optimistic. After 30 minutes of walking around, we left the fort to continue our walk and go around Kota Park, where the historical lighthouse is located and I'll be sharing it with you tomorrow. For now, this is the farthest we can go in my Bantayan travel, and I hope to see you again in my next travel narrative. I hope you enjoyed my blog and see you! Thank you for reading dearest, Hivers and travelers.