Batanes Travel Guide Made Simple

I am coming up with travel guides to some of the Philippines’ “must see destinations.” These travel guides are reduced to its simplest and most doable form so that anyone who wants to visit these places can easily do so without any hassle. Batanes Travel Guide Made Simple is part of my Philippine Travel Guides Series.

Batanes Suggested Travel Itinerary

I have always been asked if how long should one stay in Batanes to really feel the Ivatan’s way of life. My answer has always been, “it depends on your available time.” Time, as always, if of the essence. Granting that you don’t have the luxury of time, a 4 Days 3 Nights trip will be worth it. However this is Batanes, flights might be cancelled anytime due to weather conditions. Letting all other things remain constant, the following is my suggested itinerary:

Day 1

Fly to Basco from Manila via Cebu Pacific, PAL Express or SkyJet. Airfare to Basco is normally expensive, ranging from 10,000.00 – 15,000.00 for a return flight. However, a promo fare can range from 2,000.00 – 5,000.00 for a return flight. Now, how to get a promo fare? Abang-abang lang din pag may time. Promo fares are normally available 6 months or so prior to travel dates. Always check announcements from PAL or SkyJet. I suggest you subscribe to their e-newsletters.

Flights to Batanes are in the morning. Hence, tours can be scheduled in the afternoon already. A good introduction of Batanes is the North Batan Tour which starts at 1PM and ends before 6PM. A guided North Batan Tour includes visit to the following: Radar Tukon, Fundacion Pacita, Idjang Viewing, Japanese Hideout, Boulder Beach Valugan, Vayang, Naidi Hills and Lighthouse and Sto. Domingo Church.

After the guided tour and if weather permits, you may opt to rent a bike in your hostel and catch sunset in Naidi Hills. For dinner, Batanes Seaside Lodge’ restaurant is a good choice.

Day 2

Normally, Day 2 is reserved for Sabtang Island Tour. Sabtang Island Tour includes visit to the following: visit houses in Centro and some historical sites, San Vicente Ferer Church, Savidug Idjang (Fortress), Savidug Community, Vernacular Houses, Tinyan Viewing of Pacific Ocean, Chavayan Community Vernacular Houses, buffet lunch, Chavayan community tour and Swimming. Sabtang Island tour also includes return hostel pick up and return boat transfers. This tour starts before 6AM.

So how was the experience? Be prepared for big waves anytime of the year when crossing the channel between Batan and Sabtang Island. This is normal and perfectly safe. But to the uninitiated, you will surely experience dizziness and some vomiting. Hence, take some medicines if you are not used to traveling by water.

Sabtang Island is more than what you see in pictures. Its character is reminiscent of a community that has blended with nature. Its people are perhaps one of the friendliest you will ever meet in your lifetime. The houses and other stone structures you will see in Sabtang all sum-up to a great Batanes trip.

As I always say, never leave Batanes without seeing Sabtang Island. Sabtang is amazing beyond description and you have to see it why. Or else, you have never seen Batanes at all. You can forego all tours except Sabtang Island guided tour.

Day 3

Third day is normally reserved for a whole day South Batan Tour. However, in some instances, Day 2 and Day 3 itinerary are interchanged. It all depends on weather situation. You will get a feel of this once you get to Batanes.

Whole Day South Batan guided tour starts before 7AM and includes visit to the following: Mahatao Town Tour, Chawa Viewdeck, Mahatao Pier, Vernacular Houses, San Jose Borromeo Church, Diura Fountain of Youth, Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country), lunch, Imnajbu, Old Naval Base, Alapad, Song Song Ruins (Batanes Movie, House Scene), Uyugan Town Tour, Ivana Town Tour, San Jose de Ivana Church, Honesty Coffee Shop and Oldest House.

South Batan Tour is very leisurely executed. It is as if you are just walking in a park for a whole day. The scenery here are breathtaking and relaxing. I am sure you will fall in love with Marlboro Hills.

Day 4

Flight back to Manila if you have limited time. Otherwise, stay until you are decided to let go Batanes.

Accommodation in Batanes

There are very limited accommodation facilities in Batanes and normally in the low-range category, except for Fundacion Pacita. Most of these lodging houses offer more or less the same rates and have the same facilities and are located just walking distance from each other. I think there is no issue where one stays in Batanes. Any of the following is a good choice: DDD Habitat Lodging House, Marfel Lodge, Troy Lodge, Batanes Brandon’s Lodge, Batanes Seaside Lodge, Pension Ivatan, Shanedel’s Inn, The Island Lodge and Resto Bar, Amboy’s Hometel, Bernardo’s Hotel, Midtown Inn, or Fundacion Pacita – room rates starts at 10,000.00 per night.

Interestingly, all lodging houses offer free wifi. Some have restaurants while others allow their guests to cook. Cooking facilities are already provided.

Restaurants in Batanes

There are good restaurants in Basco that offer international and local cuisine. Among them are:

1. Bunker’s Café – for local delicacies
2. Casa Napoli – for pizza lovers
3. Hiro’s Café – local delicacies
4. Octagon Bed and Dine – for sea foods
5. Pension Ivatan Restaurant – for local delicacies
6. Vatang Grill and Restaurant – for local delicacies

How Much It Cost for a Batanes Trip

It all depends if you are traveling on a promo fare (roughly 2,000.00 – 5,000.00) or a regular fare (roughly 10,000.00 – 15,000.00) and how many of you traveling together (land arrangement package depends on the size of the group). Say you got promo fare, total expenses will be roughly 10,000.00 all in. Otherwise, expect a higher cost for non-promo fare.

Batanes Travel Tips

1. Travel anytime of the year. However, December to March are the best months to visit Batanes
2. Bring cash – good enough for the entire duration of your stay
3. Do not party in Batanes. For heaven’s sake.
4. Hire a bike. Bike around. Or you can simply walk. You will never get lost in Batanes.
5. Spend sunset in Naidi Hills and Light House. It is romantic.
6. Buy local souvenirs. Pero wag mo na tawaran, mura naman!
7. Fern (pako) salad are common in restaurant menu.
8. Dress properly. Wag OA. Mas malamig sa Baguio at Sagada.
9. Honesty is not only a Coffee Shop, it is away of life.

Remarks

This post is in collaboration with J8 Travel Services. Should you wish to travel to Batanes anytime soon, you may contact J8 Travel Services for details. Their website is http://www.j8travelservices.com or you can email them at travel@j8travelservices.com. J8 Travel Services is accredited by the Department of Tourism and a member of the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) –  you can be sure you are talking to a legitimate travel and tour agency.