One of my dream destinations, aside from Coron and El Nido, Palawan, is to see the awe-inspiring landscape and seascape of Batanes! Well, 2013 was a pure bliss when I scored a round-trip ticket of around Php 1,400 from PAL (launch promo on their flights to Batanes).
I know it was a rare chance, so I booked a year ahead for an August 2014 flight (pre-birthday trip, too) and made it a 9-day vacation. I know it's an off-peak and rainy season but see, I have been to El Nido before during those lean seasons and, unfortunately, there was a storm. The day we headed back to Puerto Princesa, the sun came out. So what I realized is that if you've been wanting to go to these places and score a very cheap ticket, might as well plan it longer so as to assure that you'll have a sunny day on one of those days. So here I am sharing what are the possible things you could do/plan if you, too, are dreaming of the majestic Batanes.
Update: Coming back soon after four long years due to a flight cancellation leading to a free re-route booking. Some detours lead to happier routes, indeed!
Sample 4D/3N Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Basco, Batanes
North Batan Tour (Basco)
Sunset at Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hills
Day 2 Sunrise at the Valugan Boulder Beach
South Batan Tour (Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan)
Day 3 Sabtang Island Tour
Day 4 Departure from Basco, Batanes
My 9D/8N Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Basco, Batanes
North Batan Tour (Basco)
Sunset at Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hills
Day 2 Sunrise at the Valugan Boulder Beach
South Batan Tour (Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan)
Day 3 Sabtang Island Tour
Day 4 Rest day
Sunset at Vayang Rolling Hills
Day 5 Going to Itbayat Island*
Day 6 Itbayat Island Tour Day 1*
Day 7 Itbayat Island Tour Day 2*
Day 8 Going back to Basco
Day 7 Itbayat Island Tour Day 2*
Day 8 Going back to Basco
Day 9 Departure from Basco, Batanes**
*The supposedly Itbayat Island plans were not pushed through due to weather conditions, so I stayed in Chavayan Village, Sabtang for the remaining days instead
**Vacation cut short due to PAL's change of schedule on flights going from and to Batanes, so mine became 8D/7N instead.
Where to stay in Batanes?
Cita's Lodge (Batan) 09088931475/09399193616
Marfel's Homestay (Batan) 09399193616/09209764966
Old houses in Chavayan, Sabtang - Contact Ryan Cardona 09989885898
Homestays in Itbayat - Contact Ryan Cardona 09989885898
*I recommend either of the first two, Nanay Cita took care of me when I got sick on the third and fourth day in Batanes. And Ate Fe, welcomed me like her own daughter on my remaining days in Basco. She even invited a fellow solo backpacker from Cebu and I to her other house for their fiesta celebration. Overnight stay ranges from Php 350 - Php 400
What tours do you recommend in Batanes?
North Batan Tour, South Batan Tour, Sabtang Island Tour, Itbayat Island Tour
Contact Ryan Cardona of BISUMI Tours through 09989885898 or follow their social media sites: facebook, twitter, instagram.
Tricycle is the mode of transportation in Batanes and you contact your driver through text message. I highly recommend Kuya Toto 09198933146.
What are the places to see in Batanes? (per municipality BISUMI)
Basco (Batan Island)– Valugan Boulder Beach, Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel, Fundacion Pacita, Tukon Church, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Casa Real, Basco Lighthouse, Naidi Hills, Vayang Rolling Hills, Mount Iraya, and Nakamaya Burial Site
Ivana (Batan Island)– Honesty Coffee Shop, san Jose de Obrero Church, Old Spanish Bridge, and House of Dakay
Sabtang (Sabtang Island)– Chamantad-Tinyan View Point and Cove, Sabtang Villages, Chavayan Chapel, Chavayan Village, Savidug Village, Atanacio Dapilan House, Duvek Bay, Morong Beach and Ahaw Natural Arch, Sabtang Lighthouse, San Vicente Ferrer Church, ruins of old Sabtang Church’s convent, 1887 deep well, and Spanish lighthouse
Uyugan (Batan Island)– Imnajbu Village, LORAN Station, Alapad Hills and Rock Formation, San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, Itbud Village and Song-song ruins
Mahatao (Batan Island)– San Carlos Borromeo Church, Spanish lighthouse, Racuh a Payaman (dubbed as Marlboro Rolling Hills), Racuh-a-Idi Spring, Diura Fishing Village, Tayid Lighthouse, Mahatao Boat Shelter Port, and Chawa View Deck
Itbayat (Itbayat Island)– Mt Karoboban, Torongan Cave and Hill, Lake Kavaywan, Yawran and Raele Villages, St. Joseph Church, Manoyok Sinkhole, Rapang Cliff, Nahili do Votox, Caves of Northern Sarokan, Eastern Sarokan and Pivangan, Agosan Rock Formation, and Sta. Maria Immaculada Church
What are the dishes you must try in Batanes?
Lunez, Uvud Balls, Coconut Crab
What are the food places in Batanes?
Pension Ivatan (Basco), Casa Napoli Pizza (Basco), Octagon Resturant (Basco)
*Food is a bit expensive in Batanes due its geographical location and how the goods travel from mainland, Luzon. You may request your home-stay host to cook for you.
What airlines have flights going to Batanes?
PAL (Philippine Airlines), Skyjet, Sky Pasada, and the newest addition for 2018 -- Cebu Pacific Air :)
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8 comments:
helpful guide... thanks
thank you, trekero! glad to have helped :)
Awesome photos and stories!
Salamat, Sony! :)
Teka hanapin ko sa pics para maalala ko. Lunez kasi fave ko. Lol
very informative post for me as I am always looking for new content that can help me and my knowledge grow better.
Very informative, keep posting such good articles, it really helps to know about things.
I really appreciate your professional approach. These are pieces of very useful information that will be of great use for me in future.
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