BATANES is a scene of changing moods, sometimes balmy, sometimes placid and other times ominous. But its postcard-worthy topography and the genuine hospitality of its people – the Ivatans, make it such a tourist-friendly place. From mighty stone houses blanketed by the richness of Ivatan culture, to towering sentinels standing on strikingly gorgeous hills pounded by incessant waves, Batanes tick all the boxes for a scenic and laid-back vacation.
Here’s a blog to help you plan your trip to Batanes:
TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS
HOW TO GO TO BATANES
Airlines such as Skyjet Airlines and Cebu Pacific Airlines flies between Manila and Batanes (Basco). Meanwhile, the new Bombardier Q400 of Philippine Airlines flies between Clark (Pampanga) to Basco (Batanes). One way airfare starts at around PHP 2,914! Book at www.philippineairlines.com
For those asking, as of the moment, there is no passenger boat to Batanes from Manila or Ilocos. There is no way to go to Batanes by land from Ilocos or Manila. The only way to get there now is by air.
WHERE TO STAY IN BATANES
Hotels and homestays abound in Basco, Batanes. Here are some of the cheap hotels you can find in Basco, Batanes.
(BASCO)
BUDGET
TROY LODGE
Barangay Kayvaluganan, Basco
MARFEL’S LODGE
De Padua Street, Barangay Kayvaluganan, Basco
CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
NATHANIEL’S LODGE
Nuñez Street, Brgy. Kaychanarianan, Basco
MID-RANGE
DIVE BATANES LODGE
Barangay Chanarian-Tukon, Basco
BATANES SEASIDE LODGE AND RESTAURANT
National Road, Basco, Basco, Philippines
AMBOY’S HOMETEL
Barangay Chanarian, Basco Batanes
MIDTOWN INN BATANES
Abad Street Cor. Lizardo Street Basco, Batanes
SHANEDEL’S INN CAFE
669 National Road Brgy. Kaychanarianan, Basco, Batanes
(MAHATAO)
Diura Fishing Village
Php 300 per person per day
(ITBAYAT)
Levinda Lodge
(fronting the church)
Sta,Maria Itbayat, Batanes
Mobile number: 0921 566 8269
Php 200 per day
Cano’s Lodge
Itbayat, Batanes
Mobile Number: 0919 300 4787
Php 250 per day
WHAT and WHERE TO EAT IN BATANES
When in Batanes, eating their traditional dishes wrapped in vunung leaves is a must-try. These are available in some restaurants and eateries.
Paulvanna’s Canteen in Mahatao
Contact#: 0928 362 8473
Octagon Restaurant
Contact#: 0917 552 6684
Fundacion Pacita Restaurant
Casa Napolli Pizza
Contact#: 0918 964 2567
WHERE TO BUY SOUVENIRS IN BATANES
Vavayat Souvenir Shop
National Road, Brgy. Kayvaluganan
Basco, Batanes
Contact#: 0929 341 1005
THINGS TO DO IN BATANES
Batanes has 3 major inhabited islands, namely: Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat. When you arrive in Batanes, you will land on Basco, the capital of Batanes which is located in Batan.
Batanes tour is divided into: North Batan Tour, South Batan Tour, Sabtang and Itbayat.
HOW TO TOUR BATANES
By Van/Tour Package
If you want a hassle-free tour you can avail of inexpensive tour packages offered in Batanes you can join the group tours or private tours of BISUMI Tours and Services owned by my Ivatan friend, Ryan Cardona, a former tour guide.
BISUMI TOURS and SERVICES
Mobile #: SMART – +63 998 988 5898 0919 279 5963
GLOBE – 0915 803 4582
Email: [email protected]
Batanes Tour Rates per Person (BISUMI rates)
North Batan Tour: Php 1,100 per person
South Batan Tour: Php 1,700 per person
Sabtang Island Tour: Php 2,200 per person
Tour Package Inclusion
*Land Transportation (Tour and Transfer) *All lunch during the tours. *Certified Ivatan tour guide. *All registration fees and permits. *Round-trip boat rides for Sabtang Island Tour. *Refreshments during the tour. *Php 100 worth souvenirs from Vavayat Souvenir Shop.
You can choose from: *4D/3N (North + South Batan and Sabtang Island Tour) *3D/2N (North + South Batan and Sabtang Island Tour) *3D/2N (North + South Batan Tour)
By Tricycle
North Batan Tricycle Tour: Php 1,000
South Batan Tour: Php 1,500
Sabtang Tour: Php 1,350
Recommended Batanes Tricycle Driver:
Ryan Cardona – Mobile #: SMART – +63 998 988 5898 0919 279 5963
By Bike
Due to the craggy and hilly landscape of Batanes and the distance of the attractions from each other, I won’t recommend this unless you have a strong stamina or you’re an experienced mountain biker. I tried biking from Marfel’s Lodge Extension to Basco Lighthouse in Naidi Hill using a Japanese bike and I had a really hard time.
Batanes bike rental rates:
Php 25 per day Php 300 per day for small bikes/Japanese bikes
Php 600 per day for mountain bikes
BATAN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Batan tour is divided into South and North tour, you can do this in 2 days. See the sample Batanes Itinerary below this post:
NORTH BATAN TOUR
ALSO READ: TOP THINGS TO DO IN NORTH BATAN
Attractions in North Batan
Naidi Hills Lighthouse
Valugan Boulder Beach
Vayang Rolling Hills
Sto.Domingo Church
Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
Idjang Viewing
Mt.Carmel Chapel
PAG-ASA Weather Station
Fundacion Pacita
SOUTH BATAN TOUR
Attractions in South Batan include:
Mahatao Town Tour
Mahatao Church (San Jose Borromeo Church)
Mahatao Pier/ Boat Shelter
Mahatao Stone Houses
Mahatao Lighthouse
Diura Fishing Village
Fountain of Youth Racuh a Payaman (Malboro Country)
Imnajbu Tour
Imnajbu Beach and Chapel
Old Naval Base
Alapad
Song Song Ruins
Uyugan Town Tour
Spanish Bridge
Ivana Town Tour
San Jose de Ivana Church
Honesty Coffee Shop
House of Dakay (oldest stonehouse in Batanes)
San Jose de Ivana Church
SABTANG TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Sabtang Town Tour
Sabtang Lighthouse
San Vicenter Ferer Church
Savidug Community
Savidug Idjang (Fortress)
Sabtang Town Vernacular Houses
Chamantad Cove and Tinyan Viewpoint
Chavayan Community Vernacular Houses
St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel and the Old Beaterio
Morong Beach
ITBAYAT TOUR
Hiring a tour guide is recommended if you wish to visit the gorgeous attractions in Itbayat since hiking are mostly required.
HOW TO GET TO ITBAYAT
The port of the falowa (boats) going to Itbayat is located in Basco, so you can just take a tricycle to get there. Flowat/Boats to Itbayat costs Php 450 per way, travel tie is 3-4 hours.
GETTING AROUND ITBAYAT
Motorbike Rental with Driver/Guide: Php 2,000 per day
Tricycle: Php 3,000 per day with Guide
Contact: Kuya Jojo Labrador at 0949 349 9350
*If you are visiting Rapang Cliff, there is another guide fee of Php 1,000.
ITBAYAT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Sta. Maria Immaculada Church
Lake Kavaywan
Mt. Karoboban View Deck
Torongan Cave
Torongan Hills
Paganaman Port
Small Lagoon
Rapang Cliffs
Stone Bell
The Beach of Kaxobcan
Mt.Riposed
Nahili Votox
Komayasakas Cave and Water Source
Manoyok
Northern Sarokan
Eastern Sarokan
Pevangan Cave
Agosan Rocks
Port Mauyen
*Boat rental to other islands north of Itbayat like Yami , Siayan , Dinem , Ditarem and Misanga can cost as much as Php 7,000.
BATANES ITINERARY
4 Days / 3 Nights
If you are pressed for time, the typical Batanes itinerary is 4Days/3Nights which includes North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Tour.
If you wish to include Itbayat in your tour, I suggest adding 3-4 more days to be able to explore it. But I recommend doing it on the 2nd day of your trip and just follow the itinerary below for the succeeding days, just in case the boat trip back to Basco gets cancelled because bad weather . Do check the weather update before proceeding to Itbayat.
Day 1 | NORTH BATAN TOUR |
9:00 AM | Arrival in Basco, Check-In at Hotel |
9:30 AM | Breakfast and rest |
12:00PM | Lunch |
1:00 PM | North Batan Tour |
Mt. Carmel Chapel, PAG-ASA Weather Station, Fundacion Pacita, Idjang Viewing. Japanese Tunnel, Boulder Beach Valugan, Vayang Rolling Hills, Naidi Hills and Lighthouse, Bunker Cafe, Sto. Domingo Church in Basco | |
7:00 PM | Dinner |
Day 2 SABTANG TOUR |
6:00 AM | Breakfast |
6:30 AM | Travel to San Vicente Port to catch the boat to Sabtang |
7:15 AM | Sabtang Town Tour |
San Vicenter Ferer Church, Savidug Community, Savidug Idjang, Stone Houses, Chamantad Cove and Tinyan Viewpoint, Chavayan Community Vernacular Houses | |
12:00 PM | Lunch |
1:00 PM | Morong Beach/ Siesta/ Swimming |
2:00 PM | Back to Sabtang Port/ Travel back to San Vicente Port |
3:30 PM | Back to Hotel |
7:00 PM | Dinner |
Day 3 SOUTH BATAN TOUR |
7:00 AM | Breakfast |
7:30 AM | Mahatao Town Tour |
Chawa Viewdeck, Mahatao Pier, Vernacular Houses, San Jose Borromeo Church, Diura Fishing Village, Fountain of Youth, Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country) | |
12:00PM | Lunch |
1:00 PM | Imnajbu Tour |
Imnajbu Chapel and Beach, Old Naval Base, Alapad, Song Song Ruins | |
3:00 PM | Uyugan Town Tour |
3:30 PM | Ivana Town Tour |
San Jose de Ivana Church, Honesty Coffee Shop, Oldest House | |
7:00 PM | Dinner |
DAY 4 DEPARTURE |
6:00 AM | Breakfast |
7:00 AM | Departure to Manila |
BATANES TRIP BUDGET/ EXPENSES
EXPENSES | TRANSPORTATION | DESTINATION |
PHP 6,000 (USD 119/SGD 162/ MYR 510) | Roundtrip Flights (via Philippine Airlines) Clark – Basco | Clark-Basco-Clark |
PHP 200 (USD 4/SGD 5/MYR 17) | Tricycle from Basco to Ivana Port | Basco to Ivana Port |
PHP 150 (USD 3/SGD 4/MYR) | Falowa / Boat ( Basco-Sabtang-Basco) | Basco-Sabtang-Basco |
PHP 900 (USD 18/SGD 24/MYR 77) | Falowa / Boat (Basco-Itbayat-Basco) | Basco-Itbayat-Basco |
PHP 7,250 (USD 197/SGD 144/MYR 617) | GRAND TOTAL |
EXPENSES | ACCOMODATION | TYPE OF ROOM |
PHP 350 (USD 7/SGD 10/MYR 30) | BASCO: Marfel Lodge Extension | Fan room |
PHP 300 (USD 6/SGD 8/MYR 26) | Diura Fishing Village | Fan room |
PHP 150 (USD 3/SGD 4/MYR) per day | Sabtang Homestay | Fan room |
PHP 250 (USD 5/SGD 5/MYR 21) | Itbayat Homestay | Fan room |
PHP 1,050 (USD 21/SGD 28/MYR 89) | GRAND TOTAL |
EXPENSES | TOUR DESTINATIONS | TYPE |
PHP 1,100 (USD 21/SGD 30/MYR 94) | North Batan Tour | Tour Package |
PHP 2,200 (USD 44/SGD 60/MYR 187) | South Batan Tour | Tour Package |
PHP 2,000 (USD 40/SGD 54/MYR 170) | Sabtang Island Tour | Tour Package |
PHP 2,000 (USD 40/SGD 54/MYR 170) | Itbayat Tour (Driver + Motorcycle) per day | DIY Tour |
PHP 1,000 (USD 20/SGD 27/MYR 85) | Rapang Cliff Tour Guide | DIY Tour |
PHP 8,300 (USD 165/SGD 225/MYR 706) | GRAND TOTAL | Batan (North and South) +Sabtang+Itbayat |
*If you have limited time, you can do North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Tour. Only do the Itbayat tour if your schedule is flexible as falowa/boat trips is dependent on the weather.
TOURISM FEE | DESTINATION |
PHP 100 (USD 2/SGD 3/MYR 9) | BASCO |
PHP 50 (USD 1/SGD 1.35/MYR 4.25) | MAHATAO |
PHP 200 (USD 4/SGD 5/MYR 17) | SABTANG |
PHP 100 (USD 2/SGD 3/MYR 9) | ITBAYAT |
PHP 450 (USD 9/SGD 12/MYR 38) | GRAND TOTAL |
RELATED BATANES POSTS:
Cheap Batanes Tour Package 2018
North Batan Tour
About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina travel blogger. Her work has appeared in local and international publications.
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For advertisements, sponsorship and partnerships, you may reach her at gaelhilotinblog (at) gmail (dot) com.
Kindly contact Ryan. I listed his number above. 🙂
I’m planning to go to batanes.. such a lovely place.. hope to be there soon..
Missing Batanes so much! And beautiful photos, by the way! 🙂
Very detailed, i suuuper like it:)
Is it ok to have Christmas Family vacation in Batanes, during the period Dec 23 – 27, 2017. Hope to hear from you. Thanks
Hi I tanong ko lang kung pag ngbook ka ng INN sa batanes may susundo sayo from basco?
You can arrange that with your inn
Is it good to visit Batanes during October to November? How’s the weather? Do you also have a blog
on travel to Palawan?
Advisable pa po bang magtravel sa batanes ng june? balak ko po kasi sana sa june 09-13…
if hindi po, saan nyo po ba masusuggest na magandang pumunta ngayon? 1st solo travel ko po kasi 🙂
Okay naman ang June, basta walang bagyo
well detailed <3.<3
Is it okay to travel to Batanes in October?
Check the weather updates. So long as there’s no typhoon it should be good.
another great update on this one!
Hi ms. Gael.
Galing kumpleto sa details.. ask ko lng kung..
Anong month of the year pinaka magandang mag visit sa batanes?
summer po – March to May
Hello, i have planned to go there with my gf on Octber 13 t 16… which best the cheap hotel but good place?
Nice read and useful guide… May I clarify though, is the tricycle rate above on a per person/package or is it a basic rental rate per tricycle (regardless of the number of persons)? Thanks!
I’ll be traveling alone need to find out is march a good month?
If I go island tour do I have to stay in home stay?
So march 21 to 25 2018 .
Is it a lot of people travel by them self?
anyone traveling to batanes next year May2018? wala kase ako kasama 🙁
Nice blog! Really a big help.. we’re booked to Batanes but for next year pa. June 2018 for 4d3n. Your blog’s a really big help. Thank you so much!
Great and informative post. Anyway, I have same question with AnZ, may I ask if the tricycle rate above is per person or trike rental (regardless of number of persons)? Big thanks!
Hello! I love your blog. I just want to ask if what is the best month to go to Batanes? And is the place safe for female Solo traveller? Thanks
Thanks. Will save it ffr yieee 🙂
Welcome. Enjoy Batanes!
Thank you Ms. Gael for inspiring us to travel. I did my first solo travel last Nov 10-13, this year! quite awesome and liberating experience! I always check your itineraries and budget.. Really a big help 🙂
Hi Lanz, so happy to hear that! Cheers to more solo adventures! 🙂
Can I rent motorcycle in batanes?
I don’t know of any motorcycle rentals there.
Yes, put it on your bucket list
hi,
is Bisumi Tours & Services have office in Manila? How will get your plane tickets with them and the flight details?
Via email
Thanks so much for this well detailed itinerary! 🙂
May I know where did you stay in Sabtang ?
Thanks!!
Is there a way for me to bring my own motorcycle in Batanes?
Thanks for the informative article about Batanes. I’m planning to travel there someday.
Hi
What is the best time or month to go there?
Thanks!
March to early June 🙂
Hi there! Is it possible to combine north and south batan in one day?
Thanks! =)
pwede naman po 🙂
Your awesome! Im planning to surprise my partner this 2018. Im planning to go on tours so it’ll be cheaper. Please suggest some other things that may help. Im active on social media.facebook and instagram. Please…It’ll be much appreciated. Thanks.
since then i wanted to travel alone and I choose to do it in BATANES i would like to have a recommendation if it is safe to travel alone for a girl
hoping for some suggestion and recommendation from those who has been there as a solo back packer
I traveled there alone. Safe for solo travelers.
Malakas ba data signal sa lugar?
No, unfortunately.
How much your total expenses for the whole trip?
Madami na po bang nag tour doon sa ngayon? 🙂 Since nabasa ko po best time to visit is
March to June which is summer month talaga and usually matao.
mejo madame ng tao kase madame ng flights
Hi! Do you stil have the name and contact number for the Sabtang homestay that’s P150/night?
Do you have companion in going to Batanes?
No. I traveled alone.
Hi, you inspired me to travel solo. Now i’ll be traveling to Batanes alone in September. I’ll try to use your itinerary as my basis. I just have a question po.
did you book all tours with Bisumi/Ryan, including the hotel accomodations?
yes
hi question, if sa trike po paano po makikipag coordinate? na try niyo po ba yun? and kung yung van po what if dalawa lang po kayo? 🙂 thank you.
I am travelling to Batanes end of this month with my wife. We’re doing a 4D/3N trip and would probably be doing the same itinerary you’ve mentioned here (very helpful). I am thinking of just renting a motorbike so it would be easier for us to roam around, except for the Sabtang tour obviously. I just want to know if it is easy to rent out there and if it’s safe. We’ll be staying at Fundacion Pacita. Thanks.
I don’t know of any motorcycle rental. But you can hire a tricycle (with driver).
Hi, thank you so much sharing, my friends and I are scheduled to visit Batanes come December.
Other than Bisumi, can you refer other tour services? Thanks.
I just tried Bisumi kase. You can just rent a tricycle if you want
Hi! Yun po bang rent ng tricycle kasama na yung driver sa rate or bukod pa po? Thanks!
Kasama na po.