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I didn’t like the idea of returning to Batanes. At least, not in the beginning.

It’s not because I did not enjoy my previous trip. Quite the contrary. Batanes has always been atop my list of dream Philippine destinations, and when I was finally able to set foot in it in 2014, it gave me much more than I imagined. Site after site, day after day, Batanes blew my mind and snatched my heart. Perfect was a word I had never used to describe a journey, but that’s exactly what it was. It was perfect. I was afraid that a second trip would ruin all my precious, flawless memories of it.

But it could not be helped. We were invited to a wedding there, and our old Batanes Travel Guide seriously needed some updating. With a strange mixture of excitement and nervousness, we went back. In classic Batanes fashion, as soon as we landed, rain poured so hard, we could barely get a clear view of our surroundings. But in a matter of minutes, the sky cleared up and we saw that not much has changed. And in this case, that’s a good thing, a very good thing.

I’ve said this before: When the time comes that you have to leave Batanes, she will break your heart. And I left heartbroken the second time around.

UNDERSTANDING BATANES

Remote and isolated, Batanes is the northernmost province in the Philippines. It’s a 10-piece archipelago, with the three biggest islands being the only ones inhabited: Sabtang, Batan, and Itbayat. Sabtang and Itbayat are their own municipalities, while Batan is further divided into Basco, Ivana, Uyugan, and Mahatao. Although it is the capital, Basco isn’t a city but a small town. It is also where the main airport is located and the most populated.

Sabtang, the largest island, is situated 45-minutes by boat from the town of Ivana, while Itbayat, in the extreme north, 3 hours from Basco.

For tourism purposes, the provinces is divided into four zones:

  • North Batan, which is basically Basco.
  • South Batan, which covers the attractions in Uyugan, Mahatao, and Ivana
  • Sabtang Island, can be reached by boat. Day tour from Batan Island is possible, although an overnight stay is highly recommended.
  • Itbayat Island, can be reached by boat or plane.

Here are more things you need to know about Batanes.

  • Language: Ivasayen (northern parts of Batan Island), Isamurongen (Sabtang and southern parts of Batan), and Itbayaten (Itbayat). Tagalog, Ilokano, and English are all widely understood and spoken.
  • Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP, ₱). PHP100 = USD 2, EUR 1.57, SGD 2.56 (as of February 2018).
  • Modes of payment: Cash. There’s also a Cebuana Lhuillier branch along Abad Street, where you can receive money, pay bills, or purchase travel insurance.

WHERE TO STAY IN BATANES

As the capital and commercial center of the province, Basco is a good base for tourists. Inns and homestays are heavily concentrated in the poblacion area, which is also where the airport is located. Tour operators also have their offices here.

The cheapest options are homestays. Two popular homestays are Troy’s Lodge, where we stayed the first time, and Marfel’s Lodge, which is a favorite among travel bloggers. Here are the details.

TROY’S LODGE
A loft with a few rooms for guests on the 2nd floor.
Rates: P700-P1000 per room (up to 3 pax)
Contact No.: +63 938 976 2237

MARFEL’S LODGE
Started out as a single house, it is now a network of 4 separate lodges — Main Lodge, Annex Lodge, Triple MP Homestay, MAC Homestay — being marketed together.
Rates: P500-P600 per room (2 pax), P350/person for a single fan room
Contact No.: +63 908 893 1475

Both inns are located in the town proper of Basco and near the airport.

Search for more: Batanes Hotels

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HOW TO GET TO BATANES

The fastest and easiest way to reach Batanes is by air. Basco has an airport (Basco Airport) located in the town proper. Travel time is 70-110 minutes, depending on your choice of airline and departure.

Fares to Basco are infamous for being expensive. Year-round fares can cost more than P10,000 per way if you book at the last minute. But there are ways to save more.

Fly PAL from Clark. PAL flights from Clark are significantly cheaper than from Manila. I did a mock booking for April 2018 (April 24-28) and found these fares:

Book a Tuesday/Wednesday Flight. Manila/Clark-Basco flights scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are considerably lower than other days. While return flights (Basco-Clark/Manila) are cheaper on Fridays and Saturdays.

Watch out for SEAT SALES. Promo fares to Batanes are rare, but they exist. You just need to catch them when they’re up for grabs. How? Stalk Philippine Airlines. Like them on Facebook. Follow them on Twitter. Subscribe via email. This way, you’ll be the first to know when a big Basco sale is about to happen. Seat sales usually open at around midnight.  (For more information, read: How to Book Piso Fares.)

How much did it cost me to fly to Batanes the first time? P1757, roundtrip. Yep! No kidding. I got it from a P288 base fare sale that amounted to P1757 with taxes and all.

Breakdown of my Manila-Basco Fare. P288 SALE.
Breakdown of my Manila-Basco Fare. P288 SALE.

Just last week, my friend Angel was able to score fares for Clark-Batanes for only P2500!

If you want to be notified when there’s a new BATANES SEAT SALE, download the Traveloka App and set up the PRICE ALERTS feature. When the price of Batanes flights go down, you will get a notification on your phone so you won’t miss it. More info here: Traveloka Price Alerts


HOW TO GET AROUND BATANES

By Bicycle or Motorcycle

The bicycle is the cheapest way of going around the island, but make sure you have the stamina to match. The landscape is rugged and a bicycle ride can take you up and down the slopes of rolling hills a hundred times over. Not really a hundred, but you get the point.

Bicycle Rental Rates:

  • Old bikes: P25/hour
  • Small/Japanese bikes: P300/day
  • Mountain bikes: P600-P1000/day (depending on the type and how long you’re gonna use it).

For those who have a driver’s license and can drive two wheels, the motorcycle is a good option. Motorcycle rent costs P500-1000 per day. Gas is not yet included.


By Tricycle

For short distances, the tricycle is the most usual mode of transportation. Here are the fares:

  • Within Basco Town Proper: P30
  • From Basco Town Proper to outskirts: P50

You can also book a tricycle for a full-day tour. This is great if you’re a party of two or more because you can split the costs. The good thing about this is that the driver already know where to go or have bits of local info about the place. The rate is usually P200 per hour. Given the time it takes to tour these zones, here are the estimated (and the usual) trike rates, good for two (2) persons:

  • North Batan: P1000
  • South Batan: P1500
  • Sabtang Island: P1000

Again, the rates above are good for 2.

Note that the rates for Sabtang island cover only the tour within the island. Not included are the boat ride and the tricycle transfers from Basco to Ivana port and back.

Our tricycle driver was: Dale Veracruz, 0929 341 0941.

The faluwa that ferries passengers from Ivana to Sabtang, and the cogon-roofed tricycle.

By Group Tour

Numerous travel agencies and hotels offer tours, but the one that we have personally tried on our most recent visit was Bisumi Tours, a duly-licensed local tour operator based in Basco.

Bisumi Tours can personalize an itinerary for you. You can even request to have it bundled with accommodations and airport transfers. But if you only need a guide and a way to get around conveniently, you can join one of their group tours.

Compared to just hiring a tricycle driver, Bisumi’s tours are pricier for a reason. These tours are led by trained local guides. While it’s true that some drivers can serve as your guide, most of them can only share limited information about the sites you visit. If you want a better appreciation and deeper understanding of the places you visit, join a group tour instead. This way, you’re not just looking at random rolling hills, you’re also learning about their significance.

Below are the rates PER PERSON (as of February 2018):

  • North Batan Tour: P999
  • South Batan Tour: P2000
  • Sabtang Island Tour: P2000

Each booking is inclusive of the following:

  • Complimentary Round-trip Basco Airport Transfers
  • Tour Guide Services
  • Lunch
  • Registration fees and taxes
  • Round-Trip “Faluwa” Boat Ride (for Sabtang Tour)

To inquire, contact Ryan Cardona, 0998 988 5898.

Basco to Sabtang

To get to Sabtang Island, you will need to travel by tricycle first to Ivana Port and then board the faluwa to Sabtang. One-way tricycle fares (per ride, not per person):

  • If you’re alone: P120
  • If yo’re a group of two: P220-250

The boat leaves some time between 6:00am and 7:00am and returns between 1:00pm and 2:00pm.

Boat fare: P100 one way.

The driver will take you to the port in the early morning and will come to fetch you in the afternoon.

Basco to Itbayat

To get to Itbayat, you may travel by boat that leaves Basco at 6:00am.

Travel time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Fare: P450.

You may also travel by plane. It takes only 10-12 minutes, but the cost is at P1800 and the plane must be full each flight.


PLACES TO VISIT IN BATANES

Tourist spots in Batanes are often divided into four zones: North Batan, South Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. I always recommend taking the North Batan Tour first because it gives just the right dose of what’s to come, sort of a teaser. If you’re based in Basco, it is the closest and shortest of the tours. The whole thing takes just half a day, around 4 hours.

South Batan takes much longer, covers a wider area, and in my opinion, much more breathtaking. If you do South Batan first, the North might leave you a bit underwhelmed.

Important! Please take note of the following tourism/environmental fees:

  • Batan Island (collected upon landing at Basco Airport): P350
  • Sabtang Island: P200
  • Itbayat Island: P100

More info per zone below.


North Batan

The North Batan Tour takes only half a day (around 4 hours including the lunch stop). This is more about visually stunning landscapes and a little bit of history. There isn’t any stop here where you can swim or take a dip.

Below is the list of attractions in the northern half of Batan Island. For more information about these sites, read: 10 Incredible Places in Batan Island North

  • Tukon Church
  • PAGASA Weather Station
  • Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
  • Valugan Boulder Beach
  • Basco Lighthouse at Naidi Hills
  • Vayang Rolling Hills
  • Chadpidan Boulder Beach

The first stop is usually either Tukon Church or Valugan Beach. If you want to start early in the morning, visit Valugan Beach first because it faces east — Valugan means “east” — and is a great spot to watch the sunrise.

On the other hand, if you’re exploring in the afternoon, you might want to request making Vayang Rolling Hills your last stop because it is a perfect place to see the sunset.

Chadpidan Beach is also often not included in tour itineraries, and might entail additional fees. However, you can have a good view of this boulder beach from Vayang Rolling Hills.


South Batan

Roaming the southern half of Batan Island takes an entire day. It straddles the municipalities of Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan.

Below are the tourist spots in most southern itineraries. For more information about each site, read: 12 Must-Visit Spots in Batan South

  • Chawa Viewdeck
  • Mahatao Boat Shelter
  • San Carlos Borromeo Church
  • Tayid Lighthouse
  • Racuh-a-Payaman (Marlboro Country)
  • Alapad Pass
  • Motchong Viewpoint
  • San Jose El Obrero Church
  • House of Dakay
  • Spanish Bridge
  • Honesty Coffee Shop
  • Songsong Ruins
  • Imnajbu Beach
  • Maydangeb White Beach
  • Homoron Blue Lagoon

The sheer number of stops makes this an exhausting tour, but you won’t be complaining because this tour will leave you breathless. The first stop is usually Chawa Viewdeck. The picture-perfect Diura Beach is also on this side of the island, but most tours don’t come close to it. However, you can have an unforgettable view of it from Racuh-a-Payaman.

There are two spots where you can swim — Homoron Blue Lagoon and Maydangeb White Beach — so make sure to bring a towel, swimming attire, and extra clothes.


Sabtang Island

If you want to see much of the island, we suggest that you stay overnight. But if you have just enough time for a day tour, that’s fine too. Below are the common stops.

More information about what to expect from a Sabtang Island Tour at: 6 Awesome Places in Sabtang

  • St. Thomas de Aquinas Chapel
  • Sinakan Village Stone Houses
  • Savidug Village Stone Houses
  • The Old Beaterio
  • Lime Kiln & Savidug Idjang
  • Chamantad-Tiñan Viewpoint
  • Sabtang Weavers Association
  • Chavayan Stone Houses
  • Morong Beach and Ahaw Arch Formation
  • Sabtang Lighthouse (P50)

If on a day trip, make sure you’re back at the port between 1pm and 2pm. Better yet, before you leave Sabtang port ask the boatmen or tricycle driver what time the boat is leaving the island for Batan and be sure to return by then. There’s only one trip per day so if you miss that boat, you’ll be forced to spend the night in Sabtang.


Itbayat Island

For what to expect in Itbayat, check out: Itbayat Travel Guide

More information about the amazing places to visit in Batanes:


Other Attractions

  • Mt. Iraya Climbing. Mountaineers can climb Mt. Iraya. If I remember correctly, only day trips are allowed and staying overnight is prohibited. Bisumi offers guided treks. Rates per person vary depending on the size of the group: P2500 (solo), P1699 (2-3 pax), P1299 (4-6 pax), P999 (7-9 pax).
  • Vuhus Island. Although inhabited, you can set foot on this island and see its off-the-beaten-track wonders. It’s quite expensive though, so this might not be for budget traveler unless part of a big group. Bisumi’s rates per person: P5000 (solo), P4000 (2-3 pax), P3300 (4-6 pax), P2500 (7-9 pax).

For these activities, contact Ryan Cardona, 0998 988 5898.


WHERE TO EAT IN BATANES

Batanes may not be famous as a food destination, but it would be a shame to not sample local cuisine on your visit. It is not for everyone though. The province’s natural environment is relatively harsh, narrowing the variety of dishes and ingredients used.

Seafood is a staple, and yam (gabi) and turmeric (luyang dilaw) are widely used. A traditional meal is also often wrapped in a leaf of the antipolo tree. Here are some of the native dishes:

Traditional Ivatan Food served at Vunong Dinette
  • Uved. Ground banana corm with fish or meat, shaped into balls.
  • Venes/Vunes. Dried gabi stalk with fish or meat.
  • Luñis. Salted pork cooked in its own fat.
  • Dibang. Flying fish. Served fried, dried or in vinegar.

Lobsters, locally called payi, are ridiculously cheap in Batanes, so this is the place to stuff your face with it. (Watch the blood pressure, though.)

Coconut crabs, locally called tatus, are also available — we spotted them at restaurant menus — but please don’t order them. They are already a THREATENED SPECIES. And according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, taking or catching them is ILLEGAL. Let’s spare the poor crab.

The well-known restaurants like Vunong Dinette and Pension Ivatan in Basco all offer these authentic dishes. Prices usually range from P100-P300 per person.

If you’re on a budget, you may try a carinderia where P50 can give you a good meal. In the town center, SDC Canteen is a popular choice although options are limited.

If you miss Western food, try Casa Napoli for pizzas and pasta dishes.

In Sabtang, Paypanapanayan Canteen is the usual lunch stop in Sabtang. They offer lobsters and other seafood, vegetables, and bukayo for P350 per head. There are few other places near the port. Our guide took us to a small carinderia where we had the best meal of our trip. Unfortunately, for the life of me, I can’t remember the name of the place.


SAMPLE BATANES ITINERARY

If will be spending only three full days and nights in Batanes, below is an ideal, non-hectic itinerary. Note that this is tailored for a party of two, splitting the expenses. Just make the necessary adjustments to fit your condition.

The first version of the itinerary had the north tour scheduled in the morning, but after my recent trip, I have found that catching the sunset at Vayang Rolling Hills is a magical experience that I want you to enjoy too. So yeah, I moved it to the afternoon, which gives you free time in the morning of your arrival.

Vayang Rolling Hills at sunset

Also, since the Honesty Cafe stands just next to Ivana Port (where you will be taking the boat to Sabtang on Day 2), it would be best to check it out after your Sabtang Tour, before going back to Basco. Why? Remember, the South Tour itinerary is jam-packed. This way, you can remove it from your South Batan itinerary the next day and give you more time for other stops (like the White Beach).

DAY 1: BATAN NORTH TOUR
06:00 am – ETD NAIA Terminal 3
07:45 am – ETA Basco Airport
08:00 am – Pay Tourism Fee, P350
08:10 am – Walk to inn
08:30 am – Check in at lodge/inn
09:00 am – Walk around town
12:00 pm – Lunch, P200
02:00 pm – Start Batan NORTH Tour, P500 (P1000/2 pax)
05:20 pm – Sunset at Vayang Rolling Hills
07:00 pm – Dinner, P200

DAY 2: SABTANG ISLAND TOUR
05:30 am – Depart for Ivana Port, P125 (P250/2pax)
06:00 am – Arrive at Ivana Port
06:30 am – Boarding, P100
07:20 am – Arrive at San Vicente Port, Sabtang
07:30 am – Pay Environmental Fee, P200
08:00 am – Start SABTANG TOUR, P500 (P1000/2pax)
11:20 am – Lunch, P250
01:00 pm – Back at Sabtang Port
02:00 pm – Boarding, P75
02:40 pm – Arrive at Ivana Port
02:50 pm – Visit Honesty Shop and Ivana Church
03:10 pm – Leave for Basco, P110 (P220/2pax)
03:50 pm – Back at inn/lodge, rest
05:40 pm – Walk around town, watch sunset
07:00 pm – Dinner, P200

DAY 3: BATAN SOUTH TOUR
07:00 am – Wakeup call
08:00 am – Start Batan SOUTH Tour, P750 (P1500/2pax)
01:00 pm – Lunch, P200
02:00 pm – Continue tour
05:00 pm – End of tour, rest
07:00 pm – Dinner, P200

DAY 4: DEPARTURE
06:00 am – Wake up
06:30 am – Check out
07:00 am – Walk to Airport
08:10 am – ETD Basco Airport, Terminal Fee, P100
09:55 am – ETA NAIA Terminal 3

If you spend P300 per night per person on lodging (Marfel’s rooms for 2 are only P600/night) and you follow the itinerary above, prepare to shell out around P4900 (excluding airfare and incidentals).

That’s not bad at all considering that you have a P200-P300 budget per meal (restaurant). You can still bring the cost down if you’re a bigger group and you’ll be dining at cheaper eateries instead of restaurants. You’ll also save a lot if you just bike.

If you’re able to score promo fares from a PAL seat sale like we did the first time, you’ll only be spending around P7000.

Is there a way to compress all these into a 3-day 2-night itinerary? YES. You can do it in two ways:

  • If you’re arriving in Basco in the morning and flying out in the MORNING 2 days later, you can do the South Tour as soon as you arrive and just check in to your hotel after the tour. Then, you can squeeze both North Tour and Sabtang Tour in one day. On Day 2, do Sabtang Tour first and when you arrive in Ivana Port at 2-ish pm, begin your North Tour. Just make sure that you have made prior arrangements with a tricycle driver to come pick you up at Ivana Port and tour straight after.
  • If you’re arriving in Basco in the morning and flying out in the AFTERNOON 2 days later (PAL also flies Basco-Clark in the afternoon), you can do South Tour on DAY 1, Sabtang Tour on DAY 2, and North Tour on DAY 3. Just make sure you start the North Tour early and finish at least an hour before your flight.

BATANES BUDGET BREAKDOWN (EXPENSES)

Just for easy reference, here’s a summary of usual sightseeing expenses in Batanes.

TRANSPORTATION:
Tricycle fare within Basco: P30 per way
Tricycle fare from Basco to outskirts: P50 per way
Tricycle fare from Basco to Ivana Port: P220-250 per ride, one-way
Boat ride from Ivana to Sabtang Island: P100 per way
Boat ride from Basco to Itbayat: P450
Basco airport terminal fee: P100

ENVIRONMENTAL FEES:
Batan Island: P350
Sabtang Island: P200
Itbayat Island: P100

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Hotels: P2000-P5000 per twin room
Inns/Homestays: P500-P1000 per twin room

DIY TRICYCLE TOURS (per 2 pax):
Batan North: P1000
Batan South: P1500
Sabtang Island: P1000

GUIDED GROUP TOURS (per pax, inclusive of meals):
Batan North: P1000
Batan South: P2000
Sabtang Island: P2000 (inclusive of boat/land transfers)

That’s about it!


OTHER TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

  • Walk when you can. Basco is a small town. Most key spots within the town proper are within walking distance. In fact, if your homestay or inn is in the town proper, you can travel on foot to and from the airport.
  • Check out Abad Street. Basco doesn’t have a public market and Abad Street serves as a substitute. This narrow but important street in the town proper is flanked by fish, meat, and vegetable vendors during the day.
  • Go paluto. Some homestay hosts accept paluto (cooking) requests for a minimal fee. You can just buy your ingredients and have it cooked where you’re staying. It’s a great way to save money.
  • ATMs in Basco: 1 PNB and 2 Landbank machines. But it’s good practice to make sure you have enough cash before your arriving.

Although this is a budget travel guide, we want to end with this: SPEND WHEN YOU CAN. If you can afford it, treat yourself and experience as much as you can. If there is something you really want to try and you have the budget, go ahead.

We always say: We’re not in the business of promoting the cheapest ways to travel. We are on a journey to find and share what gives the best value for money. And only you can decide what’s worth it. It’s also a great way to help the local economy.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BATANES

Is Batanes safe?

Yes, absolutely. Batanes has virtually zero crime rate. It is very, very safe, even for solo travelers.

That said, while Ivatans are very trustworthy, bear in mind there are also a lot of tourists in Batanes today. It would still be best to not leave your valuables unattended when at touristy places.

When is the best time to visit Batanes?

As with many other destinations in the Philippines, your best bet is from December to May, which is generally considered dry season. January-February is my favorite period because I’ve always enjoyed a cooler atmosphere.

Reference: Climate Change Knowledge Portal

Completely surrounded by vast bodies of water including the mighty Pacific to its east, Batanes is notorious for its crazy weather. It’s perfectly normal for the day to begin sunny, rain at around lunch time, and clear up in the afternoon.

Is it okay to book flights for a June-November travel? Of course. Although it is rainy season, it doesn’t mean that every day is bad weather day. Just expect rain showers every now and then, but most of them will just pass quickly. However, it is important to note that the strongest typhoons that hit Batanes in recent memory all did in August-September. My most recent visit happened in November and although it rained for an hour on our first day, the rest of our time there was bright and sunny.

It takes more than drive to get to Batanes. She’s distant and has one hell of a temper. But if you know your way around her, it can be quite easy to get on her good side.

What is the power socket/plug type used in Batanes?

Electricity Info: 220V, 60Hz. Socket Type A, mostly.

How is the internet data / phone signal in Batanes?

Both Globe and Smart have good cellular reception in main settlements like Basco. However, it is data connection that can be frustrating. Both Globe and Smart don’t have LTE connection here. If you want decent internet, you may check in at Bernardo’s Hotel and Amboy Hometel. The connection isn’t fast but much better than mobile data. Anyway, like what Coco Martin said in the movie “You’re My Boss,” hindi ka naman magba-Batanes para mag-internet.


2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 6️⃣ • 1️⃣1️⃣


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NIzza Abello

Very good tip for first timers budgetarians like us. Thank you very much.

Ysa

Thank you so much! This is really helpful.

Angelo

Hello Sir. I’m planning to do overnight in Sabtang Island. Ask ko lang po ba sa umaga na trip sa Sabtang Island pabalik ng Ivana Port? Thanks in Advance

Laarni

Hello! Thank you for this wonderful information. My father who is in his 70s would love to go to Batanes. He is fairly fit but my mom has knee arthritis. Do you think Batanes is doable for seniors like them? Thanks!

Laarni

Thank you very much!

Andy

Sabtang information is outdated. Trike fare is 220 to 250. Faluwa ride is 100.

LIZA BARES

Thanks for the updated tour details.. Punta rin kami ng Batanes sa Sept because of PAL seat sale. Hopefully hindi maulan.. Ask ko lang yung itinerary po ba with breakdown expenses ay tour package or DIY? 4 po kami magkakasama.. Thanks much!

Honey

thanks for the very informative blog. I’m planning to visit Batanes hopefully soon.

eve

hello! i’ll be in batanes this june…accuweather says there’ll be t-storms, strong winds, rainshowers, but i already booked a join/group tours… are tours still doable with this? wala naman sinabing may bagyo eh..(hopefully) and also may i know if tourists are prohibited to bring home (manila) cooked lobsters (1/2-1 kilo) for pasalubong? thanks..

SJ

Thanks a lot! I will be visit Batanes very soon and this blog help me a lot.

Jhonavie Alloso

Thank you so much for this! This is really helpful but I would just like to ask if the fees for ivana port, sabtan port and the environmental fees are for each person? Thank you so much! :)

Maria

Hi, I was impressed with your detailed info..thank you. Do you have detailed info also for other places like Davao City?

Stan B

Hi, I went to Batanes back in 2015, but didnt have a chance to visit the Fountain of Youth. Were you able to see this place before? When do you recommend going there for a 4d3n tour in Batanes?

cielo

After reading your blog, i’ve decided to tour Batanes by myself instead of booking it with a tour agency. Your personal sample itinerary really is a good help. I just want to ask, If it’s advisable or by any chance can I stay overnight in Sabtang on Day 2? And with regards to the tour in North & South Batan and as well Sabtang, will this be paid and will there be tour guides to accompany us in the tour? and is this available everyday? :) I’ll be solo traveling on Sep 26 to Oct 1. your response will help a lot. I need your advise.

Kai | Cebu Tours

Thanks for this amazing guide for batanes tour, Yoshke! I was about to post a comment expressing how grateful I am for the amazing post from your old article but then I saw you commenting to someone for this article about the updated informations about batanes tour. Will be bookmarking this for future reference for our tour this coming September. Thanks!

Lilibeth

Hi. Any trip this August?

Cath

Hi. Saw this article and its really helpful. We always do our travel by renting a motorcycle by ourselves to save money and as I have read on your article we can rent a motorcycle. Do you know where we can rent one? Or do you have any contact? This article gives me hope to rent a motorcycle since the other blogs that I have read states that tricycle and bikes and the recommend mode of transportation. We’ll be there this November. Hoping for your response. :)

Ma.Dolores p. Ravara.

Thanks so much,,very clear and detailed info…well be there this November.. i will follow this itinerary… Is it possible to go to fountain of youth in the morning since evening pa ang balik namin sa Manila.

janelle

Hi, may other schedule ba ung faluwa from Basco to Sabtang? Or one trip per day lang? thanks :)

James RhEd

Hi, we will be there on Oct 26-28, what can you suggest na places to vist there? since limited lang time namin?

roland

Thank you for your blog! Gonna follow everything here. :)

kara

hi po..
need opinion lang po..ok n po b ung ticket n 5k balikan one pax only>? clark-batanes vv? hehehe,,nagddalawang isip ako kung buy..hehehe

MATHILDA MILLER

Thanks for taking the time to give us an idea how to even start a trip from somewhere, this time it is originating in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Actually you are very thorough articulating to a complete stranger. Thank you.

My question is, is it okay to fly to Batanes from Clark or Manila arrive in Batanes then book for a tour? The reason for this is that we are NOT sure when we will be in Batanes for example April-May. NOT too sure of the date. If we book a tour now they had to know WHEN? Right?

If we get to Batan in the morning if there is a flight available any day, can we be able to book the shortest tour that day and then worry about the 2nd, 3rd day? Any suggestion for a spur of a moment arrival in Batan but same time wanted the tour?

sweet chaitea

hi Mathilda nag punta ka na ba ng Batanes

sweet chaitea

nice vlog and good batanes info.

Cham

Hi!! I find this very helpful thank u so much. I wonder if I have to reserve a seat on boat to Sabtang? Or I just need to be there first come first serve??

Kate Delgado

Hi!

Thank you for this detailed itinerary!! Our flight is on June @ 10:20am. Possible po ba na makapagtour ng hapon around basco lang? Tapos second day, Sabtang. Hindi po ba kayo nag-Itbayat? We are staying for 5 days. :) Thank you!!

Zyra Dela cruz

Thank you! very nice article about your trip. I enjoy reading it.
You help us to know what to do and expect in batanes.

Jane

Hello thepoortraveler! Hope you can help me with my query.
ill be traveling solo, staying for 5 days. What do you suggest? Should i join a group tour (BISAMI TOUR) or roam around the area on bike? Because you mentioned it is way cheaper.
Thinking of joining a group tour for first 3 days then last 2 days would just bike all day.
also, aside Marfels what else can you suggest for accomodation?
Thanks a lot!!

Mulan

Which travel agency can I contact to put me in all group tours and fix all land arrangements? i can take care of the flight.

Manet

Hi…
How long did you spend for itbaya..is an overnight stay enough or do you suggest at least 2 nights to do the cliff hike and stone bell? We we planning to stay in batanes for 8-10days cant decide on which island to stay longer

Faith

Hi Yoshke!
I’ve been going through a lot of blogs and vlogs about Batanes in preparation for my June trip. Your blog is definitely the most helpful and detailed among the rest that I have encountered. It must have been a lot of work to put together. I appreciate it. Thank you.

From reading this blog, I’ve decided to rent a tricycle and follow your itinerary for a 4-day stay.

Would any random tricycle driver in Basco agree to take me around or are there special groups of tricycle drivers that do tours that I would have to look for?

Thank you in advance for your response.

Sarah Alberca

Thank you so much @The Poor Traveler! We followed your itinerary and everything went well. This is a big help to all! ♥

Alfred

Hello Yoshke, some questions, I am thinking of doing my own pre-wedding shoot at Batanes after reading your blog, seems like there is so much to do and see, one thing mainly I would like to know is where is the spot to shoot the milky-way, from the photos I see online it looks like the lighthouse at naidi hills, is this place easily accessible?? As for the south batan tayid lighthouse as well would the tour guides take us to such places at these timings (12mn-1am) to catch the milky-way.
I guess it would only be possible if I go with the private tour?

Ian Christopher De Guzman

HELLO
I’ve just recently bought a drone,
is there any possibility to fly a drone ?
because I heard that
you need to pay 5k php to have special permit to fly a drone

Dennis

i was planning the same. OMG I thought it would be free. Why they are asking for fee?

Jecxi

Hi there

you are such a good traveler. Thank you for traveling the world for us. I have been to many places too and your blog makes me travel more.
i admire your dedication in your field of work/enjoyment.
and you are indeed detailed in giving us info.
gooooooooood job.

JoMack

Your Batanes travel guide site has been sitting on my bucket list for more than a year now and I just booked a flight there this April… Yooohooo!!!! Thanks for the detailed itinerary. I have 2 seniors (my mom and a family friend) with me who I’m sure will definitely love the place. Your site inspired me to make this wish come true. Thank you.

Dennis

Hi,

I find it very informative, Batanes are one of my dream destinations. I am planning to visit it when i go back to the Philippines. This will be my top to do lists, for my short vacation. Keep on sharing this kind of vlog, it will be great help for some us who has not been there. Great job!

:)

Bianca

Thank you for the very informative blog. I’m planning to visit Batanes hopefully soon.

Ruby gustilo

San po pwde at ligit na travel agency going to batanes

Marvin De Guzman

Thank you so much sharing not just how to go about Batanes but also your memories.

Gwy

Thank you for the in-depth information! The attention to details is amazing. This is very helpful especially for those who have been yearning to visit Batanes.