Batanes 2020: A sneak peek on the Island

Just hearing the place BATANES for every travel lovers gives off this kind of beautiful sensational vibe or feeling. We cannot deny that Batanes is really a one of a kind town here in the Philippines.

Even the most high-end camera can’t define and picture out how beautiful the landscapes were as compared on how you’ll see it with your own eyes. It has this “Beauty that cannot be describe with just one photo“. The place was really fascinating and no other words can illustrate this amazing town.

Without any further a do, I am gonna share with you my soulful experience in the smallest town of the Philippines–Batanes.
Since I am 100% sure that this whole travel experience can be a very long post, hence, I am going to do it part by part.

Batanes Province is composed of 3 inhabitable islands: Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. Their town proper Basco is located at Batan Island, where most of the homestays and hotels are located.

Month of Travel

Our travel was around mid-January. According to the forecast that day, we have 14 C as the lowest and 25 C as the highest temperature in Batanes, with also a windy and very light rain showers in the morning.
Make sure you packed your jacket if you plan to visit during this time.

Flights to Basco Airport

We have three main airlines that offers flight to Basco: PAL, Skyjet, and Cebu Pacific.
As far as I observed during our travel(you can correct me if I’m wrong), they only have 1 flight(RT) each day per airline and it is only in the morning which is actually good. With Skyjet having the earliest flight, next is PAL, and lastly Cebu Pac

Our flight was through Cebu Pacific and their flight is at 6:20 am. Travel time is approximately 2 hours and 20 mins.

What kind of tour is the most recommended in Batanes?

For me, my most recommended is DIY of course. You can say I’m bias but I’m going to share with you the pros and cons as well. It’s still up to you what kind of tour you want to experience in Batanes. And it depends also on who are you with during the tour.

Via Travel Tours/Agency
There are a lot of travel agencies that offers affordable tours in Batanes. If you are travelling with a lot of kids or senior citizen, I recommend that you should avail this type of tour.

Pros: Hassle-free
Cons: Limited view via Van during travel, has time-limit

Tour Packages
North Batan Tour – 1000 PHP (2-3 pax)
South Batan Tour – 1500 PHP (2-3 pax)

Lastly, DIY – via Motor Rental or Bike Rental
If you are an adventurer, you should definitely avail this type of tour. I don’t have to explain anymore since I’m sure you know already what are the pros if you chose this, right?

Motor Rental
Per Hour – 150 PHP (common rate)
Per Day – 1000 PHP (only offered by some rentals)

Note:
*There are rental shops that won’t allow you to rent the motor per day
*You just needs to take a look around the area

Lodging/Homestay

We’ve booked our stay at Savatan Homestay located in Basco. The location is very nice and has a balcony with the Mt. Iraya view. ATM machine is just a few steps away and walking distance to some convenience store as well.
Room Rate: 1500 PHP per night (Good for 4 pax)
*Breakfast rate is 150 PHP per serving

Day 1: Relax + Semi-North Batan Tour

We really want this trip to be very relaxing and just take everything in a slow pace. This is one of our dream destination which is why we wanted to appreciate the place more and blend with it rather than us just being a tourist.

So we’ve arrived at the around 9 am in our homestay, eat breakfast, stroll around the village and look for motor rental and rest. We’ve started the tour at 3 pm in the afternoon and planned to visit only the Basco Light House and Vayang Rolling Hills.

Just a reminder as well, when you arrive at Basco, don’t forget to drop by to their ecotourism office and pay for 400 PHP each. You will be given a leaflet and that will serve as your pass for every attraction in Batanes.

First Stop: Vayang Rolling Hills

Last Stop: Basco Lighthouse + Sunset

Locals say that North Batan is just a sneak peak of what Batanes can offer you. That ends our first day in Batanes. See you on the next part.

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With Love,