Batanes Travel Guide Blog covers top things to do in Batanes, how to get there, hotels and resorts in Batanes, affordable Batanes tour packages, sample itinerary, budget, travel tips and more!
The Budget Travel Guide to BATANES, Philippines
Planning my Batanes trip is one of the hardest I had so far. I planned it 3 months in advance by reading blogs and asking friends who've been there. Working on a set budget, it wasn't easy to decide whether to get a packaged tour or exploring it in "do-it-yourself (DIY)" way, where to stay, what to eat and outlining the itinerary. So, I'm sharing to you some information I gathered before and during the trip. Hope this will guide you on your Batanes trip soon!
Basco Airport Terminal
READ ALSO:
- 8 Unusual Destinations in Batanes that you should include in your Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Basco, Batanes: Marfel's Lodge
- Batan Island North Tour (Day 1)
- Sabtang Island Tour (Day 2)
- Batan Island South Tour (Day 3)
- Itbayat Island South Tour
- Where to Eat in BATANES: Pension Ivatan Hometel and Restaurant
- Where to EAT in BATANES: Bunker's Cafe at Naidi Hills, Basco Batanes
- Where to EAT in BATANES: Paypanapanayan Canteen in Sabtang Island
- Where to EAT in BATANES: Marconines Canteen in Racuh A Payaman
- Where to EAT in BATANES: Vatang Grill and Restaurant in Ivana
- What to Buy in Batanes - Souvenirs and Pasalubong
How To Get To Batanes?
Philippine Airlines, Air Swift, and Skyjet Airlines fly directly to Basco, Batanes from Manila and vice versa. Airfare ranges from 8,000 to 12,000 pesos (as of January 2016) round trip. There are also small airlines (Sky Pasada and North Sky) that fly to Basco from Tuguegarao. You may check their website for the fares and schedules.
View from Alapad in Uyugan
Airfare would take the big chunk on your budget. Be sure to plan ahead and take advantage of Batanes seat sale from airline companies. I was able to buy a promo round trip ticket from Philippine Airlines (PAL Express) last February 2013 which I used to fly to Batanes on May 2013. Getting cheap flights saved me a lot on budget.
If you're wondering if you can get to Batanes by land or ship, the answer is no. You can only get there by plane from Manila or Tuguegarao.
San Carlos Borromeo Church in Mahatao, a "National Cultural Treasure"
When is the Best Time to Visit Batanes?
I've been to Batanes in May 2013, January 2014, December 2014 and April 2016. For me, any time of the year is a good time to visit Batanes. Summer in Batanes (March-June) is a good time to visit Batanes since there are minimal rains and it's sunny in Batanes most of the time. But if you wish to experience winter in Batanes, you may schedule your trip from December to February when the weather in Batanes is very cold.
Best Batanes Itinerary
Since our booked ticket is only for 4 whole days in Batanes, our planned itinerary is composed of a 3-day tour covering Batan North (1st day), Sabtang Island (2nd day) and Batan South (3rd day). The 4th day is a free day where we just roamed around Basco. If you wish to visit Itbayat Island, I suggest that you add another 2 days on your itinerary to spend at least a night in the island.
Batan and Sabtang Islands - at least 4 days
Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat Islands - at least 7 days
Honesty Coffee Shop in Ivana
Batanes Tourist Spots and Attractions
SEE ALSO: 8 Unusual Destinations in Batanes that you should include in your Itinerary
Places to Visit, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Basco (North Batan Tour)
- Tukon Church
- Basco PAGASA Weather Station
- Fundacion Pacita
- Basco Idjang
- Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
- Valugan Boulder Beach
- Vayang Rolling Hills
- Naidi Hills, Basco Lighthouse and Bunker's Cafe
- Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
Places to Visit, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Sabtang Island
- Sabtang Church
- Savidug Village
- St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel and Old Beaterio
- Chamantad Cove and Tinyan Viewpoint
- Chavayan Village
- Sabtang Weavers Association
- Chavayan Chapel
- Morong Beach, Mayahaw Arch and Nakabuang Cave
- Sabtang Lighthouse
Places to Visit, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Mahatao, Uyugan and Ivana (South Batan Tour)
- Mahatao Idjang and Boat Shelter Port
- Mahatao Church (San Carlos Borromeo Church)
- Maywang A Libro Du Vatan (Batanes Blank Book Archive)
- Spanish Lighthouse
- Old Beaterio
- Mahatao Town
- Mahatao Wind Turbines
- Tayid (Mahatao) Lighthouse
- Diura Fishing Village
- Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country)
- Imnajbu Village, Uyugan
- San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel in Imnajbu
- LORAN Station
- Alapad Hill and Rock Formations
- Old House in Uyugan Town
- Song-Song Ruins
- Honesty Coffee Shop
- Ivana Church (San Jose de Obrero Church)
- House of Dakay
- Old Spanish Bridge
- White Beach
- Chawa View Deck
GUIDE TO BATANES: Affordable Tour Packages (Highly Recommended!)
For our trip, since we were only 2, we opted to join a group for us not to miss any tourist spot. We contacted a local tour guide Ryan Cardona (Contact Numbers: 0998-9885898 (Smart) / 0915-8034582 (Globe) / 0919-2795963) and asked if he can accommodate us to join his group tour on our travel dates. Fortunately, he has a group tour and he let us join his tour.
Rakuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country) in Mahatao
He quoted us a packaged 3-day tour for 4,000 pesos each (Rate as of May 2013, check updated rates below). It includes tours in Batan (North and South) and Sabtang islands, 3 lunches, permits/fees, van/jeep, guide, land transfers, boat ride (Batan to Sabtang and vice versa) and water while on tours. It is important that you get an accredited tourist guide that will not just show you the tourist spots but will also share information about the place. That way, you don't just enjoy the sights but also learn as the tour goes by.
DAY 1: Batan North (Requires at least 5 hours)
DAY 2: Sabtang Island (Requires at least 1 full day)
DAY 3: Batan South (Requires at least 8 hours)
If you wish to visit Itbayat Island, here's How to Get to Itbayat from Basco and to Basco from Itbayat by Boat and by Plane.
Batan North and Batan South tours should be on 2 separate days. If you get a packaged tour with both tours in just one day, it would be a compressed tour wherein you won't be able to visit some of the tourist spots.
With Ryan, our tour guide
Where To Get Best Affordable Batanes Tour Packages for 2017?
To date, I've been to Batanes 4 times. And all of those trips, I always get the service of Mr. Ryan Cardona of BISUMI Tours and Services in Basco, Batanes. Ryan and his tour services team is my most-trusted and highly-recommended Batanes tour guide. No wonder, his team is also the most recommended of almost all the top travel bloggers and travelers who have visited Batanes. READ MORE HERE: Best Affordable Batanes Tour Packages for 2017For your hassle-free Batanes Tour Packages, please contact my highly recommended guide in Batanes:
BISUMI TOURS AND SERVICES
- Contact Numbers: 0998-9885898 (Smart) / 0915-8034582 (Globe) / 0919-2795963
- Email Address: ryan.batanes@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bisumitours
- Instagram: @batanestravelguide / @bisumitours
DIY BATANES: Visiting Batanes On A Budget
While eating in a restaurant in Basco, I had a chance to talk to a freelance tour guide. He gave me the following DIY Rates (please note that these rates are as of May 2013). This could be your guide if you plan to tour on DIY:
Tricycle Rental (Batan) - 200/hour, maximum of 2 persons per tricycle
Van Rental (Batan) - 250/hour
Tricycle Rental (Sabtang) - 800 pesos/day
Tricycle Rental (Basco-Ivana Port-Basco) - 600 pesos/2-way
Van Rental (Basco-Ivana Port-Basco) - 1,200 pesos/2-way
Guide Fee (Batan North) - 500 pesos/group
Guide Fee (Batan South) - 1,000 pesos/group
Guide Fee (Sabtang) - 1,000 pesos/group
Pre-ordered Lunch (Sabtang) - 350/head
Pre-ordered Lunch(Batan South) - 350/head
Vayang Rolling Hills in Basco
IMPORTANT NOTE
YES, Batanes can be explored on DIY (Do-It-Yourself). BUT it's BETTER to hire a local guide. WHY? Because it's a way of helping the community by giving jobs to the locals.
With a local guide, you don't just see Batanes, but also experience their culture. You also LEARN from the stories shared by the local guides. Those are the insights you don't read on BLOGS.
Always, remember that traveling is NOT just being there and seeing the place.
Traveling is LEARNING, not just sightseeing.
Here's a sample computation if we had it DIY:
BATAN NORTH | GROUP | PER PERSON |
Tricycle Rental (5 hours @ 200/hour) | 1,000 | 500 |
Guide Fee | 500 | 250 |
Lunch (2 persons @ 250 each) | 500 | 250 |
TOTAL | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| SABTANG ISLAND | GROUP | PER PERSON |
| 2-way Tricycle Transfer (Basco-Ivana Port) | 600 | 300 |
| Environmental Fee (200 each) | 400 | 200 |
| 2-way Boat Fare (2 persons @ 75 each/way) | 300 | 150 |
| Tricycle Rental (1 day) | 800 | 400 |
| Guide Fee | 1,000 | 500 |
| Lunch ( 2 persons @ 350 each) | 700 | 350 |
| TOTAL | 3,800 | 1,900 |
| BATAN SOUTH | GROUP | PER PERSON |
| Tricycle Rental (8 hours) | 1,600 | 800 |
| Guide Fee | 1,000 | 500 |
| Lunch (2 persons @ 350 each) | 700 | 350 |
| TOTAL | 3,300 | 1,650 |
TOTAL | 9,100 | 4,550 |
How to Travel Cheaply in Batanes?
It's really up to you whether you get a packaged tour or explore Batanes on a "Do-it-yourself" way - whatever suits your needs and preferences. Please note that you could get cheaper rates if you travel on a bigger group. For me, since we're just a group of 2, joining a packaged tour is our best option. Where To Get Affordable Batanes Tour Packages
For your hassle-free Batanes Tour Package needs, you may contact:
BISUMI Tours and Services
- Contact Numbers: 0919-2795963 (Smart) / 0915-8034582 (Globe)
- Email Address: ryan.batanes@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bisumitours
- Instagram: @bisumitours
Ivatan House in Savidug Barrio in Sabtang
Budget Accommodation / Hotels In Batanes
There are several hotels, lodges, inns and home-stay facilities in Basco. Rates start at 1,200 pesos per night. Lodges and inns range from 200 to 600 pesos per night. We stayed at Marfel's Lodge (0908-8931475), a home-stay facility near the airport. An air-conditioned room costs 1,000 pesos per night good for 3 persons. We got it for 700 pesos per night for a fan room. Update: As of May 20, 2013, WIFI is now available at the home stay.
For the full review on Marfel's Lodge, click here.
For your Affordable Batanes accommodation needs, please contact:
Marfel's Lodge
- Address: Reyes Street Kayvaluganan, 3900 Basco, Batanes
- Contact Number: 0908-8931475
- Email Address: marfellodge@gmail.com
- Facebook: Marfel's Lodge
- Instagram: @marfel_lodge
Ivatan Platter from Pension Ivatan Restaurant in Basco
Restaurants in Batanes
The best part of staying in a home stay facility is that they have a kitchen where you could cook your meals. That could save you on your budget instead of dining in the restaurants during breakfast and dinner. But I still suggest dining at the restaurants such as Bunker's Cafe and Pension Ivatan for you to have a taste of different Ivatan dishes. In Basco, meals cost around 200-300 pesos.
Where To Eat in Batanes
- Where to Eat in BATANES: Pension Ivatan Hometel and Restaurant
- Where to EAT in BATANES: Bunker's Cafe at Naidi Hills, Basco Batanes
- Where to EAT in BATANES: Paypanapanayan Canteen in Sabtang Island
- Where to EAT in BATANES: Marconines Canteen in Racuh A Payaman
- Where to EAT in BATANES: Vatang Grill and Restaurant in Ivana
During tours, meals are pre-ordered; especially in Sabtang and Batan South. If you're on DIY, you have to coordinate this with your guide before the tour. If you're on a packaged tour, this should be already included in the tour package.
Chawa View Deck in Mahatao
READ ALSO: 10 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit Batanes (Or Should You?)
I hope this will help you plan your next ultimate adventure in Batanes! Dios Mamajes! (Thank You!)
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"All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them." ~Walt Disney
More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.
Please don't hesitate to leave a comment below if you have questions.
NOTE: Some rates are correct as of May 2013. They are subject to change without prior notice. Thank you.
FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON YOUTUBE @PinoyAdventurista
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wow.. galing talaga magbreakdown ni boss Mervs..
ReplyDeletenakakainggit ang Batanes adventure!
ayun oh 1 na lang!
ReplyDeleteang gastos pala pumunta dyan pero sulit na sulit....sa view, foods and everything! thanks sa breakdown ng expenses. :)
ReplyDeleteim an avid fan of ur escapades, hope to pursue the remaining 40 provinces in my list....
ReplyDeleteYet another drool-worthy destination! Balang araw mararating ko rin yan! Thanks for sharing this guide! =)
ReplyDeleteGaling. Definitely bookmarking this post. Sana magawa ko to next year :)
ReplyDeleteWe can use this someday. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeletewow... hope to see batanes soon...
ReplyDeleteWow! To be able to visit to batanes is already a big accomplishment as a traveler. Good for you :D
ReplyDeleteHi.just want to ask.. f ano lng mapuntahan nami for 2 days... any suggestions po..tnx
ReplyDeletekaya naman po ng 2 days.. 1 day sa batan, 1 day sa sabtang... kaso, like i mentioned, hindi lahat mapupuntahan nyo...
DeleteHi just wanna ask saan po ba ung Batanes Hedgerows? yun po kasi ang gusto ko puntahan?
ReplyDeletesorry po, di po ako familiar kung saan yun... :)
DeleteYou're pertaining to Vayang Rolling Hills. North Batan. :)
DeleteAnonymous - I think you're pertaining to Vayang Rolling Hills where in there's a lot of hedgerows. :)
DeleteHedgerows are those reeds planted in between private fields. you can see them while you are in the airplane or in radar tukon or in mahatao...
DeleteI am from batanes... the hedgerows are located in mahatao hills, they are reeds planted in between the fields to serve as wind control and erosion control and as boundary. you can see the hedgerows while you are in the airplane landing or in high places like tukon or in mahatao
DeleteBatanes hedgerows,
Delete- we call it "liveng" in our language,you can see/visit this in Batan island, in Basco and from southern part of Mahatao, traditionally this comprises of trees such as "vutalao" and reeds or "viawu" that are planted to separate farms that serves as windbreaks,property demarcation, erosion control mechanism and perhaps a habitat corridors. While in Itbayat, pile of stones/corals are being use as markers. These hedges are part of the sustainable agriculture system of the Province.
www.discoverbatanes.com
Thanks for this, Mervz! Been reading a lot of blogs as well to prepare for my trip next week to Batanes!
ReplyDeletethank u so much! we're planning for a trip to Batanes on Feb 2014 :) did you book your room when you arrived Basco or before the trip?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tips. By the way, may I know what's the name of the airline that gives promos? Heheh
ReplyDeleteBatanes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mararating din kita!!!! hehe...Nice informative blog...
ReplyDeleteas early as now, pinaplano ko na ang batanes birthday trip ko.. big help itong blog mo mervz!! salamat!!
ReplyDeletenapakaganda talaga ng batanes, tahimik, safe na safe ka sa batanes, kaya lang nskskatakot sumakay ng bangka papunta ng sabtang grabe ang alon sa dagat pero ang galing ng bangkero, pero sulit sa sabtang napakaganda, punta kayo ng batanes, yun nga lang mahal ang airfare pero kapag may sale ang mga pal express at skyjet mura lang, tagal ko din pinag ipunan ang batanes pero sulit talaga as in super sulit
ReplyDeleteSalamat sa post mo! I did what you suggested. I went to the Philippine Travel Mart to avail of flight discounts and was able to book my flight to Batanes for P6,000 roundtrip. I've contacted my preferred accommodation and booked with them too. I've recently contacted your tour guide Ryan regarding the 3-day day tours. Here's hoping that he also gives me a great price! I'll be traveling in February 2014, I gave myself plenty of time to plan this!
ReplyDeleteHi guys! Marc here.. I'll be visiting Batanes on last week of January 2014. I got my roundtip airfare ticket for less than 2k via PAL sale. Anyone who might have booked the same dates? Tara! Kita kits tayo sa Batanes!
ReplyDeletekelan nagsale yung PAL?
DeleteHi guys! Marc here.. I'll be visiting Batanes on the last week of January 2014. I got my roundtrip airfare all-in for less than 2k via promo fare. Anyone out there who might have booked on the same period? Tara! Kita kits sa Batanes! Godbless and more power to Pinoy Adventurista!
ReplyDeleteless than 2k? roundtrip?swerte mo naman dre. kelan nagsale ang PAL?
Deleteless than 2k? roundtrip? swerte mo naman dre. kelan nagsale ung PAL?
DeleteThanks, Pinoy Adventurista! I'm taking note of all your tips.
ReplyDeleteWe'll try to stay longer.. and opt for DIY trip.
Budget na lang ang kulang. haha.. :)
Hi, do you have the contact detail for the DIY Tour? Iisang tao lang ba yung tryke driver at freelance tour guide?
ReplyDeleteHi, do you have the contact detail for the DIY Tour? Iisang tao lang ba yung tryke driver at freelance tour guide?
ReplyDeleteHi! anyone travelling to Batanes on March 16-20? can we explore the place and make our trip cheaper? Tara na!!!
ReplyDeleteWill be there 15-17march..
DeleteBooked my ticket for batanes via pal express for only 1450 roundtrip this coming october 2014,hopefully maganda ang weather doon pagpumunta ako.
DeleteHi! Anyone going to Batanes on March 16-20? Can we explore the place together and make our trip cheaper? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWonderful views, thanks for sharing. Very helpful.
ReplyDeletenice place ang batanes, sarap balikan ,,, a place for photo enthusiast....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips. God bless
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips. God bless
ReplyDeleteayun. alam ko nabasa ko na 'to. Hahahaha... with air fare aabot talaga ng 5 digits 'to. Cheers to more travels and adventures this 2014, Pinoy Adventurista Mervin!
ReplyDeleteThe Van Rental at 250/hr can you send me their contact number, please =) --joy
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, Mervz. This would help me a lot should I decide to fly solo this 21-26. Two of my friends (with tickets) had to back out.
ReplyDeleteI'm traveling solo on Feb 22-25. Holler me so we can explore the island cheaper!
ReplyDeleteTravel on June 4-8!
ReplyDeleteHi! Ano pong pedeng mabiling souvenirs/food sa Batanes?
ReplyDeleteI Plan to visit Batanes on October 2015, I might go there alone,
ReplyDeleteAny advice for a wonderful solo trip?
Since ABS-CBN has been going around featuring and giving some sort of award to people whom they have found to be of impeccable honesty (I guess as a promo for their teleserye "Honesto") no one deserves it more than the owners of the honesty cafes and stores found on the Batanes islands, probably even the entire province and its people. What d'yall think?
ReplyDeleteWe are looking forward to your visit here in Batanes! ... Yes, it is expensive to go to Batanes, make sure you get the most of your vacation by having a reputable travel guide.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehi! ano po advisable na first day ng tour? on a weekday, say Friday? or Saturday? we need to arrange our work sched din kc. thanks
ReplyDeleteAny day po would be fine.. but iwould avoid weekends para less ang tourists...enjoy Batanes...
Deletebooked flight falls from Saturday to Tuesday. fingers crossed sana less lang tourist ng schedule namin. thank you.
Deletethank you, sir! :)
DeleteHi! I just want to ask how much did U pay for your roundtrip fare, sale ba or regular promo fare? Upon checking, only flypal has flights from Manila which cost P12k plus RT(April).
ReplyDeleteHello, i just to ask when did u go, i mean mga what month poh kau nag punta? Planning to visit batanes one time pero not sure sa weather eh. Any tip? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOne of my dream destination. But this dream is seems to be elusive *atm hahaha.. how I wish one day I could visit this place with my loved ones.. ;)
ReplyDeleteOne of my dream destination. But this dream seems to be elusive for now..hahah How I wish someday some time I could visit this place with my loved ones.. :)))
ReplyDeleteThis is a very helpful post. Thank you! We're going to Batanes in July and we're taking the same tour.
ReplyDeletehi!
ReplyDeletewe are planning to visit on dec 20 to 27, 2014
are there frequent flight cancellation during december?
are there typhoon during this month?
This is the most comprehensive Batanes blog post ever. It's unbelievable. Galing mo Mervs! Bookmarked already as i'm reserving the province for a very special trip.
ReplyDeleteHi! Nice blog! Andito na lahat ng hinahanap ko :) Sir, kung pupunta ako ng Batanes for 5days (5th day return flight to MNL), possible ba na makapunta sa Itbayat Island?
ReplyDeleteHi, great blog. May I ask who to contact for DIY? Thanks!
ReplyDelete5d4n with Itbayat Island Tour? possible! but you have to compressed either your Batan or Sabtang ISland Tours :) need help for organized tours? contact BISUMI Tour and Services :)
ReplyDeleteHi po..I would like to ask regarding the over all expenses sa mga nakapunta na po doon?
ReplyDeleteHi Guys! I'm visiting Batanes last week of February 2015. Is there anyone travelling on the same dates? Thanks..
ReplyDeleteHi Mervin, thanks for this helpful guide. Do you think it is feasible to visit Batanes in December and celebrate Christmas there?
ReplyDeletegoing on May 25. booked my flight already. looking forward to join in a group tour or any open group tour. see you batanes!
ReplyDeletegoing on May 25. booked my flight already. looking forward to join in an open group tour. see you batanes!
ReplyDeleteHi. Great blog post. However, I'd like to point out that most of the Basco-based tour operators don't pay anything to the communities in Sabtang which is, you'll agree, quite unfair. So please go the extra mile and ask the tour guides how the communities are benefitting ('we bring potential customers' is not enough!), and as always, be respectful and responsible guests, everyone. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHi. What's the best month to visit Batanes?
ReplyDeleteBtw, nice blog. Very helpful.
wow!this is the place that I wanted to visit soon! Thanks for sharing. galeng galeng mo po :)
ReplyDeleteOperating na ba ang Boat from Currimao Port Ilocos Norte to Batanes?
ReplyDeleteYour blog is a very big help for people who love to travel! Like you, I and my family love to see places, and reading your blogs make us prepare a better plans from what to bring up to the expenses allowance prior to our tours! We will be in Batanes this June. I'll follow your itinerary Ruby Miranda
ReplyDeleteGood day Mr. Mervz. Thank you for the comprehensive insight of your travel. Though this was posted 3 yrs ago, this is a great help for me in planning and accomplishing my dream of going to Batanes with my family.
ReplyDelete