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BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE: How to Get to Itbayat from Basco and to Basco from Itbayat by Boat and by Plane

BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE How to Get to Itbayat

Itbayat is the largest island in the entire Batanes group of islands. It is a municipality located northwest of Batan Island and the closest inhabited island to Taiwan. It is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, by the South China Sea on the west and by small uninhabited islands in the north such Siayan, Matarem, Misanga and Mavudis islands. To get there, you have 2 options: (1) take a 4-hour boat ride from Basco port or (2) take a 10-minute plane ride from Basco Airport.


BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE How to Get to Itbayat
Basco Port

Basco to Itbayat and Itbayat to Basco by Boat

The most common way of getting to Itbayat is via the 4-hour faluwa ride from Basco. Itransa and Ocean Spirit have daily trips (except Sundays) to Itbayat from Basco Port. Itransa leaves Basco at around 6:00 AM while Ocean Spirit leaves at around 8:00 AM. The same boats will leave Itbayat for Basco between 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM after unloading its passengers and cargoes.

BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE How to Get to Itbayat
Boat Ride

Please be reminded that weather in Batanes is so unpredictable, which means trips are prone to cancellations. Fare from Basco to Itbayat and vice versa is 450 pesos per way.

BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE How to Get to Itbayat
Chinapoliran Port in Itbayat

For inquiries and reservations, please contact the following numbers:
  • M/B Ocean Spirit: 0920-6640137
  • M/B Itranza: 0908-5022814

BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE How to Get to Itbayat
Chinapoliran Port in Itbayat

TRAVEL TIPS
  • Schedule your trip 3 days before or 3 days after full moon as it is believed that the sea is "calmer" during those times
  • Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the long boat ride
  • If you have sea sickness, be sure to take your medicines
  • Be early at Basco port to have yourself listed at the manifest
  • Sit on the right side of the boat if you wish to see limestone cliffs and grassy land above the island when you reach the Southwest tip of Itbayat
  • Be prepared for huge waves and to get wet while on board
  • Be careful when disembarking from the boat in Itbayat
  • Weather in Batanes is very unpredictable, be ready for trip delays and cancellations
  • Itbayat town proper is about 2 kilometers away from Chinapoliran port, tricycle ride is about 100 pesos per tricycle to the town proper

BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE How to Get to Itbayat
NorthSky Air's 8-seater plane

Basco to Itbayat and Itbayat to Basco by Plane

NorthSky Air has an 8-seater plane that ply the Basco - Itbayat - Basco routes 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). The plane ride takes about 10-12 minutes and costs 1,875 pesos per way (including transportation from airport to Itbayat town proper and vice versa), for a minimum of 8 passengers.

BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE How to Get to Itbayat
Itbayat Airport

Flight is usually once a day, but there are instances that it could be twice a day depending on the number of passengers that reserved. The plane leaves Basco at around 11:00 AM and the same plane leaves Itbayat Airport for Basco at around 11:30 AM. You can find NorthSky's booking office inside Basco Airport and in Itbayat town.

BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE How to Get to Itbayat
Inside the plane

For flight bookings and reservations, please contact NorthSky Air at:
  • Basco Office: 0949-1550100
  • Itbayat Office: 0920-9651495

BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE How to Get to Itbayat
NorthSky Air

TRAVEL TIPS
  • Be sure to reserve your seats in advance
  • Flight will only push through if it is full
  • Weather in Batanes is very unpredictable, be ready for flight delays and cancellations

BATANES TRAVEL GUIDE How to Get to Itbayat
@ Itbayat Airport

I highly suggest that you include Itbayat in your itinerary when traveling to Batanes. It's really one of a kind experience! I will definitely visit it again soon!

Tour Guide in Itbayat? Call Kuya Jojo at 0920-660-3801
Accommodation in Itbayat? Cano's Lodge: Call Mrs. Cano at 0919-300-4787


This is a part of my 8-day trip to Batanes that happened on January 17-24, 2014.


TRAVEL TIP



Complete Batanes Travel GuideWhere to Eat in Batanes

North Batan TourSouth Batan Tour

Sabtang Island TourItbayat Island Tour

Where to Stay in BatanesWhat to Buy in Batanes



For more stories about Batanes, click here.


More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.

3 comments :

  1. The orbit of the moon crosses exactly at the same latitude of the sea between Itbayat and Basco plus the Amihan during these months. I only wonder how the waves have rocked you on the way to Itbayat due to the tide! Hoping to get there soon. Thanks for the guide Mervz

    ReplyDelete
  2. What are the areas to visit in Itbayat? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi, we are planning to have a day tour in Igbayat Island. Is it practical to do it in day tour?
    I read on this post, that the earliest boat to Igbayat is 6am with 3-4 hours boat ride then you mentioned that the last boat going back to Basco is at 1PM. But I'm not sure if this is still the case since you have posted this 6 years ago perhaps they have extended their last trip (?) do you have any tips regarding our day trip plan in Igbayat? Thanks in advance! Your blogs are very informative :)

    ReplyDelete

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