Exploring Batanes Island: An Ultimate Guide To Adventure

Batanes is a group of islands in the northernmost part of the Philippines, closer to Taiwan than the mainland Philippines. It is made up of 10 islands, but only 3 are inhabited: Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. Batan is the main island, where Basco, the provincial capital, is located.

Batanes is known for its natural beauty, including rolling hills, secluded beaches, and spectacular views. The terrain has been compared to that of New Zealand or the Scottish Highlands. The islands experience all four seasons and have a very low crime rate.

The best time to visit Batanes is during the dry season from December to May, especially from March to June. The dry season has the least chance of flight cancellations or delays due to bad weather. However, this is also the peak season, so expect higher rates and more tourists.

There are a few ways to get to Batanes, but flying is the fastest and easiest option. Philippine Airlines offers daily flights from Manila, while SkyJet Air and Wakay Air fly a few times a week. Flight prices can be expensive, ranging from PHP 4,000 to PHP 15,000, but you can find cheaper deals during seat sales or by flying from Clark instead of Manila.

Once you arrive in Batanes, there are several options for getting around the islands. You can rent a bicycle, motorcycle, or tricycle, or join a guided tour. Boat rides are necessary to get to the other inhabited islands of Sabtang and Itbayat, which offer even more natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Some popular attractions in Batanes include Mt. Carmel Chapel, Fundacion Pacita, Valugan Boulder Beach, Vayang Rolling Hills, Basco Lighthouse, Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint, Honesty Coffee Shop, Morong Beach, and Rapang Cliff.

When planning your trip to Batanes, keep in mind that DIY tours are prohibited, and you must book with a local tour operator. It is also important to bring enough cash, as there are limited ATMs and no foreign exchange facilities. The internet and phone signal can be unreliable, so be prepared to disconnect.

Getting to Batanes Island

Batanes is the northernmost province in the Philippines, consisting of 10 islands, with only 3 inhabited: Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat. The capital, Basco, is located on Batan Island, where the airport is also found.

Getting to Batanes

The fastest and easiest way to reach Batanes is by air. Basco Airport is located in the town proper, and travel time from Manila can take 1 to 2 hours depending on the airline.

Philippine Airlines offers daily flights from Manila, usually departing and arriving in the mornings. SkyJet Air flies on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, also usually in the mornings. Wakay Air flies daily, with morning departures and arrivals.

Ticket prices are known to be expensive and can range from PHP 4,000 up to PHP 15,000 (on average, it costs PHP 7,000+).

To get cheaper flight deals, look out for seat sales, which are regular. You can also subscribe to or regularly check in with tour operators to be notified when there are seat sales or promos.

From the airport, you can walk to the town proper to get to your hotel, or hail a tricycle. You can also arrange a private airport transfer.

Getting Around Batanes

You can get around Batanes by jeepney, tricycle, motorcycle, or bike. You can also rent a private van or car.

Jeepneys travel around Batan Island from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

You can arrange a tricycle with your hotel, a tour operator, or directly with a tricycle driver. They can take you to and from near distances, and also provide day rentals. To go around the north of Batan, they usually charge PHP 1,000, and for the south, about PHP 1,500.

You can rent a motorcycle starting at PHP 500 a day (not including fuel). A simple bike would cost about PHP 300 a day (or PHP 25 per hour).

Getting to the Other Islands

To get to Sabtang and Itbayat, you will need to take a boat ride.

Sabtang

Sabtang is about a 30-minute to 1-hour boat ride from Ivana Port in Batan. Boat trips depart from Ivana Port from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and usually return between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, depending on the weather. There may still be boats at 5:00 PM, but it's best to be at the Sabtang port by 2:00 PM.

The boat trip costs PHP 100 per person each way, and once you arrive in Sabtang, you will have to pay a PHP 200 environmental fee at the tourism office.

Itbayat

Itbayat is a 2.5- to 5-hour boat ride from Basco. Boat trips are available daily from Basco from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and from Itbayat to Basco, around 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Per person, you will have to pay PHP 450 one way.

You can also fly to Itbayat via NorthSky Airlines, a small 8-seater plane that flies every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It takes about 15 minutes and costs about PHP 1,800 one way, but the plane must be full.

Where to stay

Batanes is a small province, so accommodation options are limited. The capital, Basco, is a good base for tourists, with plenty of options for resorts, hotels, lodges, and inns. Inns and homestays are heavily concentrated in the poblacion area, which is also where the airport is located.

Homestays

Homestays are the cheapest option for accommodation. Two popular homestays are Troy Lodge and Marfel's Lodge. Troy Lodge is very popular among tourists looking for cheaper lodging but quality services. The location is excellent, and you are never far from the markets, and the internet connection is reliable. Marfel's Lodge is a favourite among travel bloggers. It is a network of four separate lodges, with rates ranging from PHP 500-PHP 600 per room.

Inns

There are also plenty of inns to choose from in Batanes. Villa de Babat is located about 50 metres from the airport and is an easy walk into town. The rooms are comfortable, air-conditioned, and have cable TV with many channels. The hosts, Evelyn and Eddie, are very accommodating. Villa de Babat is fantastic value at around PHP 6500 for three nights with breakfast included.

Hotels

For those looking for more luxurious accommodation, there are several hotels to choose from. Bernardo's Lantia Hotel is located in Basco and features a restaurant and views of the mountain. It has good wifi and very new accommodations with good AC units. Amboy Hometel offers 3-star beachfront accommodations in Basco and has a garden, terrace, and restaurant. It has good locations, and the owners are friendly and accommodating. Boulder-Bay Residences is another option, located in Basco, 1.8 miles from Valugan Boulder Beach.

Bed and Breakfasts

For a more intimate experience, there are several bed and breakfasts in Batanes. Siayanrock Hometel is a recently renovated bed and breakfast in Ivana where guests can enjoy a terrace and shared lounge. The warm hospitality and customer service make this a popular choice. Horlina's Homestay offers mountain views and is located very close to the airport and the city centre.

Luxury Accommodation

For a truly luxurious stay, Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge is one of the best eco-friendly accommodations in the Philippines. It sits on top of a hill in Basco and offers stunning views of the sea and mountains. Guests can enjoy meals cooked with ingredients sourced from the lodge's local farm. Batanes Amboy Hometel is another luxurious option, offering 24-hour front desk and room service, free shuttle services, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and buffet breakfast.

Getting around Batanes

Batanes may be a small island town but it's not small enough to walk around. Here are some transport options to get around Batanes:

Tricycle

You can hail or rent a public tricycle (auto-rickshaw) for drop-offs or pick-ups or get their services for a whole-day Batanes tour. Tricycles are readily available most of the day, travelling from one Batanes resort or tourist spot to another. These can only accommodate a small group of 3-4 people.

Private Vans and Cars

If you are travelling in a big group, it is recommended to hire a private van or car. This is the most convenient option as you don't have to worry about navigating the islands. The van or car transfers are operated by local tour agencies and are usually included in all-inclusive Batanes tour packages.

Jeepney

If you're opting for public transportation, there are jeepneys travelling from Basco to Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan daily. However, the trips are limited and are only available from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Bicycle

When it comes to getting around just the town proper, you can rent a bicycle if you have the stamina for it. The rolling hills and the landscape can prove to be challenging. Cycling in Batanes is scenic but rugged.

Motorbike

You can also take a motorbike. You can hire one with a driver (called habal-habal) or rent a motorbike that you can drive yourself. But these are only applicable for those who have a driver's license and can operate one.

Boat

If you're exploring the different islands of Batanes like Sabtang Island and Itbayat Island, you can ride their traditional Ivatan passenger boats called faluwa. Each island has its own port and the boats have scheduled limited trips per day.

Trips are also dependent on the weather so make sure to check weather updates or coordinate with your tour operators when planning your Batanes itinerary.

What to eat

Batanes may not be famous as a food destination, but it would be a shame to not sample the 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:

• Uvud/Uved/Uvud Balls/Uved Balls: Ground banana corm with fish or meat, shaped into balls.
• 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.
• Coconut crabs, locally called tatus, are also available but please don't order them as they are a threatened species.

The well-known restaurants like Vunong Dinette and Pension Ivatan in Basco all offer these authentic dishes. Prices usually range from PHP100-PHP300 per person.

If you’re on a budget, you may try a carinderia where PHP50 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, offering lobsters and other seafood, vegetables, and bukayo for PHP350 per head. There are a few other places near the port.

What to do

Batanes is the northernmost province in the Philippines and is made up of 10 islands, three of which are inhabited: Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. The best time to visit Batanes is during the dry or summer season, from March to June. Here are some things to do when visiting Batanes:

• Explore the three inhabited islands: Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat.
• Visit the provincial capital, Basco, located on Batan Island.
• Discover South Batan, including the towns of Uyugan, Mahatao, and Ivana.
• Immerse yourself in Sabtang, known for its stone houses and natural attractions such as Morong Beach and Nakabuang Arch.
• Go on a nature trip to Itbayat, the largest of the three inhabited islands, and explore its coastline, cliffs, and grasslands.
• Hike Mt. Iraya or Mt. Matarem for a challenging but rewarding experience.
• Dive and explore Batanes' underwater attractions, such as Trevallies Lair and Canyons.
• Sample local Ivatan cuisine, such as uvud (grated banana heart or banana stalks mixed with meat or fish) and luñis (salted pork cooked in its own fat).
• Visit the Honesty Coffee Shop in Ivana, an unmanned store where customers are trusted to pay for their purchases honestly.
• Take a guided tour, such as a North Batan, South Batan, or Sabtang Island tour, to learn more about the history and culture of Batanes.
• Enjoy the natural landscapes, including rolling hills, secluded beaches, and spectacular views.
• Explore the lighthouses, such as the Basco Lighthouse at Naidi Hills and the Tayid Lighthouse in Mahatao.
• Visit historical sites, such as the House of Dakay, a traditional Ivatan stone house that survived the 1918 earthquake, and the San Jose de Ivana Church, declared a National Historical Landmark.

Frequently asked questions