About Batanes
Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, is a breathtaking destination where rolling green hills meet the endless blue of the sea. Famous for its traditional stone houses, stunning lighthouses, and serene landscapes, Batanes offers a unique blend of culture and nature that feels like stepping into another world. With its unspoiled beauty and warm Ivatan hospitality, this island province is truly a dream destination for travelers seeking peace and adventure.
This island province is actually nearer to Taiwan than Manila; in spite of that, this province is one of the top tourist destinations in the country because of its stunning natural wonders.
How We Got to Batanes
- We booked a flight from Manila and/or Clark to Basco Airport. Philippine Airlines has regular trips to BSO. Travel time is an hour and 45 minutes. Rode a cogon trike to our hotel. Airport pick-up can also be arranged with hotel managers.
Batanes Itinerary, with Budget
Day 0
- Commute to Pasig (26 Pesos)
- Rode InDrive Car, Pasig to NAIA 2 (Php 429/2).
- Our flight was on Saturday. Due to bad weather conditions in Basco, we were unable to land at the airport, so the plane returned to NAIA.
- Since there are no available seats for the next day in NAIA, we have rebooked our flight to Clark International Airport (Sunday).
- Rode InDrive Car from NAIA 2 to Pasig (Php 433/2). Overnight in One Oasis.
- Day 0 Expenses: 457 Pesos.
Day 1
- 3:00 AM, rode InDrive from Pasig to Trinoma (Php 273 / 2).
- 4:30 AM rode in a Genesis P2P Bus to Clark Airport (310 Pesos).
- 6:00 AM arrived at CRK Airport. Explored the stunning airport.
- Breakfast and coffee at 7/11.
- Root Beer at Uncle John's.
- 10:35 AM flight.
- 12NN arrived at BSO Airport.
- Ms. Ashley from Tourism contacted available hotels.
- The tourism cogon trike brought us to Casa Feliciano.
- Day 1 Expenses: 646.50 Pesos
Due to bad weather, our Itbayat Island tour was canceled. So we have acquired a 6-day, 5 5-night land arrangement package from our hotel owner. Amount: Php 10,500 * 2 Pax (See details at the bottom). This Tour includes North Batan, Sabtang Island, and South Batan.
Day 2 Itinerary - North Batan Tour
The North Batan Tour is the perfect introduction to the breathtaking beauty of Batanes, taking visitors through a mix of natural wonders, historic landmarks, and cultural sites. From the iconic Basco Lighthouse and rolling hills of Vayang to the centuries-old stone houses in Ivana, this tour showcases the charm and tranquility of the province. Each stop offers panoramic views of rugged coastlines and lush landscapes, making the North Batan Tour a must-experience for first-time travelers to Batanes. Arranged by the hotel, after breakfast, we hopped on the Cogon trike and visited North Batan's top destinations below:
- Tukon Chapel
- PAGASA Weather Station
- Japanese Tunnel and Hideout
- Basco Idjang Fortress
- Valugan Boulder Beach
- Casa Real
- The Kilometer “0”
- Basco Cathedral
- Vayang Rolling Hills
- Basco Lighthouse
- Naidi Hills
Day 3 Itinerary - Sabtang Island Tour
The Sabtang Island Tour is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Batanes, offering a glimpse into the timeless beauty and rich culture of the Ivatans. Known for its traditional stone houses, scenic coastal views, and pristine white sand beaches, Sabtang feels like stepping back in time. From the breathtaking Chamantad–Tinyan Viewpoint to the rustic village of Savidug, every corner of the island highlights the harmony of nature and heritage that makes Batanes truly unique.
At 4:30 AM, we had our Breakfast. At 5 AM, we headed to Ivana Port while raining and the wind was strong. At 7 AM, we departed Ivana Port for Sabtang. Below are the top attractions in Sabtang that we visited:
- Brgy Savidug stone houses (Walking tour)
- Lime Kiln and Savidug Idjang
- Sto. Thomas de Aquinas Chapel
- Chamantad-Tinyan viewing point
- Walking tour at Brgy. Chavayan (vernacular houses)
- Sabtang Weavers Association
- Sta. Rosa De Lima Chapel
- Morong Beach
- Ahaw Natural Arch Formation
- Lunch at Da Figura Cafe
At 12NN, we departed Sabtang and arrived 12:29 PM at Ivana Port. Back to the Hotel. Early dinner at Beehan (80 Pesos).
Day 4 Itinerary - South Batan Tour
The South Batan Tour showcases the most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures of Batanes, taking travelers through rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and centuries-old heritage sites. From the lush greenery of Marlboro Hills and the dramatic cliffs of Alapad Rock Formation to the historic churches of Mahatao and Ivana, this tour beautifully captures the heart and soul of the province. It’s the perfect journey for those who want to experience the harmony of nature, history, and Ivatan culture in one unforgettable trip.
At 7 AM, Breakfast at the hotel, and at 8 AM, we started our South Batan Tour to the top tourist spots below:
- Chawa Viewdeck
- Mahatao Shelter Port
- San Carlos Borromeo Church
- Spanish Lighthouse & Blank Book Archive
- Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country)
- San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel
- Batanes Museum (National)
- Alapad Hill
- Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Itbud
- Sung Sung Ruins
- Mutchong Viewpoint
- San Antonino de Florencia in Uyugan
- Honesty Coffee Shop
- San Jose de Obrero in Ivana
- House of Dakay
- Tuhel Spanish Bridge
- White Beach
- Lunch by the highway
- Hohmoron Blue Lagoon
This is the end our our 3-day Cogon Trike Tour, and we got perfect weather this time. We had oatmeal for dinner while staring at Basco Lighthouse, with the stunning golden skyline in the background.
Day 5 Itinerary - Fountain of Youth
The next day at 7 AM, while we were having breakfast, we decided to do a separate tour to the stunning Fountain of Youth for Php 1,500 / 2 Pax. Then, we also visited Tayid Lighthouse at 8:30 AM and Basco Lighthouse at noon. The weather was still perfect, so we had a late lunch at Beehan (360 Pesos). Day 5 Expenses: 1,110 Pesos.
Day 6 - Traveling from Basco to Manila
- 7 AM Breakfast
- 10 AM Headed to the Airport.
- 12:40 PM Flight, BSO to CRK.
- 2 PM Arrived at CRK Airport.
- Late lunch, 95 Pesos.
- 3 PM Departure, Genesis P2P, airport to Trinoma (310 Pesos)
- 6 PM Arrived in Trinoma.
- Rode InDrive to Pasig (225 Pesos)
- Commute to House (56 Pesos)
- Day 6 Expenses: 686 Pesos
Batanes Trip Actual Expenses
Total: 27,977.50 Pesos
- Flight: MNL to BSO - 4,609 Pesos
- Flight: BSO to CRK - 9,897 Pesos
- Land Arrangement Sub: 13,471.50 Pesos
- Day 0 Expenses: 457 Pesos
- Day 1 Expenses: 646.50 Pesos
- 3 Days Tour 10,500 Pesos
- Day 3 Expenses: 80 Pesos
- Day 4 Expenses: 0
- Day 5 Expenses: 1,110 Pesos
- Day 6 Expenses: 678 Pesos
Batanes Tour Package
We paid Php 21,000 for 2 Pax, with inclusions below:
- Accommodation for 6D5N
- Airport Transfer
- 5 Breakfasts
- 3 Lunches during tours
- 3 Days of Private Trike Tours (North, South, Sabtang Island)
- Tour guide
- Round-trip Boat Transfers
- All Gov't Fees and Registrations
- Ecotourism Fees
- PA Entrance Fees/ DENR
- Mahatao Environmental Fees
- Sabtang Environmental Fees
- Ivana Port Fees
Recommended Tour Guide in Batanes
Our tour guide on Day 5 was Cris Asa, Ph: 09185295391. He's really good and accommodating.
Affordable Hotels to Stay in Batanes
- Casa Feliciano
- Troy Lodge
- Baletin Hometel
- Marfel's Lodge
- D'Jeds Hometel
We stayed in Casa Feliciano, and they also organised our tour. The place, especially their veranda, has a clear view of Basco Lighthouse. The hotel is very clean, organized, the food is sumptuous, and the staff are friendly. Highly recommended!
Itbayat Island
Initially, we planned to arrive in Basco on Saturday. Sunday tour in North Batan. Monday and Tuesday in Itbayat Island. Wednesday - a tour of Sabtang Island. Thursday, tour in South Batan. Friday, back to Manila. Due to bad weather, our Itbayat trip was canceled. So, we have acquired a 6-day, 5 5-night land arrangement package with Casa Feliciano. Below are the top 10 tourist spots in Itbayat:
- Rapang Cliff
- Torongan Cave
- Torongan Hills
- Small Lagoon
- Stone Bell
- Paganaman Port
- Mt. Karoboboan View Deck
- Lake Kavaywan
- Chinapoliran Port
- Town Proper
Summary
Batanes is more than just a destination—it’s an experience that lingers in the heart long after the trip ends. Its untouched landscapes, timeless culture, and warm Ivatan hospitality create a sense of peace and simplicity that travelers rarely find elsewhere. Whether you’re exploring its rolling hills, historical churches, or charming stone houses, Batanes offers a glimpse of paradise at the northernmost tip of the Philippines—a place where nature and tradition remain beautifully preserved.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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