Upon returning safely from my extended stay in Batanes, I was bombarded with questions from friends and acquaintances who were curious about the place and wanted to visit it in the future. The questions varied but ultimately, there were a few that were more frequently asked. I thought it would be helpful not just for my friends but also for other travelers if I wrote this list of FAQs. Feel free to share this with your travel buddies!
How much is the airfare?
I’ve been asked this question countless of times and understandably so. People are aware how expensive it is to visit Batanes; the fares aren’t exactly cheap. But here’s the good news: Skyjet Air and Philippine Airlines both fly to Basco, the capital of Batanes, and they do Batanes seat sales more often now. You just have to be alert. Roundtrip Manila – Basco fares can go as high as PHP 16,000 but it can also go as low as PHP 1,500 on sale. We got ours for PHP 6,000 – a happy middle – at last year’s travel expo.
The airport, a quaint one-story stone structure, is located in Basco and is walking distance from the town center.
How much are the tours? How about the accommodations?
We got our tours from BISUMI Travel and Tours, which cost PHP 5,000. The package includes North and South Batan tours, Sabtang Island tour, as well as lunch for every tour day. We were able to cut the cost a bit since our Sabtang Island tour didn’t push through.
Options for lodging abound in Basco, whether you’re the glam or budget type of traveler. We already spent a huge chunk of money for the tickets and would be spending more for the tours so we decided to book a room at Marfel’s Lodge, which is one of the popular homestays in Basco.
Marfel’s Lodge is owned and managed by an Ivatan resident, Felomena Fitero. Guests call her “Ate Fe”. As of writing, the lodge now has three “branches”: Marfel’s Lodge Main, Annex, and Extension, the main branch being nearest to the airport. We stayed in the Extension, a one-story house along National Road. It has five rooms, a common area with a TV, and a pantry that operates likes the Honesty Coffee Shop. Room rates are PHP 700 – 1,000.
The rooms are clean and the pantry is well stocked. The kitchen is equipped with refrigerator, cooking set, and utensils so during the latter part of our stay we cooked here instead of eating out. This particular branch has a wide garden and rents out bicycles and motorbikes.
And oh, they do have wifi but the signal is not reliable.
To contact Marfel’s Lodge, call or text +63 908 893 1475. You may also contact them on Facebook.
For more lodging options, you may check this out.
Would you recommend DIY tours?
NOPE. Sure, you can rent a bike or a motorcycle to go around the island on your own but it would be exhausting since the landmarks are far apart. I insist on getting guided tours because you can learn so much more about Batanes through the local guides. Aside from gas, meals, and driver services, you’re paying for the guide’s knowledge of the place and that, I think, is the true value of guided tours.
Contact BISUMI Travels and Tours here.
Is there internet / mobile connection?
In the words of Toni Gonzaga in the movie You’re My Boss, “Mas mabilis pa ‘kong makakamove on dito eh!” There is internet connection in the island of Batan (I can’t say for Sabtang and Itbayat since I didn’t go there) but it might as well be nonexistent because it’s so freaking slow. The few times I was able to upload photos online, I was in Octagon Bed and Dine. They had okay connection but I wouldn’t say it’s reliable.
Prior to coming to Batanes, I read blogs saying that Smart’s signal is stronger but minutes upon landing, I started Smart signal. During the whole stay, Globe’s signal was stronger, although there were times when I also lost connection, probably because of the storm. My tip? Have two sims.
When is the best time to visit?
Compared to the rest of the Philippines, Batanes enjoys a cooler climate. This is because of its proximity to the temperate region; it’s nearer to Taiwan than Manila! It is said that Batanes practically enjoys four seasons, and although Batanes is beautiful all year round, it’s still best and safer to go in summer (March to June) if you want to enjoy clear skies and calm waves.
According to our tour guide, Batanes also experiences what can be called “Indian Summer” in September, where Habagat season has ended and the weather is warm and the skies are blue. Odd, right? The rest of the country experiences more storms and typhoons in September while Batanes is enjoying warm weather. But that’s Batanes for you. In general, the province is famous for its moody weather – even in summer – so you just have to pray that your timing is right and find ways to still enjoy even when it’s raining.
How do you go around the main island (Batan) and/or Basco?
The main mode of land transportation in Batanes is the tricycle. There are no jeepneys here. You can also rent bicycles or motorcycles. Or you can walk. The roads in Batanes are walkable and safe for pedestrians. Just be careful at sharp curves.
Is the food good?
Hard question to answer but I must tell the truth. Ivatan cuisine, in general, can be bland. Even ordinary Pinoy dishes like adobo, tapsilog, and sinigang are not as tasty as they usually are in other parts of the country. But because the province is rich with veggies and seafood, the menu is generally healthy.
During our South Batan tour, we ate at Paulvana’s Canteen in Mahatao which serves Ivatan cuisine such as venes (Ivatan version of laing), uvod (meat balls but made from banana heart with ground meat), and lunes (pork fried in its own fat).
A few times, Pam and I ate at D’Island Restaurant, located near the gasoline station, just a few steps away from Marfel’s Lodge. Food is unremarkable but I remember having Japchae (Korean stir fry noodles) here.
We also ate once at Café du Tukon, Fundacion Pacita’s restaurant. It gives off a cozy and warm vibe, and even elegance with its brick and wood interiors. Because of its location, you can enjoy food with a view here. It serves Ivatan, Filipino and European fare. Their Aglio Olio is good as well as the Calamansi Pie. I absolutely loved the panna cotta and the tarragon tea.
Most of the time, our group ate at Octagon Bed and Dine, not necessarily because of the food but because of the wifi connection. The place had okay internet connection, at least in Batanes standards. The food mostly taste good and the serving is big. I highly recommend their barbecue and fruit salad.
Forgive the lack of food photos – I was too hungry and tired of taking photos of landscapes the rest of the day so I never remember to take photos of food.
Which souvenir items (pasalubong) should I take home?
Food items are limited. There’s turmeric powder (which is oddly, not spicy, unlike the usual turmeric I buy in supermarkets), banana and camote chips, and peanut cookies. Souvenir shops sell the usual tourist fares – shirts, keychains, ref magnets, lighthouse replicas. Since Batanes is famous for its stone houses and lighthouses, I recommend getting keychains and miniature replicas of these.
Would you recommend Batanes for solo travel?
Yes! If you ask me what the best place is for solo travel, I would tell you, without hesitation, to go to Batanes. Since the locals are kind and accommodating, and the province boasts zero crime, it’s a super safe place for solo travelers – even solo female travelers. It’s perfect for retreats, too!
Were you bored?
I was asked this question a few times, primarily because I was stranded for four extra days. And my answer is YES. I was bored and frustrated and annoyed at people who thought I was having the time of my life. There’s not much you can do after tours and it became a bit boring after that. With extra days, you’re burning money. Time was so slow, too. I did learn a lot during this trip (like what to bring and what to do when stranded) but I certainly wouldn’t want to be stranded again.
With the above Qs and As, I hope you feel more inspired to go and see this wonderland for yourself. If you still have Batanes-related questions, feel free to leave a Comment or tweet me and I’ll do my best to help you. 🙂
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