I recently published an article about Masungi Georeserve and the dangers it’s now facing. While selecting photos for that piece, I stumbled upon my Batanes travel photos, as I had visited both Masungi and Batanes in the same year.
Batanes Travel Guide:
1. Getting There
2. Batanes Tour Package
3. Accommodation
4. 5-Day Itinerary
5. Top Attractions
6. More Things to Do
7. Food and Dining
8. Travel Tips
Looking at those photos made my heart ache a little. As per Kodaline, I died a little bit inside. They reminded me of how I’d always dreamt of visiting Batanes, and how when I finally did, I was completely blown away. It was, to say the least, one of the most life-changing trips I’ve ever had, though I didn’t realize it at the time.
Now that I have a blog, I decided to share a Batanes travel guide and put these photos to good use. My purpose? To share this slice of paradise with people who don’t know about it and help anyone planning a trip through my first-hand experiences.
I hope you enjoy reading as much as I loved traveling back to this part of my life.
Getting There
As you can see from the map below, Batanes is the northernmost island of the Philippines.
There’s typically only one direct flight a day by Philippine Airlines (PAL) from Manila to Basco, the only domestic airport in Batanes. Roundtrip flights cost PHP 15,000 or more per person.
It’s pricey compared to other domestic flights in the country, but a local once told me they prefer it that way because it prevents their home from becoming overcrowded with tourists like Boracay. When you visit, you’ll find out just how much the local community is deeply committed to protecting Batanes’ natural landscape.
Once we arrived, we were picked up by a van, which was part of a tour package. I discuss more about our tour package below.
Batanes Tour Package
There are strictly no self-tours allowed in Batanes, so you must book a tour package with a DOT-accredited tour operator. Otherwise, the provincial government office will not issue you a travel permit.
We chose Batanes Travel and Tours for a worry-free 5-day and 4-night trip. Our package included:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Travel permit
- Attraction and environmental fees
- Meals
What I loved about our tour guide: He was very knowledgeable about local policies and the history of each place. Plus, he was great at taking photos! Most of the photos in this blog were taken by him. He guided us on where to pose, how to pose, and knew the perfect angles for each attraction.
He was the ideal tour guide, and he mentioned that they undergo regular training, which is a plus. We never felt hurried. He paid attention to the attractions we wanted to spend more time at and the ones we wanted to quickly see.
Accommodation
There are no 5-star hotels or luxury resorts in Batanes. There likely won’t be in the future, as (again I emphasize because I love this bit) the government and its residents work very hard to protect the natural landscape.
That said, Fundacion Pacita is the higher-end accommodation in Batanes. Located farther from the town proper, this former residence of international Filipino artist Pacita Abad sits atop a hill, offering dramatic views and cozy accommodations. We would have stayed here, but it was already fully booked when we reserved our tour three months in advance.
We stayed at Bernardo’s Hotel, a comfortable accommodation with air conditioning, a clean bathroom, and WiFi. However, don’t expect the WiFi to be very strong anywhere in Batanes.
5-Day Itinerary
Batanes consists of ten islands, but only three are inhabited: Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. You’ll explore two or three of these islands depending on your tour package.
Here’s a copy of our 5-day itinerary, prepared by Batanes Travel and Tours:
| Day | Time | Activities |
| DAY 1 Batan North Tour | • Basco arrival | |
| 9:00AM | • Hotel Check-In • Breakfast | |
| 12:00PM | • Lunch | |
| 1:00 PM | • Mt. Carmel Chapel • Radar Tukon • Idjang Viewing • Japanese Hideout • Boulder Beach • Valugan • Vayang • Naidi Hills Lighthouse • Sto. Domingo Church | |
| 7:00 PM | • Dinner | |
| DAY 2 Sabtang Island Tour | 6:00 AM | • Early breakfast |
| 6:30 AM | • Sabtang by boat • San Vicente Church • Savidug Idjang • Savidug Community • Tinyan Viewing • Chavayan Community | |
| 12:00PM | • Lunch | |
| 1:00 PM | • Chavayan Community • Siesta / Swimming • Visit historical sites • Back to hotel by boat | |
| 7:00 PM | • Dinner | |
| DAY 3 Batan South Tour | 5:30 AM | • Early Breakfast • San Jose Church • Old Naval Base • Song Song Ruins • Uyugan Town Tour • Ivana Town Tour • Ivana Church • Honesty Coffee Shop • Oldest House |
| 12:00PM | • Lunch | |
| 1:00 PM | • Mahatao Town Tour • Chawa Viewdeck • Tayid Lighthouse • Sumhao Windmills • Fountain of Youth • Marlboro Country | |
| 7:00 PM | • Dinner | |
| DAY 4 FREE DAY | 7:00 AM | • Breakfast • Optional Activities |
| 12:00 PM | • Lunch | |
| 1:00 PM | • Optional Activities | |
| 7:00 PM | • Dinner | |
| DAY 5 | 6:00 AM | • Breakfast • Departure to Manila |
Flights to and from Batanes are typically in the morning. This means your last day in the province is usually reserved for departure, leaving no time for more activities.
I suggest staying for 5 days so you have a relaxed fourth day, as shown in the itinerary I shared above. Use this free day to revisit places you want to see again, join optional activities, or simply roam around town.
Top Attractions
I loved every moment of our trip to Batanes, but these are the places that stood out most:
Marlboro Hills
These rolling hills are officially called Racuh A Payaman. But when the Americans came, they started calling it Marlboro Country because it looked like the landscapes in Marlboro cigarette ads.
You’ll find cows and goats grazing on these hills because they’re communal grazing lands for local livestock.
We were told that each family can only have a few livestock to prevent overgrazing. I think this showcases the Ivatans’ commitment to sustainable land management.
Basco Lighthouse
The picturesque Basco Lighthouse is one of Batanes’ most iconic landmarks.
I recommend climbing to the top (if it’s open). It will reward you with panoramic views of the town of Basco, Mt. Iraya, and the surrounding seas.
Valugan Boulder Beach
Our tour guide called this unique beach a geological wonder, and rightly so. Unlike typical sandy beaches, Valugan Boulder Beach is covered with smooth, round boulders.
These were formed over thousands of years by volcanic eruptions and wave action.
This is a protected area, so please don’t take any boulders as souvenirs.
Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint
One of my favorite sceneries in Batanes. It’s the perfect blend of dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and the ocean.
Some Ivatans say the cliffs are home to spirits. But we roamed around for a while and all I felt was… love. Be careful though. Don’t stand on any rock because the wind is really strong.
Chavayan Village
This village is known for its well-preserved traditional Ivatan stone houses with cogon roofs. Interact with locals, learn about their way of life, and try your hand at traditional weaving.
Walk further, and you’ll find a picturesque beach set against a backdrop of rugged mountains.
I found this gem while I was following some men carrying an adult pig. They slaughtered it at the beach (if I remember correctly, for a ritual).
Morong Beach
Morong Beach is famous for the Nakabuang Arch, a popular Instagram spot.
The beach itself is beautiful, with clear waters and soft sand, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Honesty Coffee Shop
This unique shop operates on a trust-based system, hence the name of the cafe.
There’s no staff, so you simply take what you want and leave the payment in a box. The shop sells local coffee, snacks, and souvenirs.
More Things To Do
If you have an extra day in Batanes or are looking for something to do after the tours, here are some activities I did that I highly recommend:
Wear a Vakul
The “vakul” is a distinctive headgear traditionally worn by Ivatan women.
It’s crafted from the leaves of the vuyavuy palm, a plant endemic to the Batanes Islands.
Get a Massage
The masseuses we had were beyond amazing. Bernardo’s Hotel facilitates home-service massages, so you can relax in the comfort of your room.
Visit an Art Gallery
There are a couple of art galleries in town that feature artwork by local painters. We purchased one and had it shipped home. It’s a great way to bring a piece of Batanes back with you.
Write on the Blank Book Archive
The Blank Book Archive in Batanes is a unique project located beside the San Carlos Borromeo Church in Mahatao.
It houses hundreds of blank notebooks, each waiting to be filled with thoughts, dreams, prayers, or simple reflections. Anyone can write in the blank books. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to leave a note—for your future self if you return someday or for strangers to see your message. 🙂
Blow UR Horn
Take a photo beside this iconic road sign, which is older than your first-ever text message!
Picnic at Marlboro Hills
Go back to Marlboro Hills by bike rental or tricycle and pack some snacks. Enjoy the sunset on your last day in Batanes.
For Certified Divers:
On my next visit, I would like to stay in Dive Batanes. I’ve heard that the waters of Batanes have the clearest visibility in the Philippines and are full of marine life and corals.
Food and Dining
I remember the pizza at Casa Napoli was delicious. We even ordered takeout to bring with us for our departure the next day because it was that good! Interestingly, there are a couple of pizzerias in Batanes.
You don’t have to worry about food if you choose a tour with a meal package. Your guide will take you to the best “restaurants” in town. We expected seafood since it’s an island, but surprisingly, most of the food served to us was pork and chicken.
More Travel Tips
When to Go
The best time to visit Batanes is from March to June, during summer.
Despite the season, it didn’t feel too hot because of the strong winds everywhere we went. It’s better to enjoy Batanes with little chance of rain, as flights can be canceled during the wet season (July to September).
What to Pack
My essentials:
- Sunscreen (I use an oral sunblock recommended by my derma)
- Glasses and hat
- Bathing suit (if you’re going to swim)
- Cash (always bring cash when traveling to PH provinces)
- Umbrella or poncho
Wear comfortable clothes in colors that contrast with nature.
Tipping
Your guide deserves a tip! Ours did, as he was an all-in-one photographer, historian, and assistant. When in doubt, follow the universal rule of thumb: Tip your guide 10 to 20 percent of the total cost.
Getting Around
There’s no traffic in Batanes. For our last free day, we hired a tricycle to take us around. I don’t remember the exact cost, but typically it’s PHP 40 to PHP 50 per way (not per person) in many provinces.
You can also rent a bike. I remember our guide told us that most hotels in Batanes have bike rentals. Some even offer them complimentary as part of your hotel stay.
Curfew
There’s a curfew for minors, and your guide will inform you about this. But even if there isn’t, you won’t find much to do after 9 PM. The best thing to do is enjoy your accommodation or stargaze from your hotel.
Mobile Data and Cell Coverage
You can bring a portable Wi-Fi, but it’s not going to work as well as you hope it would (haha). An old friend who lives in Batanes told me that the province still isn’t work-from-home friendly, but the local government is working on it.
I suggest using a SMART sim card as it seems to work better in Northern provinces compared to Globe.
Budget Considerations
Batanes is more expensive compared to other destinations in the Philippines. Flights are pricier due to limited airlines and flight frequency. As I mentioned, there is typically only one flight a day to and from Batanes.
Additionally, the islands have fewer hotels and resorts due to strict environmental policies (which I love!!). They tend to be more expensive than those in more developed areas.
And of course, we have to acknowledge the cost of transporting goods to Batanes is higher. Expect higher prices for food and other essentials.
Final Thoughts
Batanes, for me, is paradise as I always love to explore off-the-beaten-path locations. Rare places like this remind me that time is not fundamentally real, and I found myself wanting to stay a little longer.
It was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. I loved every minute of this trip.
I once thought that I was going to get married in Batanes, but dreams change and sometimes the future gives us other options. One goal remains, regardless:
I will come back again to visit old friends, revisit the Blank Book Archive, and, yes, dive.
When King Writes 
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