Batanes has been on my bucket list for the longest time and if you’ve read my year-end post last December 2017, Batanes is part of my Top 3 Places on my Travel Bucket List here in the Philippines. So I was really happy that at last, I was able to cross out Batanes on my bucket list before 2018 ends.
I can still remember that a few days before our trip, my excitement was gone because it was raining cats and dogs, and when I checked the Basco, Batanes weather, mas lalo ko nalungkot. May nakikita ko rainshowers, very windy and thunderstorms pa. Sa sobrang tamad ko, I was packing our stuff 6 hours before we left the house and because of that I only had 3 hours of sleep.
Day 1 Clark to Basco Flight
Clark International Airport
We left the house before 1AM and arrived at Clark International Airport before 3AM. At that time, Philippine Airlines has no Manila to Basco flight so we had no choice but to travel to Clark.
While waiting at the boarding gate, I was praying that there will be no flight cancellation or delay. I’ve read a lot of stories about that so I was a little bit worried. I was glad when we boarded on time and I felt relieved when we landed at Basco Airport.
Basco Airport
Basco Airport is only small so we were out in a few minutes. Our hotel service was already waiting outside the airport, he drove us to an office where we need to pay the Eco-Tourism Fee, and then we went straight to Bernardo’s Hotel.
Eco-Tourism Fee (P350)
P100 - Basco
P50 - Mahatao
P200 - Sabtang
Protected Area Entrance Fee
P50 Adult
P20 Kid
Bernardo’s Hotel
Bernardo’s Hotel was our accommodation for four days. I love DIY travel but since this is a last-minute plan, we availed Bernardo’s Hotel Tour Package so we have room accommodation, round-trip airport transfers, three days tour, and full-board meals. The only thing that was excluded is Eco-Tourism Fee and Protected Area Entrance Fee (per person).
Upon arrival, we paid the remaining 50% balance. They allowed us to check in early. We ate our breakfast and rested while waiting for our service for our first tour.
Read: Where to Eat in Batanes
This is our North Batan Island itinerary but before we started our tour, we had lunch first at Pension Ivatan Hometel Restaurant.
Visit Mt. Carmel Church (Tukon Church)
Check out PAGASA Tukon Radar Station
Drop by Fundacion Pacita
Visit the Basco Idjang Viewing point
Explore the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
Check out Valugan Boulder Beach
Walk along Basco Town Proper
Visit Provincial Capitol
Drop by the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de Guzman
Visit Vayang Rolling Hills
Explore Naidi Hills
Visit Basco Lighthouse
Go sunset viewing
We did not celebrate New Year’s Eve anymore since we need to wake up early for our next tour. The call time is 6AM.
We spent our first day of 2019 on Sabtang Island, we rode faluwa to reach the island. We landed on Sabtang Island safely but going back to Batan is a different story. Feeling ko second life na namin na nakabalik kami ng buhay after our scary boat ride. Despite the trauma, I’m still happy to see this place. Dito nagshoot yung “You’re My Boss” movie.
San Vicente Ferrer Church
Morong Beach and Mayahaw Natural Arc
Brgy Savidug Stone House
Savidug Idjang Natural Fortress
Sto. Tomas Chapel
Chamantad - Tinyan Viewpoint
Chavayan Vernacular Houses
Sta Rosa De Lima Chapel
Sabtang Weavery Association
This is our South Batan Island Tour Itinerary, it was a long list but we finished this in few hours kasama na yung pamimili namin sa souvenir shop.
Chawa Viewdeck
Mahatao Boat Shelter Port
Tayid Lighthouse
San Carlos Church
Homoron Blue Lagoon
Maydangeb White Beach
Ivana Municipality
Old Spanish Bridge
House of Dakay
San Jose De Obrero
Honesty Coffee Shop
Uyugan Municipality
Muchong Viewpoint
Song Song Ruins
Itbud Village
Alapad Pass and Natural Rock Formation
Old Naval Station
Imnajbu Village
Racuh A Payaman (Marlboro Country)
Read: Pasalubong from Batanes
Day 4 Basco to Clark Flight
Check-out time is 8AM but the hotel allowed us to check out late since our flight is still before lunchtime. The airport is not far so we don't need to go early. Check-in time is 2 hours before the flight. Our flight was delayed because of weather conditions but still thankful na hindi canceled flight.
Traveling to Batanes is expensive but I can definitely say, it is worth the splurge. This is one of my favorite places that we visited in the Philippines. And if I have an extra budget, I would revisit Batanes even without the tour, I just want to enjoy the place and food.
Hello! What your kid enjoyed most? :)
ReplyDeleteHello, surprisingly, my son enjoyed our Batanes trip so it is hard to choose because he liked each tour.
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