Last updated on October 2nd, 2022 at 10:17 pm
If you are planning to visit Batanes for your next trip, here we will recommend you the best things to do in Batanes. Apart from all the Batanes tourist spots, there is also so much food to try in Batanes. It became in one of our favorite places to visit in the Philippines.
We learnt a lot about the local life in Batanes and we also enjoyed their landscapes, sunsets and of course, food!
Our trip to Batanes was so amazing and we will share with you our best things to do with the pictures that we took during our trip. And our best advice for your next trip to Batanes.
HOW TO GO TO BATANES
Batanes is the northernmost province in the Philippines and it’s an archipelago so the only way to go to Batanes is through an airplane. There are daily flights from Clark, Tuguegarao and Manila going to Batanes.
Take note that there are no boats or ferries going to Batanes anymore, so the only option will be by plane.
HOW TO GO TO BATANES FROM CLARK
There are two Philippine Airlines flights from Clark International airport to Batanes. A one-way ticket with promo can cost you around 4000 PHP. If it’s for the regular price, it can go up to 10 000 PHP for a one-way ticket. It includes 10-kilo luggage plus hand luggage.
HOW TO GO TO BATANES FROM MANILA
There are flights with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Sky Jet. Just look for the best price and schedule for you. Prices are around 4000-5000 PHP for a one-way airfare.
HOW TO GET TO BATANES FROM TUGUEGARAO
From Tuguegarao, you can go with Sky Pasada to reach Batanes. We always use Skycanner to compare prices and schedule of flights, whether local or international!
WEATHER/BEST TIME TO VISIT BATANES
If you like to experience hot, sunny weather in Batanes, we recommend you to visit during summer (March-June). If you are the type of person who enjoys cold weather, you should visit from December to February.
But, take note that the weather in Batanes is unpredictable. You can even experience at least 2-4 weather changes in just a single day! Click here to know more about the weather in Batanes!
You can reserve your accommodation in Batanes before your trip with Booking and Agoda!
THINGS TO DO IN BATANES
1. MEETING LOCALS IN THEIR BARRIOS
Apart from the great landscapes in Batanes, it was also great to meet the locals and talk to them. We learnt many things about their culture.
Also, we learnt how is life in a remote place like Batanes, such as the advantages and disadvantages. Meeting locals was one of our favorite things to do in Batanes. They were kind and hospitable!
2. SWIMMING ON THE BEACHES IN BATANES
Batanes is a very popular destination in the Philippines. Although it isn’t a famous beach destination, there are few beaches where you can relax, swim and enjoy. The picture above is one of the favorite beaches of the locals: the Homoron Blue Lagoon.
3. VISIT LIGHTHOUSES IN BATANES
There are a few lighthouses in Batanes- from Basco Lighthouse, Tayid to Sabtang Lighthouse and all of them are magical. We loved Basco lighthouse the most since the sunset there is so beautiful and we had an amazing romantic dinner in that lighthouse!
4. CHURCHES HOPPING IN BATANES
There are many old churches in Batanes and we visited a few of them. They were so quiet during weekdays and busy on Sundays.
5. VISIT OTHER ISLANDS APART FROM BASCO
We had the experience of visiting Sabtang and we totally recommend you to stay overnight in Sabtang or Itbayat if you have time for it. Batan Island is busier than the others but in general, they are so quiet especially at night.
6. SEE STONE HOUSES IN BATANES
You can see the Spanish style stone houses where they separate the kitchen from the other parts of the house. Some of the houses are still well-conserved!
They say that houses in Batanes are well-built using stones so their homes won’t easily be destroyed by strong typhoons.
7. FOOD TRIP IN BATANES
Before our trip in Batanes, we weren’t expecting much about food because we focused on planning our itinerary, where to go in Batanes and such. But once we got to Batanes, we started researching and trying all the local food that we could.
Our favorite dishes were flying fish, uvud balls, and their rice with different colors. Everything was worth trying!
8. SUNSET AT ROLLING HILLS
It is one of our favorite Batanes tourist spots and for sure the best in North tour. We recommend you visiting Vayang Rolling Hills during sunset and enjoy the colors while taking pictures or just sitting down and relaxing.
9. TRICYCLE JOURNEYS
Rachel and I loved how different the tricycles are in Batanes compared to the rest of the country. A day tour in a tricycle is so comfortable. Well, when it’s rainy and windy, it can be a little bit challenging ha! But you will love it in Batanes even during rainy weather!
MORE THINGS TO DO IN BATANES
10. VISIT HIDDEN SPOTS IN BATANES
These two are our favorite spots- Nakayama Burial, where there is a small trek (around 10 minutes that can be slippery so it would be great if you bring proper shoes). Ivatan people get their burial with the shape of a boat in their graves looking or pointing at the sea. They believe that their spirit needs to go back to the sea when you die!
Second one, Spring of Youth, which is located in Diura fishing village. You have to walk around for 10 minutes. It’s an easy trekking but it can be slippery if it’s raining. There is a pool at the end of the way with amazing views to the sea. Just on the top is Marlboro Country, also one of the most popular places in Batanes.
11. GO TO A FISHERMAN VILLAGE IN BATANES
Diura fishing village is great to go to because of the view of the sea. It’s the view that you can get from Marlboro Country and close to Spring Youth that we mentioned above. There are a few more fishing villages in Batanes. We also like Duvek Bay in Sabtang island so much.
12. VISIT MARLBORO COUNTRY
This is another one of the top Batanes tourist spots! This is our favorite one in South tour in Batanes. The place is so stunning. First, you can see an amazing view from the top and we recommend you to go down to appreciate the views of the clear water better. The lighthouse is perfect for taking pictures too!
13. GO TO HONESTY COFFEE: A SELF-SERVICE CAFE
We really liked this idea! There are souvenirs and local sweets, it’s the perfect place to get pasalubong for your loved ones at home. You self-serve and you put the money inside their box. There is nobody watching thus the name: Honesty coffee shop. Imagine how honest they are in Batanes!
14. BOAT RIDES IN BATANES
If you are visiting Sabtang or Itbayat islands, riding a boat can be challenging. Our ride for Sabtang was calm for locals and a little bit tough for us haha! Make sure you check the weather before heading to the islands.
15. WEAR A VAKUL HEADGEAR
The farmers use them as a raincoat and for protection against the sun. You can see how they make them in Chavayan barrio in Sabtang island.
16. VISIT THE JAPANESE TUNNELS
During the Second World War, the Japanese lived for 4 years inside the tunnel. For us, it was one of the most interesting stops of the day. We went inside and visited the rooms and checked all the entrances around the tunnel. You can’t miss this on things to do in Batanes!
17. WATCH ANIMALS AROUND THE LANDSCAPE
Yes, we included this, ha! You won’t notice that you’re already enjoying watching the animals eat grass as you relax and enjoy the views and the sea breeze.
18. TREKKING TO MT IRAYA
Mt Iraya is one of the best places to visit in Batanes, especially if you love hiking. You have to hire a guide or join a group to hike Mt Iraya. Plan in advance because it can be expensive if you do the activity on your own. If you join to a group, prices can be around 1000-1500 PHP which depends on the number of hikers in your group.
19. BUY PASSALUBONG
One Filipino tradition is bringing pasalubong to your loved ones at home. There are a few sweets to buy and the best place could be honesty coffee shop where you can buy souvenirs and other Batanes delicacies.
20. ITBAYAT ISLAND
Boats destined to Itbayat leave at 6 am from Basco and it costs 450 PHP for a 3-hour boat ride that can be tough. There are also flights for around 2000 PHP to get to Itbayat if you prefer. There’s an environmental fee that costs 100 PHP.
21. VUHUS ISLAND
There are cheaper day trips here than Sabtang and Basco. You can even pitch the tent but there is no accommodation. You can get to the island if you arrange the price and schedule with the fisherman boats. A trip can be around 600-800 PHP per boat for two people if you rent the boat in Sumnanga barrio which is pretty close.
22. WALKING AROUND ABAD STREET
This is the main street in Basco. It’s like a local market where you can find most of the things about food and shopping. It’s actually the busiest street in Basco but still quiet, especially at night.
You can reserve your accommodation in Batanes before your trip with Booking and Agoda!
Are you going on a Batanes trip soon? We are excited for you! Don’t forget to share this with your friends who will go to Batanes with you! Read here 10 Off the beaten path places in Batanes.
Happy travels!
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