"Stranded in Paradise" Top 5 Page for this destination Province of Batanes by livethedream

Province of Batanes Travel Guide: 209 reviews and 575 photos

Ivatan stone house - Province of Batanes

Batanes is a province in the northernmost tip of the Philippines with Basco as the capital. It is closer to Taiwan than it is to mainland Luzon. The province is composed of 10 islands, 3 of which are inhabited. The people of Batanes are called Ivatan and they share cultural and linguistic affinity with the Tao people of Taiwan. Spanish ancestry also runs in their blood. They speak the Ivatan dialect which is so unlike any other in the Philippines.

Let's Do It!

Crocs on holiday

I have dreamt about going to Batanes for so long. I've seen the pictures, heard and read the stories. I must take action.

I found the website of Lakbay Pilipinas that offers a 4-day package tour at a reasonable price. The only problem is they need a minimum of 4 persons to go. No go. My travel agent quoted me a price that's almost the same as the Lakbay Pilipinas rate but does not include the Sabtang trip. Hmm. I decided to organize my own trip.

First the accomodation (because they didnt require deposit) and then the flight. Travelling at the end of October means no competition so I didnt have problems with these departments. All land arrangements were done in Batanes. And I found a travel buddy to share the adventure with me.

There were only 5 other tourists in the plane to Basco. We came across only 2 of them during our trips around the island. Really made me feel that Batanes was all ours to enjoy.

Typhoon Comes

Resting

On the 3rd day, typhoon Reming came. Batanes was not directly hit but the incoming plane could not fly out of Manila. Our 4-day trip turned to 6 days, giving us more time to immerse with the locals and do more things. We met some young Ivatan artists and gatecrashed their halloween party, watched the kiddie olympics, had a lazy day and an encounter with the cows at the rolling hills of Tukon.

What an adventure we had in Batanes. Makes me so proud that my country has an amazing place like it.

I hope my page will be of help in planning your own Batanes trip. I've bombarded the tips with photos for you to appreciate Batanes more. If you care to know, we spent P16,530 each for the 6-day trip. P10,700 for the airfare and P5830 for food, transpo and accom (excluding souvenir shopping). Cheers!

Last visit to Province of Batanes: Oct 2006
Intro Updated May 11, 2007
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (33)

Centro, Sabtang Things to Do (15)

The barrios of Malakdang and Sinakan are located in the center of town, also called Centro. This is where the pier is.... more travel advice

Facade of restaurant - Province of Batanes

Fast Food Restaurants (3)

This canteen has a tongue-twister of a name. It serves the usual home-cooked, local dishes. Friendly staff. Cheap, cheap... more travel advice

Fast Food Restaurants (3)

It is true that unless you want to wait long, you have to make prior arrangements for meals in Batanes (like we did at... more travel advice

"Slaughter cow on wednesday" - Province of Batanes

To Market, To Market Local Customs (3)

Unlike most towns in the Philippines, there is no public market in Basco. Vegetable/meat stalls, and other shops are... more travel advice

Shopping (2)
See All Souvenirs
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Hike to the springs at Diura

Transportation (4)
See All Sabtang
Hotels (4)
See All Your home in Sabtang

Comments (13)

cyndymc Jan 2, 2010 at 9:59 PM Report Abuse

Excellent Travel Guide! I hope to go to Batanes this year, and your guide has been most helpful!
dratsky177 Oct 15, 2009 at 12:08 AM Report Abuse

Thanks, Ruby. Now my husband and I have a clearer idea of what to expect when we visit Batanes this October. I especially enjoyed your Sabtang info. =)
PierreZA Nov 15, 2008 at 8:51 PM Report Abuse

Hi Ruby, This is a beautiful page on a beautiful place - very nice tips and photos!
Dyesebel Jun 9, 2008 at 12:28 PM Report Abuse

Great Batanes page!You got more infos than WOW PH;);)this would be a big help to my future visit.It's awesome!
asiantraveler Mar 31, 2008 at 4:10 PM Report Abuse

my God its parafdise on earth i cant wait to go there
titabell Jun 4, 2007 at 11:27 PM Report Abuse

Hello Ruby! Beautiful photography!..........bell
badbaronan May 1, 2007 at 7:42 PM Report Abuse

your page is really great! it is most helpful and informative, i have been checking vt for informations regarding Batanes and your is the only that stands out. Thanks so much, it would be very helpful as im planning to go there next year. =) God bless!
nimato Apr 2, 2007 at 10:12 AM Report Abuse

kainis ka ruby, ingget ako sobra sa batanes adventure mo. great pix and tips! gotta go there asap!
mvtouring Feb 22, 2007 at 9:06 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for updating your page. Enjoyed it as much as the first time around :-)
moonlighting Feb 1, 2007 at 3:26 AM Report Abuse

grabe! excellent tips and photos, complete and truly helpful. sana lang talaga makapunta ako at magamit ang tips mo. kudos!