DIY Batanes - Expenses

Most people think that Batanes could be one of the most expensive destinations here in the Philippines. Maybe because of its proximity from Manila and the unanswered questions about the food, transportation and accommodations that this majestic island currently offers. By reading this article, you will definitely change your perception and may wanted to book the next seat sale as I shared to you how to cross out your bucket list and satisfy your wanderlust by not shelling out big percentage of your bank account.





How to get there?

Facade of Basco Airport and currently under construction for expansion.


The only way to reach Batanes is by plane. Below are the list of Airlines that caters tourist in and out of this beautiful island of Batanes.

Note: Make sure to book ahead of time and grab the seat sale. It will save you a lot of money.

Regular Airfare starts from Php 10,000.00 up
Seat Sale Fare starta from Php 1,300.00 up

*Kindly contact the specific airlines for their updated schedules.
Basco Airport Runway facing Mt. Iraya



Where to stay?

Batanes offers different type of accommodation  depending on what budget you have and what type of traveler you are.

Home-stay : Price starts from Php 350.00/night for a fan room and
                     Php 1,000.00/night for an AC room

Resort : Price starts from Php 1,600.00/night 

Hotel : Price starts from Php 7,000.00 /night



Basco City from Naidi Hills

White Beach


Where to eat?

If you are interested to try their local delicacies, you may wanted to visit any of these restaurants

Pension Ivatan : Their famous Ivatan Platter cost Php 1,700.00 (good for 6 or more pax)

Vatang Grill & Restaurant : DIsh starts from Php 180.00 up (good for 2 pax)








Tours

Total expense for the tours depends if you wanted to join the group tours or you may opted to try the DIY style.

Options available:

1) If you are at least 3 pax, I suggest that you do the DIY (tricycle) 
2) If you are big group (6pax up). I suggest that you do the DIY (Van)
3) If you don't prefer to ride a tricycle, you have no other choice but to join group tour.
4) Drive your own Bicycle or Motorbike


Below is my sample computation :


Ruins located in Sitio Song Song
Watching the strong waves from Uyugan, Batan Island


Pros of taking the DIY Tours:
  • Budget Friendly
  • You are helping the local (Driver) to earn some money
  • You have instant photographer
  • He can also tell stories about each locations
  • You will enjoy the fresh air of Batanes
Pros of staying at Homestays:
  • Backpacker's haven - Budget friendly.
  • If you are not choosy, stay with a fan room. Batanes is generally cold throughout the year.
  • You will meet new friends that can share the tours with you to save mone

Below is my expenses for the 4Days 3Nights Batanes Trip


Speacial Thanks to Ate Fe of Marfel's Lodge for giving me discount on my accommodation and free of charge for light cooking and around 2-hours total bicycle use.

San Jose Church in front of Port of Ivana

Who to Contact?

Accommodation: Marfel's Lodge
Felomena "Ate Fe" Fitero
09088931475
Batan Tour Guide/Driver (Tricycle)
Kuya Dale
09293410941
Sabtang Tour Guide / Driver (Tricycle)  
Kuya Michael
09184370551





Follow my blog with Bloglovin

6 comments:

  1. Lucky guy for a 1.3k airfare! sana makakuha din ako, any tips on when I can catch it? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. sign up for email alerts. :) that's the best thing way to grab a seat sale ahead of time. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I bookmarked this article for future references. I'll definitely follow this guide. :)
    What's the best month to visit the place?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! If you want to experience winter (w/o snow), then go within the months of December to February. They say that temperature during those months sometimes reaches 5 degrees. :)

      Rest of the year is okay. Batanes is generally cold. :) Just try to avoid the rainy season during Aug to Sept just to lessen the chance of flight cancellation. :)

      Delete
  4. Thank you for this very informative blog.I just book my rt ticket thru skyjet for November to Batanes.Yes, i'll be traveling alone!(kaya ko 'to!hahaha)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey anonymous, how much is your ticket?

    ReplyDelete