Four-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Batanes, Philippines

  • Day 1: Mt. Carmel Chapel and Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge
    20 minutes (5 km) from Basco Airport

    Explore the picturesque Mt. Carmel Chapel with its beautiful stone façade that overlooks the West Philippine Sea. After that, head over to Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge, a mountainside retreat that offers a breathtaking view of Racuh a Payaman.

  • Day 2: Vayang Rolling Hills and Valugan Boulder Beach
    30 minutes (7 km) from Basco town proper

    Drive to Valugan Boulder Beach and witness the rough beauty of Basco's eastern coast. After that, trek up to the Vayang Rolling Hills for a panoramic view of the town's green landscapes.

  • Day 3: Chawa View Deck, Mahatao Boat Shelter, and Racuh a Payaman
    1 hour and 10 minutes (35 km) from Basco town proper

    Visit Chawa View Deck for a scenic panorama of the Pacific Ocean, followed by a stop at the traditional Ivatan stone house, Mahatao Boat Shelter. Finally, end your day by watching the sunset at Racuh a Payaman, also known as Marlboro Country.

  • Day 4: Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hills
    15 minutes (4 km) from Basco town proper

    Start your day at Basco Lighthouse for a stunning view of the Basco Bay. After that, head over to Naidi Hills and explore its beautiful old lighthouse, as well as the idyllic St. Dominic's Church.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Mt. Carmel Chapel (1 hour, Free)
  • Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge (1 hour, Free)
  • Vayang Rolling Hills (2 hours, Free)
  • Valugan Boulder Beach (2 hours, Free)
  • Chawa View Deck (1 hour, Free)
  • Mahatao Boat Shelter (1 hour, Free)
  • Racuh a Payaman (2 hours, Free)
  • Basco Lighthouse (1 hour, Free)
  • Naidi Hills (2 hours, Free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: Free

Transportation

Getting around Batanes on a shoestring budget is possible via tricycle rides (₱35-50 per person) or a motorcycle hire (₱400-600 per day) from available rental shops. A multi-cab or van transfer is also nice for a shared ride, costing (₱150-200 per person) for one-way transfers.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you should add a day trip to Sabtang Island or Itbayat Island to experience their endemic Ivatan culture. You may also stay overnight in homestays to save on accommodation and transportation costs. If you have less time, you may remove a destination from your itinerary, such as Naidi Hills or Vayang Rolling Hills, depending on your interests and preferences.

Airports

Basco Airport (BSO) is the only airport in Batanes and is located in the town of Basco, near the northern tip of the island. The airport serves several airlines that fly to and from Manila, Clark, and Tuguegarao. It is approximately 30 minutes (5 km) from Basco town proper.

0