Visit the Philippines, Visit Batanes!

Since my March 17 presentation on the beautiful province of Batanes in the Philippines, I have
been getting quite a number queries about getting there and stuff. Heres how:

It is not easy visiting the paradise that is Batanes. First, the weather is very unpredictable, you
may end up being lashed by typhoons. Second, getting there is quite costly. Regular Manila-
Basco-Manila roundtrip fares range from AUD400-500, and only PAL Express and SkyJet (local
Philippine airlines) have flights to Basco. There are ships from Manila to Basco but it would take
you forever to get there. The good news is that you can get promo fares. Always check PAL for
this (I dont think SkyJet does promos), they can have promo roundtrip fares as low as AUD40.

Once there, prepare for the unexpectedchanges in tour arrangements (which can be fun),
changes in weather (which can be extra fun) and cancellations of your flight schedule (which,
amazingly, can be fun as well). Bring extra cash. Yes, cash. Do not bring your credit card/s, it
would be useless. You may bring your ATM card. Basco has two local banks with teller
machines.

Of course, you need to eat. There are plenty of places to eat with prices that range from AUD3-
15 per person (try Octagon and Pension Ivatan). And since youre already there, try eating at
Jessicas Vunung Dinette (remember Vunung, the food served out of love?). She only serves
dinner and you must make reservations. Tell your tour guide if you want to have dinner there,
theyll help you.

Accommodations are everywhere. If you like the hotel feel, there are a lot that offers that, but if
you want the at-home feel, then I suggest you stay at Marfels Lodge. Room rates can go as low
as AUD13 per night depending on the type of room and the season. There are places to stay that
are fancy but they might cost you AUD260 per night.

Tours can be arranged via travel agencies. You may contact TRavelYoung or BISUMI Tour &
Services to plan for you (contact list provided below). You can tour Sabtang Island, North and
South Batan Island for 2-3 days for AUD100 (I think it also depends on the season). For a more
adventurous tour, you may tour Itbayat (but you must have at least a 6-day stay in Batanes for
that) or you may climb the Iraya. Arrangements for those can be made there, just ask your tour
guide or your lodge keepers, they will be more than willing to help you. And I urge you to get
tour guides. It supports the local tourism industry (and, DIYs can be risky in Batanes).

If you want to roam around, you may rent bicycles, motorcycles and tricycles. You can plan it
once you get there, theyre easy to find.

Heres a contact list if you wish to visit Batanes anytime soon (and please do, it will be the best
experience of your life)

TRavelYoung (Tom and Yana)

Mobile: +63 917 410 6099, +63 915 303 0595
Email: book@travelyoung.ph
Facebook: fb.com/TRavelYoungPH

BISUMI Travel & Services

Mobile: +63 919 279 5963, +63 915 803 4582
Email: bisumitours@gmail.com
Facebook: fb.com/bisumitours
Website: www.discoverbatanes.com

Marfels Lodge (Fe or Jay Ann)

Mobile: (Ate Fe) +63 917 883 3249, (Jay Ann) +63 908 893 1475
Facebook: fb.com/marfelslodge.batanes

Tour Guides (Ryan, Ian or Arthem)

Mobile: (Ryan) +63 915 803 4582, (Ian) +63 921 668 0918, (Arthem) +63 998 468 8609
Email: (Ryan) ryan.batanes@gmail.com
Facebook: (Ryan) fb.com/batanestravelguide