DIY Travel Guide: Batanes Itinerary for Budget Travelers

Batanes has always been one of my dream destinations, and I never imagined that I would finally set foot on the northernmost province of the Philippines as early as this year. I made a few sacrifices to make this trip happen, but every single one of them was worth it just to live my Batanes dream. If you’re planning your own trip to this remote paradise, here’s the Batanes itinerary I followed, an experience that turned a long-time dream into one of my most unforgettable journeys.

From dramatic coastlines to rolling hills that seem untouched by time, Batanes felt surreal from the moment I arrived. Thanks to a rare seat sale by Philippine Airlines, I was able to score one of the most affordable roundtrip airfares to the province, something I never thought possible back then.

Batanes is closer to Taiwan than to mainland Luzon, which makes the province more challenging for tourists and travelers to visit. It is the smallest province in the Philippines in terms of land area and has the smallest population. Batanes is composed of 10 islands, but only three are inhabited: Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat.

Let me share some tips on how to live the Batanes dream on a budget. You can also use this guide to help plan your trip, from affordable places to stay and eat to a Batanes DIY tour covering the province’s major islands.

BATANES ITINERARY: FUN FACTS

• Cellphone signals are available for major networks except in Imnajbu and Itbud in Batan and Nakanmuan, Sumnanga and Chavayan in Sabtang.
• Weather in Batanes, throughout the year, is relatively cooler than the rest of the Philippines.
• ATM is available in Basco being operated by Landbank.

HOW TO GET TO BATANES

Getting to Batanes is easier than before, although flight routes have changed compared to a decade ago. Due to airport regulations and airline operations, some previously available routes are no longer active. Below are the current ways to fly to Basco Airport (BSO), the main gateway to Batanes.

Philippine Airlines (PAL / PAL Express) – Clark to Basco

• Route: Clark International Airport (CRK) to Basco, Batanes (BSO)
• Frequency: Daily flights
• Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

PAL has shifted most Batanes flights from Manila to Clark. This route now offers more consistent schedules, but travelers coming from Metro Manila should factor in the 2–3 hour land travel time to Clark.

Sky Pasada – Regional Routes to Basco

Sky Pasada continues to operate regional flights connecting Northern Luzon to Batanes.

• Tuguegarao to Basco – Regular flights
• Laoag to Basco – Several flights per week

This option works well for travelers who plan to explore Northern Luzon first or are looking for alternative routes when direct flights are limited.

Alternative Route via Northern Luzon

Another option is to fly or travel by land to Tuguegarao or Laoag, then take a Sky Pasada flight to Basco. This can sometimes be more affordable, especially during peak travel seasons when direct flights sell out quickly.

Notes on Manila Direct Flights

Direct flights from Manila to Basco were available in the past, but most commercial operations have since been moved to Clark. While occasional seasonal or charter flights may appear, these are not regularly scheduled.

Booking Tips

• Book flights early, especially during peak months such as March to May and holiday seasons.
• Always check multiple routes, including Clark, Tuguegarao, and Laoag.
• Watch out for airline promotions, as limited seat sales still happen occasionally.

Flight routes, schedules, and frequencies to Batanes change depending on the season, weather conditions, and airline operations. Always check directly with the airlines or their official websites for the most updated flight information before booking.

BATANES ITINERARY: WHERE TO STAY

Staying in a homestay remains the most authentic and budget-friendly way to spend your nights in Batanes. It’s a chance to experience local life firsthand, interact with hosts, and immerse yourself in the Ivatan culture. During my visit, homestays were the best option, but tourism and development have led to new accommodations opening in Basco. For travelers who want a more traditional Batanes experience, the homestay contacts listed below are still useful. Disclaimer: Rate per night is during our stay in 2014.

Name	Location	Contact	Rate per Night
MARFEL’S HOMESTAY	Batan	Ate Fe – 0908-893-1475	Php 350
CITA’S LODGE	Batan	Nanay Cita – 0939-919-3616	Php 350
OLD HOUSE IN CHAVAYAN	Sabtang	0999-489-6295	Php 150
CANO’S LODGE	Itbayat	Nanay Tina – 0919-300-4787 / 0921-567-3409	Php 200

If you prefer more conventional lodging, Basco now offers a variety of resorts and inns that provide comfort while still keeping you close to the island’s charm. A list of these accommodations is provided for convenience.

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BATANES ITINERARY: WHERE TO EAT

Food in Batanes tends to be more expensive than in other parts of the Philippines because most ingredients are shipped in, so it’s best to budget around Php 300–500 per meal when dining out. Many homestays also offer paluto (cooking service) if you provide the ingredients, giving you the chance to prepare meals at a lower cost while enjoying local flavors.

Classic Restaurants in Basco

Among the long-standing favorites, Pension Ivatan remains a must-visit for those wanting authentic Ivatan dishes. Their Ivatan Platter offers a generous selection of local specialties and is perfect for groups. Casa Napoli Pizza is ideal if you’re craving pizza, with their garlic and cheese pizza often praised as better than chain offerings. They also provide delivery for convenience. Octagon Restaurant continues to charm diners with hearty servings of stir-fried vegetables and nilagang baboy in a warm, cozy setting. Meanwhile, Paulvanna’s Canteen in Mahatao serves affordable local meals such as sisig and vegetable sides, perfect for a budget-friendly stop.

New Recommended Spots

Recent years have introduced new dining options that have become traveler favorites. While I didn’t personally try them, a few friends who visited Batanes after my trip highly recommend Vunong by Jessica’s Place, known for flavorful Ivatan dishes like uvud and local salads, making it a must-visit. Icy Hot by The Ivatan Chef has earned a strong following for dishes such as beef curry, while Noods caters to noodle and ramen lovers seeking something different. Beehan Food Enterprise offers budget-friendly Filipino classics and desserts, and Harbour Cafe provides a relaxed spot for lunch or dinner with stunning views of Basco port. For a more upscale experience, Cafe du Tukon at Fundacion Pacita serves farm-to-table meals with panoramic vistas, ideal for a special lunch or sunset meal. Little Batanes Cafe is a cozy stop for coffee, pastries, and light bites.

Local Carinderias & Budget-Friendly Eats

For travelers on a tighter budget, local carinderias and small canteens around Basco offer affordable, home-style Filipino meals. Notable options include Bartilad Canteen on Castillejos Street, SDC Canteen near BDO, Monica’s on Amboy Street, and Bagong Carinderia on Abad Street. These establishments are perfect for sampling everyday flavors without breaking the bank.

Tips for Dining in Batanes

Many popular restaurants close early, around 8–9 PM, so it’s best to schedule dinner in advance. Reservations are highly recommended for spots like Vunong, Icy Hot, Café du Tukon, or Harbour Cafe, especially during peak travel seasons. And, of course, don’t miss the opportunity to try authentic Ivatan dishes such as uvud, lunis, and tanige for a truly memorable culinary experience in Batanes.

BATANES ITINERARY: WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Batanes may be the smallest province in the Philippines, but it is packed with stunning natural attractions and unique cultural sites. From rolling hills and dramatic cliffs to historic lighthouses and traditional Ivatan villages, the province offers a variety of experiences for every type of traveler.

Click the images below to explore the must-see tourist attractions and plan your itinerary around these breathtaking destinations.

Basco – Valugan Boulder Beach, Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel, Fundacion Pacita, Tukon Church, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Casa Real, Basco Lighthouse, Naidi Hills, Vayang Rolling Hills, Mount Iraya, and Nakamaya Burial Site

Mahatao – San Carlos Borromeo Church, Spanish lighthouse, Marlboro Rolling Hills (Racuh a Payaman), Racuh-a-Idi Spring, Diura Fishing Village, Tayid Lighthouse, Mahatao Boat Shelter Port, and Chawa View Deck

Ivana – Honesty Coffee Shop, san Jose de Obrero Church, Old Spanish Bridge, and  House of Dakay

Uyugan – Imnajbu Village, LORAN Station, Alapad Hills and Rock Formation, San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, Itbud Village and Song-song ruins

Sabtang – Chamantad-Tinyan View Point and Cove, Sabtang Villages, Chavayan Chapel, Atanacio Dapilan House, Duvek Bay, Morong Beach and Ahaw Natural Arch, Sabtang Lighthouse, San Vicente Ferrer Church, ruins of old Sabtang Church’s convent, 1887 deep well, and Spanish lighthouse

Itbayat – Mt Karoboban, Torongan Cave and Hill, Lake Kavaywan, Yawran and Raele Villages, St. Joseph Church, Manoyok Sinkhole, Rapang Cliff, Nahili do Votox, Caves of Northern Sarokan, Eastern Sarokan and Pivangan, Agosan Rock Formation, and Sta. Maria Immaculada Church

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SAMPLE BATANES DIY ITINERARIES

Duration	Itinerary
4 Days / 3 Nights (Batan and Sabtang Island)	Day 1: Arrival, Walking Tour in Basco, Batanes Day 2: Overnight in Sabtang Island Day 3: South Batan Tour (Ivana, Mahatao, and Uyugan) Day 4: Departure
6 Days / 5 Nights (Including Itbayat)	Day 1: Arrival, Walking Tour in Basco, Batanes Day 2: Overnight in Itbayat Island Day 3: Walking Tour in Basco, Batanes Day 4: Ivana and Mahatao Day 5: Uyugan Day 6: Departure Note: This itinerary is a bit risky since the weather to and from Itbayat is unpredictable.

We explored the province in a do-it-yourself (DIY) style, making use of public transportation such as tricycles, jeepneys, and ferries, while dining at local restaurants and eateries. Our choice to do a DIY tour was intentional: it allowed us to interact with locals and experience the province more personally, rather than simply hopping on a shuttle and following a pre-set itinerary. This approach made our stay not just a sightseeing trip, but a truly memorable immersion into Batanes life.