Tip No. 1
Book your airline ticket between the months of January – March because this is a lean season, so the tickets are cheap and the weather is perfect. There may be rainy days but expect to have a good climate. I will not recommend the summer months, though it’s the safest time but when you do the land tour it will extremely get too hot and sweating.
We booked our tour package via Fullham Road Travel and Tours. Their customer service was great not only that they’re on time for our tour but the Cogon drivers were also our personal tour guide and photographer. By the way, they just don’t take photos randomly but they take great photos that are Instagram-worthy.
Here’s our Itinerary:
Day 1
We checked in first at Davocol's Inn to freshen up then we started our North Batan Tour at exactly 3:00 PM
• Basco Town Tour - Provincial Capitol of Batanes (this was not part of the tour but we needed to stop to pay for the municipal fees and environmental fees which by the way is included in the package) across this building is their town plaza
• The famous welcome to Basco sign – most of the tourists took photos here so we decided to stop for a while and enjoy the view.
• Mt. Carmel Church or known as the Tukon Church - this is often referred to as the church of fulfilled dreams or promises. Definitely, you will fall in love with this beautiful rustic style church perched on top of the hill. The place is ideal for intimate weddings and you can see the fabulous view of Mt. Iraya. If there’s a church like this in Cebu, definitely will be renewing our vows.
Tip No. 2
Make sure to check Instagram posts so you will know where’s the perfect spot to pose because you don’t have all the time to check whether your angle is good or not.
• PAG-ASA weather station or known as Tukon Radar Station - this is just a walking distance from the Tukon Church and nothing much happened here except to enjoy the view.
• Japanese Tunnel
Since I was pregnant at that time, I wasn’t able to get inside the tunnel and just waited for them to finish their tour inside for 15minutes. The tunnel is just 250-meter long and has a lower deck chamber so it would be difficult for me to pass through and may cause delay for the group so I decided to be left behind. But they got no photos inside because it was dark and they found nothing but rocks and shattered walls.
• Didawud Idjang
According to our guide, Idjang is a fortress built from natural landforms that served as a look-out point and hiding spots of Ivatans from invaders.
• Fundacion Pacita (we weren't able to take photos because it's no longer open for the public however if you wanted to eat at their restaurant you can take photos in some areas only) but make sure to have a reservation because the place gets easily full.
• Boulder Beach in Chanpan Valugan
Looking at these immense boulders, I was really amazed if it’s true that these were said to be ‘pieces of evidence of geologic forces from the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Iraya in 325 B.C”. I can imagine how the people during those times survived that eruption. It was windy that time so I was really scared to get close to the waves. And these rocks were wet and slippery so needed to be extra careful.
Tip No. 3
Make sure to wear comfy footwear, in this case, you might get wet not just by the splash of waves but there’s a possibility of drizzles.
• Santo Domingo Church also known as Basco Cathedral
This time I had to make a wish because whenever I visit a church I always remember what my grandmother told me to take seven steps going inside the church, then make a wish and 100% of that wish will be granted (of course practical wishes). Yes, it’s proven to be true you should try it.
• Vayang Rolling Hills
We didn’t expect this place to be so windy and cold, but the view from the top was really beautiful and stunning looking at the verdant grassland and the deep blue sea. I thought I can’t make it on top but thank goodness I made it and I was speechless seeing this magnificent beauty around me. This amazing view must be shared with all Filipinos because it really deserves all appreciation. However, if you have fear of heights, this might be challenging but I dare you, you have to see this in person.
• Naidi Lighthouse
Our North Batan Tour ended in this picturesque lighthouse. This is the only remaining lighthouse that is built on government-owned land. There were a lot of tourists taking photos in every spot so just patiently wait for your turn. We didn’t go up to the lighthouse because I was really tired instead we just sat and watched the sunset.
We finished our half day tour around 5:30 PM and our driver dropped us off at Pension Ivatan for our dinner just a walking distance to our hotel. We ordered their famous dishes bulalo, luñis (pork adobo), Batanes flavor platter, rice and drinks.
It was an exhausting yet fulfilling day. We were blessed with beautiful weather and a great tour guide who took most of our photos for the entire tour.
It’s time to say goodbye for now, please follow me for the second part of this travel series the South Batan and the Sabtang Island Tour.
Let me know in the comment down below if you have visited Batanes and what’s your unforgettable experience.
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After reading yours, Batanes is definitely a must-see. Thank you for sharing your tips of how to go about a trip there.
Thank you for taking time to read my blog. More tips for part 2 😊💚
It's my pleasure sis! Would read part 2 for sure :)
This is a very beautiful place, I hope to visit someday too
Indeed a beautiful place! You will definitely fall in love with 💚
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WOOOOOOW. Always wanted to go to Batanes but daaaamn, it's very expensive. hahahhahaah. Great photos @jezwanderer. and thank you for the virtual tour!
Hehehe 1 year savings ni among Batanes trip 😊 but very worth it 😊
makapurdoy. ahhahhahaa. Puhon2. makaabot ra jd ko Batanes *manifestsing!
Omg!!! Batanes is sooo dreamyyy 😍 Would love to visit and take photos at Vayang rolling hills😍
It's really a beautiful rolling hills, wear your best OOTD here 😊
Yes!! Will definitely save and prepare for it😍
I admire the photographer, who is incredibly diligent and artistic, in addition to the gorgeous scenery.
Our tour guide took most of the photos 😊
Batanes is really a dream destination but it's quite expensive huhu. I hope someday I can also visit Batanes.
Batanes looks beautiful! And it's super sulit given the price package you posted and the 5 days travel! This is definitely on my list! ❤️
Yes very sulit maam 😊 plus if you can get a promo fare mas sulit po 😊
Oo nga noh? Baka may mga sulit fares na ngayong medyo open😁 to travel around Philippines
Ohhh my! One of my dream travels, Batanessssss. Tigum sa ta for that kay mahal2 jd ba.
Hehehe yes save2x sa pra no limits jd sa gasto pag.abot..try their best restaurant 😊
Mao gani ba. I heard naa daw famous honest store sila diha sa Batanes?
Yeah they have maam, pwede rka manguha bsan unsa sa store..honestay ra jd 😊
Wowww! Magwait kos imong part 2 post ba... Nice jd Batanes, nice sd jd imo Batanes travel blog.
Salamat 😊 I'll be posting part 2 within the day 😊
Yay!!
Batanes my love! One in the bucketlist!
My laagan spirit is so triggered right now!
I hope to be able to travel there soon. Hopefully with my life partner too just like how you enjoyed it!