Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Itbayat Island
Of the three inhabited islands in the Batanes group,
Itbayat Island
is the least accessible.
There's no public transport, either, so you'll have to get around on foot or by asking
one of the residents who owns a motorbike to give you a lift. It's crisscrossed by trails
made by farmers and fishermen, making for superb trekking in good weather.
The ferry lands at the west coast harbour of Chinapoliran, from where you can walk
or hitch a lift to the pretty little capital,
ITBAYAT
. There are great views of the island,
and the others nearby, from the viewpoint of Mount Karaboboan, also known as
Mount Santa Rosa
(277m), on the northern side of the island. Alternatively go looking
for the stone boat-shaped burial markers at Torongan Hill, above a cave where the first
inhabitants of the island are believed to have lived.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
BATANES PROVINCE
By plane
The only way to get to the Batanes islands is
by air, with all flights landing in Basco. You can fly from
Tuguegarao with Sky Pasada (3 weekly; 1hr; P5225) and
North Sky Air (3 weekly; 1hr 30min; P5100), while PAL
operates daily flights from Manila (1hr 30min; P8500).
Basco is also connected to Itbayat (see below).
3
GETTING AROUND
By ferry
Ferries connect Basco, Sabtang and Itbayat. The
channel between Basco and Sabtang is known for its
strong currents and big waves - avoid the crossing in
rough weather. If travelling to Itbayat from Basco, be
warned that it can be a very uncomfortable and rough
crossing, and that the ferries can be cancelled for several
days in a row if sea conditions are particularly poor.
from Sabtang (30min; P75) arrives around 1.30pm. Ferries
for Sabtang leave daily at 6am.
SABTANG ISLAND
By ferry
Ferries leave Ivana pier in Batan for Sabtang daily
at 6am, returning to Batan around 1pm.
ITBAYAT ISLAND
By plane
North Sky has flights from Basco to Itbayat
(Mon, Wed & Fri 11.30am; 20min; P1800).
By ferry
A daily ferry to Itbayat leaves Basco at 5am (3hr;
P450) and returns the same day; you won't have enough
time to see much without staying the night.
BATAN ISLAND
By plane
A tricycle from the airport is P30 to Basco
(5min), or P60 to the barangay of Kaychanarianan.
By ferry
Ferries to Batan arrive and leave from Ivana, a
tricycle ride away from Basco (30min; P200). The 1pm ferry
INFORMATION
Make sure you take
pesos
to Batanes - credit cards are not accepted. You should be able to change US dollars and
travellers' cheques at PNB in Basco, but not at a favourable rate; there's also a Land Bank with an ATM in Basco, although it's
probably best not to rely solely on this.
BATAN ISLAND
Tourist Information
The heritage and tourism section
of the governor's of
ce is on National Rd, and there's an
information point at arrivals at the airport (both Mon-Fri
8am-5pm;
T
0929 846 8395,
W
batanes.gov.ph).
Tours
Ivatan Travel & Tours (
T
0928 525 0818,
W
batanesit
tour.com) and Batanes Tours and Travel (
T
0917 892 2552,
W
amazingbatanes.com) both organize island tours, as well
as biking and trekking. For scuba diving contact Chico at Dive
Batanes Lodge (
T
0947 817 4977,
W
divebatanes.com).
SABTANG ISLAND
Registration fee
There is a registration fee of P200
payable on arrival at the tourist centre.
Tourist information
The tourist centre (daily 6am-9pm;
T
0918 488 2424) is to the left as you leave the port. They
have no maps or brochures but can provide advice on
routes, and will collect your registration fee. If you want
a tour of the island, call the tourist centre in advance or
organize it in Basco.
GETTING AROUND
BATAN ISLAND
By jeepney
If you are in a group then the easiest way to
get a quick overall picture of the beauty of Batan is to hire
a jeepney with driver for the day (P2000) through your
accommodation. It's also possible to travel in public
jeepneys that connect settlements along the coastal road,
but you'll have to be prepared to wait and probably to do
some walking and hitching.
