Remote and isolated, Batanes is the northernmost province in the Philippines. It’s a 10-piece archipelago, with the three biggest islands being the only ones inhabited: Sabtang, Batan, and Itbayat. Sabtang and Itbayat are their own municipalities, while Batan is further divided into Basco, Ivana, Uyugan, and Mahatao. Although it is the capital, Basco isn’t a city but a small town. It is also where the main airport is located and the most populated.
Sabtang, the largest island, is situated 45-minutes by boat from the town of Ivana, while Itbayat, in the extreme north, 3 hours from Basco.
For tourism purposes, the provinces is divided into four zones:
North Batan, which is basically Basco.
South Batan, which covers the attractions in Uyugan, Mahatao, and Ivana
Sabtang Island, can be reached by boat. Day tour from Batan Island is possible, although an overnight stay is highly recommended.
Itbayat Island, can be reached by boat or plane.
Here are more things you need to know about Batanes.
Language: Ivasayen (northern parts of Batan Island), Isamurongen (Sabtang and southern parts of Batan), and Itbayaten (Itbayat). Tagalog, Ilokano, and English are all widely understood and spoken.
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP, ₱). PHP100 = USD 2, EUR 1.57, SGD 2.56 (as of February 2018).
Modes of payment: Cash. There’s also a Cebuana Lhuillier branch along Abad Street, where you can receive money, pay bills, or purchase travel insurance.
PLACES TO VISIT IN BATANES
Tourist spots in Batanes are often divided into four zones: North Batan, South Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. I always recommend taking the North Batan Tour first because it gives just the right dose of what’s to come, sort of a teaser. If you’re based in Basco, it is the closest and shortest of the tours. The whole thing takes just half a day, around 4 hours.
South Batan takes much longer, covers a wider area, and in my opinion, much more breathtaking. If you do South Batan first, the North might leave you a bit underwhelmed.
Important! Please take note of the following tourism/environmental fees:
Batan Island (collected upon landing at Basco Airport): P350
Sabtang Island: P200
Itbayat Island: P100
NORTH BATAN
The North Batan Tour takes only half a day (around 4 hours including the lunch stop). This is more about visually stunning landscapes and a little bit of history. There isn’t any stop here where you can swim or take a dip.
Below is the list of attractions in the northern half of Batan Island.
Tukon Church
PAGASA Weather Station
Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
Valugan Boulder Beach
Basco Lighthouse at Naidi Hills
Vayang Rolling Hills
Chadpidan Boulder Beach
The first stop is usually either Tukon Church or Valugan Beach. If you want to start early in the morning, visit Valugan Beach first because it faces east — Valugan means “east” — and is a great spot to watch the sunrise.
On the other hand, if you’re exploring in the afternoon, you might want to request making Vayang Rolling Hills your last stop because it is a perfect place to see the sunset.
Chadpidan Beach is also often not included in tour itineraries, and might entail additional fees. However, you can have a good view of this boulder beach from Vayang Rolling Hills.
SOUTH BATAN
Roaming the southern half of Batan Island takes an entire day. It straddles the municipalities of Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan
Chawa Viewdeck
Mahatao Boat Shelter
San Carlos Borromeo Church
Tayid Lighthouse
Racuh-a-Payaman (Marlboro Country)
Alapad Pass
Motchong Viewpoint
San Jose El Obrero Church
House of Dakay
Spanish Bridge
Honesty Coffee Shop
Songsong Ruins
Imnajbu Beach
Maydangeb White Beach
Homoron Blue Lagoon
The sheer number of stops makes this an exhausting tour, but you won’t be complaining because this tour will leave you breathless. The first stop is usually Chawa Viewdeck. The picture-perfect Diura Beach is also on this side of the island, but most tours don’t come close to it. However, you can have an unforgettable view of it from Racuh-a-Payaman.
There are two spots where you can swim — Homoron Blue Lagoon and Maydangeb White Beach — so make sure to bring a towel, swimming attire, and extra clothes.
SABTANG ISLAND
If you want to see much of the island, we suggest that you stay overnight. But if you have just enough time for a day tour, that’s fine too. Below are the common stops.
If on a day trip, make sure you’re back at the port between 1pm and 2pm. Better yet, before you leave Sabtang port ask the boatmen or tricycle driver what time the boat is leaving the island for Batan and be sure to return by then. There’s only one trip per day so if you miss that boat, you’ll be forced to spend the night in Sabtang.
El Nido is a surreal place: Endless beaches, crystal clear waters and an underwater world, that will take your breath away. A destination that truly looks like paradise.
WHY IS EL NIDO SO SPECTACULAR?
Good question. Once upon a time, El Nido was a sleepy town at the northern tip of Palawan that has been relatively unknown to foreigners. In the 1980s, it became a popular tourist destination and worldwide attention for its superb diving, endless white sandy beaches and steep limestone cliffs, surrounded by turquoise crystal clear waters, beautiful lagoons, waterfalls and caves. El Nido became the gateway to Asia's most beautiful natural treasure: The Bacuit Archipelago.
Or let's say it in other words: Mother Nature has gone crazy here.
El Nido is not just a tropical beach paradise, it's a place like no other. With breathtaking views of nature, over and under the sea, El Nido is so unique and for sure, one of the most beautiful seascapes on earth.
THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO:
You can not leave El Nido without exploring the nearby Islands! That's the MOST important sightseeing in Palawan! No excuse! El Nido offers 4 different kind of Island Hopping Tours and each of them visit different places. They call them Tour A, B, C, and D. If you have only time for one or two of them, choose Tour A or C. Both are amazing. Actually all of them are amazing. But A & C are my favorites.
If you already have a group of 4 people or more, hire a private boat, so you're more flexible with the route and can escape the other tour operators. With around 50 beaches to explore, it's quite easy to find your own secluded beach without seeing any crowds.
Dip into the pristine waters, go snorkeling and discover an underwater wonderland with more than 100 species of corals and 800 species of fish.
Besides Island Hopping you can go diving or rent a kayak. I didn't do any of those and rented a motorbike instead. You have to bargain hard, they usually ask for PHP500-700 (~US$10-15) for daily rental. With a big smile and a lot of schmooze I was able to get a motorbike for PHP400 (~US$8) for 6 hours.
Nacpan and Calitang Beach are MUST VISIT PLACES! Those twin beaches (Photo above and below) are 1 - 1,5 hours north from El Nido. The streets are in terrible condition! Oh hell, they were unforgivable! If you're not an experienced motorbike driver, don't do it! Better hire a tricycle instead (PHP700-1000 or US$15-20) for the round trip to Nacpan/Calitang Beach.
DISCOVER THE JEWELS OF
CORON, PALAWAN
Add Coron, Palawan to your bucket list, because I’m about to share with you an epic adventure itinerary, which was so breathtaking it blew my mind! What to do in Coron? A small warm-up hike followed by two days of island hopping amongst the most breathtaking scenery and the clearest water I have ever laid my eyes on. Finish it with a soak in the magical hot springs. This blog post details how to make the most of your time in Coron with a detailed itinerary. You will also find my tips on where to stay before and after your island hopping tours. I hope you are staying for a week because there are so many awesome things to do in Coron.
HIKE THE STAIRS TO MT TAPYAS FOR SUNSET
Mount Tapyas is the most popular viewpoint in Coron Town, Busuanga, with sweeping views over the rolling hills and a direct look towards the epic Coron Island in Palawan. The view doesn’t come easy though, to reach the giant cross at the summit, you need to climb 721 steps. In the piercing sun of Coron, this is a challenge that leaves many drenched in sweat and gasping for breath once they reach the top. For some, the 721 steps will be a walk in the park. However, for those who aren’t very active, you may battle through the incline and the sun. Be sure to pack at least one water bottle and possibly a snack for energy if you are worried.
EXPERIENCE ISLAND HOPPING
It includes Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach, Snorkel at Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon
Skeleton Wreck is a 25m long Japanese supply ship that was hit by an airstrike during WWII by US airforce. The ship now rests at a depth of 5m ranging to 22m at the deepest. It is an awesome spot for free-diving or scuba diving as well as snorkeling on the surface.
Barracuda Lake feels like a dream world. The entrance to the lake leads you along a path that winds through jagged rocks that look straight out of a movie before they reveal the beautiful, expansive Barracuda Lake. The lake is huge but swimmers enjoy an enclosed area of free-diving paradise in the deep waters. Underwater cliffs will blow your mind as you snorkel or free dive in this fresh-water lake in Coron Island.
MADYA NA SA ILOCOS... To make sure you cover everything the Philippines has to offer, start right at the top! Ilocos is the perfect beginning to an exciting adventure.
Long before the coming of the Spaniards, there existed an extensive region renowned for its gold mines. Merchants from Japan and China regularly traded with the inhabitants who called their place "samtoy" from "sao mi ditoy" literally meaning "our language". The Spanish colonization in Ilocos year 1572 was never completely successful. Products such as tobacco and basi (sugarcane wine) were monopolized by the government resulting to uprisings Basi Revolt being the most noteworthy. Widespread conflict throughout the region led to the division of the old Provincia de Ilocos through a Royal Decree in February 2, 1818. Ilocos Norte was born. Since then, the province increased in prosperity. Many towns during this period built bigger stone and brick churches with massive belfries. Under the American regime, new schools, roads, bridges, dikes and government buildings were constructed.
AN ARCHITECTURAL WONDER IN ILOCOS NORTE
The Paoay Church has probably been blogged about a gazillion times already. It is one of the most famous and most photographed churches in the Philippines after all. At some point in my life, there exists a moment when I saw a photo of the Paoay Church for the first time. The WOW moment, which made yearn for the day I’d get to see the Paoay Church in person. It’s so cool to be so far away from home and have the chance to visit the Paoay Church alongside many attractions of Ilocos Norte
EXPERIENCE THE THRILLING SAND DUNES
It's adventure time! Extreme sports enthusiasts have a range of options in Ilocos Norte. Sand surf and dune bash the vast sand dunes in Paoay and Laoag, the only desert in Southeast Asia.
CALLE CRISOLOGO
This street is filled with Spanish-style houses that evoke a bygone era. You will be guided through four blocks of cobblestone streets lined with heritage houses of the families of the Filipino-Chinese traders who rose to prominence during that time of vigorous trading in gold, tobacco and other goods. A walk through the famous street in Vigan during night is so magical! If you happen to visit in Vigan, I suggest that you go to Calle Crisologo at night. The stillness and shadows that come with the night adds more to the 18th century ambience of the lamp-lit street that local and foreign visitors love.
Calle Crisologo is indeed a perfect place to visit when you go to Ilocos. Its very romantic to walk through the street with a Spanish vibe. While doing this blog, It made me want to comeback to Ilocos especially in Calle Crisologo because the experience was priceless.
KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION
It was my first time riding a horse ad the experience was very fun and worth it especially when you already reached you final destination which is the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. We paid 100.00 in horse riding. The view was so surreal and I was in awe when I saw the view. It was very relaxing being there its just that we go there after lunch so its very hot but the view was worth your time and the adventure was irreplaceable.
FORT ILOCANDIA RESORT
En route to our room, which was quite a walk--Fort Ilocandia is huge--we passed by its photographically famous central fountain. Too bad it wasn’t spouting anything then, we were told that the only time it is opened is during events and special occasions. Oh well.
Grand crystal chandeliers illuminated the impressive interiors of the hotel lobby. Framed by dark wood panels, carved balustrades and warm bricks, it exudes an aura of old luxurious turn-of-the century Spanish mansions that Ilocos is known for.
Even before the colonial era, Puerto Galera has always been a busy port area because it is a good natural shelter for ships and boats. In 1570, the Spaniards arrived in Batangas and later crossed the Verde Island Passage to this coastal settlement. They named it Puerto Galera or Port of Galleons. Puerto Galera was dubbed as the "One of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World" and is situated in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. Puerto Galera’s most popular beach.
WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO GALERA
Puerto Galera’s jagged coastline is hemmed by over a dozen fair-sand-filled coves. Of all these beaches, these three are the most ideal places to stay for tourists:
White Beach. Puerto Galera’s most popular beach. This is Galera’s answer to Boracay’s White Beach. (And yep, they bear the same name.) This is where most of the tourism action happens. You’ll find a wide array of lodging and dining options here. Nightlife is also here.
Aninuan Beach. Located just next to White Beach but this is much more tamed and quiet. This is a good place to stay if you’re after a more relaxing stay but want easy access to White Beach.
Sabang Beach. A little bit detached from the first two coves, but it also harbors lots of accommodations. This is a great base for divers because of the number of dive resorts.
MANGYAN VILLAGE
If you want some heritage experience in Puerto Galera you can experience doing baskets with the help of the Mangyans in what they called the Mangyan Village where they produces high quality crafts and many more.
Mangyans are obviously shy so you need to be cautious when taking pictures and you need to respect them for that.
HOW TO GET AROUND PUERTO GALERA
BY TRICYCLE
The jeepney is the cheapest mode of transportation in Puerto Galera. However, as in any other place in the country, jeepneys follow a fixed route and tentative schedules. If you want better control of your time, the tricycle is better.
For short distances, most tricycle drivers charge P150-200 per ride (good for 3 pax). If you’re a group, that’s fine, but it’s a pain on the pockets if you’re traveling solo. A friend said that this is the tourist rate and that it is much lower for locals. I don’t know what the local rate is. However, for budgeting purposes, you can assume that it’s P200 per trip so you won’t go under.
You can also charter a tricycle to take you on a tour and see inland attractions like Tamaraw Falls, Virgin Beach, Mangyan Village, Infinity Farm and others for P800 (good for 3 pax).
BY MOTORCYCLE
If you have a driver’s license and you know how to drive a motorcycle, you can rent one and explore the town freely on your own. Rates vary depending on the type of motorcycle and the shop, but the standard rate is P400 per day.
If you choose to travel on two wheels, take extra care. Always wear a helmet even if many of the locals you see don’t.
BY BOAT
To get to some islands and other coves, chartering a boat is the way to go. Here are the boat rates for trips from Muelle Port as of May 2019. A boat can usually accommodate up to 6 pax.
DAY RATES
Sandbar: P200 one-way, P400 round trip
Buri Beach: P200 one-way, P400 round trip
San Antonio: P230 one-way, P460 round trip
Fridays: P250 one-way, P500 round trip
Coco Beach: P250 one-way, P500 round trip
Big La Laguna: P300 one-way, P600 round trip
Small La Laguna: P350 one-way, P700 round trip
Coral Garden: P400 one-way, P800 round trip
Sabang Beach: P400 one-way, P800 round trip
Long Beach: P500 one-way, P1000 round trip
Haligi Beach: P500 one-way, P1000 round trip
Bayanan Beach: P500 one-way, P1000 round trip
Tamaraw Beach: P700 one-way, P1400 round trip
White Beach: P1000 one-way, P2000 round trip
Talipanan Beach: P1200 one-way, P2400 round trip
You can also ask the boatman to tour you around. You may choose three destinations and they will show you around for around P2000.
NIGHT RATES: Night rates are double the prices listed above.
THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO GALERA
ISLAND HOPPING TOUR
Most island hopping tours will take you to the following attractions:
Haligi Beach
Bayanan Beach
Sandbar (sometimes replaced by Maniknik Beach)
Coral Garden (snorkeling site)
You can also replace a site with another. Check out the list of beaches in the previous section above (HOW TO GET AROUND: BY BOAT) and pick 3 from that list.
The boat tour costs P1800-P2000 per boat, good for 6-8 passengers. An additional P200 fee is collected per person for the smaller paddle boat that will take you to the snorkeling site.
If you want to make the most of your trip, you may visit the following sites:
San Antonio Island’s underwater cave
Giant clams site
Coral garden
Prepare to pay an extra P600 per person to see all three additional attractions.
LAND TOUR
Another way to explore Puerto Galera is by joining a tricycle tour, which will take you to some natural attractions that are easily accessible by land. A tricycle tour usually makes a stop at the following:
Tamaraw Falls
Virgin Beach
Mangyan Village
You will also be stopping at some lookout spots along the way.
The tour costs P800 per tricycle, maximum of 3 passengers. The price excludes entrance fees and other fees per site including the following:
Tamaraw Falls swimming area fee: P30 per person
Umbrella kiosk rental fee: P140
Barbeque grill rental fee: P50
Table rental fee: P30
Tamaraw Falls table rental and cooking fee: P150 per table
Virgin Beach entrance fee: P30 per person
If tricycle is not your preferred mode of transportation, you may also charter a multi-cab or jeepney for P2000+ per vehicle. This will allow you to see other attractions including:
Lantuyan Water Curtain
Infinity Farm
Turukan Falls
Hanging Bridge
Additional fees may apply.
DIVING COURSES
Puerto Galera’s coast is lapped by the waves of the Verde Island Passage, which is described by a 2007 Smithsonian Institute study as the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity citing the high concentration of marine species.
Home to over 40 established dive sites, it is one of the top diving destinations in the country. If you haven’t tried scuba diving before, Puerto Galera is also an ideal place to discover your love for the deep. There’s a lot of dive shops and resorts here and rates vary. But Fun Dives start at P1500 per dive. You can also find PADI introductory courses for around P3500 (1-2 hours, 1 dive).
WHITE BEACH AND NIGHTLIFE
Photo by Pycan Leynes
White Beach is Puerto Galera’s answer to Boracay. It is the most popular stretch of sand in the area and the most commercialized. You’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy here even at night. On weekends and holidays, there’s no running short of bars, booze, live bands, and fire dancers.
WATER SPORTS
If you want an adrenaline rush, try some of these water rides. Best enjoyed as part of a group. Here are the rates:
