The robust landscape, steep cliffs, rolling grasslands and communities full of intact stone houses as old as 1887 with 1 meter to ½ meter wall and their unique traditional cogon rooftops bestows visitors a feeling of timelessness. Of the 11 cool and windy islands comprising the Batanes group, only three are inhabited Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat. The island “Sabtang” is probably one of the most known preserved sites of Batanes and testimony to the surviving Ivatan culture with their typical headwear “suots”. The backdrop of this town with its mountain cliffs is breathtaking. Batanes is also a very good site for archeology, just by walking near the mountain cliffs or man-made road not yet cemented, you will observe it is full of old corals and shells which means that the area was submerged under water millions of years ago.

Package inclusions:

* 3 Days / 2 Nighs aircon accommodation
* Daily breakfast
* Roundtrip Basco airport transfer
* Tours as per itinarary
* One local English speaking guide

 3 Days / 2 Nights Package

ITINERARY:

Day 1 – Arrival at Basco airport (depends on carrier). Check-in at the hotel. Free time. Overnight stay
Day 2 – Breakfast. Jeepney tour on BATAN ISLAND with visits to STO DOMINGO CHURCH- a century old church, bell tower damaged by intensity 7 last year 2000. SAN CARLOS CHURCH- the oldest church in Batanes about 17th Century.  VALUGAN BASCO, NAIDI HILLS- where you could see verdant rolling hills.  FAMOUS STONE HOUSES- a typical house made of lime, stone & cogon grass. MARLBORO COUNTRY- a breathtaking panoramic view, velvet green grass & tame different animals. RUINS OF SONGSONG- popularly known as “Ghost Town” village wasted away by tidal waves in 15th century. LONG & WINDING ROAD IN CHAWA- where only the skilled drivers could manoeuver the road. ALAPAD- a rock beautifully layered by nature. IDJANG- an old settlement. VERNACULAR HOUSES-  century old houses. Back to hotel. Dinner (pax account). Stay overnight.
Day 3 – Breakfast . Check-out then proceed to airport or stay

Day 4 (optional) - 5.30am Early breakfast. Depart for San Vicente Port at 6:15am. At 8:00am, take a boat (45mins.) for Sabtang Island tour:  Savidug Vernacular Houses / Traditional Lime Kilns, Savidug ruins, Savidug Idjang, Chavayan Traditional Ivatan Village, Chavayan Community Tour. Travel to Nakabuang Beach for picnic lunch. Travel back to Batan Island at 2pm. Rest of afternoon free.

Reminder: Batanes is located in the northernmost region of Luzon, where lodgings are simple and rustic.  Hardly any modern transportation exist, thus a jeepney will be used for the tour. Travelers may experience minor inconvenience such as lack of hot/cold shower, aircon,  transfer, modern restaurant facilities, etc. But we tried our best to showcase all the major highlights of the province with the tour coordinator making the food, coordinating transfers and accommodation in advance in order to maximize the tourist’s time in the island.

Last update: February 26 2009