MOVING AROUND
- (Upon Arrival) All incoming flights arrive at Basco. The pre-War 1,250 meter-long secondary airport rests at the foot of Mt. Iraya. You will walk towards a one-floor terminal that houses both the arrival and pre-departure areas.
- Tourists holding confirmed bookings at any of the local hotels are assured of airport reception by hotel staff. For those without pre-arranged welcome, you can hire a tricycle just outside the arrival area to take you to the town center. Or better yet, walk to the main town which is just half a kilometer away. For passengers bound for the other towns, ask direction from any of the airport staff where the jeepneys are parked.
- Everywhere in any town is walking distance. You can cover any town on foot in an hour. Most sites to see in any of the islands may be done in a day.
- There’s no need to stack on cash. There’s a Landbank ATM in Basco that could serve your need for cash. You can choose not to bring your credit cards with you. No establishment accepts credit card transactions. Expect to pay in cash all the time. Of course you can convert your dollars into pesos in any of the local banks in Basco, but the rates may not be as good. There are no formal money exchange services in Batanes.
- (Batan Island) Jeepneys from Basco to other municipalities are available from 0500H to 1630H. Private vehicles/motorcycles and bicycles may be rented to tour the islands of Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat. This can be arranged with your hotel or your tour guide. The best way to make sure you cover all tourist sites is to rent a jeepney or tricycle to bring you to all the must-see spots. When asking for a tricycle service, it is best to ask for a driver who has completed the Tour Guiding seminar sponsored by the Provincial Government.
- If you opt for public transportation, you can get off in every town and wait for the next jeepney to take you to the next. This is the best way to interact with locals. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation. In Batanes, there’s no specific greeting for specific time of the day. All older man or woman is your “Uncle” or “Auntie” in Batanes. It’s an accepted way to say hello. Remember to study the conversational Ivatan here.
- If you take the jeepney, it is best to find out first what time the last trip would be from the southernmost village (of Itbud). If you fail to catch this trip, you may suddenly find yourself getting stranded in the town or you may choose to call Batoda (link to Transportation/Tricycle) for a pick-up service. May be expensive.
- In Batan Island, three of the four 200-year-old churches are found. A visit to the local Roman Catholic church should always be included as a destination in every town.
- (Sabtang) To get to Sabtang from Basco, you travel first via jeepney to San Vicente port in Ivana (25 pesos, 20 minutes). Motorized ferries bring to you Sabtang (50 pesos, 30-40 minutes). If you arrive at San Vicente Port at 0600H, you’re safe for the first boat trip to Sabtang. If you miss the trip, it will mean waiting for the next trip which, at worst, will leave after lunch or as soon as there are enough passengers.
- Don’t travel all the way to Sabtang only to return to Basco in the same day. Sabtang is best enjoyed at least with an overnight stay and leave early the next day. It is the closest you can get to experience the old Batanes.
- There are bicycles and motorcycles for rent while in Sabtang. It is the perfect way to explore the island. If your schedule allows it, find a way that you stay overnight in Chavayan. The best place to stay is Harold Gabotero’s house. Arrange that your overnight stay includes breakfast so you can experience dining with the locals too. But even if you don’t mention, expect to be invited for the family meal all the time.
- Chavayan is probably the most pictured village in the entire province. It is not difficult to see why. It seemed time stood still in Chavayan with the entire village of old well-preserved Ivatan houses neatly huddled against the foot of a majestic mountain. The waves lull you to sleep here. No cellphone signals here.
- While in Chavayan, it would be nice to contribute to the local economy and buy the famous traditional headgear for women called Vakul from the local women’s cooperative which produce the item. A group of local women gather daily in the shop, located just in front of Harold Gabotero’s house, to produce the Vakul. 450 pesos.
- Getting on and off the boat is tricky. Expect to get wet in Sabtang when you arrive in port. You practically get off in the water using fabricated steps. Make sure all your valuables are stored inside sealed plastic containers for water-proofing.
- (Itbayat) To go to Itbayat, you can either take a 12-minute plane ride via Chemtrad or Batanes Air. Or enjoy a three to four-hour motorized banca ride over South China Sea. By boat, maximum passenger capacity is 50. From Chinapoliran Port in Itbayat, one needs to trek about a kilometer to reach waiting the vehicle for final trip to town. Road leading to the center of the town is quite rugged.
- Itbayat is the least accessible of the three islands. Because of this, Itbayat is like being in a completely different world. You will definitely leave the place differently!
- Expect to do lots of walking here since there’s no public transportation around the island. Either you rent a motorcycle or hitch in one of the privately-owned vehicles. Water in Itbayat is not potable. Tourists are advised to bring mineral water or buy one in town center.
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