Tag: batanes

Travel Guide: Biking in Batanes

Bike tourism has really boomed in the Philippines during the pandemic. While most of us living in cities have had to content ourselves with urban rides the past few months, there are loads of beautiful places in the Philippines perfect for biking. The thought of being able to bike through coastal and mountain roads in island provinces is something I’m looking forward to doing once we can all travel freely again. The sad lack of green spaces to bike around Metro Manila got me reminiscing about some of the most amazing destinations in the country that I’ve had the chance to explore by bike, particularly Batanes.

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Rebuilding a Stone House on Sabtang Island

The stone houses of Batanes are a symbol of the Ivatan’s strength and resilience. Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines, lies in the path of most of the 20 or so tropical cyclones that enter the country every year. While strong winds and  typhoons frequently hit the area, damaging crops and infrastructure and leaving locals without power and water, casualties remain at zero.


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Travel Guide: Sabtang Island, Batanes

Sabtang Island is one of the three main inhabited islands of Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines. With its well-preserved culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and friendly people, this remote island is such a refreshing escape. Sabtang is one of the most laid-back and peaceful places I’ve been to in the country.

It’s the kind of place where you’re torn between switching off your phone completely and putting your camera down to just enjoy the view or trying to capture every single spot you come across because it’s just so beautiful. Most people will opt for the latter especially if they’re just visiting Sabtang Island on a day trip to see the main tourist spots. But if you want to really savor the place and disconnect, I recommend you stay here for a few days.

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Black Pencil Project in Batanes

There comes a point when you travel when you start feeling like it’s starting to lose its meaning. These days, the travel scene seems to be all about selfies, heading to the most scenic destinations and cramming as many things to do in a short time. It’s become a checklist of the most popular “must see” or “must do” activities and less about meaningful experiences or connecting with people.


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10 Amazing Philippine Islands to Explore by Motorcycle

There are lots of different modes of transport you can use to get around the Philippines. But my personal favorite is just getting on a motorbike, riding around and exploring on your own. Motourism is on the rise and more tourists are discovering the Philippine islands on two wheels.

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Travel Guide: Batanes

Whenever people ask me what the best destination I’ve been to in the Philippines is, it’s easy for me to say Batanes. In terms of raw landscapes, the northernmost province of the Philippines is really a dream destination. Though I love a lot of places I’ve been to around the country, Batanes is really special. It offers a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, natural attractions and well-preserved culture. Plus the locals here are just the most hospitable and kind people I’ve ever met. Everyone and everything here just feels so pure and good.

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Win a Free Trip for 2 to Batanes with True Wanderer 2017

Are you an Open Road Hero? Join the Wrangler True Wanderer 2017!

Now on it’s third year, the Wrangler True Wanderer competition is extending its scope from bikers to include all types of wanderers.

Read more for the competition details.

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Travel News: Wakay Air Flies to Batanes

There’s a new airline that now flies to Batanes, the country’s most sought after travel destination! Wakay Air Transport Services (Inc.) offers chartered flights from Manila to Basco, Batanes and vice versa in partnership with AirSWIFT. Launched last March 29, 2016, Wakay Air’s flights are serviced by a 48-seater ATR 42-600 turboprop plane. Flights depart from A. Soriano Terminal in Pasay City to Basco Airport in Batanes. Flights from Manila leave 5:15 am and arrive in Basco at 7:00 am. Return flights leave at 7:20 am and arrive in Manila at 9:00 am. Travel time is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

wakay air airswift batanes basco

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A Fiesta in Sabtang Island, Batanes

Sabtang Island is one of three inhabited islands of Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines. It is here where you can see traditional stone houses that Batanes is known for. It is also here where you can find the finest weavers of Batanes known for making the vakul, a traditional headdress worn by farmers in the fields to protect them from the sun and rain. While women traditionally wear the vakul, men wear vests known as kanayi and talugong, a traditional wide-brimmed farmer’s hat.

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Motorcycling around Batanes: North Batan

The first time I traveled solo to Batanes, I rented a motorcycle to visit all the attractions in a day. That motorcycle ride around South Batan remains one of the most memorable rides I have ever done in the country. The distance may not have been that long, but in terms of coastal roads and just pure awesomeness of the landscape, Batanes is pretty hard to beat.

motorcycle batanes lighthouse travelup

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