Batanes
Philippines · 6 nights
Among the Philippines’ 7,000+ islands, the Batanes Islands in the north are unique. Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat are the principal islands, each with its own appeal. Holidays to Batanes boast magnificent rolling hills, inviting communities, and a capital, Basco, with all the amenities needed for a thriving island community. Only three aircraft from Manila arrive daily, keeping it secluded from major tourism. The Fundación de Pacita boutique hotel on the islands offers great rooms, a great staff-to-guest ratio, and stunning Pacific views. The hotel has its own foundation for training locals in hospitality, an option not typically available outside of large cities. You can witness this community spirit throughout the islands as locals work together on tiny building projects. Lunch is a social affair where everyone eats together, and visitors share kindness. Sabtang Island, a living Ivatan museum, is a 30-minute ferry ride away. Small settlements around the coast have well-preserved rock and grass dwellings. Strong reeds attach grass roofs to one-metre (three-foot) walls. There are several examples of houses that have survived the test of time on an island that often experiences violent storms. Islanders live, farming and fishing for revenue. The island is UNESCO-shortlisted due to its protection. Capital: Basco International airport: Batanes Airport (Basco Airport, BSI) – a domestic airport; the nearest major international airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila. Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP) Time: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time) Driving side: Right-hand side Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz Official languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English; local languages include Ivatan Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
