I traveled alone in Batanes!! MY FIRST SOLO TRIP

Batanes used to be one of my "just a dream" destination. Hearing, reading, and seeing so many good things about Batanes, I dreamed of being there someday. But going there was like waiting for a miracle to happen. First, I cannot get my friends intact or even convince a friend to travel with me. Second and worst thing, I dont have the guts to travel alone. One reason is because I dont trust my physical capability. I acquired poliomyelitis when I was three months old. Because of the convulsion, my left leg was half paralyzed. I can walk unassisted but it made me limp. I've already learned to live and surpass the big and small obstacles in my life, but there's one more thing hiding in me that I was about to discover. The adventurous side of me. I never dared to travel alone before because I  always have friends who accompany me during trips. This time, none of them wanted to go for lots of reasons. Admittedly, travelling to Batanes is expensive!!
I was so exhausted at work the whole year and I know I need a break. I need to go away somewhere for a while and be in a place where nobody knows me.  I was trying to imagine how would it feels to be travelling alone. I used to admire women who travel across the globe without inhibitions or fears. I wish I could be like them. Well those are my thoughts before. It all changed one night....

Basco lighthouse at Naidi hills

I tried holding back my tears from disappointment when my friends backed out for a supposed trip to Palawan. I wasn't aware that each of them have their own plans, after I made an effort for bookings and finding travel tours. I was left alone, expecting I could have a break from my stressful job. I cried in the midle of the night and asked myself why can't I do things alone? Is it right to get mad at my friends because they can't be with me? I pitied myself. But later that night,  a brighter idea came clearer. 

"Why dont I travel alone?", that sudden idea striked in my mind out of nowhere. "Am I not allowed to travel alone?" "Do I have to be with someone all the time to do things I wanted?"

 Batanes was on top of my mind that night. And deep inside me, I felt that it is the right time to go to Batanes. A non-stop conversation and argument with myself followed. Sleepless, those thoughts never left me that night, the day after, and the following days. After a week of thinking too much and weighing circumstances. I finally decided ...

 I AM GOING ON A SOLO TRIP TO

BATANES !! 

I started searching for travel tours. I messaged them one by one. My first objective was to ask  if they  can accommodate me on a solo trip with my given situation,  I told them my other leg is not working thoroughly and that I can’t walk for straight long hours as well as  climb high peaks.
 I also read blogs about solo trips to Batanes. I found one interesting blog by the Pinay solo backpacker Gael Gelotin. I left a comment on her blog narrating my situation. I asked her if she thinks I can manage to go on a solo trip to Batanes. Luckily she replied yes, as long as I do not go to Itbayat. I was so delighted by her reply. That got me inspired to continue my dream trip.

Waiting for the travel tours to reply took a little long. I waited for days until I finally got a reply from one tour agency confirming and saying "yes ma'am, we can accommodate you!"
That was another leap closer to my dream trip, I couldn't be happier.

Because it was three months before summer vacation, it gave me a hard time to scout for promo roundtrip airfares that will take me to Manila. It was indeed a long journey because I will be departing from my hometown to Manila, and then get another roundtrip airfare ticket from Manila to Basco. Batanes flights rarely offer promos. I know Skyjet has its promo sometime in a year round. You just have to be vigilant on when it is going to happen. As of 2016, I know there are three airlines who regularly fly to Batanes, the Skyjet, Airwsift, and Philippine Airlines. The type of planes heading for Batanes are small, it usually caters 40-80 passengers only. One way fare to Batanes on a peak season could actually reach 8000- 9000 pesos. But I got mine for 7000 pesos. I got it booked two months before the trip. Anyway, it is still expensive. It was three months before April so there's no chance I could avail promo. Still lucky I got a promotional airfare ticket from my hometown to Manila and back.
The travel tour arranged everything for my trip, from airfare to lodging, food and tour.

Here's the 4-day itinerary of my trip to Batanes:

I recommend its best you choose a travel tour to arrange the trip for you if you’re going alone, so it would be hassle free. All you have to do is wander and enjoy every place and bit of your time in Batanes. Because I tell you, every second is priceless when you’re in Batanes. I do know that there are solo back packers who write about going on a low cost budget trips to Batanes. Yes, you can do that too, but if you want to make the story simple, save ahead! You have to invest money when going to Batanes. “Magastos talaga” but it’s all worth it. I never regretted any cent I spent on my Batanes trip. You will know the reason when you get there yourself.

Here’s a little tip, 25-30k will go well on a nice trip to Batanes, including you’re “pasalubong” galore. Also the best time to visit Batanes is summer time. So I made sure my trip was scheduled last week of April. I chose a four day trip. The 4th day was my flight back to Manila.  I also scouted for a night stay in Manila since my trip for Batanes will be early 6am in the morning. The flight from my city was at 12:30 pm, so I arrived in Manila in the afternoon. That is why I had to find a place to stay before my early flight the next morning. All flights to Batanes are scheduled early morning. I was thinking, I’m alone, and the horrible news about taxi drivers victimizing women scared me to death. I searched for a place to stay in NAIA terminal 3, and luckily I found "The Wings Transit Lounge" at the 4th floor of NAIA.  I made a reservation for 1 capsule female. Everything on my trip was transacted online. I made sure that these transactions are real and liable.

Everything was set. I only have to prepare and convince myself that there's nothing wrong with traveling alone. Especially when your destination is Batanes. The place has zero crime rate and people are honest. There is no doubt I have nothing to worry. I would often remind myself that I already paid for that trip and there's no way I'm holding back. I am pursuing the trip.


I read more blogs about women going on a solo travel. What are the things to be prepared, what should I be aware of when traveling alone, and how should I get along with other travelers. My big dilemma is how to survive the trip alone unassisted. Yes I can walk alone, but I still see lots of hills in Batanes. And I was a bit worried.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

We women are said to have greater instincts, and I truly felt that I'm ready for my trip. I started telling my friends I am going solo to Batanes. They asked me if I was sure I can go on a trip alone since Batanes is hilly, then I said I already asked the travel tour about it and they said it's okay, I can manage. So one by one I got the approval of my friends. Some of them truly supported my decision, some of them quite hesitated.
"Magastos", "Sana nagtour ka nalang abroad", that's what most of my friends used to tell me. It's true, you can go to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong,  or even Singapore for the money I spent in Batanes. But you know, honestly, these countries are nothing compared to Batanes because the feeling and the experience is truly different when you're in Batanes.
It was the greatest escapade I ever had in my life. I can still recall the feeling of being there. It always felt like I'm in a dream or in a movie where everything is beautiful. It was really like getting drunk and getting lost in a beautiful dream! A lovely escape!

The day came when I went on a solo journey. I had so much butterflies in my stomach when the plane started to fly. After hours of traveling, check-ins, eating on restaurants, meeting strangers, wandering alone and waiting in the airport, I was finally flying to Basco. It took 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Basco Airport. When I arrived the lady in my homestay was waiting in the lobby of the airport holding a placard that writes a misspelled name of mine. I know it's my name so I immediately met her and told her the name was wrong (haha).

Basco airport

My homestay was a five minute walk from the airport. I was fetched by a van that brought me to my homestay. There are no elegant hotels in Batanes. They do not allow investors to build junky buildings and other stuffs there. They want to keep the place as simple as it is. Batanes is a protected area in its entity, the only province in the country declared as such by Republic Acts 8991 and 7586. Strange but it really feels like you're in a different time and place when you are in Batanes.

Day 1:  NORTH BATAN

I was given four hours to rest in my homestay after my arrival. Then, I was picked up by a tricycle to have lunch somewhere. It was a blessing in disguise that the group I suppose to join went to Sabtang Island and change their itinerary for the day. Since I was alone, kuya Felix from Bisumi travel and tours asked me if it’s okay that I go on a tricycle tour around North Batan. I gladly agreed, because that’s what I really wanted.

If you are on a solo travel and you aren’t sure about getting along well with a group, it’s better you choose a tricycle tour. I recommend a tricycle tour because you can have your own pace and time. You can stop anytime to click pictures without bothering the group. And you can enjoy the view alone, contemplating and relaxing peacefully, since Batanes is not crowded with tourists.
 I was introduced to my tour guide / driver kuya Byron. He drove me to a house where I had my first Ivatan meal. A yellow rice and viand were wrapped in a certain big leaf. They call this traditional meal "vunung". It was accompanied by a tasty soup and salad. It was a sumptuous meal. We then proceeded to my North Batan tour.

traditional meal called "Vunung"

Our first stop was the Mt. Carmel Chapel. You have to walk few steps up to reach the chapel. It was made of stone. The view from the top is impressive.

Mt. Carmel chapel

Then we headed out to the Boulder Beach in Valugan. The seaside was amazingly made of big and small rocks. It was truly a beauty. The boulder beach is a perfect spot for viewing but not for swimming as even its underwater is made up of big rocks.

Boulder beach

Our next stop was the Vayang Rolling Hills. You have to climb the hill and walk a little to reach the perfect spot. Glad I was assisted by Kuya Byron because it was quite difficult for me to reach the top. When we got there, the view was so amazing, breathtaking! It was windy up there, you will also see cows tied up somewhere around other parts of the hill.

Rolling hills

Our last stop was the famous Basco Lighthouse in Naidi Hills. Of course I did not missed going up the lighthouse to see the whole view of Basco. It was difficult for me climbing upstairs, kuya  Byron had to help me out again in going up. There are moments when we had to stop and rest because my legs are getting tired. At last, I finally reached the top of the lighthouse. The view was perfect. You will see the whole Basco, the hills, the sea, and Mt. Iraya, it is so picturesque. Never been amazed in such a place like that.

View from the top of Basco lighthouse

The tour for the day was finally over. It was overwhelming to have seen so much beauty. Before going back to my homestay, I dropped at a souvenir store for some “pasalubong”. I know it’s quite early on a first day but while I have the time, I made use of it.

Bisumi souvenir shop

 My last stop was at Mr. Ryan Cardona’s office. The one who owns and manages the Bisumi. He is an ivatan, he was also a tour guide before. I had a chance to have a chat with him and his company. They were very nice. I requested for a tricycle tour for my whole stay in Batanes and even requested a Sabtang tour for the next day. To my delight, all of them were granted. I was glad I met Mr. Ryan, he was quite popular to travelers who had been to Batanes. While inside their office, a guy entered and said “good morning”, they replied “good morning” too, I immediately reacted, and said, he supposed to say good afternoon, why good morning?  Mr. Ryan explained that the Ivatans where quite used of saying “Good Morning” as a form of greeting. So even at noon time, they’ll say Good morning! “Oh now I know”, I said, the next time I visit here id better be saying Good morning (:

Day 2: SABTANG ISLAND

I was already awake at 5am to prepare for the early morning ride that took me to Ivana port for a boat ride to Sabtang Island. The "Falowa" or the boat that travels from Ivana to Sabtang usually leaves at 7am, most of the passengers are tourists. On that day, many locals were there to attend a festival in Sabtang. Before you can ride the "Falowa", you have to register your name and then you will wait again because you will be called one by one before riding the boat. It was loaded with passengers, but it was written in the boat, how many passengers it can accommodate  All of us wore life vests. The "Falowa" left at 7:30 in the morning.

Ivana port

It felt like I am being swayed while riding on it. One funny thing also is that, a Britney Spears album was being played while we are on our way. I really enjoyed the experience riding a "Falowa". It took us 40 minutes to reach Sabtang Island.
I've already been briefed that a number 32 tricycle  will fetch me at the Sabtang port. When we reached the port, tricycles and vehicles were already waiting for us tourists. There I met the tricycle driver / tour guide kuya Jimmy, he was very polite and kind. What amazes me is the look of their tricycles. It's very unique. Kuya Jimmy says all the tricycles in the Island look like that, they intendedly design it for tourism. For that reason, I appreciated more going solo because it led me to experience riding their unique tricycle.

Sabtang tricycle #32

The people of Sabtang were very busy that day because of their festival. There are floats and shows that will start in the afternoon. Too bad we can not join because the "Falowa" trip back to Ivana will be at 1 pm. We have to catch it because there will be no more trips in the late afternoons. Unless I stay for a night in Sabtang, but it was unplanned so I didn't. We first passed at its town. We were headed to the Morong beach where the natural arc formation was located. As we went along we passed on unbelievable beautiful seasides, hills, rock formations and mountains. The view was breathtaking. What makes me more happy is the tricycle I was riding, it was truly built for good viewing. The experience was awesome.

The Morong beach was a little bit occupied by other travelers taking pictures and swimming along the beach when we reached it. I did not intend to swim but just enjoy the view and take pictures so I did not bring swimming gear. As expected all the beaches in Batanes have white sand. You would not see any locals around the beaches swimming. Kuya Jimmy says their already tired and used to it.

Natural arc formation in Morong beach

Our next stop was the Sto. Thomas chapel, on the side is a stone house where according to Kuya Jimmy, the famous rock singer Yeng Constantino  shooted for a video.

St. Thomas Aquainas chapel

one of the stone houses in Sabtang Island

Then we went to the Chamantad Tinyan viewpoint. The view from the top is breathtaking as expected. Should I say the whole Sabtang Island is beautiful.  I have never been awed in a place where I could only practically utter the words “wow it’s beautiful” again and again. My words are not actually enough to describe the beauty of the place. There are also mini stores near the viewpoint that sell souvenir items. From there, I spent almost 1000 pesos buying shirts, key chains and other souvenirs.

Chamantad Tinyan viewpoint

Then we visited the stone houses in Barangay Chavayan. The stone houses were beautiful. These kind of houses are built because of the typhoons that hit Batanes. But according to kuya Jimmy because of the climate change, their place is not a typhoon prone anymore. His parents used to tell him that long ago, there are typhoons almost every week. But these days it wasn’t like that anymore.

Chavayan stone houses

We then stopped to take a photo of breathtaking seasides we passed along the way. We also dropped by the mountain side to take a picture of the sleeping mountain.

The sleeping mountain

Sabtang seaside

My tour finally ended at lunch time. Kuya Jimmy drove me back to the port to have an arranged lunch on a near restaurant. After having the meal, me and other tourists waited for the "Falowa".

Sabtang port

At 2 pm, Im already back at Ivana. I finished my tour early, so I went back to my homestay to rest. It’s been a great day. I learned a lot about Batanes because kuya Jimmy told me a lot of stories. I even asked kuya Jimmy if tourists are allowed to buy property in Batanes, and he answered no! You have to marry an Ivatan if you wanna live here, Kuya Jimmy said while laughing. That made me chuckle, kidding aside, I was thinking why not? Ivatan men are really nice, honest and good looking too. I don’t think they are the typical kind of boys that exist in this world. They are too harmless!


DAY 3: SOUTH BATAN

On my third and final day of tour, I did not bothered to wake up early. My tour started at 8am. What I love about Batanes is the simplicity of the life of its people. They are quite layback. Most people use bikes, motorbikes, or just plain walk within the town. You will not usually see tricycles roaming around, so if you want to go somewhere you have to contact them or text them. Tricycles are often used by travelers.

As I requested, kuya Byron accompanied me in my South Batan tour. Our first stop was the Chawa viewing deck. The view is taking my breath away again. This never ending beauty gives me a great relief and happiness inside. I did not bother to go down, because it was too narrow and long to go downstairs. I just enjoyed the amazing sight in front of me.

Chawa View deck

Next stop was the Mahatao shelter fishing port. According to kuya Byron, it is used as a shelter for some people during typhoon attacks. The view from the top was so picturesque. We went down to see the port. There I saw the Batanes Patrol boat who does patrolling around the island at night to check on their territories. Kuya Byron said some Taiwan fishing boats come near the island at times. Well Taiwan is much closer in Batanes. According to some, at the Island of Itbayat you could already see Taiwan, dont know if it's true.

Mahatao shelter port

Our third stop was Hohmoron Lagoon and white beach. Odd but the beaches there are empty. You do not see people flocking down to swim. When we went to White Beach, it was too peaceful , were like the only people around that time. Too beautiful, I stayed there for a while to stare at the sea in silence. Matter of fact I can stay there whole day contemplating and staring. Sadly I do not have much time.

Hohmoron lagoon

White beach

We also passed at the Ruins of Song-song.

Ruins of Song-song

Going to Alapad hills rock formation, you have to walk a little bit up to the hills to see a better spot of the rocks.

Alapad rock formation

Then we went to the old Spanish bridge,

Spanish Bridge

 and the oldest house in Batanes, the house of Dakay

House of Dakay

My Batanes trip would not be completed without being able to experience buying in the Honesty store located at Ivana. The store was unattended. I chose to buy organic cookies, I did found out that all products are organic in Batanes. They do not use any chemicals or fertilizers on their crops. They do not produce rice, they import from other places. That is why the rice price in Batanes ranges from 60 to 70 pesos. And by the way I made sure I paid the exact amount. On the box, a sign and a note was written, "Please pay here" and "This store is too small for dishonest people." I dropped the money there. I left a message in their sticky notes corner too. It's amazing how a certain store could really exist. It shows the goodness and honesty of Ivatans. Even in my homestay, I noticed the lobby was open all the time without attending personnel. In Batanes, you do not have to worry about leaving your bag anywhere, nobody will bother to steal it.

Honesty store

Our second to the last and final stop is the Racuh a payaman, aka Marlboro hills. Since it's already lunch time, I decided I take my lunch first in a restaurant called "Marconines'". The place was built simply like a cottage,  it has an amazing view in front where you can see the Marlboro hills. The food was delicious, I was served with shrimps, fish, vegetable, soup and rice.

Marconine's restaurant

After resting a little while, we walked through the hills. They were plain windy hills with awesome view in front of it. You can see the mountains, trees , sea and hills. It's so beautiful. Since I am almost done with the tour, I asked requested kuya Byron that we stay a little while to relax and feel the peacefulness and beauty of the place.

Racuh a payaman aka Marlboro hills

Our last stop was the Tayid Lighthouse in Mahatao. The land was a private property so tourists are not allowed to get inside the lighthouse. I love the view as usual. After that, I and kuya Bayron headed back to Basco.

Tayid lighthouse

Sunset viewing at the Basco lighthouse in Naidi hills  is a favorite pastime of all travelers in Batanes. Who am I to miss this epic event? I made sure that before I leave Batanes, I would experience a sunset viewing in Naidi hills.
The weather was fine that day, but in the afternoon it became cloudy. I was afraid I will not even see the sun, but thank God it smiled back at me. I have not captured my ideal sunset, but surely the postcard I earned that afternoon was beautiful. One of the most beautiful photo I ever had during the trip.

When we reached the lighthouse there are also travelers who are there to wait for the sun to set. I found a perfect spot in front of the lighthouse and started adoring the view. It was really a beautiful experience. One of the best moments in my life. Perfect view, perfect spot, and perfect moment. I made sure I turned my music on while watching the sunset, what a bliss!!
There are no words to describe the feeling when you're in Batanes. It is priceless.

Sunset viewing at Basco lighthouse

Honestly,  when I went back to my homestay, I cried. I guess I fell in love with the place and do not want to leave. Parting time is really sad.

DDD Habitat

During my stay in Batanes I met other travelers and their all nice. Most travelers are in groups, couple or family. They wonder and ask me if I'm alone and I said yes, I get unbelievable stares. They ask me where I came from, then I said, "I came from Cotabato City po", and it amazed them more. I am proud to say I made it to Batanes alone. Who could have thought a person like me could travel alone. I believed I could and I did it. Often times before that trip I kept on praying to God to give me lots of guts and strength to make it to the trip. There are times I wanted to quit and forget about it but my instinct tells me I am on the right track. It was so relieving to have done it, and yes it did made a difference in my life. I became more self-reliant and confident in almost anything. Many friends were also inspired by my solo travel. They told me it's amazing I made it in Batanes alone. Some told me they wanted to go to Batanes too and asked how I made it there.

I hope you learned something from my story. It's quite typical I guess, but what had made the difference is that I made it through Batanes alone despite of my physical situation. Lots of things could go wrong on my trip. I could have a hard time carrying my luggage in the airport, or might tumble down somewhere, might get harassed, taken advantage of or mistreated by some people, or victimized by "tanim bala" (haha). More negativity stuffs could possibly happen, but I didn't let these "nega" factors encircle me.

Do not ever let negative thoughts eat you, as long as you are prepared with knowledge about everything during your travel, nothing could go wrong. And besides, there are still kind people left out there. Believe me! I do appreciate the help and treatment I got in NAIA terminal 3.  I had been through three different airlines during my trip. Had four flights during the trip, Cotabato to Manila and Manila to Basco roundtrip.

If it's your dream to reach Batanes but you are alone and you do not have the guts to do it, now is the time to rethink and reconsider. Let vibrant thoughts play in your mind. Imagine traveling alone and enjoying breathtaking Batanes. Believe me, during the trip you will meet a lot of travelers, you just have to be a little more friendly and curious. Traveling alone is truly liberating. Start planning.

I recommend TravelYoung 09174106099 (Yana) or If You like a local tour in Batanes You can contact 09293473470 (kuya Felix) from Bisumi Travel and Tours.

You can also check more of my Batanes photos on my instagram 💁 @bettyjurms

So long, till my next journey, thanks for reading!

 
                                                              Jurms