Batanes

The best time to visit Batanes is during the dry or summer season. In the Philippines, the months of March, April, May, and June are considered the hottest months with minimal rainfall. These are also the best months to visit Batanes.

Fewer chances of rainfall mean fewer chances of delayed or canceled flights and you’ll be able to enjoy your trip better since Batanes tourist attractions are mostly outdoors.

Dry and Summer Season | March to June

For a hassle-free trip, it’s best to plan your Batanes adventure around the months of the dry and summer season in the Philippines. March to June has a minimal amount of rainfall.

But if you want to enjoy a “cooler” Batanes in terms of temperature, you can visit during the first quarter of the year. However, the weather can quickly change from sunny to cold and rainy.

Climate and Weather

Batanes has a tropical climate like the rest of the Philippines. The average yearly temperature is 26.0 °C. April is the driest month, while August is the rainiest month so best to avoid traveling to Batanes during that time. November to February are the coldest and often have rainy days as well.

You can hail or rent a public tricycle (auto-rickshaw) for drop-off or pick-ups or get their services for whole day tours. Tricycles are readily available most of the day, traveling from one Batanes resort or tourist spot to another. These can only accommodate a small group of 3-4 people.

If you’re opting for public transportation, there are jeepneys traveling from Basco to Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan daily. However, the trips are limited and are only available from 5:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

You can also take a different kind of bike — motorbikes! You can hire one with a driver (called habal-habal) or rent a motorbike that you can drive yourself. But these are only applicable for those who have a driver’s license and can operate one.

You and your group will jump in a local boat called a Faluwa on your way to Sabtan Island. From the water you’ll be capturing jaw-dropping views of the islands where you can see the topography of rolling hills against steep cliffs.

You’ll pull up in the “port” of Sabtang which is just a cement hut a few meters up from the shore with some locals sitting and waiting for…something. You’ll hop on a big Jeepney and cruise around the island to see sights such as Chavayan Village with preserved stone houses, the Sabtang Light House and a couple gorgeous beaches

This island is so magnificent that you might get a little emotional. For as far as your eye can see, there are fluorescent green rolling hills overlooking the pristine blue waters with scattered cows and Mt. Iraya in the distance. You’ll have to pinch yourself to make sure that what you’re seeing is real.

In between incredible natural scenery, you’ll visit the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel left by troops during WWII, Tukon Church made with beautiful stone walls, and the Basco Lighthouse with 360 degree views of the island!

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Nakubuang Beach is no stranger to international praise, including making CNN’s list of best beaches to visit and the ‘It’ destination on my paradise-seeker’s travel blogs. Why all the fuss? You just don’t find pristine beaches like Nakabuang anymore.

Standing on the soft white sand with waves crashing onto your feet, you can look out from the shore and see Mt. Iraya in the distance and peninsulas on the horizon. This beach’s trademark however is Chawa Cave; a curious rock formation that creates tall, mossy archways and shallow caves in the cliffs.

Unlike other popular tourist beaches that scramble to set up cheap food stands and hawk sugary drinks, Nakabuang Beach has stayed steady with the pace of Sabtang. You can find traditional cottages that serve up authentic Ivatan food seaside.

It’s a stunning sight to see. The shores of Chadpidan Beach in Basco are comprised of boulders that have been expelled from nearby Mt. Iraya centuries ago. Since then, these boulders have slowly been polished down to smaller rocks by the waves of the South China Sea and are scattered below the overhanging cliffs.

The cliffs look as though a giant has gone along and taken bites all along the edge. There are abrupt dents and sudden drop-offs that create a truly unique landscape.

You’ll need some decent hiking shoes to make it up through the rocky, and sometimes muddy, paths but the views are certainly worth it.

Honesty Coffee Shop might never survive in the city, but out here where life is slow, people are good, and nature provides- this coffee shop concept is doing just fine.

Locals and visitors are welcome to come into the shop and pick up whatever goods they need without any salespeople or cashiers watching over. The customer is in charge of paying the exact amount, recording it in a book, and depositing their cash on the spot.

This is one of the most charming elements of Batanes: that there is virtually zero crime in Batanes and stealing just isn’t a common occurrence.