DDD Habitat Lodging House Batanes opened its doors in 2009 and is one among the few affordable accommodations in the heart of Basco, Batanes. This lodging house has a total of 7 rooms named after the islands of Batanes. Located along Lopez St. in Brgy. Kayvaluganan, DDD Habitat Batanes is just walking distance from Batanes’ center of trade where local shops, eateries and restaurants are located. It is also a 5 minute ride from Basco airport.
We booked 2 accommodations for our 4 days and 3 nights stay in Batanes. We wanted to try a mid range Batanes accommodation so we booked at Amboy Hometel Batanes for our first night. Since it’s a bit expensive for us, we also bookedDDD Habitat Batanes for our succeeding nights in Batanes.
Small and Simple Lodging House
I should say that I did not expect anything from DDD Habitat Batanes as we only paid 2,556 Php (51 USD) for two nights stay. That is very cheap compared to the 2,880.54 Php (58 USD) we paid for an overnight stay in Amboy Hometel Batanes.
Tip: The room rates mentioned above are discounted rates. I’m giving you huge discounts if you book your DDD Habitat Batanes room HERE.
The entire building of DDD Habitat Lodging House is small and simple. The simple set up of DDD Habitat is a reflection of the simple life of Ivatans. Just like any other lodging or transient houses I’ve been to, DDD Habitat Batanes has a homey atmosphere. There is also a common area for dining and kitchen that guests can use.
Room Upgrade
We checked-in at DDD Habitat Lodging House late afternoon after our South Batan tour. The discounted room for 2 PAX we booked at DDD Habitat is no longer available when we checked-in. We were surprised that we were given the larger and more expensive room instead! Thanks to DDD Habitat for the free upgrade!
Itbayat room at DDD Habitat
We originally booked a Ditaram room which is good for 2 PAX but we were given Itbayat room which is good for 6 PAX!
The air-conditioned room is very clean and spacious. There are two double beds which are surprisingly comfortable for a budget accommodation. A side table with a mini lamp separates the two beds. There is also a small LCD TV with decent local channels. Basic toiletries are provided such as shampoo, soap and towels. As for the toilet and bath, there is a hot and cold shower. The toilet also comes with a bidet. What we loved the most is the strong water pressure.
Being in the heart of Basco, there is cellular signal in DDD Habitat. However, cellular data is intermittent. Note though that I’m a Smart telecom subscriber.
Highly Recommended Accommodation in Batanes
If you are visiting the breathtaking Batanes and on a tight budget, I would highly recommend DDD Habitat Lodging House. Its strategically located and is near to the airport and various restaurants. The rooms are very clean and of course are priced for budget travelers and backpackers!
Batanes is probably the most beautiful province in the Philippines. Popular among local travelers, this province in the Northernmost part of the country is known for its lush green picturesque scenery and unique stone houses. To make your Batanes trip more memorable, selecting a restaurant to fulfill your gastronomic adventures can be a bit challenging. Here are the my 5 recommended restaurants in Basco, Batanes:
1. Hudzan’s Cafe
First on my list is Hudzan’s Cafe right in the center of Basco, Batanes.
Hudzan’s Cafe
Located along Abad St., Batanes’ center of trade, Hudzan’s Cafe is just walking distance from various inns and accommodations in Basco proper. Hudzan’s Cafe is a small al fresco restaurant offering the best cuisine in Basco. They offer more affordable food compared to other restaurants in town.
We tried this simple yet promising restaurant during our second night in Batanes. It was a surprise that Hudzan’s Cafe is jam-packed with guests. We ordered pork sisig (150 Php) and our favorite pancit canton (200 Php). We had to wait for almost an hour before our food were served. It was not an issue for us as it was an indicator that food at Hudzan’s are freshly cooked. And besides, there were too many guests for a small restaurant like Hudzan’s.
Pancit Canton at Hudzan
Jen and I loved Hudzan’s Cafe’s pancit canton! No exaggeration but their pancit canton is the best I’ve ever tasted! I couldn’t even compare it to Max’s restaurant’s which is also our favorite. At 200 Php, the serving is also generous and is good for 3 persons. Their sizzling sisig also did not disappoint. At 150 Php, serving is also generous and is actually good for 3 persons.
We were grateful that our tour guide recommended Hudzan’s Cafe as we loved their food! It was worth the wait!
Location: Along Abad St., Baranggay Kayhuvokan, Basco, Batanes
Second on my list is Octagon Bed and Dine. This must visit Batanesrestaurant is located along National road and is walking distance from Basco center.
Octagon Bed and Dine Restaurant Batanes
We visited Octagon Bed and Dine during our third night in Batanes. This al fresco restaurant offers overlooking of the Pacific ocean. You get to enjoy fresh air and soothing sea breeze while dining here.
Carbonara, Calamarers and Paco Salad
We ordered carbonara (220 Php), paco salad (200 Php) and calamares (300 Php). We loved their mouthwatering carbonara! The bacon bits were generously drizzled over the cheessy and creamy white sauce. The generous serving made us regret ordering more dishes. Nonetheless, their calamares and paco salad were also good!
If there is a restaurant to try local Batanes dishes, Vunong Dinette at Jessica’s Place is the best restaurant to visit in Batanes.
Lunch at Vunong
We visited this restaurant as part of the complimentary lunch courtesy of Bisumi Travel & Tours. Vunong Dinette at Jessica’s Place was the very first restaurant we have tried in Batanes as it was the fist stop of our day 1 tour in the province.
I must admit that I am not a food adventurer and I rarely try new dishes during my travels. Since the lunch is free and is part of the itinerary, I had no choice but to try whatever is served to us. Surprising I enjoyed Ivatan food. The soup was good along with the turmeric rice and main dish wrapped in leaves. For desert, they served paco salad with a yummy vinegrete-like sauce which Jen really loved.
4. Fundacion Pacita’s Cafe du Tukon
This high-end restaurant in Batanes is located in Baranggay Chanarian, Tukon, Batanes.
You get to see the amazing and relaxing lush green views when dining at Cafe du Tukon. The views are spectacular and surreal. The high-end ambiance and feel inside Cafe du Tukon make it stand out among other restaurants in Batanes.
Cafe du Tukon is Fundacion Pacita’s restaurant. We visited this beautiful food place during our day 1 tour in Batanes. Since it was merienda time, instead of going straight to Fundacion Pacita, we had a quick snack in Cafe du Tukon. We initially ordered the food we wanted but were unavailable.
Grilled Cheese Panini
We ordered Grilled Cheese Panini (285 Php) and Rich Chocolate Cake (175 Php) . Grilled Cheese Paninini is a home baked pain au lait with cheddar cheese and mozarella cheese served with honey and wakay shoestring fries. I just find the serving a bit less for its price. Nonetheless, it was good.
I will definitely return to Cafe du Tukon to try their pasta. Food on their menu maybe a bit pricey if you are a budget traveller but I tell you, dining in a restaurant with breathtaking views is one of a kind experience!
Last on my list is Amboy’s Hometel’s breakfast. Apart from being one of Batanes’ best accommodations, Amboy’s Hometel has its very own restaurant offering various Filipino dishes.
We stayed at Amboy’s Hometel during our 1st night in Batanes. I am including Amboy’s Hometel’s restaurant as we enjoyed their complimentary breakfast buffet. We were served rice, arroz caldo, eggplant, longganisa, egg, coffee and fruits.
Exclusive Batanes tours can be expensive especially if you are a couple or a solo traveller. Alternatively, you can join a group tour. It is fun because you get to meet new people and gain new friends. However, a group tour means restrictions and time pressure. You are restricted of staying in a tourist destination as much as you want as you are in a group. Since I wanted to enjoy our very first Batanes trip, I wanted an exclusive tour without emptying our pockets. Good thing is that Bisumi Tour & Services offer Batanes Tricycle Tours at an affordable price.
You don’t get to see and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings because van windows are tinted
You don’t get to experience the fresh air since vans are enclosed
Expensive
Tricycle (Exclusive Tour)
Can be a bit uncomfortable. Remember you are in Batanes for adventure!
Slower travel from one destination to another. This is a pro as you get to savor Batanes’ breathtaking views!
Since the tricycle is open, you get to see the real beauty of the surroundings.
Affordable. Cheaper alternative to a van/group tour.
Batanes Tricycle Tour Rates
Batanes Tricycle Tour
3 Days Tour in North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island
Solo – 6,000 Php / Person
2 Persons – 5,000 / Person
3 Persons – 4,500 / Person
Rate per Batanes Tourist destination
*Additional 500 for each destination if traveling solo
North Batan – 1,000 Php / Person
South Batan – 2,000 Php / Person
Sabtang Island – 2,000 Php / Person
Since Jen and I are staying in Batanes for four days, we picked the 3 day tour in North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang island for 5,000 Php per person. The tour is inclusive of tricycle driver / tour guide / photographer, Basco airport transfers, all lunch during the tours, municipal fees and permits, roundtrip boat ride to Sabtang island and BISUMI Tours souvenirs.
3 Day Batanes Tricycle Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Batanes Tricycle Tour – North Batan
The Batanes North Batan Tour will bring you to tourist attractions in Basco. Tour duration is half-day.
Whether you are touring in a tricycle or a van, the North Batan tour starts at noon. Edwin, our tour guide, picked us at Amboy Hometel before lunch time.
Basco
We were surprised that the tour will start with a sumptuous lunch! Edwin brought us at Vunong Dinette at Jessicas Place – a Batanes restaurant serving Ivatan delicacies.
Other Bisumi guests arrived while we are waiting for lunch to be served. There was a solo traveler and a group who are like us, are about to experience the breathtaking Batanes. It was nice that a tour guide was there sharing information about Batanes and Ivatan culture.
Ivatan lunch at Vunong
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Sto. Domingo de Guzman Parish or Basco Church was the next Batanes tourist destination on our itinerary. Basco church was first established in 1783 and was first built in stones in 1795.
Basco Church
Located on the westside of Basco, the breathtaking Vayang Rolling Hills was the next stop of our Batanes Tricycle tour. Showcasing waves of rolling hills, this picturesque site is the perfect spot to view Batanes’ three major islands.
Vayang Rolling Hill Batanes
Basco Lighthouse was built in 2003 to serve as a navigational facility for local fishermen. Located in Naidi Hills, this 66 ft. Batanes lighthouse is one of Basco’s popular landmarks.
We also visited a view deck with “Welcome to Basco” signage. I’m not really sure if this is part of the tour but our guide was kind enough to stop in the area to have our pictures taken.
Built in 2005 to 2008, Mount Carmel Church is Sitio Tukon’s center of worship. This church became a part of North Batan tour in 2009. Sadly, Mount Carmel Church was ruined by the super Typhoon Ferdie in 2016 and is currently under renovation.
Mount Carmel Church
Another popular Batanes tourist spot is Fundacion Pacita. This hotel is the most expensive and the most luxurious accommodation in Batanes. It was nice that the owner and management of Fundacion Pacita allows tourists to visit the hotel.
Fundacion Pacita
We had our snacks at the Fundicion Pacita’s beautiful restaurant – Cafe de Tukon. I find their food a bit pricey for budget travelers. Nonetheless, Cafe de Tukon offers breathtaking views of lush greens and rolling hills.
Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel in Tukon was the next spot on our itinerary. This tunnel was built during the Japanese occupation. We walked inside the tunnel complete with helmet and flashlight courtesy of our guide.
Apart from Vayang Rolling Hills, Valugan Boulder Beach is one of our favorites in North Batan tour. This beach is known for its long stretch of Boulders caused by Mt.Iraya erruption in 400 A.D.
Valugan Boulder Beach
After an exhausting but fun North Batan tour, we headed back to Basco. Out tour guide brought us to BISUMI Souvenir shop to claim our freebies from BISUMI Tour & Services. We got 2 sets of coin purse, bag tags and keychains.
Day 2 Batanes Tricycle Tour – South Batan
The Batanes South Batan Tour will bring you to Mahatao, Uyugan, Ivana. Tour duration is whole day.
A typical 3-day Batanes tour is divided into 3 destinations. Day 1 is North Batan tour, Day 2 is for Sabtang Island and the last day is South Batan tour.
It was day 2 and we were excited for Sabtang Island. We woke up early as Edwin will pick us up at 5:00 AM for us to catch the boat in Ivana port which leaves at 6:00 AM.
At exactly 4:30 AM, Edwin knocked at our room and informed us about the sad news. The boat trip to Sabtang island was cancelled that day due to storm signal #1. I felt sad as I badly want to see the stone houses in Sabtang Island. Edwin informed us that we’ll just have the South Batan tour that day. And if weather improves the next day, we’ll proceed with the Sabtang Island tour.
Mahatao
Our first stop for the South Batan tour is the San Carlos Borromeo Church. Located in Mahatao, the original church was built-in 1798. A new church was built on the same site by Fr. Polo in year 1873. In July 2001, San Carlos Borromeo Church has been declared as a National Cultural Heritage Treasure. It is one of the 26 churches in the Philippines recognized as cultural icons.
Just beside San Carlos Borromeo Church is another interesting Batanes tourist spot – The Blank Book Archive. This mini library contains hundreds of hardbound books with blank pages. Guests can freely choose a book and write anything they want on its blank pages. It’s nice to randomly pick a book and read randomly writings of people who has visited the Blank Book Archive.
Spanish Lamp Post is located just few meters away from San Carlos Borromeo Church.
Tayid Lighthouse
Tayid Lighthouse was our next stop on our South Batan tour. Built in 2000, this Batanes lighthouse offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.
Marlboro Country Batanes Philippines
Our favorite on South Batan tour is Racuh a Payaman – Marlboro Country. Pegged by the Americans as Marlboro Country due to its contour and breathtaking rolling hills. I’m telling you, photos do not give justice to the picturesque views if you are wandering around Marlboro Country.
Uyugan
Next on our itinerary is San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel. This mini chapel is said to be the site of the very first mass in Batanes.
Alapad Rock Formation is our next stop. This Batanes tourist attraction became popular for the movie “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit” starring Dawn Zulueta and Richard Gomez.
Relaxing view
The view in this Batanes tourist destination is amazing! I remember watching rock climbing goats in Youtube and I did not expect that I’ll see them in the gigantic rocks of Alapad.
Naval Base
From the viewing deck of Alapad, we’ve also seen the breathtaking view of Naval Base in Mahatao. The Americans built this according to our tour guide.
Ivana
I was excited when we arrived at Batanes’ most popular store – The Honesty Coffee Shop. We had quick coffee and in this self-service store. Also, there is a beach behind which I think unknown to many tourists.
Also, we visited Ivana Church. This was first built as chapel in 1787 and was built-in stones in 1795.
House of Dakay
House of Dakay is the next destination on our itinerary. Built in 1887, House of Dakay hold the title of the most photographed Ivatan house.
We also visited Homoron White Beach or simply known as White Beach. This beautiful South Batan tour destination is a popular picnic place for locals. The crystal blue waters and fine white sands remind of beaches in Tawi-Tawi.
Here is a short video of the White Beach:
After enjoying the beautiful White Beach, we visited Diosdado Macapagal – Jorge Abad Sr. Boat Shelter Port. This port is built under Governor Vicente Gato’s administration. The shelter port aims to support the goal for Batanes’ fishing industry which are fish sufficiency and job generation.
Boat Shelter Port
Last on our itinerary was the Chawa Viewing Deck. This view deck showcases breathtaking views of the West Philippine sea. Also, it was spectacular to see strong waves of blue waters go against the rocky coastline.
Chawa Viewing Deck
Day 3 Batanes Tricycle Tour – Sabtang Island
The Batanes Sabtang Island Tour will bring you to the beautiful Sabtang Island. Tour duration is half day.
Come 3rd and last day of our 3-day Batanes tour. There is only one daily boat trip to Sabtang Island and we can not afford to miss it. We woke up around 5:00 AM as we the boat in Ivana port going to Sabtang island leaves at 7:00 AM. Our tour guide Edwin picked us in our hotel before 6:00 AM and we arrived early in Ivana port.
I was amazed that BISUMI provides high-quality vests to their guests. Other non-BISUMI tourists were handed cheaper life vests.
Our first stop in Sabatang Island is Morong Beach. This beautiful Batanes beach is popular for its Natural Stone Arch or Ahaw. Just like other Batanes beaches, there are no resorts in Morong Beach. Perhaps this the local government’s way of preserving the natural beauty of Batanes’ beaches.
Ahaw (Natural Stone Arch)
I was impressed on how organized the system was when we arrived at Morong beach. Everyone was patiently waiting for their turn to have their pictures taken in the Natural Stone Arch.
Morong Beach
One of the reasons why I want to visit Batanes is to see the stone houses in Sabtang Island. Sividug Village is popular for its streets with stone houses. Guests can rent traditional Ivatan headgear and clothing for only 20 Php for photo ops.
Sivudug
The beautiful Chamantad-Tiñan Viewing Point was next on our itinerary. This hill offers picturesque views of the sea, rocky coastline and white sand beach. Truly one of the most beautiful places in Sabtang Island.
After enjoying the breathtaking views from Chamantad-Tiñan Viewing Point, we headed to Sabtang Weaver’s Association in Chavayan Village. Since we brought toys for my Travel with a Purpose Project, Jen and I decided to look for kids to give toys instead of visiting the Sabtang Weaver’s Association.
Yours truly with some kids of Chavayan Village.
Chavayan Village is relatively small. Like Sividug Village, it was fascinating to see the old stone houses. It felt like I was on a totally different dimension.
Stone house
There is also Sta. Rosa de Lima Chapel located on the other end of the Chavayan Village. We learned from our tour guide that this is the only remaining Batanes church roofed in cogon grass.
Sta. Rosa de Lima Chapel, Chavayan village
Wakay Beach is the last stop on our Sabtang tour itinerary. This white sand beach with crystal blue waters offers scenic and picture perfect views. Also, we had our free sumptuous lunch in this beautiful beach.
Wakay Beach, Sabtang Island
After lunch, we headed back to Sabtang Port to catch the boat going back to Basco.
Overall, we enjoyed touring the breathtaking Batanes in a tricycle. Kudos to BISUMI Tours & Services especially to our tour guides Edwin and Jimmy for making our very first Batanes trip fun and memorable!
You are probably reading this blog post as you are looking for the best and cheapest Batanes tour. I just want to clear that this is not a paid blog post by BISUMI Tour & Services. I’m writing this post because we enjoyed our Batanes trip and that was made possible by the tour we picked from BISUMI Tour & Services.
Here are my 5 reasons why you should choose this travel agency for your Batanes adventure:
1. Cheaper Batanes Tour Rates
Among various reliable travel agencies we have checked, BISUMI Tour & Services offer the cheapest rates.
Sabtang Island, BatanesFundacion Pacita, Batanes
2. Wide Array of Batanes Tour Packages to Choose From
If you are a solo traveller, with your special someone or with a group, you need not worry as BISIMU Tours has various Batanes tour options depending on PAX, choice of transportation, number of days and even choice of Batanes tourist destinations.
Since we were on a budget, we chose the cheapest Batanes exclusive tour rate – Tricycle tour for 5,000 Php per person.
Joining a group tour would be fun but I didn’t want the restrictions and time pressure touring Batanes with a group in a van. In most of my travels, I prefer tricycle tours as I get to experience fresh air and see breathtaking views. So, I was excited that we get to tour Batanes on a tricycle!
BISUMI Tricycle
Here are the rest of Batanes tour options being offered by BISUMI Travel & Tours:
Took this photo in BISUMI office, Basco, Batanes
BISUMI – Batanes Tour Rates 2018
The below rates are as of August 2018 and are based from BISUMI website:
4 Days & 3 Nights Tour (North Batan, South Batan & Sabtang) w/ Accommodation
3 days join tour of North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island
full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
tour guide
All Government Fees & Permits
Van for tours and transfers
Tax Inclusive
3 Days & 2 Nights Tour (North Batan, South Batan & Sabtang) w/ Accommodation
Note: rates indicated are per person
Inclusions:
Basco Airport Transfers
2 nights accommodation
3 days join tour of North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island
full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
tour guide
All Government Fees & Permits
Van for tours and transfers
Tax Inclusive
3 Days Tour (North Batan, South Batan & Sabtang) – Exclusive/Private Tours
Note: rates indicated are per person
Inclusions:
Basco Airport Transfers
3 days join tour of North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island
all lunch during tours
tour guide
All Government Fees & Permits
Land transportation for tours and transfers
Tax Inclusive
Exclusions:
Ecotourism fee of 350 Php/person
Beverages (drinks) during meals
personal expenses or optional tours requested by guests
Rates:
2 PAX – 7999 Php/person
3 PAX – 5999 Php/Person
4 PAX – 5200 Php/Person
5 PAX – 4999 Php/Person
6 PAX or more – 4500 Php/Person
Affordable Join Tours
Inclusions:
Basco Airport Transfers
3 days join tour of North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island
all lunch during tours
tour guide
All Government Fees & Permits
Land transportation for tours and transfers
Tax Inclusive
Exclusions:
Ecotourism fee of 350 Php/person
Beverages (drinks) during meals
personal expenses or optional tours requested by guests
Rates:
North Batan Tour – 999 Php/person
South Batan Tour – 2000 Php/person
Sabtang Island Tour – 2000 Php/person
Affordable Batanes Tricycle Tours –
3 Days Tour (North Batan, South Batan & Sabtang)
Inclusions:
Basco Airport Transfers
3 days join tour of North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island
all lunch during tours
tour guide
All Government Fees & Permits
Land transportation for tours and transfers
Tax Inclusive
Exclusions:
Ecotourism fee of 350 Php/person
Beverages (drinks) during meals
personal expenses or optional tours requested by guests
Rates:
1 PAX – 6000 Php
2 PAX – 5000 Php/Person
4 PAX – 4500 Php/Person
Affordable Batanes Tricycle Tours – 2 Days Tour (North Batan & South Batan)
Rates:
1 PAX – 4500 Php
2 PAX – 4000 Php/Person
4 PAX – 3500 Php/Person
3. Friendly, Knowledgeable and Professional Local Tour Guides
Edwin was our tricycle driver for our North & South Batan tour. He was also our tour guide and photographer at the same time. Jen and I easily felt comfortable with Edwin as he was very friendly, polite and cheerful. We had fun touring and learning about different Batanes tourist spots as he is very knowledgeable. During our second day in Batanes, our Sabtang Island tour was cancelled due to bad weather. Edwin took the effort of personally informing us in our hotel ahead of time.
Edwin also helped us searching for a restaurant with stock of lobsters. Sadly, lobsters were scarce as it was raining days before we arrived in Batanes.
me, Jen and Jimmy
Like Edwin, our Sabtang island tour guide/tricycle driver/photographer was very polite and professional. Jimmy even helped us carry a heavy backpack in Sabtang Island full of toys for my Travel with a Purpose Project.
4. Safe & Hassle-Free Tour
With Bisumi Travel & Tour Services, you don’t need to worry about anything. All the planning and ticketing will be taken cared of. When we availed for the 3-day Tricycle tour, we directly paid the ecotourism fee at their office instead of going to Batanes municipal hall. That saved us time and effort. Upon arrival in each and every tourist destination, we need not to worry about having our ecotourism booklet stamped. Our guide guide took in charge of it.
Since we visited Batanes on a rainy season, our tour guide prepared raincoats and umbrellas. It rained several times during our tour but the rain did not stop us with our itinerary. We felt grateful for choosing Bisumi when we encountered several tourists in a non-Bisumi tricycle tour not having raincoats.
Before embarking the boat to Sabtang Island, we were surprised that our guide was handing us high-quality life vests with BISUMI prints on it. Other non-Bisumi tourists got the usual cheap life vests.
5. Lunch and Freebies!
The tricycle tour we availed from BISUMI Tour & Services included lunch during our 3 days tour. We super enjoyed the food and the places our tour guides brought us for the free lunch.
Lunch at Vonong
Okay, the exciting part was when the receptionist at BISUMI office informed us that there are freebies. We got postcards and bags in their office. Our guide brought us to BISUMI souvenir shop and we were given keychains, coin purse and bag tags as souvenirs!
Bisumi Tour & Services
For inquiries & reservations, contact 0919 2795963 or 0915 8034582
Since we are celebrating Jen’s birthday on our first day in Batanes, we wanted to book the best hotel in the province. Fundacion Pacita is probably the most beautiful and the most popular hotel in Batanes. However, the cheapest rate a night is around 9,000 Php. So it was not an option for us. We searched through Agoda and decided to book Amboy Hometel Batanes for three reasons: It has excellent reviews, it’s near to the beach, and its above mid-range rates which I personally think an indicator that is one among the best accommodations in Batanes.
Amboy Hometel Batanes
Free Basco Airport Transfers
If you book a room at Amboy Hometel Batanes, they offer free airport transfers. A van will pick you up in Basco airport and will bring you to Amboy Hometel.
It was funny that I did not read the fine print of our booking via Agoda. I assumed that the booking did not include airport transfers and breakfast. When we arrived in Basco airport, we ignored the Amboy Hometel van and hailed a tricycle instead. The Amboy Hometel receptionist was surprised when we arrived on a tricycle and the van driver was there telling her that we did not show up in the airport. Lesson learned.. carefully read the fine print!
Short Video of Amboy Hometel Batanes
Peaceful, Serene and Quiet Location
Located in Baranggay Chanarian in Basco, this Batanes accommodation is just a 5-minute van or tricycle away from Basco airport.
I must say that I was surprised the moment we arrived in Amboy Hometel. It’s surroundings is very peaceful and quiet. Jen and I personally love Amboy Hometel’s location as it is literally just across the beach. You get to enjoy the sea breeze in Amboy Hometel’s common area. There is also a garden for meditation or relaxation. Truly a perfect Batanes accommodation to those who want be away from the busy city life.
Beach across Amboy Hometel
Well-Kept Batanes Accommodation
I should say that the entire property is very clean and well-kept. There are no signs of this accommodation being around for years already. I learned from our tour guide that the building where our room is located is actually the first and original building of Amboy Hometel. The structure and the surroundings looks relatively new.
Amboy Hometel Rooms + Rates
Amboy Hometel has a total of 27 rooms named after the owner’s children, Sean and Jaden. All rooms at Amboy Hometel Batanes come with the following:
Air-conditioning unit
Ceiling Fan
Satellite TV
Toilet and Bath with hot and cold shower
usual toiletries
bath towels
slippers
hair dryer
If you are a couple, Amboy Hometel Batanes has a standard room for 2 with a matrimonial bed. At 3,500 Php, this is the cheapest room you can book in this Batanes hotel. The most expensive room costs 6,000 Php. This is beachfront room with balcony and high-end amenities.
Here is the complete list of room rates at Amboy Hometel:
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Tip: I’m giving you huge savings on your Amboy Hometel room by booking HERE.
Jaden 2 – J2 Room at Amboy Homnetel Batanes
Our room is Jaden – J2, a standard room located on the 2nd level of Amboy Hometel’s Building A. The room comes with a matrimonial bed. The bed sheets, 4 pillows and 2 throw pillows are of good quality. There is a mini dresser and a vanity/work area. The toilet and bath comes with a hot & cold shower. Overall, it’s very clean and well maintained.
Tip: If you are with a senior citizen, do not book a room located on the 2nd floor. Their stairs require huge steps and are not advisable to senior citizens or someone with mobility impairment.
Restaurant
This above mid-range Batanes accommodation has its own restaurant. They serve Filipino dishes such as beef kare-kare, nilagang bulalo, beef kaldereta and many more. Amboy Hometel is also a go to place of tourists who want to eat lobsters. Too bad, lobsters were scarce when we visited Batanes.
Restaurant
We enjoyed the breakfast buffet and we felt special as there was a reserved table for us in the restaurant. They served unlimited coffee, congee, scrambled eggs, longganisa, fried eggplant and rice for the complimentary breakfast buffet.
Friendly and Welcoming Staff
During our entire stay in Batanes, I should say that Ivatans are naturally kind and welcoming. Amboy Hometel’s staff did not disappoint. The receptionist and the rest of the staff are very friendly and welcoming. They truly know what customer service is!
Amboy Hometel Tours & Services
Apart from being a promising Batanes accomodation, Amboy Hometel also offers Batanes tours. Here are their tour rates:
