It was my long overdue plan since I started working in Manila, I have always dreamt of visiting Batanes. I even wanted to go there before PAL express started flying to Basco. I checked for flights via Tuguegarao. I almost booked a flight where it costs a fortune for a round trip ticket of approximately Php 20,000. Thanks to PALEX for adding Basco, Batanes as one of their destination.
In May 2013, PALEX launched its first flight to Basco. When they announced it in March 2013, they offered a very attractive price. It was not as cheap as the promo fares, you could even think of it as higher than the regular fare as the cheapest that time was Php 5,500 whereas you can even get as low as Php 1,500 to other destinations, ours was Php 7,700. It was so rewarding to have this now-affordable fare in going to Batanes.
Early morning of July 26, 2013, we took a direct flight from Manila to Basco at NAIA Terminal 3. At the pre-departure area while waiting for boarding, you can really feel the excitement and thrills as we all know that Batanes is a favorite route for typhoons. We were very attentive on whether to announce flight delays or cancellations yet we always pray for a very good weather. Finally, we were called to board the plane and departed on time. After an hour and 40 minutes in the sky, a glimpse of paradise welcomed us as we glide towards Basco Airport. The weather was good, SUNNY.
A tour agency from Manila arranged our package in Batanes. We booked for a 4D/3N accommodation plus tour with e-Philippines since this was also the agency catering for our friend’s trip. We were greeted with a very warm smile of Ate Remy Santos, our tour guide in our three days Batanes escape. We were taken to the van of our hotel and drove right away to Batanes Seaside Lodge to check-in and freshen up. We have to start our tour immediately to take advantage of the good weather. We just leave our things, took our gadgets and off to explore Northern Batan Island.
I have lots of stories to tell on my Batanes trip and I will eventually relay it in my next posts. 🙂
Only few airline companies fly to Batanes when I went to Batanes and PAL Express had only three weekly flights available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. But now (as of Oct 2015), PALEX fly daily to Basco every morning. Alternatively, Skyjet is also flying to Basco four times a week (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
Been here: July 26-29, 2013
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