How I Spent less than Php 4,000.00 in my almost 5 days in Batanes?

It has been widely believed since time immemorial that a trip to Batanes is very much expensive, even up to this day. A round trip airfare could already cost Php 12-16,000.00, no joke. However, because of the entry of promo fares offered by Philipine Airlines, many people especially backpackers and frequent travelers were able to visit the islands and experience its magic. 

Day 1. Cheap Batanes Travel

Notes : Before flying out to Batanes, Natz shopped for our grocery provision which we consequently put in the baggage, thus the entry above. If breakfast and dinner is not indicated in the expenses for the day, it means, we cooked our own food. BATODA stands for Basco TODA.

After the airfare is the cost of accommodation, food, and tour. A tour just North of Batan Island could already cost as much as 3,650.00 if you are alone and 1,350.00 if you are part of a group of more than 10 people (though food and other fees such as tourism fee are already included). Food is also somewhat expensive for it could cost one 400 for a lunch or dinner buffet and 200 for breakfast.**

But all this expenses can be lowered by "doing-it-yourself", Batanes style. I, with 3 more travel bloggers Glen, Arjay and Natz, were able to spend less in exchange of countless walks in the rolling and definitely mesmerizing roads and hills of Batanes.

Below are my detailed expenses, from Day 2 until Day 5 (Day 1 above) starting from when I left our house in San Jose del Monte until I got back.

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

All in all, I have spent only Php 3,978.25 until I was able to get back to our house in San Jose del Monte. If you add my airfare which I got for only Php 1,760.00, my Batanes Escapade expenses would only total to Php 5,738.00! Whew! Even I was not able to believe it at first...

I have to give thanks to my fellow travelers for they have influenced me much in this ultra-budget Batanes trip.

**The advantage of joining a tour though is that, you have to worry not about everything because your guide will do it all for you. In addition to that, there would be no long walks, and some more long waiting for the jeepneys to pass by which by the way has a schedule.

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More posts about Batanes:

Dios Mamajes, Batanes!

The Best of Ivatan Cuisine

Basco : Capital of a Beautiful Province (soon!)
Sabtang Island : Batanes' Precious Jewel
Sabtang Church and Its Historical Complex

Ivana : The Other Town (soon!)

Mahatao : Marlboro's Home (soon!)

Uyugan : The Really Quaint Town of Batanes (soon!)