Inspiring Story
Perched on the northern edge of the Philippines where the Pacific Ocean meets the West Philippine Sea, Basco Batanes captures the hearts of those chasing raw, poetic landscapes. Imagine waking up to the cool coastal breeze, walking past stone houses that have withstood centuries of typhoons, and watching the sunrise over emerald rolling hills. A journey here feels like stepping into a living watercolor painting. At the center of this dream sits Ichehan Lodge, a humble haven that transforms a remote island adventure into a warm, welcoming homecoming.
Holiday Getaways
This lodge is best suited for budget conscious travelers, solo adventurers, backpackers, and small groups who prioritize a strategic location and authentic local hospitality over luxury resort pampering. It serves as an excellent base for immersive eco tours, photography trips, and peaceful soul searching escapes.
Pros
Unbeatable town center location just a short five to ten minute walk from Basco Airport
Warm and highly accommodating hosts providing free airport transfers and local tour coordination
Spotlessly clean air conditioned rooms with reliable hot water and private bathrooms
Access to a shared kitchen which helps save on food costs
Cons
Wi-Fi signal can be weak or unstable inside some rooms and is best accessed in common areas
No on site restaurant or swimming pool
Basic room amenities with minimal soundproofing
In-Depth Spotlights
Ichehan Lodge rooms typically range from thirty three to thirty six dollars per night, making it one of the best value accommodations in Basco. While luxury properties like Fundacion Pacita charge premium rates for panoramic cliffside views, and mid range hometels like Pension Ivatan average around fifty eight dollars, Ichehan Lodge keeps prices highly competitive alongside properties like Batanes Casa Feliciano. For travelers who plan to spend their days exploring outdoors and simply need a clean, safe, and air conditioned place to sleep, this lodge offers unparalleled savings.
Customer Reviews
Service 8.9
Facilities 8.2
Value for money 8.7
Cleanliness 9.1
Location 9.7
Overall Rating 8.9 out of 10
Decision Making Content
When planning a trip to Batanes, the biggest hurdle for travelers is navigating the expensive flights and unpredictable weather. Choosing a place to stay shouldn’t add to that stress. If you are debating whether to book a remote beach resort or a town center lodge, consider your daily logistics. Staying at Ichehan Lodge solves the transportation dilemma by keeping you within walking distance of banks, pharmacies, grocery stores, tricycle terminals, and local eateries. It minimizes your daily transport costs while ensuring you have a clean, dry room to retreat to if a sudden island shower rolls in.
Travel Guides and Tips
Safety and Scams
Batanes is widely celebrated as one of the safest provinces in the Philippines, famously known for its zero crime rate and honesty culture. There are no tourist scams here. You can leave your bags unattended without worry. Always practice the local rule of respect by greeting the Ivatan elders and asking permission before taking photos of people or private property.
Packing Guides
Pack light, breathable clothing for daytime trekking but include a lightweight windbreaker or rain jacket for sudden weather changes. Bring sturdy, non slip hiking shoes for the rolling hills and boulder beaches. Pack a reef safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a dry bag to protect your electronics during boat rides.
Transportation Tips
Getting around Basco is best done by renting a mountain bike, hiring a motorcycle, or booking a local tricycle tour via the Basco Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association terminal located near the lodge. For travel between Sabtang and Itbayat islands, you will need to take a traditional Faluwa passenger boat from the Radiwan Port in Ivana.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Basco, check in at the lodge, explore the town proper, visit Basco Cathedral, and catch the sunset at the Basco Lighthouse on Naidi Hills.
Day 2 Take a North Batan tour covering the Vayang Rolling Hills, Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel, and Valugan Boulder Beach.
Day 3 Embark on a South Batan tour exploring the Chawa View Deck, Mahatao Tayid Lighthouse, Marlboro Hills, and the Honest Coffee Shop in Ivana.
Day 4 Take an early morning Faluwa ride to Sabtang Island to see the iconic stone houses of Chavayan and the Morong Beach arch rock formation.
Day 5 Souvenir shopping in town before catching your morning flight back to Manila.
Local Food and Local Attractions
Do not leave Batanes without trying Vuvud, which are local pork meatballs mixed with banana pith, Luñis, a traditional Ivatan dry cured pork cooked in its own fat, and freshly caught flying fish. Make sure to spend an afternoon sitting on the green grass of Vayang Rolling Hills watching the livestock graze against a backdrop of deep blue ocean.
Events and Festivals
The Payvanuvanan Festival happens every April and marks the start of the traditional fishing season in Diura Village, where locals perform rituals to catch dorado fish. The Batanes Day foundation anniversary is celebrated every June 26, featuring vibrant street dancing, cultural presentations, and traditional Ivatan sports competitions.
Things to Know and Trivia
Batanes is closer to Taiwan than it is to the northern mainland of Luzon. Cash is king on the island. While there are a couple of landbank ATMs in Basco, network lines frequently go down, so it is mandatory to bring enough physical Philippine Pesos to cover your entire stay.
Frequently Ask Questions
- Is there an on site restaurant at Ichehan Lodge? No, there is no restaurant on site, but guests have access to a shared kitchen and are within walking distance of several local diners like Pension Ivatan Restaurant.
- Does Ichehan Lodge accept credit cards? No, the lodge operates strictly on a cash basis, so you must secure physical currency before arrival.
- How far is the lodge from Basco Airport? The property is incredibly close, sitting roughly three hundred ninety meters away, which translates to a five to ten minute walk.
- Do the rooms have hot water showers? Yes, all private bathrooms come equipped with working hot showers and bidets.
- Is breakfast included in the room rate? Free breakfast is included for specific room selections, so it is best to verify your specific booking terms.
- Can the lodge help arrange island tours? Yes, the owners can easily connect you with trusted local tricycle drivers and tour guides for North and South Batan excursions.
- Are pets allowed inside the property? No, pets are strictly prohibited from staying at the lodge.
- Is smoking permitted in the rooms? Smoking is not allowed inside the air conditioned rooms, but there are designated outdoor smoking zones.
- Can I host events or parties at the lodge? No, bachelor parties, large gatherings, and events are not permitted to ensure a quiet environment for all guests.
- What is the standard check in time? Guests can check in starting at two in the afternoon, and check out is required by noon.
