Your trip to Batanes will not be complete without visiting Sabtang. Sabtang is an island municipality located in the southern part of Batanes. From Basco, I had to ride a boat at the San Vicente Port and brave the open seas of the Luzon Strait to get to Sabtang Island.
Click here to see where I stayed in Basco, Batanes.
Places of interest that I was able to visit on Sabtang Island in Batanes while on board the iconic Batanes Tricycle Tour included:
- Savidug Barrio
- Chavayan Barrio
- Ahaw (Natural Stone Arch) / Morong Beach
- Chamantad Tinan Viewpoint
Some visitors opt for just a day tour of Sabtang. According to locals, however, it is best to stay overnight so I could maximize my visit. That boat trip to the island, after all, was no joke. Hence, I booked an overnight stay at Neyala’s Homestay located at 071 P. Abarquez Street, Sinakan, Sabtang, Batanes.
From the Sabtang Port, I rode a tricycle arranged by Safetravel Philippines to bring me to Neyala’s Homestay.
Upon check-in, I met Tita Neyala, the matriarch of the Neyala Family. She then escorted me to the room on the second floor.
My room has a double deck and a queen size bed, good for a group of two or three. It has its own toilet and bath and air-conditioning.
Room rates are as follows:
- Php 1500 per night for three
- Php 1200 per night for two
- Php 800 per night for one
For bookings, contact Safetravel Philippines here.
There is a common area where I met fellow backpackers staying in Neyala’s Homestay who flew all the way from Visayas and Mindanao just to visit breathtaking Batanes.
Tita also served us Tubho Tea, a traditional tea of the Ivatans popularized in Sabtang. Tubho Tea is made of dried leaves of a fern that grows in moist rocky areas of Batanes forests and mountainsides.
To prepare, add 3 to 5 stalks of the dried tubho to a liter of water and bring to a boil. Continue boiling for about five minutes or until the water turns dark. Best served with lemon or calamansi.
A pack of Tubho Tea is Php 50. For orders, call or text +63-949-1372813 and look for Tita Neyala or her son Francis Neyala.
I enjoyed my stay in Sabtang. Thanks to the warm hospitality of the Neyala Family! I will be back and hope to see you again. Dios Mamajes. Signing out for now. Peace!
