Batanes Diary 2. Finding Our Way to the Hotel

We had made reservations at the DDD Habitat Inn. This was our third choice since our two previous choices were fully booked. We could not find tricycles at the airport (no, there are no taxis in Batanes), so we asked around and were told that the hotel is a short walk from the airport. 

The walk was pleasant as the roads were clean, and almost empty - there are very few vehicles in Basco. 

Trolley bags made the walk fun and easy.

 We were excited to see our first stone house.

Slices of turmeric drying in the sun by the side of the highway - the Ivatans (natives of Batanes) use turmeric to color their rice

Orchid blooms looking out onto the street, as if to welcome us

After a leisurely walk of about 10-15 minutes, we're finally here!

Our home in Batanes

Check-in done - six of us in one room (2 big double beds and one bunk bed), and two in another room, with a bathroom in between.  It all came down to the grand sum of P350/person/day! I mean, where can one find  decent lodging that cheap?  With free wi-fi internet to boot! 

There was another bathroom beyond the kitchen, a few steps away. Airconditioned rooms, no hot showers, but the hotel provides those portable water heaters that you dunk in a pail of water. Lots of fresh water; a dining room with thermos jugs of hot water, sachets of instant coffee, and a plastic cabinet full of plates, mugs, forks and spoons.

Guests are allowed to use the small kitchen to cook their own food, although simple meals may be ordered. We ordered our first meal in Batanes - instant coffee, steamed rice, fried eggs and fried flying fish (dibang).  The fish was tasty although a little bony; it fortified us for all the thrills that were forthcoming, though. 

"Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen." - Benjamin Disraeli

DDD Habitat Lodging House
Lopes St., Barangay Kayvaluganan, 3900, Basco, Batanes
(02)3304937; +639065177580; +639993463590
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Batanes-DDD-Habitat-Lodging-House/114385648578886