Affordable Accommodation in Basco, Batanes

Where to stay in Batanes is usually one of the major concerns of tourists visiting these northernmost islands of the Philippines since trips to Batanes usually have an average duration of four days. Some even stay for seven to ten days. You don't actually have to spend a fortune on accommodation since there are home stays and lodging houses in Basco available to tourists at very affordable rates.

Marfel's Lodge (Main)

During our eight-day visit in Batanes in January 2014, we stayed at Marfel's Lodge, a residential house  that has been converted into a homestay facility that caters to families or barkadas traveling to Batanes on a budget. They are conveniently located near the airport. They also have an annex branch located near Petron gas station and the sea port, still within the town center. Both are managed by the very hospitable Ate Fe.So how affordable is it to stay at Marfel's Lodge? Here are the updated room rates:

Marfel's Lodge

ROOM RATES

(as of January 2014)

MARFEL'S LODGE (MAIN)			MARFEL'S LODGE (ANNEX)
Room Occupancy	Fan Room	Aircon Room	Room Occupancy	Fan Room Only
single	500.00	1,000.00	single	350.00
double	800.00	1,200.00	double	700.00
triple	1,200.00	1,600.00	triple	1,050.00
extra person	200.00	200.00	quadruple	1,400.00

Call 0908-893-1475 & look for Ate Fe

Is it cold or hot in Batanes?
The coldest month in Batanes are from November to February. During these months, you won't need an aircon, not even an electric fan. At some nights, you would even need two layers of blankets. The hottest months are from March to May. If you are sensitive to heat, then you might need an aircon during these summer months.

Marfel's Lodge (Main)
The main branch has two bedrooms located on the second floor of the house. Each room has a single and twin bed and can accommodate three guests. A fourth guest can join the room for a minimal extra person charge of P200.00 which already includes a mattress. If you are a group of five to six, you can practically rent the whole house. During lean season, it is possible that you can have the whole house for yourself!

There are two bathrooms at the ground floor. Hot and cold shower is available and each guest is provided with a towel. The water pressure is fairly strong.

dining area, kitchen and the mini honesty store

There's also a kitchen which guests can use to cook their own food. Plates and utensils are also provided. Like living at your own house, guests are expected to clean the dishes after use. Guests may also get hot or cold water from the dispenser free of charge.

For added convenience, there's a mini honesty store inside the house, so guests need not to go outside just to by some snack or drinks. There are canned meat products, instant noodles and bottled drinks as well. There's a notebook and a pen where you will log the name and prices of all the items you consumed. Make sure you write your name and indicate if the items are already paid. Put your payment inside the jar. You can pay per item or in lump sum.

Ivatans are very honest, and honesty is expected from visitors as well

There's a common living room at the ground floor. There's a cable television too, who would need that? You didn't go all the way to Batanes just to watch TV right? Well, just in case you need to catch the evening news, feel free to use the TV. If you are sharing the house with other guests, please don't put the TV on high volume, especially in the evening. Just some basic courtesy right?

common living room at the ground floor

There also a common living room on the second floor, right outside the bedrooms. There's free WiFi connection as well throughout the house, just ask Ate Fe for the password. Electricity in Basco is available 24 hours a day unlike in the neighboring islands.

common living room on the second floor

Marfel's Lodge (Annex)
The Marfel's Lodge recently opened an annex branch to accommodate the growing number of tourist arrivals in Batanes. It is located near the sea port, still within the town center of Basco. The annex branch doesn't currently have aircon rooms.

Marfel's Lodge Annex | Room No.5

 Marfel's Lodge Annex has a total of five rooms. One room is for single occupancy, while two rooms has two single beds and are good for double occupancy. Another one room has a double bed is good for double occupancy as well. Room No. 5 has three double beds and can accommodate up to six guests.

Marfel's Lodge Annex | Room No. 5

Room Nos. 1-4 has a common shower room and a common comfort room. There is currently no hot shower at Marfel's Lodge Annex. Room No. 5 on the other hand has its own bathroom. There's also a kitchen and a mini honesty store inside the annex.

For you trip to Batanes, we highly recommend Marfel's Lodge. Its clean, very accessible and absolutely affordable. For inquiries or reservation, you can call Ate Fe at 0908-893-1475. Please send our regards to Ate Fe.