Batanes: Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge

Batanes: Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge

Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge

Brgy. Chanarian-Tukon

Basco, Batanes Philippines
M: 09272902404
E: myla.pisig@fundacionpacita.ph

We were at the Fundacion the day before our actual check in date as it was part of our Batan Island tour itinerary. On that quick visit, what I noticed was mostly the ongoing construction in the area.

 

Then I was reminded of the slow email response time that we experienced prior and after our booking (which was addressed a week before our reservation date). To top it off, on the actual day of our reservation, we were supposed to be picked up at 8AM but they were 28 minutes late... 

Batanes' electricity is regulated due to fuel shortage. During our stay, the electricity schedule was from 12NN to 12AM. So my first question to Kuya Ryan of Fundacion after he loaded our stuff on the Fundacion's pick up was if they have a generator on the lodge. They do...


It started going UP HILL from there =)

FACTS

Fundacion Pacita was meant to be a studio of the late Artist Pacita Abad. It was designed and built like the traditional stone houses of Batanes. Construction started in 2002 and was completed year 2004. After the artist's passing, it was donated to be the headquarters of the Pacita Abad Center for arts. They opened it as a nature lodge year 2007.

 PROS

The pick up drove the short distance to our room in the garden area after we checked-in as it was raining hard at the time.

With the rain and the wind, the first thing that I noticed when I entered the room was how cozy it was. And unlike our previous accommodation, wherein you would hear your windows rattling with the howling strong winds, the room was surprisingly quiet. You wouldn't even notice the storm outside if you have your curtains down.

The room looked and smelled clean. 

 

The Mini Bar

2 complimentary bottled water were given daily. 

The comfort room was as clean as the room, even the shower curtain looked new.

Having a blow dryer and Human Heart Nature products along with the usual supply of marked toiletries were a plus.

The food...delicious! And there's always a complimentary surprise dish! (See Batanes: Fundacion Pacita|Culinary experience for a complete review-Coming Soon.)

Outside, the deck was just so relaxing, giving you a view of the sea and the rolling hills.

A complimetary half day tour was given following the below Itinerary (Only until October)

1.PAGASA Weather Station

2.Mt. Carmel Chapel

3.Chawa View Deck

4.San Carlos Borromeo Church

5.House Of Dakay

6.Honesty Coffee Shop

7.Ivana Port and Chrurch

8.Naidi Light House

9.Basco Cathedral

We had our room cleaned while we're on our complimetary tour. When we got back, everything was placed back in order. Clothes hanging around were folded. Even our toiletries were neatly arranged on the shelf.

You can roam around the gardens. Insect repellant is a must.

 

 

The staff were extremely nice and helpful. Compliments to Kuya Cholo and Kuya Ryan.

Aside from lazing around looking at the magnificent view, there is also a pathway leading down to a pebble beach at the back of the lodge.

The main building is a lodge, a restaurant and an art museum in one.

CONS

The slow email and SMS response time-We found out a week before our reservation that they are having server problems and that the Globe signal is fairly inconsistent in Batanes

You'll be totally cut off from the outside world. There was no television nor Wifi. Though I can't say that it's entirely a negative thing since I think it's part of the whole one with nature-relaxation thing. But given that tropical storm Pedring was wrecking havoc at our home towns, it would have been good to have at least a common area where you can watch the daily news. They do have a television, but their satellite was broken at the time.

It's far away from the town proper. 

The price...but the service made up for it.

We actually booked the most affordable room on it's most affordable days-but they have other rooms that are bigger and pricier.

Overall Cost

Terrace Suite-Garden: 4,860.00 x 2 Days

Total Room Charges: 9,720.00

Taxes and Fees: 1,166.40

TOTAL: 10,886.40

10% Deposit Payable upon booking: 972.00

Payable at the Hotel: 9,914.40

(With free Breakfast)


One of the other rooms of Fundacion, situated at the main building. A couple would be checking in that day.

The Other Guest Rooms...

Each room has it's own unique feature. Most are not fixed as they only set up the room a couple of days before check in, ensuring the freshness of the linens and the cleanliness of the room.

The thing though is we were charged the full amount of the reservation-again-at the lodge, instead of just the remaining payable amount (We didn't notice it until I checked the receipt while working on this blog). 

But we were able to contact Myla Pisig of Fundacion Pacita (QC Office) and she seemed aware of the situation. Probably a heads up from the Nature Lodge. She said it would be fixed as soon as their book keeper is back by next week. I'll be posting an update. =)

Overall, it's definitely worth it to save up for your trip and stay at least a day or 2 (they have a minimum stay of 2 days) at the Nature Lodge. Maximize your stay, relax, explore the gardens and the beach. Then book the rest of your accommodation in town so you can freely explore Basco by bike or foot. Or you can also do it the other way around, explore town and the island of Batan/Sabtang in your first few days, then relax and laze away your remaining vacation days in Fundacion Pacita before flying back home.