Luggage storage Basco

Store your luggage around Basco with Bounce 

Traveling to the Philippines can go a few ways. One way is mostly sticking to the Metro Manila area (and perhaps a few towns around there). Another is to explore the vast archipelago by visiting a number of different islands. Batanes is one of the more popular islands for western travelers to explore, with beautiful coastlines and a hilly interior. There’s also the local culture of the Ivatan people, who have adapted to the at-times harsh island lifestyle with unique stone architecture and fascinating food. 

One of the best things to do while on the island is exploring the town of Basco, which is the island’s capital. It’s mostly famous for its Basco Lighthouse, but it’s the perfect base for exploring the rest of the island. Here’s everything you need to know: 

Luggage storage in Basco

Basco is fairly remote, and won't have the public transportation and infrastructure of larger cities in the Philippines. So you can’t always rely on lockers or other options for storing your bags. Guests can always store luggage at your hotel, even before check-in, but this isn't always convenient as your accommodations may be out of the way. 

The best option for luggage storage Basco has would be the Bounce network. In almost every city, there will be a convenient and secure Bounce location near the best tourist hotspots and transit facilities. The Bounce app makes it easy to quickly find the nearest location and you can even book on the go! Bounce is also a more flexible option, especially if you have heavy bags, specialty items, and other belongings that you don't want to carry and won’t fit in standard-size lockers. 

Basco city guide 

Museums in Basco

Basco Lighthouse

By far the most popular and beloved landmark in Basco, this attractive 66-foot lighthouse sits between the waterfront and the hills surrounding the town. It was built on the grounds of a former American telegraph tower the Japanese destroyed in World War II, and its whimsical appearance strikes a nice contrast with the darker history left by the war. You can take a tour of the six-story lighthouse to learn not only about the construction but also the history of the land and the town. Highlights of the tower include the amazing red lantern room and the top of the tower that offers panoramic views of the oceanfront and surrounding topography of the Naidi Hills. 

Valugan Boulder Beach

While there are miles upon miles of white sand to enjoy in Basco, there’s an entirely different scene at this small beach outside of town. With thousands of boulders, some of which have been stacked to create eye-catching pyramids and shapes, Valugan is a surreal (and free) experience. While you may want to head here in the same beachwear you have on, you should bring sturdy shoes to help navigate the stony shore. Because of all the boulders and rough tides, swimming isn’t allowed at Valugan Beach. 

Dipnaysuhuan Japanese Tunnel

The Philippines was one of the most active regions in the Pacific Theater of World War II, with fighting between the Japanese and Americans and Australians spanning the entire archipelago. Batanes was no different, and the Japanese occupied the island before turning it into a massive fortress, digging a network of tunnels and bunkers into the hills and mountains. You can tour these tunnels to learn about the Japanese occupation along with how these tunnels were built before being abandoned at the end of the war.  

Shopping in Basco

Abad Street 

Basco’s main street is the ideal place to take a stroll and window shop through its many stores and cafés. Keep an eye out for surf shops if you need any beachwear. There are also local establishments selling traditional Ivatan goods that make for the perfect gift or keepsake. 

Basco Public Market

This central open-air market isn’t exactly the place to head for upscale fashion, but the dozens of vendors selling fresh produce to handmade items make for a solid outing. Plus the low cost of the offerings is sure to put a smile on your face.

Batanes Pier 

The port’s main pier is situated right in the heart of the city across from most of the shops and restaurants (including the beloved local institution Honesty Coffee Shop) and is lined with food vendors and other stalls selling handmade Ivatan handicrafts and souvenirs. 

Restaurants in Basco

Vunong Dinette

You should absolutely sample as much Ivatan food as possible while you’re in Batanes. This distinctive regional cuisine is only found in places like Basco, and the most popular restaurant in town specializes in local favorites like “yellow rice.” This rice is fried in turmeric, giving it an eye-catching color, and wrapped up with marinated pork in a breadfruit tree leaf. There are also curious snacks like banana pith balls along with Filipino standards like beef adobo.

Casa Napoli 

It’s hard to argue with pizza, no matter what corner of the globe you’re traveling to. This airy restaurant serves up stellar Neapolitan-style pizzas along with some Italian classics and pasta. It’s the absolute best place to bring picky eaters if you’re traveling with the family or just want a break from Filipino food.  

Honesty Coffee Shop

This Basco institution is part café, part restaurant, and part artisanal store. Most mornings, you'll notice a short line of people outside of this delightful cafe. Sure, the coffee is wonderful, but it’s more of a ritual, and the selection of fun Basco-related souvenirs makes it a solid place to head to buy some gifts or keepsakes. 

Conclusion 

With luggage storage facilities throughout the Philippines, Bounce is by far the most useful option for storing the bags in cities like Basco as well as Manila, Angeles, and Bohol. It doesn't end there though. The Bounce network offers convenient and reliable luggage storage across the globe, so download the mobile app to find trusted storage spots for your next trip.