Climbing Mt. Iraya of Basco, Batanes on my 3rd day (June 21, 2010) in Batanes spent my halfday to reach the summit, but the good thing is that the jump-off of Mt. Iraya is just near the town and basco airport. There are public transportation that can take you there like tricycle, but you can choose to walk from your hotel to the jump-off if you wish to have yourself warmed up before the climb.

One thing I observe on this mountain is that the summit is always covered with cloud like the one posted above. The local says that they get their water source from Mt. Iraya. The trail to the summit is forested and steep and my guide said that it is easier to climb Mt. Iraya than Mt. Matarem in the town of Mahatao. 

For guides to Mt. Iraya, you can contact Kuya Romy Merida at +639169026712. He's a former BCTA tour guide but retired long ago and ow he is a freelancer tour guide and connected to Pension Ivatan Lodge and to many other guides in Batanes. He has a lot of knowledge even the three islands of Batanes, he can personally guide you wherever you want to go just tell him your itinerary. He can also be your guide if you want to climb Mt. Matarem of Mahatao town.

0600 Take tricycle to take you to the jump-off

0630 ETA jump-off; Start Trek

0715 Entering the forest

0900 ETA campsite

1030 ETA summit; Enjoy the wind; Photo shoot

1100 Start descent

1300 Back at jump-off; Take lunch or head back to your hotel