Batanes Islands

Batanes is a place that is hard to forget, a place so mesmerizing that going back home would be difficult. With its captivating beauty and magnificence Batanes is truly a feast for the senses. In Batanes, there is always that feeling of calmness and relaxation and the comforting fact that it is a place where time is not important and everything stands still. Need to get away from the world for a while? Batanes is your place.

Location

The Batanes Islands lie at the northernmost tip of the Philippines, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. Batanes is the smallest province in terms of population and land area, and is composed of three major islands: Batan, which contains the capital town of Basco; Sabtang, and Itbayat.

Best Times to Go

December to May are the best times to visit Batanes. It does rain most months of the year though, so be prepared with your rain gear.

Batanes Attractions

Whether you want to see the natural wonders or explore bits of religious history, Batanes has these sites to offer even the most discerning tourist.

Natural Sites

Sabtang Island

This island southwest of Batan Island remains undisturbed and unspoiled. It has intermittent white sand beaches, steep mountains, and deep canyons with small level areas sporadically found along the coastline, accessible by falowa (an oval-shaped motorized passenger boat without the outrigger) from Radiwan Port in Ivana. This island is also the take-off point for Ivuhos Island from Barangay Nakanmuan.

Itbayat Island

Located north of Batan Island, it is surrounded by massive boulders and cliffs rising 20-70 feet above sea level and has no shoreline. It has a dirt airstrip for light aircraft. Ferries also run the Batan-Itbayat route, with a travel time of about four hours by falowa from the Basco Seaport. Light planes fly from Basco Airport to Itbayat in 12-minute trips at PhP700.00 per person.

Batan Island

Batan Island is the most populated of all the islands in the province, and is also where the center of commerce and seat of the provincial government lie.

Mount Iraya

A dormant volcano standing at 1,517 meters whose last eruption was recorded in 505 AD. This peak is ideal for mountaineering, trekking, and trailblazing. It is located walking distance from Basco and can be climbed to the top in about three hours.

Mavudis Island

Mavudis is the northernmost island of Batanes. Coconut crabs (called "Tatus" by the locals) are bountiful on this island, which is surrounded by rich marine life.

Chawa Cave

Chawa is believed to be an enchanted cave. It has a natural salt bed and a mouth that opens to the South China Sea, which is also is accessible through the boulders of Chawa Point in Mahatao. This cave lies about 4 kilometers from Basco.

White Beach

As testament to the province’s natural beauty, this white beautiful white beach can be found in Vatang Hapnit and Mavatuy Point at Mahatao.

Bird Watching at Cuyab

Observe the migratory birds from China that flock the islands in search of a warmer climate every October.

Religious Sites

San Jose Church (Ivana)

Built in 1814 (although its foundation dates back to 1795), this church is truly unique among all the old churches in Batanes as it is the only one not built in the espadana style of the day. It has a crenellated fortress-like campanile or belltower that gives the appearance of a fortification. San Jose Church fronts the Ivana Seaport and offers a commanding view of the sea and surrounding countryside due to its elevation. It is 14 kilometers from Basco.

San Carlos Borromeo Church & Convent (Mahatao)

Founded in 1789 and built in 1873, it has a facade modeled after that of Basco Cathedral, with two round arches at roof level for the bells. On its outer walls are massive buttresses that used to serve as stairways to the roof – a thing of convenience in the olden days when frequent repairs had to be made to the cogon grass roofing. The church still retains its centuries-old features. Located six kilometers from Basco.

Church of Sto. Domingo de Basco (Basco Cathedral)

Established in 1783, it is the oldest and most important church in Batanes. To give the facade stability and strength against earthquakes and typhoon winds, the church walls were buttressed with massive pilasters from foundation to top. The church is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Batanes.

San Vicente Ferrer Church (Sabtang Island)

Another church modeled after the one in Basco. Following an unfortunate incident in 1790, when Spanish emissaries sent to procure goods from the parish were killed by some natives, the people of Sabtang were forcibly resettled across the channel to Ivana and not allowed to return until 1844 when the foundations of the present church were laid.

Other Attractions

Kanyuyan Beach & Port

(Baluarte Bay, Basco). The port of call of the cargo ships bringing goods from Manila.

Sitio Jura at Racujaide

The fishermens village at Mananoy Bay. Fishing season is marked by a festival in mid-March called Payvanuvanuan during which visitors are treated with fresh fish delicacies from the Pacific Ocean. Within the area is the legendary spring of Youth and a living cave with crystal limestone formations. Mananoy Bay is nine kilometers from Basco proper.

Batanes Day (June 26)

Marked with playground demonstrations, parades, the Palu-palo Festival, and other cultural events.

Feast of Three Kings (January 6)

On this day, the image of the Sto. Nino (Holy Child) is venerated in every home in Batanes.

Ruins of Songsong

A ghost barangay which is really a cluster of roofless shells of old stone houses abandoned after a tidal wave that hit the island of Batan in the 1950s. The area has a long stretch of beach. Located 23 kilometers from Basco.

Radiwan Point

Located at Ivana Seaport, this is the landing site of the Katipuneros on September 18, 1898, thus making it a very historical location. The falowas plying the islands of Sabtang and Itbayat are also stationed here.

Other Places of interest in Batanes:

● House of Dakay (1887) a UNESCO heritage building.

● Lighthouses of Batanes

● St. Dominic de Guzman Parish Cathedral

● Mt. Iraya - A 1008-meter mountain on Batan Island.

● Mahatao View Deck

● Burial Caves - Pre-historic burial caves in the town of Itbayat.

● Sumhao Wind Power Plant

● Nakaboang Beach, Ark & Cave

● Beaches - Chadpidan Beach, White Beach and more.

● Payaman - known as "Marlboro Country", a pasture overlooking farm fields & the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodations in Batanes

With the emergent interest in this part of the country, regular visitors to Batanes have witnessed a marked improvement in the available accommodations. There are also additional places to stay, which goes to saying that Batanes has truly emerged as a top Philippine destination. Most travelers to Batanes stay in pension- or lodge-type accommodations which are plentiful in the area. These places are very inexpensive, clean, well-maintained, and are near the top attractions of the area. Most of these pension houses are even installing wi-fi for their tech-savvy lodgers. More luxurious accommodations are also available, as Batanes aims to cater to every type of tourist and vacationer.