Batanes Travel Guide: A Journey to the Idyllic Edge of the Philippines

Welcome to Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost province and arguably its most picturesque. Famous for its rolling green hills, traditional Ivatan culture, and breathtaking seascapes, Batanes feels like a world apart—untouched, peaceful, and deeply connected to nature and heritage.
 

Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, a soul-searcher, or simply looking for a slower pace of life, Batanes will greet you with wide-open landscapes, centuries-old stone houses, and the friendliest locals you'll ever meet.

📍 Where is Batanes?

Region: Cagayan Valley, Northern Luzon

Location: Northernmost province of the Philippines

Capital: Basco

Main Islands: Batan, Sabtang, Itbayat

✈️ How to Get to Batanes

By Air

Direct Flights from Manila or Clark to Basco Airport (BSO) via:

Philippine Airlines

SkyJet (seasonal)

NorthSky Air (from Tuguegarao)

🛬 Flight time: ~1 hour and 40 minutes
🧳 Tip: Flights are limited; book at least 1–2 months in advance, especially during summer.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Batanes

🌿 April to June is considered the best period for weather and landscapes.

🌟 Why Visit Batanes?

✅ Unique Ivatan culture and heritage
✅ Majestic natural landscapes
✅ Clean, safe, and serene environment
✅ Zero crime rate
✅ Unplugged, off-the-grid experience

🏞️ Top Things to Do in Batanes

1. Explore the Rolling Hills of Marlboro Country

Also known as Rakuh a Payaman, this sweeping viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the ocean, hills, grazing cows, and wind-swept grasslands.

Ideal for sunrise photos

Locals compare it to New Zealand’s scenery

No entrance fee, but donations welcome

📸 Must-do: Lie on the grass and soak in the ocean breeze.

2. Visit the Iconic Basco Lighthouse

Standing tall on Naidi Hills, this lighthouse is one of Batanes’ most photographed landmarks.

Climb to the top for a 360° view

Overlooks Basco town, Mt. Iraya, and the coast

Especially beautiful at sunset

📍Nearby: The ruins of the old American telegraph station.

3. Wander Through Ivana and Mahatao Churches

These well-preserved stone churches reflect the province’s deep Catholic roots.

San Jose de Ivana Church: A National Historical Landmark

San Carlos Borromeo Church (Mahatao): Known for its blank “Prayer Books” where visitors can write prayers and reflections

🙏 Respectful attire is appreciated when visiting.

4. Marvel at the Stone Houses of Sabtang

Take a boat ride to Sabtang Island to see the traditional Ivatan stone houses—designed to withstand typhoons and time.

Explore villages like Savidug and Chavayan

Rent vakul (traditional Ivatan headgear) for photos

Visit Sabtang Lighthouse and Morong Beach

⛴️ Sabtang is a must-visit day trip from Batan Island.

5. Conquer the Steep Cliffs of Vayang Rolling Hills

With cliffs plunging into the sea and winds howling through your hair, Vayang Rolling Hills offers a raw and dramatic landscape.

Ideal for picnics, reflection, and drone shots

Views of Mt. Iraya and West Philippine Sea

💨 Prepare for strong winds—hold onto your hats!

6. Try the Ivatan Cuisine

Local flavors are simple, hearty, and sourced from the land and sea.

Uved – Banana trunk meatballs

Luñis – Ivatan-style adobo (sun-dried pork)

Venes – Seaweed salad

Turmeric rice – Signature yellow rice

🍴 Best spots: Pension Ivatan, Hiro's Café, Octagon Bed & Dine

7. Hike Mount Iraya

A dormant volcano towering over Basco, Mt. Iraya is a favorite among seasoned hikers.

Height: ~1,009 meters above sea level

Hike time: 4–6 hours roundtrip

Guide required for safety

🌋 View from the summit is often misty but magical.

8. Visit Valugan Boulder Beach

A surreal coastline made of volcanic boulders, smoothed by waves over centuries.

No swimming, but perfect for photography

Best visited at sunrise for glowing stone textures

🎒 Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—walking on boulders can be slippery.

🏨 Where to Stay in Batanes

Basco (Main town)

Fundacion Pacita – Artistic heritage inn with scenic views

Shanedel’s Inn – Affordable with oceanfront balconies

Bernardo’s Hotel – Comfortable and close to town center

Villa Hontomin – Local-style homestay

🏠 Homestays offer great local interaction and budget-friendly rates.

🚲 Getting Around Batanes

Bicycle rentals – Scenic and healthy way to explore

Motorbike rentals – For flexibility and longer routes

Tricycle tours – Most popular and local-guided

Van tours – Ideal for families or groups

🚐 Tour operators offer North Batan, South Batan, and Sabtang packages.

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots

Marlboro Country (Rakuh a Payaman)

Valugan Boulder Beach

Basco Lighthouse at sunset

Chavayan village stone houses

Vayang Rolling Hills

Morong Beach (Natural Arc Rock Formation)

🎥 Drone-friendly (check weather and local guidelines).

🧭 Sample Itinerary for 4 Days in Batanes

🗓️ Day 1: Arrival + Basco Town Tour

Basco Lighthouse

Naidi Hills

Vayang Rolling Hills

Valugan Boulder Beach

🗓️ Day 2: South Batan Tour

Marlboro Country

Alapad Rock Formation

Honesty Coffee Shop

Ivana Church

🗓️ Day 3: Sabtang Island Day Tour

Savidug Village

Morong Beach

Traditional Vakul Experience

Lighthouse

🗓️ Day 4: Free time + Food Trip + Departure

Try Ivatan cuisine

Local souvenir shopping (vakul replicas, dried flying fish)

Airport drop-off

🛍️ What to Buy in Batanes

Vakul & Kanayi (traditional Ivatan headgear and vest)

Hand-woven baskets and crafts

Dried fish and turmeric products

Ivatan woodwork and magnets

👜 Most souvenirs are sold in Basco and Sabtang.

🛡️ Travel Tips and Reminders

Cash only: Limited ATMs and no credit card facilities

Pack light and layered: Weather changes quickly

No nightlife: Batanes is for nature and tranquility

Be respectful: Locals are deeply spiritual and private

Signal is limited: Great excuse to disconnect!

🌅 Final Thoughts: Why Batanes is Truly Special

Batanes isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. The quiet roads, the smiles of the Ivatans, the wind whispering across the cliffs—all combine to create an atmosphere of serenity rarely found elsewhere.

In a fast-paced world, Batanes invites you to slow down, breathe, and be present. It’s where your camera clicks slow down and your heart takes over. And when you leave, a part of you will long to return—not just to the place, but to the peace it gave you.