BATANES

VISIT BATANES!!!

what to do in batanes??

where to go in batanes??

The islands are sparsely populated and subject to frequent typhoons. The three largest islands are Itbayat, Batan, and Sabtang. 

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

ZESTAIR
Manila-Basco-Manila (1.20 hours)
Monday-Wednesday-Friday
Leaves Manila 0530H / Arrives Basco 0650H
Leaves Basco 0715H / Arrives Manila 0830H

SOUTHEAST ASIA AIRLINES (SEAIR)
Manila-Basco-Manila (1.20 hours) Daily
Leaves Manila 0540H / Arrives Basco 0715H
Leaves Basco 0735H / Arrives Manila 0900H

CHEMTRAD AVIATION
Tuguegarao-Basco-Tuguegarao
Basco-Itbayat-Basco
Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays

BATANES AIRLINESTuguegarao-Basco-Tuguegarao
Basco-Itbayat-Basco
Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays

MISUBI SEA TRANSPORTATION COOPERATIVE
Basco to Sta. Ana, Cagayan (Fare: PHP 2,500)
Basco to Currimao (Fare: PHP 2,200)
Twice a week Travel Time: 9 hours

Getting Around
Traveling to Batanes is an adventure. Here are a few tips to make your stay more enjoyable. Before reaching Batanes you should have:

• enough cash with you, your credit card is not accepted.
  
• if you are travelling from abroad, you may decide to convert your dollars (or other foreign currencies) to local currency while you're in Manila. Exchange rate is more competitive in Manila.
  
• If you lost some personal belongings while in Batanes, you can go to the radio station Radyo ng Bayan to announce it. Likewise, local people who have found something usually bring it to the radio station to be announced. It’s not unusual that lost wallet or even large amount of cash can be safely returned to the rightful owner.
  
• bring with you comfortable clothing and outdoor shoes, you'll surely find yourself walking along the shore lines or trekking on the hills.
  
• Don't forget to bring with you medicines enough for your stay, flashlight (electricity switches-off at midnight), camera (with extra films and batteries), flight tickets and identification papers, raincoat/umbrella if you're visiting during rainy season.
  
• Travel light. You are only allowed 10 kilos of free check-in baggage during your flight to and from Batanes. Excess baggage costs.
  
• Flights may be cancelled anytime due to bad weather, make enough allowances on your schedules
  Batanes is continuing its efforts to preserve its natural resources. Help them by keeping your surroundings clean and avoiding damages in its natural resources. The beaches are free but you're expected to be responsible enough to clean your surrounding when you leave.

Staying In
Batanes has a number of moderately-sized hotels and resorts to suit any tourist's needs.

Things to do

PHOTOGRAPHY
Batanes is a photographer’s haven. Everywhere you look is a visual feast. From traditional houses to enigmatic landscapes to breathtaking seascapes. In Batanes, it’s a sin not to have fullycharged camera batteries and films. Shoot all you can. All sights are as astounding as the stories they keep. Don’t forget to ask permission when taking picture of a local.

HIKING
When you go to Batanes, make sure you bring good hiking shoes. It is a big relief from hours of walking. Batanes means a number of routes on different terrain of various difficulty to get to countless spots. Te place is perfect for both recreational and serious trekkers. Batanes is a very safe place. Most trails are established and there’s no insurgency to worry about. It will be a good idea to have a local guide with you.

DIVING/SWIMMING
Do not expect stretches and stretches of fine white sand beaches in Batanes. The coastline throughout the islands is lined by shallow reef with killer waves, something that’s not for the faint-hearted. Some beaches are adorned with white sands, others with boulders. For those who want a dip, visitors are often taken to White Beach in Maydangeb, Ivana or at the beach in Tamulong Bay, around two kilometers south of Basco just beneath the Batanes Resort area. Avoid Kanyuyan Beach on Baluarte Bay in Basco for swimming. Two creeks drain there. Likewise, it is best to skip swimming at one of the boulder beaches (in Valugan Bay or Chadpidan in Basco). The rough surges make it difficult even for experienced swimmers to maneuver in the rocks.
To enjoy the beach, it is best to just choose from among the hundred secluded beach spots in the island and read a book while getting tanned. Batanes is the best place for introspection.

ISLAND HOPPING
A Batanes vacation is never complete without braving the channel where the Pacific Ocean meets the South China Sea to visit the island municipality of Sabtang. Enjoy a 40-minute motorized boat ride to Sabtang where you experience Batanes in the early days. If you’re lucky, dolphins escort your trip to the island.
If you stay longer, consider visiting the island of Itbayat. This is the northernmost inhabited island of the Philippines. Getting there means completely trusting the local banca to ferry you for 4 hours to the island. It is worth the trip. Being in Itbayat is like arriving in a different world.

FISHING
Deep or shallow, near the shore, or far in the middle of the sea, catch different kinds of fish using a rod or a net. Just make sure to bring enough containers for these sea creatures never run out.

BIKING
Bicycles and motorcycles are the basic means of transportation in Batanes. You can inquire from your hotel about where to rent bikes. They are not strict about having to surrender licenses or ID’s. Biking is the best way to enjoy the 26-kilometer stretch from the main town in Basco to the last village of Imnajbu. Traffic is the last thing you would have to worry about. When you move to the other islands, the motorcycles and bikes still are king of the road. They bring you closer to the breathtaking landscapes. They make road trips more meaningful.

BIRDWATCHING
Starting in September and October when the Siberian breeze begins to reign, a host of migratory birds fly southwards to escape the severe cold season. These birds come to Batanes first before they move even southwards to Luzon.

SURFING 
It is not as developed yet as in other areas in the Philippines, but surfing at Madiwedved in Mahatao is a promising activity. The towering waves and blazing wind will surely turn your surfing time into a real water adventure.

TREKKING
The same rolling hills and mountains seem to offer a different sight every time. Wander in the green hills of Vayang in Basco or greet the Pacific Ocean from the vast Payaman in Mahatao. They are best experienced early in the morning or late afternoon - with your favourite coffee.

Tourist Attractions

Batan Island The second largest island in the province of Batanes, this is where the capital town Basco is situated along with three other municipalities. The entire island is blessed with natural the rolling hills of Na-idi and Payaman, the majestic Mt. Iraya, beautiful beaches, old Spanish churches, buildings, fortresses and pre-Hispanic settlements.  Basco Seat of government and center of economic development and gateway to the rest of the province.  STO. Domingo Cathedral The first (Spanish) Catholic Church ever built in Batanes in the early parts of 18th century. The roofing was originally cogon grass. The first church to have G.I. roofing in the early 1890’s.  Chanpan, Valugan or The Valugan Boulder Beach From this side of the island, one has a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. The smooth stone spewed by nearby Mount Iraya in AD 400 is found here. It is also right along the beach where the thriving cultural practice called Kapayvanuvanwa is performed before the yearly start of fishing season.  Naidi Hills It is an old Sitio derived from the Ivatan word called “Na” which means past and “Idi” meaning settlement or community. Best spot to take a Basco sunset photo. Site of the American period wireless telegraph facilities that connected Batanes with central government until its collapse from a Japanese Imperial Army bomb attack at the start of World War II. It is also here where the first lighthouse of Batanes was built.  Vayang This is heaven on earth. Spectacular view of the South China Sea and the Western part of Basco. Can see Itbayat and other islet north of Batan. One the most beautiful spots in Basco.  Nakamaya Site of the boat-shaped burial markers of ancient Ivatans. They can only be found in Batanes and are thought to be similar with the sites in Europe where Viking kings once dominated. Area of high biodiversity  Tukun Location of the country’s northernmost PAGASA station, reason why Batanes is frequently associated with typhoons because Basco station is usually used as a reference point. It has a spectacular view of Mount Iraya and Basco town with a commanding view of Batan hedgerows. It is the home of endemic flora & fauna. One can view 360° of Batan Island in Tukun.  Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel Site of an elaborate Japanese-constructed World War II tunnel around three kilometers from town center.  MT. Iraya About 1,900 feet above sea level, it is the second highest peak in Batan island. The mountain houses the spring water from where the main town sources its drinking water. Good for mountain climbers. Home of the Batanes pit viper, an arboreal snake found only in Batanes, just one of the abundant endemic flora & fauna species in the island. Basco Airport is located at foot of Mt. Iraya.  Casa Real Site where the Provincial Capitol Building now stands. Original structure was built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. It is the seat of the Provincial Government in Batanes.  San Carlos Mahatao This town holds the Ivatan’s birth certificate. First town from Basco. Rich in Cultural Heritage sites & practices.  Rakuh-A-Idi Old Settlement Birthplace of the Ivatans. One of the largest settlements on the eastern part of Batan Island built in the pre-Hispanic period.  Tayid Lighthouse Built recently in 2000, the lighthouse boats of an uninterrupted spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean well as the other part of the Batan Island and its rugged mountains cliffs facing South China Sea.  Rakuh-A-Payaman This is where you marvel about God’s creation. When you’re in this spot, a visitor oftentimes silently stands in awe and whisper a prayer. The endless rolling hills, windswept communal pasturelands for cattle and horses, Perfect scenery for nature lovers & photographers.  Diura Fishing Village A tiny village facing the Pacific Ocean around 3 kilometers east of Mahatao town. This is where local fishermen perform the Kapayvanuvanua ritual to signify the start of the fishing season. The local government maintains a traditional house that it rents to visitors. It’s the perfect place to escape crowded town centers.  San Carlos Borromeo Church Built in 1873 A.D. by Onesimo Polo using limestone for wall and cogon roofing. Declared by the National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as one of 26 churches in the Philippines recognized as cultural icons.  Chawa View Deck It’s water as far as your eyes can see. Perfect spot to enjoy Batanes sunset facing the South China Sea. You can take the 100-plus steps down the adjacent cliff to fish, take more pictures, or simply to test endurance.  Disvayangan Beach Row of privately-owned picnic houses with basic house facilities which are offered for rent. It’s the best beachfront spot there is in this part of town. The place is adjacent to a government-operated recreation building featuring two bowling lanes and billiards room.  Rakuh-A-Idi Spring The locals call this the Spring of Youth. It is quietly tucked in below where the first Ivatans lived. One can also offer prayers at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto located near the spring water’s main source.  Sumhao Wind Turbines You come here not to see windmills. You endure rough roads and an uphill trek to be on the finest spot to relish a 360-degree of God’s magnificent creation. The island’s two highest peaks stand guard on opposite ends. On a clear day, you can view the northernmost islands of Batanes.  San Jose De Ivana It may as well be the smallest of the towns in Batanes, but its hold on the most epic stories of Ivatan gallantry is incomparable. Around 14 kilometers south of the main town, its two municipal ports serve as gateway to Sabtang.  Vahay Ni Dakay (House of Dakay) Built in the 18th century, it is probably the most photographed house in Batanes. It is one of the last few standing century old houses being used to date.  San Jose Obrero Church The only church in Batanes with a separate campanile built in 1784. The campanile was built in 1814 -1817 by Fr. Jose Fausto de Cuevas. The present façade is built by Fr. Fabian Martin in 1866-1869.  Honesty Coffee Shop Unmanned refreshments store famous worldwide for showcasing Ivatan’s ‘honesty.’ There’s no standby seller and instead rely on the honor system when paying for goods taken from the store. It is located in front of the Ivana Church near the Radiwan Port. It has a commanding view of Sabtang island.  Spanish Bridge Located in middle of town, this is likely the oldest bridge built by the spaniards in the entire province still used to date. Built by the Spaniards.  Uyugan The fourth and last town in Batan island. Traditional Ivatan houses line the entire stretch of the main road in the This town pioneered drift net fishing for dibang and it is the site of the thriving palek (local wine) industry. The traditional building of house through cooperativism called kapañidungan or in Uyugan, Kamañidungan is still strongly practiced in Uyugan.  Ruins of Song-Song What remains of this village wiped out in a 1954 tidal wave are ruins of a once vibrant community. This group of destroyed lime and stone houses is seen a few meters from the beach in Songsong.  Barangay Itbud The town is divided in the middle by a narrow national road. More traditional Ivatan houses may be found here. Located 23 kilometers from the main town, it is where you can buy the best tasting local wine (called palek). The main road leads to the church at the far end of the village.  Itbud Ijang One of the highest points in the community, this was once a settlement of old Ivatans.  Imnajbu This is the last village from Basco. Said to be the site where the first mass in Batanes was said and consequently, where the first baptism was administered during the Spanish times. The village chapel was named after San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first canonized Filipino saint. Only a few families live here today. Chances are, when you visit, the townsfolk are tending the farms. Yet you see all the doors and windows in the village open.  Sabtang Island A visit to Batanes is never complete without staying in Sabtang. Make sure you move heaven and earth to get to this heaven on earth. Of the three islands in Batanes, this is the smallest.  Ahaw/Nakabuang Beach One of the most pictured beach spot in Batanes. Famous for its stone/rock arch formation in a very private cove. Ideal site for picnic, snorkeling and camping.  Savidug Idjang Idjangs are ancient Ivatan settlements which served as fortresses against invaders. The idjang found in Savidug is considered to be the most beautiful and perfectly shaped among the Batanes Idjangs. A visit to Savidug is like being transported to a different world.  Savidug Barrio Only around three kilometers from town center, this village is abounds in traditional houses. It is the site where the endangered black face spoonbill was sighted years ago, the number of the bird worldwide is not more than 2000.  Chavayan Barrio Walk past Savidug village to get to Chavayan. Spending the night here is the essence of a Sabtang visit. Famous for its rows of old houses, old streets, old sites. Chavayan is likely what you will forever remember about your vacation in Batanes.  Chavayan Church This church is not special because it’s the only remaining church in Batanes roofed with cogon grass. Neither is it extraordinary because it’s ten meters away from the beach. It is exceptional because it makes you feel closest to God at this remote place. Most romantic church there is.  Duvek Bay, Sumnanga Site of the most pristine coral conditions in Batanes. In Sumnanga, you’re in Little Hongkong, they say.  Itbayat Island There are other islands farther up north, but this is by far the closest inhabited island to Taiwan. Being in Itbayat makes one closer to Taiwan than mainland Luzon. The island of Itabyat is one of the world’s largest uplifted coral reefs. It is northwest of Batan island bounded on the east by Pacific Ocean, on the west by South China Sea and on the north by small uninhabited islands such as Siayan, Matarem, Misanga, and Mavudis, which form the northern most tip of the Philippines.  MT. Karoboban Highest point in Itbayat, about 280 meters above sea level. Its historical significance is being the other pair of Mt. Riposed, considered to be one of the island’s foundations. It is also an old settlement for the early settlers of Itbayat.  Torongan Cave The most ancient dwelling place in Batanes. Believed to be the first landing place of the Austronesians from Formosa, 4000 BP.  Torongan Hill An area where stone boat-shaped burial markers are found. This area is believed to be the burial ground of the ancient settlers of the Torongan Cave.  Kumayasakas Cave and Water Source It is an underground stream on the Northwest of Itbayat. It flows to the sea and is a newly develop water source for the community.  MT. Riposed With its panoramic views, one of the two volcanoes considered to have been the foundation of Itbayat. On top, you will see the view of the southeast of Itbayat. Across the plain is the airstrip and on the southern tip of the airstrip is Lake Kavaywan.  Rapang Cliff A natural park. It comprises of forest, natural cliffs and rocky hills where natural bonsai arius tree abound and a grazing area for goats. Amidst this natural splendor is a natural stone bell. It is a flat stone which lies naturally upon another stone, which when you strike with another stone, it produces a sound which resembles a bell. Accordingly, it serves as an alarm for the ancient inhabitants when enemies are approaching. It also serves them as a signal for meetings and gathering their goats.  Vernacular Houses