PERFECT BATANES!

UNDERSTANDING BATANES

Remote and isolated, Batanes is the northernmost province in the Philippines. It’s a 10-piece archipelago, with the three biggest islands being the only ones inhabited: Sabtang, Batan, and Itbayat. Sabtang and Itbayat are their own municipalities, while Batan is further divided into Basco, Ivana, Uyugan, and Mahatao. Although it is the capital, Basco isn’t a city but a small town. It is also where the main airport is located and the most populated.

Sabtang, the largest island, is situated 45-minutes by boat from the town of Ivana, while Itbayat, in the extreme north, 3 hours from Basco.

For tourism purposes, the provinces is divided into four zones:

• North Batan, which is basically Basco.
• South Batan, which covers the attractions in Uyugan, Mahatao, and Ivana
• Sabtang Island, can be reached by boat. Day tour from Batan Island is possible, although an overnight stay is highly recommended.
• Itbayat Island, can be reached by boat or plane.

Here are more things you need to know about Batanes.

• Language: Ivasayen (northern parts of Batan Island), Isamurongen (Sabtang and southern parts of Batan), and Itbayaten (Itbayat). Tagalog, Ilokano, and English are all widely understood and spoken.
• Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP, ₱). PHP100 = USD 2, EUR 1.57, SGD 2.56 (as of February 2018).
• Modes of payment: Cash. There’s also a Cebuana Lhuillier branch along Abad Street, where you can receive money, pay bills, or purchase travel insurance.

PLACES TO VISIT IN BATANES

Tourist spots in Batanes are often divided into four zones: North Batan, South Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. I always recommend taking the North Batan Tour first because it gives just the right dose of what’s to come, sort of a teaser. If you’re based in Basco, it is the closest and shortest of the tours. The whole thing takes just half a day, around 4 hours.

South Batan takes much longer, covers a wider area, and in my opinion, much more breathtaking. If you do South Batan first, the North might leave you a bit underwhelmed.

Important! Please take note of the following tourism/environmental fees:

• Batan Island (collected upon landing at Basco Airport): P350
• Sabtang Island: P200
• Itbayat Island: P100

NORTH BATAN

The North Batan Tour takes only half a day (around 4 hours including the lunch stop). This is more about visually stunning landscapes and a little bit of history. There isn’t any stop here where you can swim or take a dip.

Below is the list of attractions in the northern half of Batan Island. 

• Tukon Church
• PAGASA Weather Station
• Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
• Valugan Boulder Beach
• Basco Lighthouse at Naidi Hills
• Vayang Rolling Hills
• Chadpidan Boulder Beach

The first stop is usually either Tukon Church or Valugan Beach. If you want to start early in the morning, visit Valugan Beach first because it faces east — Valugan means “east” — and is a great spot to watch the sunrise.

On the other hand, if you’re exploring in the afternoon, you might want to request making Vayang Rolling Hills your last stop because it is a perfect place to see the sunset.

Chadpidan Beach is also often not included in tour itineraries, and might entail additional fees. However, you can have a good view of this boulder beach from Vayang Rolling Hills.

SOUTH BATAN

Roaming the southern half of Batan Island takes an entire day. It straddles the municipalities of Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan

• Chawa Viewdeck
• Mahatao Boat Shelter
• San Carlos Borromeo Church
• Tayid Lighthouse
• Racuh-a-Payaman (Marlboro Country)
• Alapad Pass
• Motchong Viewpoint
• San Jose El Obrero Church
• House of Dakay
• Spanish Bridge
• Honesty Coffee Shop
• Songsong Ruins
• Imnajbu Beach
• Maydangeb White Beach
• Homoron Blue Lagoon

The sheer number of stops makes this an exhausting tour, but you won’t be complaining because this tour will leave you breathless. The first stop is usually Chawa Viewdeck. The picture-perfect Diura Beach is also on this side of the island, but most tours don’t come close to it. However, you can have an unforgettable view of it from Racuh-a-Payaman.

There are two spots where you can swim — Homoron Blue Lagoon and Maydangeb White Beach — so make sure to bring a towel, swimming attire, and extra clothes.

SABTANG ISLAND

If you want to see much of the island, we suggest that you stay overnight. But if you have just enough time for a day tour, that’s fine too. Below are the common stops.

If on a day trip, make sure you’re back at the port between 1pm and 2pm. Better yet, before you leave Sabtang port ask the boatmen or tricycle driver what time the boat is leaving the island for Batan and be sure to return by then. There’s only one trip per day so if you miss that boat, you’ll be forced to spend the night in Sabtang.