Batanes is a remote island in North of the Philippines. There are 3 islands habited: Batan, Itbayat and Sabtang. Basco is the biggest town and the population around Batanes are 17 000 people. There are many Batanes tourist spots and we will discover for you in our full Batanes travel guide.
Batanes used to be a far-fetched destination that only the adventurous can conquer, but now, more and more travelers are beginning to appreciate its wonders. Whether it'll be your first time to see the country's northernmost province or you're planning to come back to rediscover the place, it has plenty of spots that are worth your time. Read through this incredible list of 25 Batanes tourist spots to know what you should expect on your trip!
Batan Island
1. Basco Lighthouse
This six-story-tall lighthouse is one of Basco's most renowned landmarks. Together with the lighthouses of Sabtang and Mahatao towns, it was constructed by the former congressman of Batanes. Basco Lighthouse was the first to be finished in 2003.
2. Diura Fishing Village
Not far from the Mahatao town proper is the Diura Village. The community's primary livelihood is fishing and to kick off the beginning of fishing season, its members perform the age-old ritual they call kapayvanuvanu in the hopes of a bountiful catch. If you want to witness this amazing ritual performed, you might want to time your visit in March or April.
3. House of Dakay
If you want to see the oldest stone house ever to be constructed in the entire province, then House of Dakay is worth visiting. This stone house has retained its original foundation, with its cogon roof replaced every few decades.
4. Honesty Coffee Shop
Perhaps Batanes' best known example of its low crime rate is the Honesty Coffee Shop. This novelty café does not have any cashier or staff and instead banks on people's honesty to pay for the coffee and goods that they got from the store.
5. Rakuh a Payaman (Marlboro Hills)
Featuring rolling grasslands and an amazing view of the coast, Rakuh a Payaman is one of the most beautiful sights in Batanes. It is often referred to as Marlboro Hills or Marlboro Country by many locals and travelers.
6. Tayid Lighthouse
Tayid Lighthouse is the lighthouse of the Mahatao municipality. Facing the Pacific Ocean, this hexagonal structure offers a magnificent view of Mt. Iraya and Diura Fishing Village.
7. Valugan Boulder Beach
Batanes has numerous beaches but what makes Valugan Beach unique from others is its shore, which is dotted with smooth volcanic rocks. Swimming is not recommended because of the monstrous waves, but it remains a sight to behold. This magnificent beach faces the Pacific Ocean.
8. Fundacion Pacita
Pacita Abad is a world-renowned painter who hails from Basco. Fundacion Pacita was once her home studio and is now a hotel. Adorned by her artworks as well as of other artists, the homey accommodation sits atop a hill and gives way to an amazing landscape and seascape view.
9. Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
For a touch of history on your tour, make sure to visit the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel. Built during World War II by locals, this interconnected network of tunnels served as a hideaway for Japanese soldiers. 10. Mahatao Hedgerows
The stunning pattern of tall crops known as liveng that surround Mahatao's farm fields not only makes for a remarkable and picture-perfect sight, but also protects the locals' produce from destruction brought on by wild animals as well as unfavorable weather and other bad environmental conditions. 11. Alapad Hill Pass and Rock Formation
Tucked in Barangay Imnajbu is Alapad Hill Pass, a marvelous hill with a view deck where you can gaze upon the view of the ocean. 12. Vayang Rolling Hills
Another iconic attraction in Batanes is the Vayang Rolling Hills, which will entice you to sing like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music. You can also expect an impressive view of the West Philippine Sea.
19. Nakabuang Beach and Mahayaw Arch
Batanes also has its own white sand beach. Nakabuang Beach, also known as Morong Beach, features majestic waters and a shoreline dotted with powdery white sand. A special feature of the beach is the Mahayaw Arch, a natural geological formation that is truly Instagrammable. 14. Chawa Viewdeck
If you haven't had enough of seeing views of the coast, then Chawa Viewdeck is an attraction that is not to be missed. Feel the adrenaline as you hike to the top and be rewarded with the breathtaking view of the West Philippine Sea when you get there.
HOW TO GO TO BATANES
The only way to go Batanes is by plane. There are daily flights from Clark, Tuguegarao and Manila going to Batanes. Take note that there are no boats going to Batanes anymore. So the only option will be the flight.
HOW TO GO TO BATANES FROM CLARK
There are two flights coming from Clark International airport with Philippine Airlines. If you get a promo you can get one way ticket for around 4,000 PHP each way. If not prices can go up to 10, 000 PHP one way. It will include luggage up to 10 kilos plus hand luggage. Prices shown are for estimate only, and ticket price may change without prior notice, so better book early at your convient.
HOW TO GO TO BATANES FROM MANILA
There are flights with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Sky Jet. Just look for the best price and schedule for you. Prices are around 4000-5000 PHP for one way. Contact SMb
WEATHER/BEST TIME TO VISIT BATANES
Best time to visit Batanes is in Summer, around March to June. It’s a time where there are only minimal rainfalls and it’s nice and sunny in Batanes. You wouldn’t have a problem to explore from places to places. But if you’re the type to like the cold instead of the warm, you can visit Batanes in December to February where the weather is nice and cold. As the weather is so unpredictable in Batanes, click here to know more about the weather in Batanes!
WALK AROUND CITY CENTER IN BASCO, BATANES
It’s quiet to walk around city center you can find a church, a park and a few places for street food and also local restaurants.
STREET FOOD IN BASCO
Around city center there are a few places where you can go for street food in Basco around the park. And close to landbank where you can find an ATM just in case you need it. Prices for burgers 70 PHP.
FOOD TO TRY IN BATANES
There are a lot of local foods that are a must try for tourists, may it be foreigners or not. The following foods are quite famous in Batanes, so you can ask around were to get certain food if you want to try them.
LOBSTER OR PAYI
There are many fishermen and hope you are lucky coming in lobster season to enjoy them.
MAHI-MAHI
Dry fish very typical in Batanes island.
SUMAN
FLYING FISH OR DIBANG
One of our favorite dishes. It’s served in carinderias and restaurants.
UVUD BALLS
One of the most popular food in Batanes
UBE
As dessert Rachel’s favorite.
SEAWEED SOUP
Seaweed soup, or is sometimes called lumot soup, are the seaweeds caught by the fishermen that is turned into a soup.
ESCARGOT
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They are so big and one of the typical dishes in Batanes. We saw them everywhere since it was a seasonal dish.
LUMPIA WITH FISH
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They refill the lumpia with flying fish since they have a lot of places where to fish. It was so delicious and different since we got used to meat and vegetable lumpia.
SQUID
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You can find them in every restaurants.
CAMOTE CHIPS
Fried chips from camote were served in the main dishes.
SINIGANG
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A typical delicious soup in the Philippines. When it’s a rainy day is perfect to have it.
CALAMANSI JUICE
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So delicious!
COCONUT JUICE
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We really loved the one at Hiro’s Joy Restaurant in Basco. So delicious with the special recipe of tita Lydia.
BUKO PANDAN ICE CREAM
It became in our favorite dessert aside ube.
LUÑIS
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Luñis is a pork dish that’s quite similar with adobo. While adobo has sauce, Luñis is cooked rather dry. It is a traditional dish that is mixed with salt and is cooked with salt until the pork becomes golden brown. It can be restored for quite a sometime while in a jar.
BEEF TAPA
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Tapa is dried or cured beef, although other meat or even fish may be used. Filipinos prepare tapa by using thin slices of meat and curing these with salt and spices as a preservation method. Tapa is often cooked fried or grilled.
TOCINO
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Tocino is a classic local dish usually eater for breakfast. It’s a pork dish process and mixed with flavorings like sugar, then soaked/marinated for a time. When cooked, it is sweet and delicious.
VENES (BATANES LAING)
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Mixed vegetables served with garlic and you can add pork if you wish.
ROOT CROPS
Rootcrops have been one of the major agricultural products of Batanes. It will be cooked in different ways. Some are steamed, some are fried and some are smoked!
SISIG IN BATANES
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Our favorite in the Philippines as street food and in a restaurant. It was delicious the particular taste of sisig at Hoiro’s Joy in Batanes.
TORTA TALONG IN BATANES
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Tortang talong is a dish made of eggplant mixed with egg and then fried. It’s a tasty dish that’s also a must try if you’re a tourist.
LONGANISA IN BATANES
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Even the dish is from Ilocos Norte, we could taste in Batanes and we liked so much.
SUPAS
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Supas is a dish that is a staple in Fiestas or Festivals in Batanes. It is a rice dish cooked in turmeric pulp (yellow ginger) that’s often mixed with garlic and pork.
HERBS IN BATANES
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They usually use turmeric, garlic, yellow ginger. We loved it them and we could taste yellow, blue and brown rice.
KANAÑIS
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It is an octopus dish that is fried and is a local favorite as a partner of cold beer.
IVATAN SALAD
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Our preferred place is Hiro’s Joy Cafe. It is located in Abad Street in Basco. They serve tasty local Ivatan food with the freshest ingredients. They are so popular that they were even featured in a show in one of the biggest tv network in the Philippines. Tita Lydia cooks as nobody in the Philippines and it became our favorite place to eat! She cooked our favorite dishes like sisig, tocino, beef tapa and torta talong and it was so delicious!
HIRO JOY CAFE
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Thanks to Hiro Joy Cafe for such a great experience in Batanes. I personally tried the best food in the Philippines from Mrs Lydia and her staff. We enjoyed a lot talking to her about her experiences. She introduced us to the Ivatan culture especially gastronomy. And hope we can meet her soon in Angeles City or in Batanes again!
FESTIVALS IN BATANES
KULAY FESTIVAL
For Ivatans, “Kulay” is a native term which means “anything dried” that may imply dried products such as onion, garlic, rice, corn and fish among others, proudly manufactured within their locality. In this festival, Unity dance performances of young basqueño dancers are showcased. It is an annual event by the Ivatans in Basco. Hundreds of students and teachers as well as Ivatan Seniors are all clad in colorful costumes.
THE VAKUL-KANAYI FESTIVAL
A few years ago, Sabtang Island just held its first-ever Vakul-Kanayi Festival. Vakul is the headgear worn by women and kanayi are the vests wrapped on men when they work. It was made from Philippine date palm and they are still worn up to this day. Starting from April 25 to 27, activities are made from indigenous outdoor games and cultural shows to colorful parades and street dancing competition.
PALU-PALO FESTIVAL
Palu-palo means sticks or arnis that were used by the native Ivatans to fight the forces of the colonizers such as Spaniards and the Dutch. The natives wear the traditional suit made of indigenous materials from the bark of trees which were flattened. This is a cultural presentation of the municipality of Basco, Batanes, showcasing their ethnic group’’s rugged yet storied existence.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN BATANES
Troy’s Lodge was our staying in Basco, the rates are from 900-1000 PHP and you have kitchen if you want to cook your own meal, heat water for coffee or tea and even a fridge to keep your food and drinks. The location is great and you have everything that you need. The best of the accommodation data signal works great with Globe and Smart. It’s one of the best points for internet connection in Basco.
MAGNFRED’S PLACE BATANES
Located in Basco, Magnfred’s Place Batanes has accommodations with a flat-screen TV. There’s also a kitchenette in some of the units equipped with a fridge. The rooms are clean and neat. Guests can relax in the garden at the property. Room rate starts at 2,000 PHP a night.
SHANEDEL’S INN AND CAFE
Shanedel’s Inn is a small family-run inn. Though rooms are very basic, excellent views of the Batanes Port and surrounding area can be seen from Shanedel’s dining area and terrace. It is located in the town proper, walking distance to plaza and restaurants. Rooms are basic and clean, with private toilets and showers, and air-conditioning. Room rate starts at 1,441 PHP a night.
NATHANIEL’S LODGE
Tucked cozily between the streets of Basco and other commercial establishments, Nathaniel’s lodge also offers tours. They will gladly help you go around Batanes, just ask them. They also provide shuttle to and from the airport. Their room rate starts at 1,700 PHP a night.
You can reserve your accommodation in Batanes before your trip with SMB Travel & Tours and for your Itinerary Travel!
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