Batanes is one of the Philippines’ most breathtaking and peaceful destinations. Located at the northernmost tip of the country, the islands are known for rolling hills, stone houses, dramatic cliffs, and a quiet atmosphere that feels far removed from the rush of city life.
The landscape blends rugged coastlines with gentle pastures, while the Ivatan people maintain traditions rooted in resilience and respect for nature. This guide explores Batanes in detail, helping travelers appreciate the islands’ beauty, culture, and unique sense of isolation.
Understanding Batanes
The Batanes archipelago consists of several islands, with Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat being the most visited. Each island offers distinct landscapes and cultural experiences. The province is known for strong winds, cooler temperatures, and weather that can shift quickly from sunlight to mist. These conditions have shaped Ivatan architecture, clothing, and community practices.
Flights typically arrive in Basco on Batan Island, which serves as the central hub for accommodations and tours. From there, travelers explore Sabtang through short boat rides, while Itbayat requires longer sea journeys or small aircraft. Despite its remote location, Batanes remains organized and welcoming, with local guides offering structured tours that balance exploration with cultural understanding.
Basco Lighthouse
Basco Lighthouse, located on Naidi Hills, overlooks the coastline and provides panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. The white tower stands against rolling hills and open skies, creating a tranquil scene especially during sunrise or sunset. A short walk up the hill reveals wide grassy areas where visitors can rest, appreciate the breeze, and watch the gentle movement of clouds over the cliffs. The lighthouse embodies the calm and open space that define Batanes.
Vayang Rolling Hills
Vayang Rolling Hills is one of the most iconic sights in Basco. The landscape features wide slopes covered in green grass, with views stretching to Mt. Iraya, Basco town, and the coastline. The hills offer an unobstructed perspective of the sky and sea, creating a sense of vastness that travelers rarely experience elsewhere in the country. The wind adds motion to the scenery, making the grass ripple in soft waves. Vayang is ideal for quiet walks, photography, and moments of reflection.
Valugan Boulder Beach
Valugan Boulder Beach is unique because of its shoreline covered entirely in smooth volcanic rocks. The stones were formed from Mt. Iraya’s ancient eruptions and shaped by years of waves and wind. The beach is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents, but it offers dramatic, textured scenery. The sound of waves crashing against the boulders creates a rhythmic and powerful soundtrack that contrasts with the calm of the hills.
Mt. Carmel Chapel
Mt. Carmel Chapel, also known as Tukon Church, stands on elevated ground surrounded by open fields and distant views. The chapel’s stone construction reflects Ivatan architecture, built to withstand strong winds and changing weather. Its peaceful location and elegant design make it a favorite spot for weddings, photography, and quiet visits. Built through community effort, the chapel highlights the close-knit nature of Ivatan life.
Basco Town
Basco Town serves as the gateway to Batanes. Its small streets, local shops, and simple eateries reflect the gentle pace of daily life. Travelers often walk through town to find restaurants serving Ivatan dishes, markets with local produce, and small stores selling handcrafted items. The town’s layout is straightforward, making it easy to explore on foot and enjoy conversations with friendly locals.
Sabtang Island
Sabtang Island provides some of the most culturally rich experiences in Batanes. A short faluwa boat ride from Batan leads to a town where stone houses, rugged cliffs, and quiet beaches define the landscape. The island feels more traditional and less developed, offering a glimpse into older Ivatan practices.
Savidug Stone Houses
Savidug features traditional Ivatan stone houses built with lime, stone, and thick cogon roofs. These structures are designed to withstand strong winds brought by frequent storms. Walking through Savidug feels like stepping into a living museum, where every home reflects centuries of adaptation and resilience.
Chavayan Village
Chavayan is one of the most picturesque villages in Sabtang. Narrow paths wind between stone houses, while the surrounding cliffs provide dramatic backdrops. The village also preserves traditional Ivatan weaving, with locals crafting vakul — a natural-fiber headgear used for protection against sun and rain.
Sabtang Lighthouse
The lighthouse on Sabtang stands near the port and offers views of the sea, coastline, and boats arriving from Batan. Its elevated position gives travelers a sense of the island’s layout and the surrounding waters that shape daily life on Sabtang.
Morong Beach
Morong Beach is known for its arch-shaped rock formation called Nakabuang Arch. The calm waves and bright sand make this beach suitable for swimming and gentle relaxation. Travelers often visit for picnics, photography, and breaks during Sabtang tours.
Itbayat Island
Itbayat is the northernmost inhabited island in the Philippines and offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in Batanes. Its cliffs are high and rugged, rising steeply from the sea. The island is larger and more remote than Batan or Sabtang, giving it an isolated yet awe-inspiring charm.
Rapang Cliff
Rapang Cliff features open stone pathways, windswept ridges, and viewpoints overlooking vast seas. The trail provides glimpses of the land’s rugged beauty and the wide sky that surrounds it. The minimalist landscape evokes a sense of space and calm.
Torongan Cave
Torongan Cave is one of Batanes’ oldest archaeological sites, believed to be one of the earliest settlement areas. The cave’s interior reveals natural formations and openings that frame views of the surrounding land.
Traditional Itbayat Villages
Villages in Itbayat display unique Ivatan architecture adapted to the island’s harsher weather conditions. Homes use thick stone and reinforced cogon that demonstrate architectural wisdom passed down through generations.
Marlboro Country
Marlboro Country, located in Mahatao, is one of the most scenic areas in Batanes. Wide green hills roll gently toward the sea, with cows grazing and winds moving softly across the landscape. The views extend to the Pacific Ocean, the rugged cliffs, and distant islands. The combination of open land, grazing animals, and sea views creates a sense of freedom and simplicity. Travelers often remark that Marlboro Country feels like stepping into a painting.
Alapad Rock Formation
Alapad Rock Formation features layered rock walls shaped by centuries of wind and waves. The surrounding scenery includes long road curves, cliffs, and views of the water that combine to create one of Mahatao’s most photogenic areas. Many visitors stop here while exploring the southern part of Batan Island.
Homoron Blue Lagoon
Homoron Blue Lagoon is a natural pool surrounded by cliffs and used historically by local communities as a swimming area. Its water is clear and calm, contrasting with the nearby rocky shoreline. The lagoon provides a quiet spot for relaxation and short dips during island tours.
House of Dakay
Located in Ivana on Batan Island, the House of Dakay is one of the oldest surviving stone houses in Batanes. The home is preserved and maintained by descendants of its original owners, offering a direct connection to traditional Ivatan life. Its thick walls, cogon roof, and simple interior layout showcase architectural traditions developed to withstand strong winds and storms.
Honesty Coffee Shop
Honesty Coffee Shop in Ivana is one of Batanes’ most unique attractions. The shop operates on an honor system, allowing travelers to take items and leave payments without staff supervision. The small store reflects the integrity and trust deeply rooted in Ivatan culture, making it a memorable stop for many visitors.
Chawa View Deck
Chawa View Deck features dramatic cliffs overlooking deep blue water. Seasons and sunlight affect how the waves crash against the rocks below, creating a dynamic scene that travelers enjoy from the safety of the elevated deck. The site offers a peaceful stop with wide coastal views.
Suggested Itinerary for Three to Five Days
Batanes offers an itinerary that blends scenic hills, cultural sites, and quiet villages.
Day 1: Basco and Nearby Hills
Visit Basco Lighthouse, Vayang Rolling Hills, and Valugan Boulder Beach. Explore Basco Town and enjoy a calm evening walk.
Day 2: North Batan
Visit Tukon Chapel, the PAGASA Radar Station, and various viewpoints along the northern routes.
Day 3: Sabtang Island
Explore Savidug, Chavayan, Morong Beach, and Sabtang Lighthouse. Learn about Ivatan weaving and architecture.
Day 4: South Batan
Travel to Marlboro Country, Alapad Rock Formation, Homoron Blue Lagoon, and the House of Dakay. Visit Honesty Coffee Shop.
Day 5: Optional Itbayat Trip
For travelers seeking deeper exploration, visit Itbayat for rugged landscapes and remote village life.
Where to Stay in Batanes
Accommodations in Batanes maintain a balance between comfort and simplicity, often reflecting Ivatan architecture and local hospitality.
Basco Town
Hotels and inns in Basco offer modern amenities and easy access to restaurants, shops, and tour services. This area is ideal for first-time visitors.
Ivana and Mahatao
Smaller homestays provide quiet environments and closer proximity to cultural sites and scenic landscapes.
Sabtang Stays
Some travelers choose to spend a night in Sabtang to experience island life more fully, though accommodations are simpler and more traditional.
Transportation Tips
Traveling in Batanes requires coordination due to weather conditions and limited transport options.
Vans and Motorcycle Rentals
Vans provide guided tours for groups, while motorcycles allow independent exploration for experienced riders.
Boats
Boats connect Batan to Sabtang and Itbayat, though schedules may change depending on sea conditions.
Walking
Many areas in Basco and Sabtang are walkable, especially around heritage villages and town centers.
Practical Travel Tips
Simple preparations help travelers enjoy Batanes’s unique environment.
Weather
Carrying light jackets, sun protection, and water is important due to shifting weather patterns.
Safety
Batanes is extremely safe, with low crime rates and friendly communities.
Money
Cash is essential because ATMs and credit card facilities are limited outside Basco.
Final Thoughts
Batanes remains one of the Philippines’ most remarkable destinations, offering landscapes and cultural experiences that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. From rolling hills and stone houses to dramatic cliffs and quiet coastal roads, the province invites slow and thoughtful exploration.
Travelers leave Batanes with a deeper appreciation for nature, community, and the quiet beauty that defines this northern archipelago.