Batanes
Philippines · Cagayan Valley · 32 m
Description
Batanes is the northernmost and smallest province of the Philippines, an isolated archipelago at the country's northern tip, closer to Taiwan than to Manila. The islands are known for their rolling hills covered with cogon grass, rugged sea cliffs, traditional Ivatan stone houses, and spectacular coastal scenery. Their distinctive architecture, featuring thick limestone walls and cogon grass roofs, was developed to withstand the typhoons that regularly sweep across the islands, while villages such as Chavayan and Savidug preserve the region's unique cultural heritage. Basco serves as the gateway to the green hills of Racuh a Payaman, also known as Marlboro Country, the scenic Vayang Rolling Hills, and the remote islands of Sabtang and Itbayat. Its isolated location, rough seas, and ever changing weather have helped preserve Batanes as one of the Philippines' most unspoiled and distinctive travel destinations.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 6 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: March – April
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Marlboro Country
- Sabtang Island(Day trip)
- Chavayan Village (Ivatan stone houses)(Day trip)
- Vayang Rolling Hills
- Basco Lighthouse (Naidi Lighthouse)
- Valugan Boulder Beach
- Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Hills Viewpoint)
- Alapad Hills & Rock Formation
- Honesty Coffee Shop
- Basco Cathedral (Sto. Domingo Church)
- Tukon Chapel
- Fundacion Pacita
- Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
- Songsong Ruins(Day trip)
- Savidug Village (Ivatan stone houses)(Day trip)
- Morong Beach & Nakabuang Arch(Day trip)
- Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint(Day trip)
- Ivana Port & House of Dakay
- Diura Fishing Village
- Homoron Blue Lagoon(Day trip)
- Torongan Cave(Day trip)
- Itbayat Island(Multi-day trip)
- Rapang Cliffs(Multi-day trip)
- Mt. Karoboban(Multi-day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- BSO
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry