Batanes is an archipelago of islands located in the northernmost part of the Philippines. Due to its location, many have invaded the province ranging from foreign colonizers to natural disasters. Yet, it was able to maintain its quiet charm and natural beauty, making it one of the most dreamed about destinations in the country. From verdant rolling hills to fascinating tribal communities, there are plenty of things to do in Batanes that will make a lasting impression on any visitor.
Diura Fishing Village is a small town in Basco, Batanes, that will give its visitors a glimpse of the local fishing culture. Here you'll see cogon houses where fishermen temporarily live during the fishing season, dried fish hanging everywhere, and colorful boats parked near the shore. Come during March and witness the ceremony called Kapayvanuvanua, signaling the beginning of the fishing season. It is a well-known tradition in Batanes where a pig is butchered, and its blood is offered to the sea spirits by pouring it at the shore.
One of the best things to do in Batanes, without a doubt, is climbing the Vayang Rolling Hills located in the capital of Basco. With just a 30-minute climb, visitors will be rewarded with an indescribable view of the nearby mountains, the West Philippines Sea, and cows and goats grazing the area. Aside from the stunning scenery, it can be unpredictably windy here, so remember to cover up and wear proper hiking shoes. Visit during sunrise or sunset and watch the hills glow during these golden hours.
Rakuh a Payaman is a picturesque trail through rolling hills offering a majestic view of Batanes. It’s just a 30-minute drive from another famous attraction in the area, the Vayang Rolling Hills, which will also leave its visitors in awe of the provinces’ beauty. From here, you can get a glimpse of Tayid Lighthouse, the fishing village of Diura, and the vast Pacific Ocean. It got the nickname Marlboro Country as it resembles the location of the cigarette brand’s popular commercial in the ’90s.
Morong Beach is a renowned beach on the island of Sabtang. Locals and tourists prefer Morong because of its sand that is much fairer than other beaches in the area. The waves are not too strong as well, making it a great option if you’re itching for a swim. Other than its breathtaking coast, another must-see attraction here is the Nakabuang Arch. The iconic natural formation made up of limestone has become one of the most photographed spots in Batanes.
Another remarkable beach in Batanes is Valugan Boulder Beach, found in the municipality of Basco. Instead of a coast covered with sand, as most beaches have, Valugan is most recognized for being covered with smooth rocks. These boulders came from Mt. Iraya when it erupted in 400 AD covering the northern half of Batan island. Today, Valugan may not be known as a swimming destination, but its unique charm is still worth visiting.
Basto Lighthouse is a six-story structure built in 2002 to become a navigational facility to guide seafarers safely home. But through the years, it has also become part of the top things to do in Batanes. Sitting calmly at the Naidi Hills, Basco Lighthouse has a gallery and viewing deck, open to the public. Tourists can climb on its fourth level and savor an unobstructed view of Batan Island and beyond.
Tayid Lighthouse, situated in the municipality of Mahatao, was built in the early 2000s to serve as a guiding light to the province’s fishermen alongside the Basco and Sabtang Lighthouses. It became known for its unique features, including its red lantern roof, rubble masonry base and dwelling, and its position facing the Pacific Ocean. Although accessing the lighthouse is a bit of a challenge, you can see it from afar when you visit Racuh a Payaman or Marlboro Country and Diura Fishing Village.
Mount Iraya is Batanes' highest point, with a height of 1,009 meters above sea level. The active volcano is open for climbers with a moderate difficulty of 4/9 as rated by mountaineers. Hikers will be welcomed by the mountain’s dense forest, filled with various flora and fauna. It’s home to vipers, so don’t be surprised if you meet one along the way. The peak can be reached within a couple of hours and, if the weather permits, visitors will be rewarded with a view of Batanes and Mt. Matarem.
Mt. Carmel Chapel may be relatively new, built only in 2008, but stopping here is already one of the top things to do in Batanes. Also known as Tukon Chapel, it was a project spearheaded by the Abad family to fulfill their parents' dream of having a church near their home. Its design was heavily influenced by the stone houses of the Ivatans and constructed with the help of local carpenters, craftsmen, and masons. Inside Tukon are artworks of Ivatan artists of various saints.
Batanes takes pride in its stone houses made by the Ivatans to withstand various environmental conditions. One of the oldest stone houses in the province is the House of Dakay. It was built in 1887 and the only surviving stone house when the town was struck by an earthquake in 1918. The Estrella family, who owns the House of Dakay, kept the residence as to what it was a hundred years ago. The foundation, walls, and layout are still the same. Only its roof, made of cogon, is updated every couple of decades to protect the home from natural disasters.
Batanes is most known for its natural beauty, seclusion, and laid back atmosphere. From its boulder beaches to scenic rolling hills, every corner of the Philippines’ northernmost province is photo-worthy. Due to its distance and small population, Batanes also became an escape for travelers who want to disconnect from their busy day to day lives and just commune with Mother Nature.
Best to visit Batanes during its dry season, from December to May. The months of December through February can be quite cold, and packing an extra layer of clothing might be necessary. If you’re planning to travel from June onwards, please be mindful of typhoons as the province faces the Pacific Ocean directly.
The best place to stay in Batanes is in the municipality of Basco. It is the province’s capital and center of commerce, so you’ll find everything you need here. Homestays and other accommodation options are abundant in the area, and tour operators if you need guides to take you around Batanes.