The islands that make up the Philippine province of Batanes are regarded to be the northernmost tip of the nation. Taiwan is less than 300 kilometers away. This complete guide to Batanes, Philippines, contains all of the information you could possibly need to know about the little-known jewel of the north.

ABOUT BATANES

The Batanes Islands are located on the far northernmost tip of the Philippine territory. It is well-known for its scenic terrain, beautiful waters, and clean environment. 

This 220 square kilometer province is made up of several islands, the three largest and only inhabited being Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang. This island province is well-known for its charming, centuries-old stone houses, peaceful stretches of white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and seemingly endless lush green hills.

Photo of Basco, Batanes, Philippines
Basco, Batanes

LIST OF MUNICIPALITIES IN BATANES

  1. Basco
  2. Itbayat
  3. Ivana
  4. Mahatao
  5. Sabtang
  6. Uyugan

THE 10 VOLCANIC ISLANDS IN BATANES

Batanes is made up of ten volcanic islands. However, only three are inhabited. These are Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat.

  1. Sabtang (Inhabited)
  2. Itbayat (Inhabited)
  3. Batan (Inhabited)
  4. Ivuhos
  5. Dinem
  6. Siayan
  7. Mavudis
  8. Dequey
  9. North Island
  10. Y’ami
Sky Tour of Batanes Islands

BEST TIME TO VISIT BATANES

Batanes is best visited during the dry season, which lasts from April to May, the Philippines’ summer months. Temperatures and humidity levels are especially high in April and May.

The island is also worth a visit from November to December, just after the rainy season. This is likely to bring fewer crowds but still pleasant weather, and it is also an excellent time to book a vacation.

HOW TO GET TO BATANES

The following are the main entry points for this destination.

  1. BASCO AIRPORT
    Basco Airport is one of two airports in the Batanes Islands, the other being Itbayat Airport, and is located in the provincial capital of Basco. The airport is a Class 2 principal airport (minor domestic). The airport serves as one of Sky Pasada‘s hubs.
  2. BASCO SEAPORT
    Basco Seaport is located on Batan Island. The port is located on the island’s western coast, approximately 350 meters from Basco’s center. It primarily serves Metro Manila cargo vessels and also ferries passengers and cargo to nearby islands such as Itbayat.

LIST OF THE BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN BATANES

  1. Abad Street
  2. Alapad Hills & Rock Formation
  3. Basco Lighthouse
  4. Chadpidan Beach
  5. Chanarian View Deck
  6. Chavayan Village
  7. Chawa Cave
  8. Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
  9. Diura Village
  10. Fundacion Pacita Lodge
  11. Homoron Blue Lagoon
  12. Homoron White Beach
  13. Honesty Store and Coffee Shop
  14. House of Dakay
  15. Itbayat Island
  16. Mahatao Port and Boat Shelter
  17. Mahatao Tayid Lighthouse
  18. Marlboro Hills
  19. Morong Beach
  20. Mount Karoboboan
  21. Mount Matarem
  22. Mt. Iraya
  23. Naidi Hills
  24. Nakabuang Arch
  25. Nakabuang Beach
  26. Nakabuang Cave
  27. Racuh A Payaman or most commonly known as Marlboro Country
  28. Racuh-A-Idi- Spring of Wellness
  29. Ruins of Songsong
  30. Sabtang Beach
  31. Sabtang Island
  32. Sabtang Lighthouse
  33. San Antonio De Florencia Church
  34. San Jose de Obrero Church
  35. San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel
  36. Savidug Stone Houses
  37. St Dominic de Guzman Cathedral
  38. Sta Rosa de Lima Chapel
  39. Tayid lighthouse in Basco
  40. Tukon Church
  41. Turungan Cave
  42. Valugan Boulder Beach
  43. Vayang Rolling Hills

FESTIVALS IN BATANES

  1. Kulay Festival of Basco – April
  2. Palu-palo Festival of Basco – August
  3. Payuhuan Festival of Basco – June
  4. Vakul-Kanayi Festival of Sabtang – April

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BATANES

  1. Discover the largest celebration, “Batanes Day,” which takes place every June.
  2. Ride and enjoy the Faluwa, the Ivatan version of Boat.
  3. See the traditional stone houses in Ivana and Mahatao.
  4. Spend some time watching the sunset in Naidi Hills.
  5. Take Part in the Festivals
  6. Trek the Mount Iraya volcano, which rises 1009 meters.
  7. Try the famous Ivatan headgear known as Vakul and Talugong.

THE BEST FOODS IN BATANES YOU HAVE TO TRY

  1. A variety of lychee called chayi
  2. Dibang, also referred to as “Flying Fish
  3. Payi
  4. Supas or rice with turmeric
  5. Tatus, also known as Coconut crab 
  6. The Ivatan dish Luis is a taro-based variant of adobo 
  7. The native wine produced from sugar cane, known as palek

BEST ITEMS TO BUY IN BATANES

  1. Anaha Tea
  2. Batanes baskets
  3. Camote cookies
  4. Garlic Bits
  5. Headgear for men called Kanayi
  6. Headgear for women called Vakul
  7. Local tea called Tub
  8. Turmeric powder
  9. Turmeric tea
  10. Wacky or camote chips
  11. Yuvuk baskets

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT BATANES

  1. Batanes is the smallest province in the Philippines.
  2. Bayanihan is still alive in Batanes.
  3. In Batanes, honking your horn is acceptable.
  4. In Batanes, you can’t just walk out and purchase a home or a piece of property.
  5. Ivatans continue to practice the age-old tradition of fishing.
  6. Taiwan is closer to Kapayvanuvanua than it is to the northernmost tip of Luzon.
  7. Batanes is made up of 10 volcanic islands
  8. The municipal government offers everyone a free lunch on Batanes Day.
  9. The province has a remarkably low crime rate.
  10. The way that Ivatans serve their cuisine is customary.
  11. Vakul and Kanayi were not designed with fashion in mind.