The Province of Batanes is the northernmost and the smallest province of the Philippines, both in terms of population and land area. The provincial capital is Basco. It is composed of ten islands, called the Batanes Islands, located about 162 km north of the Luzon mainland in the Luzon Strait and is part of the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Of this island group, the largest and only inhabited islands are Itbayat, Batan and Sabtang.The Batanes are about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan.
The people of Batanes are called Ivatan and share prehistoric cultural and linguistic commonalities with the Babuyan on Babuyan Island and the Tao people of Orchid Island.The southern half of the Ivatan homeland, the islands of the Batanes, was reinforced and fortified by Spanish refugees from Formosa before being formally joined in the 18th century with the Spanish government in Manila.
The main languages spoken in Batanes are Ivatan, which is spoken on the islands of Batan and Sabtang, and Itbayaten, which is spoken primarily on the island of Itbayat. The Ivatan which is dominant in the province is considered to be one of the Austronesian languages. From college level down to elementary level, the language is widely spoken.
The subtropical climate of the province is similar to those of neighboring Taiwan and Okinawa. Sometimes the island experiences below the normal low of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 °C).
There is a misconception that Batanes is constantly being battered by typhoons. If Batanes is always mentioned in connection with weather disturbances, it is because its capital, Basco, holds the last weather station in the north. It is a reference point for all typhoons that enter the Philippine area of responsibility. It has no pronounced wet or dry season. It enjoys practically four seasons, the best ones being summer (April–June) and winter (December–February), when the temperature dips as low as seven degrees Celsius.
Mid-March to June is a favorite time for tourists to visit due the relatively lower chance of rain. However, the rest of the year can still offer a pleasant experience for visitors. An Indian summer supposedly takes place in September. Sometimes, the weather is nice as early as February and as late as July. North or east winds bring in cooler air. They also bring in weather fronts and cloud build-ups that could cause flight cancellations. Cool weather—a phenomenon Ivatans like to call winter—prevails from December to February. When dealing with Batanes, always remember that, on these islands, the weather often changes suddenly. Just be ready for whatever heads your way.
Places to See
BATAN ISLAND
The second largest island in the province of Batanes, this is where the capital town Basco is situated along with three other municipalities.
BASCO
Seat of Government and center of economic development and gateway to the rest of the province.
STO. DOMINGO CATHEDRAL
The first (Spanish) Catholic Church ever built in Batanes in the early parts of 18th century. The roofing was originally cogon grass. The first church to have G.I. roofing in the early 1890’s.
CHANPAN, VALUGAN or the VALUGAN BOULDER BEACH
From this side of the island, one has a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. The smooth stone spewed by nearby Mount Iraya in AD 400 is found here.
NAIDI HILLS
It is an old Sitio derived from the Ivatan word called “Na” which means past and “Idi” meaning settlement or community.
VAYANG
This is heaven on earth. Spectacular view of the South China Sea and the Western part of Basco. Can see Itbayat and other islet north of Batan. One the most beautiful spots in Basco.
NAKAMAYA
Site of the boat-shaped burial markers of ancient Ivatans. They can only be found in Batanes and are thought to be similar with the sites in Europe where Viking kings once dominated. Area of high biodiversity.
TUKUN
Location of the country’s northernmost PAGASA station, reason why Batanes is frequently associated with typhoons because Basco station is usually used as a reference point. It
DIPNAYSUPUAN JAPANESE TUNNEL
Site of an elaborate Japanese-constructed World War II tunnel around three kilometers from town center.
MT. IRAYA
About 1,900 feet above sea level, it is the second highest peak in Batan island. The mountain houses the spring water from where the main town sources its drinking water.
CASA REAL
Site where the Provincial Capitol Building now stands. Original structure was built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. It is the seat of the Provincial Government in Batanes.
SAN CARLOS MAHATAO
This town holds the Ivatan’s birth certificate. First town from Basco. Rich in Cultural Heritage sites & practices.
RAKUH-A-IDI OLD SETTLEMENT
Birthplace of the Ivatans. One of the largest settlements on the eastern part of Batan Island built in the pre-Hispanic period.
TAYID LIGHTHOUSE
Built recently in 2000, the lighthouse boats of an uninterrupted spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean well as the other part of the Batan Island and its rugged mountains cliffs facing South China Sea.
RAKUH-A-PAYAMAN
This is where you marvel about God’s creation. When you’re in this spot, a visitor oftentimes silently stands in awe and whisper a prayer. The endless rolling hills, wind-swept communal pasturelands for cattle and horses, . Perfect scenery for nature lovers & photographers. The Sound of Music should have been filmed here.
DIURA FISHING VILLAGE
A tiny village facing the Pacific Ocean around three kilometers east of Mahatao town. Site where local fishermen perform the Kapayvanuvanua ritual to signify the start of the fishing season. The local government maintains a traditional house that it rents to visitors. Perfect site to escape crowded town centers.
SAN CARLOS BORROMEO CHURCH
Built in 1873 A.D. by Onesimo Polo using limestone for wall and cogon roofing.
CHAWA VIEW DECK
It’s water as far as your eyes can see. Perfect spot to enjoy Batanes sunset facing the South China Sea.
DISVAYANGAN BEACH
Row of privately-owned picnic houses with basic house facilities which are offered for rent. It’s the best beachfront spot there is in this part of town.
RAKUH-A-IDI SPRING
The locals call this the Spring of Youth. It is quietly tucked in below where the first Ivatans lived. One can also offer prayers at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto located near the spring water’s main source.
SUMHAO WIND TURBINES
You come here not to see windmills. You endure rough roads and an uphill trek to be on the finest spot to relish a 360-degree of God’s magnificent creation. The island’s two highest peaks stand guard on opposite ends.
SAN JOSE DE IVANA
It may as well be the smallest of the towns in Batanes, but its hold on the most epic stories of Ivatan gallantry is incomparable. Around 14 kilometers south of the main town, its two municipal ports serve as gateway to Sabtang.
HOUSE OF DAKAY
Built in the 18th century, it is probably the most photographed house in Batanes. It is one of the last few standing century old houses being used to date.
SAN JOSE OBRERO CHURCH
The only church in Batanes with a separate campanile built in 1784. The campanile was built in 1814-1817 by Fr. Jose Fausto de Cuevas. The present façade is built by Fr. Fabian Martin in 1866-1869.
SPANISH BRIDGE
Located in middle of town, this is likely the oldest bridge in the entire province still used to date. Built by the Spaniards.
UYUGAN
The fourth and last town in Batan island. Traditional Ivatan houses line the entire stretch of the main road in the This town pioneered drift net fishing for dibang and it is the site of the thriving palek (local wine) industry.
BARANGAY ITBUD
The town is divided in the middle by a narrow national road. More traditional Ivatan houses may be found here.
ITBUD IDJANG
One of the highest points in the community, this was once a settlement of old Ivatans.
IMNAJBU
This is the last village from Basco. Said to be the site where the first mass in Batanes was said and consequently, where the first baptism was administered during the Spanish times.
SABTANG ISLAND
A visit to Batanes is never complete without staying in Sabtang. Make sure you move heaven and earth to get to this heaven on earth. Of the three islands in Batanes, this is the smallest.
AHAW/NAKABUANG BEACH
One of the most pictured beach spot in Batanes. Famous for its stone/rock arch formation in a very private cove. Ideal site for picnic, snorkeling and camping.
CHAVAYAN BARRIO
Walk past Savidug village to get to Chavayan. Spending the night here is the essence of a Sabtang visit. Famous for its rows of old houses, old streets, old sites.
CHAVAYAN CHURCH
This church is not special because it’s the only remaining church in Batanes roofed with cogon grass. Neither is it extraordinary because it’s ten meters away from the beach. It is exceptional because it makes you feel closest to God at this remote place. Most romantic church there is.
DUVEK BAY, SUMBANGA
Site of the most pristine coral conditions in Batanes. In Sumnanga, you’re in Little Hongkong, they say.
ITBAYAT ISLAND
There are other islands farther up north, but this is by far the closest inhabited island to Taiwan. Being in Itbayat makes one closer to Taiwan than mainland Luzon. The island of Itabyat is one of the world’s largest uplifted coral reefs.
MT. KAROBOBAN
Highest point in Itbayat, about 280 meters above sea level. Its historical significance is being the other pair of Mt. Riposed, considered to be one of the island’s foundations.
It is also an old settlement for the early settlers of Itbayat.
TORONGAN CAVE
The most ancient dwelling place in Batanes. Believed to be the first landing place of the Austronesians from Formosa, 4000 BP.
TORONGAN HILL
An area where stone boat-shaped burial markers are found. This area is believed to be the burial ground of the ancient settlers of the Torongan Cave.
KUMAYASAKAS CAVE AND WATER SOURCE
It is an underground stream on the Northwest of Itbayat. It flows to the sea and is a newly develop water source for the community.
NAHILI DO VOTOX
An ancient settlement with boat-shaped burial markers. Its Idjang has a spectacular view of Dinem and the eastern coast of Ibayat Island. It reflects the material cultural remains of ancient maritime people.
MT. RIPOSED
With its panoramic views, one of the two volcanoes considered to have been the foundation of Itbayat. On top, you will see the view of the southeast of Itbayat.
SIAYAN ISLAND
The nearest island to Itbayat about 5.5 nautical miles point to point. It has a total land area of 87.63 hectares surrounded by beautiful white beaches. Surrounding the island is a rich coral which is sanctuary of hundreds of marine life. This is one of the most beautiful spot in Itbayat.
STA. MARIA IMMACULADA CHURCH
Roman Catholic Church was founded in Itbayat in 1845. It took more than forty years later to complete the church and finally blessed in 1888 by Fr. Manuel Blasco.
VERNACULAR HOUSES
A combination of European and Itbayat architecture, with thick wall of stone and lime and several layers of cogon for the roof. These Ivatan houses are adapted for strong typhoon, earth quakes and other kinds of calamities. Itbayat houses have to be built this way since they receive the harshest winter winds from Siberia in December to February.
Honesty Coffee Shop is a one of a kind store located in Ivana, Batanes. What makes this Ivatan store interesting? No one looks after the merchandise so each customer is pretty much free to move inside the store. Everyone is expected to be honest, the store owners trust the people enough to allow them to list the products they bought along with its corresponding price and then leave the payment in a drop box. You can find an interesting sign on the wall that says “This store is too small for dishonest people,”.
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