Awesome Places to See in Batanes

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Why Retire to the Philippines

Why, you say?

Because everything we need for our retirement is over there!

• the cost of living is amazingly affordable
• the climate is mild (not too hot/not too cold)
• living is “safe and secure” (like anywhere in the world)
• the people speak English, no need to learn a new language
• people are friendly, hospitable, warm and somewhat “Westernized”
• majority of the people are Christian, so there are no dietary laws to observe
• the country is lovely and the night life in the city is alive
• so many more other reasons!

This little country seems to be the best place for retirement!

LOVELY PLACES TO SEE IN BATANES

Batanes is one of the best destinations in the Philippines. It’s located in the northernmost province of the country, which is part of the Cagayan Valley region. The provincial capital is Basco, which is the center of commerce and seat of the provincial government.

The province features a lot of beautiful and unique tourist spots. Anywhere you go, you can find amazing things, which is a perfect background for your selfie or group photo. Batanes has three largest islands, Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang.

Each spot in the province offers unique attractions. The Sabtang island has lots of natural attractions that will be loved by every nature lovers. You can find here white sand beaches with steep mountains and deep canyons. Read More: http://www.thepinoytraveler.com/2015/01/places-to-visit-in-batanes.html

Source: https://steemkr.com/nature/@janver06/greenest-country-in-the-north-batanes-philippines

Alapad Hills & Rock Formation

Source: https://www.girlchasingsunshine.com/2015/04/photos-that-will-make-you-want-to-visit-batanes.html

The Alapad Hills and Rock Formation is one of the magnificent tourist destinations in the Batan Island. It is a favorite among tourists because it offers a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean. The hills offer great scenery of the curvy hill while the rock formation will amaze the tourists. Before reaching the destination one will totally enjoy the most scenic road in Batan Island which is the Imnajbu Road Cliffs.

Tourists will certainly love the view of the place and enjoy the tranquility that it offers. Near the Alapad Hills and Rock Formation are other tourist destinations like the Song-Song Ruins, Mahtao Church, Chanarian View Deck, Itbud Village, Uyugan and more. Batan Island of Batanes is truly a wonderful destination to visit. Read More: https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Batan-Islands-Alapad-Hill-and-Rock-Formation

Basco Lighthouse

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ginggoy/5526145103

Basco Lighthouse is a lighthouse in the town of Basco in Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines. Located in Naidi Hills in Barangay San Antonio, the lush green hills and the open sea provide a beautiful backdrop for the lighthouse. The place can easily be reached by a 1.2-km (3/4 mile) hike from the Port of Basco. Read More: https://www.trover.com/d/iWNj-batanes-cagayan-valley-philippines

Basco PAGASA Station / Radar Tukon

Source: https://lakwatserang-guro.com/2015/05/30/a-tour-of-north-batan-part-1/

Why is it called Radar Tukon? Radar = Lighthouse, Tukon = Hill. This facility used to be a lighthouse, and was also used as a United States weather station. Now its a fully functional PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) weather station.

You will get spectacular views of the Basco town, and surrounding hills while at the station. Read More: https://terrifictraveller.com/2016/09/09/batanes-4d3n-for-less/

Batan Island

Photo from: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2015/04/batan-island-basco-batanes-tour-south.html

Batan Island is the major island of Batanes where it’s capital, Basco, is located. It is also the primary entry point to all major islands in Batanes mainly because of the population and the existence of a fairly-sized airport. Popularly known for it’s green pastures and lush green Marlboro hills, the beautiful cliffside landscapes, and picturesque lighthouses, Batan Island welcomes you to a new horizon of seeing things. Batanes will always break your heart, so be prepared for the pain when you leave it. Read More: http://rediscover.ph/2017/01/batan-island/

Bunker’s Café

Photo from: https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-batanes-philippines/

Bunker’s Cafe is one of the many popular restaurants in Batanes, but it is open only during the peak tourist months from October to June.

Chamantad-Tiñan Cove

Photo from: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/06/basco-batanes-tour-resort-rental-budget-guide-philippines/

If Mahatao has its Racuh-a-Payaman, Sabtang has its Chamantad-Tiñan View Point. This is the place where you can actually see some Ivatans lend their Kanayi and Vakul for picture taking purposes with the great landscape in your background. A short walk from the dusty road led us to the peak of the viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the coast.

From that point, we saw a shallow sparkling water on a cove, and we didn’t dare to miss it. After messing up with the slope of the hill, we safely got down on the little cove. Pebbles and small to medium-sized rocks allied on the short strip of beach. Read More: http://www.rjdexplorer.com/secrets-of-sabtang-island-batanes/

Chanarian Beach

Photo from: https://www.dphotographer.co.uk/image/238193/kingdome_come

For sunset, one good spot is the Chanarian beach, a few minutes away from town proper of Basco. It’s a long stretch of light black sand and pebble beach suited for refreshing dips and sunset viewing. What makes it unique is the interesting stone stacks near the beach. Read More: http://www.choosephilippines.com/go/islands-and-beaches/2042/15-must-visit-spots-batanes-eric-banes

Chanarian View Deck

Photo from: http://www.pinoyroadtrip.com/2012/07/half-day-cultural-heritage-tour-of.html

Batanes has always been compared to Ireland when it comes to its cliffs. Though I myself haven’t been there, I know a couple of friends who have been there and had told me that the Cliffs of Batanes does remind them of Ireland. When in tour in Batanes, one of the favorite stops along the road is the Chanarian Viewdeck where you can have a closer inspection of the cliffs.

Chanarian Viewdeck is just a short drive southwest of Basco before you enter the town of Mahatao. Just between the zigzagging road of Hanib and Mahatao. You won’t miss the cemented view deck and benches on your right coming from Basco.

There are cemented stairs going down the cliffs. A lot has been damaged though so it is best to be careful when going down as some of the rocks and cemented steps are loose. Read More: https://www.ironwulf.net/2008/08/15/batanes-cliffs-of-chanarian/

Chadpidan Beach

Photo from: http://www.2hottravellers.com/pebble-beaches-philippines/

On the western edge of Batan Island is its twin, Chadpidan Beach. Like Valugan, it is filled with boulders that were spewed by the nearby Mt. Iraya centuries ago and were eventually polished and smoothed by the tides and the monstrous waves of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Chadpidan means “west” in the Ivatan language; Valugan means “east.”

Chadpidan Beach is just a tricycle or motorcycle ride away from Basco Airport or town proper. Bicycles are also available. This may also be included in some North Batan tours. Simply tell your guide that you want to see Chadpidan Beach too. Read More: https://www.philippinebeaches.org/chadpidan-boulder-beach-batanes-tour-rates/

Chavayan Church

Photo from: http://www.rjdexplorer.com/secrets-of-sabtang-island-batanes/

This church in Chavayan is also known as Sta. Rose de Lima Chapel. Chavayan is the town which has the best-preserved stone houses commonly found in the province of Batanes.

Chavayan Village

Photo from: http://journeyingjames.com/2011/05/batanes-snapshots-from-sabtang-island/

The tiny Chavayan Village is located on Sabtang Island, part of the Batanes region of the Philippines and permanently locked in ages gone by. There is only one road in and out of the village, which is nestled on a thin strip of land between the mountains and the sea. Read More: https://theholidaze.com/chavayan-village-sabtang-island-batanes/

Chawa Viewdeck

Photo from: http://www.batanes.gov.ph/basco/

The view deck is located at the island of Mahatao facing the West Philippine Sea, making this an ideal spot for sunset watching. It offers a magnificent view on the island’s coastline characterized by sea waves smashing the cliffs. This is also the perfect place to relax and enjoy the breeze of the wind blowing from the sea with the sight of the clear blue sea. Climbing back up is not for the faint of knees though. Read More: http://www.academicroom.com/article/do-you-want-know-top-7-tourist-destinations-batanes-you-shouldn%E2%80%99t-miss

Di-Atay Beach

Photo from: https://www.tripadvisor.in/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g1202573-d2219433-i91720345-Di_Atay_Beach-Mahatao_Province_of_Batanes_Cagayan_Valley_Region_Luzon.html

Di-Atay Beach is located in Mahatao, Batanes is a beautiful cove with multi-colored rocks and white sand ideal for picnics and beachcombing. Located along the highway of Mahatao, it is 9.85 kilometers from Basco. Read More: https://greedypeg.org/batanes/Di-Atay-Beach.html

Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel

Photo from: https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g1191611-d8317037-i153170206-Dipnaysupuan_Japanese_Tunnel-Basco_Province_of_Batanes_Cagayan_Valley_R.html

Dipnaysupuan Japanese tunnel is an interconnected network of tunnels in Tukon Hills, Basco, Batanes, the Philippines. It served as a shelter for the Japanese imperial forces during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines until the end of World War II.

Because of its strategic location, the Japanese imperial forces forced the Ivatans to dug tunnels in Tukon Hills for their shelter. The Japanese soldiers spent years hiding in these tunnels until the end of Word War II. Read More: https://intrepidwanderer.com/2014/03/inside-the-dipnaysupuan-japanese-secret-tunnels/#.W93lC-JRdaQ

Disvayangan Beach

Photo from: https://www.travelblog.org/Photos/1177829

Diura Fishing Village

Photo from: https://www.ironwulf.net/2017/06/18/batanes-diura-fishing-village/

But my favorite destination in Mahatao is Diura Village, located just below the promontory where Tayid Lighthouse is standing. It is largely known for its traditional fishing practice for arayu (Dorado). During the fishing season which falls on summer, here lives an association of fishermen called Mataw. Cardona tells me that these locals have permanent homes in Matao town proper, so the cogon houses standing shoulder to shoulder at the shores of Diura Village are actually temporary houses. Read More: https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/batanes-mahatao-trip-blog/

Duvek Bay

Photo from: http://www.discoverbatanes.com/2013/11/

Chavayan and Sumnanga are neighboring villages but there are no paved roads connecting the two and a mountainous part separates them. We needed to loop around the island just to go to Sumnanga. Houses here are more compressed than the other villages which mean a tighter community.

On the rear part of the village is the place they called as Duvek Bay. As per our guide, it is a site of the most pristine coral conditions in Batanes. Sumnanga is also tagged as the Little Hongkong of the province. Read More: http://www.rjdexplorer.com/secrets-of-sabtang-island-batanes/

Fundacion Pacita

Photo from: https://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/06/07/1707637/batanes-declared-drug-free-province

If you are looking for higher-end accommodations in Batanes, the Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge is a good option.

Located farther away from the town proper, this former residence of international Filipino artist Pacita Abad set atop a hill offers dramatic views and cozy accommodation. Read More: http://www.ilink.ph/fundacion-pacita

Homoron White Beach

Photo from: https://thestylerandomguy.com/2018/02/24/ultimate-travelgoals-2018-philippines/

Homoron White Beach (or simply, White Beach) is one of beaches lacing Batan Island whose waves are a bit friendlier and gentler to swimmers. This short strip of sand and shingles is a popular picnic area for both locals and tourists. Framed by rocky cliffs on both sides and serenaded by the constant humming of the waves, it is an untouched slice of tropical pulchritude in this side of Batanes. Read More: https://www.philippinebeaches.org/homoron-white-beach-mahatao-batanes/

Homoron Blue Lagoon

Photo from: http://www.findinghenru.com/homoron-blue-lagoon/

Philippines is lucky enough to have this indisputable tourist’s spots. Homoron Blue Lagoon is one of its nature’s product located at Mahatao Batanes. This lagoon hides in between rocky cliffs just by the road that connects Mahatao and Ivana. From the road side, you need to take a walk towards the white beach where you’ll see stunning high stone cliffs surrounding the area. The lagoon is also known as Spanish Lagoon, why? Because way back during Spanish colonization only the Spaniards were allowed to swim in the place. Now, the lagoon is open to locals and tourists alike. Read more: http://kakulitan.com/news/homoron-blue-lagoon-and-white-beach#DIHqdh5UuBQ1CwQT.99

Honesty Coffee Shop

Photo from: http://katewashere.com/2015/07/honest-cafe-98-honest-since-1995/

Honesty Coffee Shop isn’t your ordinary cafe. It is unmanned and always open, allowing the customers to get what they need and trusting that they do the right thing and pay right. Yep, you just get what you want and drop your payment at designated boxes.

Owned by married couple Jose and Elena Gabilo, the Honesty Coffee Shop has become a tourist spot on its own. It is located just beside the Port of Ivana, the jump-off point to Sabtang Island.

It was a bitter pill to swallow too. Has honesty been so scarce, so rare? There is sadness in realizing that most of us find honesty odd and refreshing enough to be a tourist attraction. Read More: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/04/honesty-store-coffee-shop-ivana-batanes-philippines/

House of Dakay

Photo from: https://reggiemateo.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/the-oldest-stone-house-of-batanes/

The House of Dakay – believed to be the oldest stone house in the province (also the most photographed house in the island province). It is now considered a UNESCO-inscribed treasure. This stone-made abode is an epitome of time-tested strength. The thick walls are made of thick stone and lime. The roofs are made from cogon grass about 1/3 of a meter thick. Read More: https://nojuanisanisland.com/2015/07/23/ivana/

Imnajbu Road Cliff

Photo from: https://www.preview.ph/culture/these-are-the-spots-in-batanes-you-have-to-see-a00192-20180408

Imnajbu, which means to settle in the lowlands, is the place where the first mass baptism in the islands was held. The road to Imnajbu is filled with rough cliffs and interesting rock formations, which includes what is now popularly known as the Alapad Pass. Imanjbu Road Cliffs offer visitors a clear, breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.

The Imnajbu Road Cliffs are located 16 kilometers Southeast from Basco. Read More: http://www.zeotrip.com/attraction/philippines/batanes/imnajbu-road-cliffs/

Itbayat Airport

Photo from: http://www.rjdexplorer.com/the-journey-to-the-northernmost-inhabited-island/

It’s also possible to travel to Itbayat by plane from Basco. NorthSky Airlines is an 8-seater plane that travels every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Elite Aviation (which started operating just April 19, 2014) is a 5-seater plane that offers daily flights. Fare for both planes cost in the range of P1,800 for a one way trip that will take 10-12 minutes long. Both aircrafts will only fly if there are enough passengers to fill all the seats. The Itbayat airport is an hour away from the town proper by land. Read More: https://www.traveling-up.com/travel-guide-itbayat-batanes/

Itbayat Burial Caves

Photo from: http://www.rjdexplorer.com/the-journey-to-the-northernmost-inhabited-island/

Burial sites from the ancient settlements can also be found here. There were about 7 burial mounds there shaped like a boat pointing to the sea. Some are already hard to distinguish from the regular rocks and the remains were no longer found there. The seafaring Austronesians believed that these boat-shaped graves would lead their departed spirits to the other life safely. Read More: https://www.ironwulf.net/2012/06/25/batanes-torongan-cave-hills-itbayat-island/

Itbayat Island

Photo from: http://www.manilaoldtimer.net/Travels/Itbayat.html

For first-time visitors, Itbayat Island may seem like a place suspended in time. An island paradise barely touched by the unrelenting hand of modernization, Itbayat is one of the last regions of the Philippines where man has hardly left his mark on the environment.

It is a place that sometimes feels foreign and wild, yet at the same time, familiar and tame, a place of majestic rolling hills where wild horses roam freely, racing across open fields. It’s also a place forgotten by history, where vast cave systems hold the secrets to some of the Philippines earliest settlers.

If you’re up for a real adventure and want to experience untouched nature, Itbayat is the perfect destination. Read More: https://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2017/04/itbayat-island-philippines-last-frontier.html

Itbayat Lake

Photo from: http://www.escapemanila.com/2014/02/DIY-Batanes-Travel-Guide.html

Itbayat Sta. Maria Church

Photo from: http://lagalog.com/2010/07/itbayat-catching-glimpse-of-simple-life.html

Don’t leave Itbayat without dropping by the Sta. Maria Imaculada Church located at the heart of the town. The church was built by Father Vicente Araujo from 1853 to 1858. The façade of the church is simple yet it has a unique charm that made me consider it as the best church in Batanes. I wasn’t able to check out the interior of the church since no one was available in the area that time and all doors were closed. Read More: http://www.rjdexplorer.com/the-journey-to-the-northernmost-inhabited-island/

Itbud Idjang

One of the 4 Idjangs in Batanes. In here, rock carvings are still evident (probably for water storage), as well as their gathering/meeting area and the rocks with bored holes for anchors are still intact. Read More: https://iamaileen.com/batanes-things-to-do-diy-itinerary-5-days-sabtang-itbayat-travel-guide/

Ijangs are citadels built on mountaintops, as you can already guess from the title. These are made approximately 4,000 years ago, the time of Austronesian migration to the northern Philippines. Pre-Hispanic Ivatans, the indigenous dwellers of the Batanes Group of Islands, shaped and carved the mountains to accommodate their population’s needs.

Ijangs were primarily used as fortifications and settlements. Early civilizations in Batanes were characterized by frequent wars among different villages, so settlers sought refuge in these strongholds when they were attacked by enemies. Some of these fights would last for a long period of time, requiring the inhabitants to make their own dwellings on the mountaintops. Aside from internal conflicts between tribes, it is also theorized that outside threats were one of the reasons why ijangs were built. Read More: https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Ijangs-Mountain-Fortresses-of-Batanes

Ivana

Photo from: https://sapijalanjalan.blogspot.com/2011/09/philippines-may-2011-part-5.html

Liveng – the Batanes Hedgerows

Photo from: http://www.zeotrip.com/attraction/philippines/batanes/liveng-batanes-hedgerows/

One thing that would grab your attention when you look at the hills on the island are this complex network of tall vegetation that seems like boundaries of a giant jigsaw puzzle spread over the verdant hills. Liveng to the locals, are small trees, tall grass like talahib, bamboo, shrubs and/or corn that are planted to serve many purposes: protection of crops against grazing animals, windbreakers, protection from soil erosion and serves as boundaries or demarcation lines of the lands they own. Read More: https://banebanerbanest.wordpress.com/2014/09/03/15-must-visit-spots-in-batanes/

Mahatao Port and Boat Shelter

Photo from: http://hamsternice.blogspot.com/2015/11/instagram-images-philippine-provinces2.html

The Mahatao Boat Shelter (or just Port Shelter). This is becoming an iconic landmark in Batanes. This is where inter-island boats, and vessels dock during stormy weather. Since fishing is one of the main industries in Batanes, (and since Batanes is frequented by strong typhoons), it paved way for the construction of this boat port as a means of supporting the industry and the provision of local employment. Read More: https://nojuanisanisland.com/2015/06/28/breathtaking-batanes-mahatao-philippines/

Mahatao Tayid Lighthouse

Photo from: https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/batanes-mahatao-trip-blog/

Situated in Mahatao, Batanes is the “Tayid Lighthouse”, it is one of the three functional lighthouses that was built in the early 2000s. The lighthouse also serves as a tourist attraction. Many people think that the Tayid lighthouse is the 18th-century old Mahatao Lighthouse but it is not the Spanish-era lighthouse.

The construction of Tayid lighthouse together with Basco and Sabtang lighthouse was important because they serve as indicators to seafarers across the risky waters of the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Read More: https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Captivating-Tayid-Lighthouse-of-Mahatao-Batanes