Batanes

If you want to be one with mother nature, be displaced in an undisturbed serene countryside and experience the charm of the Philippines’ deepest and diversed culture then Batanes is the place to visit.  Located at the very tip of the Philippine archipelago, the province of Batanes has hundreds of breathtaking landscapes and desolated coastlines found nowhere in the Philippines. The place’s  distinct  terrain  can be compared to that of New Zealand’s landscapes - rugged but stunning, making it one of the most promising tourist spots in the country.  This  nature’s wonder is even more enhanced by the equally amazing and most-welcoming people of the province called the Ivatans. The simplicity, honesty and  hospitality of the local folks are very eminent, making the visitor’s interaction with the locals quite a pleasant experience.  Surprisingly, with the relative isolation of the province from the rest of the country, the population has more than 90% literacy, making it even much easier for foreign and local guests to communicate.

Aside from the beautiful scenery (on any conceivable angle) that the province has to offer, visitors are also free to enjoy major itineraries which include island hoping, trekking, mountain climbing, visiting century old churches and light houses, swimming at beautiful beaches, bird-watching, fishing and, of course, feasting on  authentic Batanes cuisines. 
   

The province of Batanes is part of the Cagayan Valley Region located at the northernmost part of the Philippines (approx. 860 km north of Manila ; 190 km south of Taiwan). It lies between the vast waters of Pacific Ocean and South China sea . The province is composed of a group of islands namely : Itbayat, Batan, Sabtang, Ivuhos ,  Mavudis (Yami) Island, Misanga, Siayan, Dinem and Dequey.  Only the first four islands are inhabited and fairly the larger ones. The capital Basco is in Batan Island where most of the establishments  and airport are located.  Batanes is also considered to be the smallest province in the Philippines in terms of population and land area. The main source of livelihood for the Ivatans are cattle raising, fishing and root crops plantation (garlic, sweet potato etc.). Sugar cane are also harvested to produce local wine (Palek) and vinegar.

The climate in Batanes is cool and windy. Temperature is much like of the neighboring Taiwan rather  than of the  other parts of the Philippines. The temperature can reach down to 7 degrees centigrade during the month of December until the first quarter of the following year. During summer (March to June), the sea is calmer making it the best time to island hop, swim, go fishing and  trek.

"Though the province  never boast of its busy nightlife and party-like atmosphere, the place’s real beauty  lies in its mystic, calmness, diversity, simplicity, authenticity and its mind-rejuvinating nature backdrop.  Visiting  Batanes for sure will impart a sence of timelessness; as if you were brought to another dimension where everything is simple and indigenous. There’s no better experience than to sip on a cup of freshly brewed coffee while savoring the mystic of the morning mist and spectacular scenery of the place."


History
The early settlers in Batanes was the Astronesians. The free boaters migrated there 4000 years ago and lived in mountain areas called Idjangs. The place later was discovered by the Englishmen in 1687 but did not claim the islands for the Bristish realm. The Spanish explorers however did.  In 1783, Batanes  was declared part of the Philippines by the Spanish Governor-General Jose Basco. The locals were brought to the lowlands by the government and later were known as the Ivatans. 


Local Site Map (use the arrow & zoom keys to navigate the map)

Local Site Attractions (click link for more info)
BATAN ISLAND

Basco Airport – a uniqe airport built with thick walls to resist typhoon

Mount Iraya – a dormant mountain near the outskirts of Basco that can be hiked

Santo Domingo Church – an 1812 cathedral built in limestone unique for its central belltower

Basco Light house

Radar Tukon – provides a 360 deg overlooking view of the island

Fundacion Pacita – a beautiful lodge that houses antiques and artworks

House of Dakay – old and most visited house (UNESCO protected heritage site)

San Carlos Borromeo Church – an old church built in 1873 by the Dominicans

Mahatao Light House

Valugan Bay – a white sand beach

“Marlboro Country” – breathtaking landscapes of  rolling hills and cliffs

San Jose De Ivana Church – a beautiful 1814 church

Honesty Coffee shop – a unique store that lets you leave your payment in a drop box  

Ruins of Songsong – an abandoned village that was once ungulfed by a tidal wave

ITBAYAT ISLAND

Itbayat Sta Maria Church – a church built by the community in 1888

Itbayat Airport

Itbayat Burial Caves – an acient burial site used by the early Ivatans

SABTANG ISLAND

Nakabuang White Beach & Arc Cave - a white sand beach 

Sabtang Light House

Sabtang San Vicente Ferrer Church – an 1844 structure

Savidug Stone House – unique houses with meter-thick walls and cogon roofs

Chavayan Village – a UNESCO protected site known as little hawai due to its  topography

Chavayan Church – a small church just meters from the


What to Eat

Dining in Batanes is considered to be a healthy and a unique experience. Why? That is because aside from the fresh catch of the day being served, the Ivatans only use organic ingredients without the presents of any chemical or artificial food seasoning. To tap it off, the Ivatans never use fertilizers in growing their crops so everything is pure and natural. The Ivatans prepare simple yet tasteful meals. Their version of adobo (traditionally - pork sautéed in soy sause, vinegar, garlic and pepper) or Lunies uses only salt and cooked until dried. The province is also famous for their local food such as coconut crab (tatus), flying fish (dibang), lobster (payi), grilled squid (Kananiez), dolphinfish (arayu), yellow rice (supas), ivatan vegetable salad (tamiduk), seaweed soup (humet)  and root crops such as kamote (wakay). Food in Batanes depends also on the season as flying fish are abundant during summer while coconut crabs are rare in cold season, but  restaurants and hotels offer basically almost the same meal depending on the days catch. Some of them also offer traditional Filipino breakfast like tapsilog (beef strips, fried rice and egg), ham,eggs, burgers and fries. Vegetables and fruits are also profuse around the province.

In case you want to unwind and relax, restaurants also offer beer and wine. You may want to taste their local wine called palek. It is made out of sugar cane and is the century old traditional alcoholic drink of the Ivatans. Drinking palek or beer with the local folks while enjoing the sunset and shoreline views can be an experience to keep. 


Festivals and Events
January  - Savidug Barrio Fiesta (Sabtang Island)
February to June – fishing season
May       - (1) Ivana Town Fiesta (Batan Island)
            - (10) Uyugan Town Fiesta (Batan Island)
June      - (13) San Antonio Barrio Fiesta (Basco, Batan) 
            - (26) Batanes Day 
            - (27) San Joaquin Barrio Fiesta (Valugan, Batan)
August   - (8) Basco Town Fiesta (feast of Sto. Domingo)
  - (23) Chavayan Barrio Fiesta (Sabtang Island)
October  - (1) Sinakan Barrio Fiesta (Sabtang Island)
             - (7) Itbayat Barrio Fiesta (Itbayat Island)
             - (7) Tukon Barrio Fiesta (Batan Island)
             - (26) Sumnanga Barrio Fiesta (Sabtang Island)
November- (4) Mahatao Town Fiesta (Batan Island)
              - (27) Itbud Barrio Fiesta (Batan Island)


How to get to Batanes
The province is approx. 1 hr 45 mins ride by plane (Manila to Capital Basco).
South East Asian Airlines(SEAIR) - has daily flights (Manila to Basco, Batanes) Telephone : (+632) 849.0100 *approx. air fare - Php6,000 ($40)
Skypasada – Manila to Basco,Batanes  *approx. air fare - Php6,000 ($40)
                  Basco to Itbayat, Batanes Island *approx. air fare : Php 1,400 ($32)
Telephone:(+632) 553.4795
                              

Alternate route by sea:

MV Ivatan Princess (ferry) - from Currimao, Ilocos Norte to Basco, Batanes every Wednesday and Sunday. Telephone: # 0917-793-0102 
*approx. fare : Php 1,200 ($30)


Batanes Hotels & Inns

Batanes Resort (Tel.: (078)533.3444,(078)533 3456 ;Manila at Tel.: 927 2393)
Batanes Seaside Lodge & Restaurant (Tel.: 0921- 2290102 or  0917- 8825609)
Pension Ivatan - (pensionivatan.com)
Ivatan Lodge - (ivatanlodge@yahoo.com)
Shanedel's Inn and Cafe (Tel. 09204470737 / shanedels@yahoo.com)


Tips

Traveling around Batanes needs a lot of walking as public transport is rare in the province. So, you may want to bring a good trekking / hiking shoes for your own comfortablity. Visitors also must require flexible time as boats and air trips can be postponed at any time due to bad weather. It is also advised to bring your own medicines, first aid kit, and other travelling gadgets. Local folks and tour guides will often warn you on the do’s and don’t’s for safety reasons – so just listen to them as these guys are only protecting the visitors safety, afterall, tourism is what the locals are promoting. If you’re planning to visit the province, it is always best to contact your travel agency to give you good and compact iteneraries and a good local tourist guide. So enjoy your trip!

The Philippines | Travel Visa | Migration | Hotels | Transport | Traveling Tips

Read More...

Mt. Iraya (Batan Island, Batanes)

Dubbed as the "Mountain of Winds", Mt. Iraya stands majestically in the northern part of Batan Island in the province of Batanes. The dormant volcano is meters away from the sole airport of the island located at the capital Basco. The 3,300 ft. mountain is considered to be sacred by the locals (Ivatans), elders say that when someone dear to the Ivantan people die, a ring of clouds form around the mountain. 

The mountain's last recorded eruption was in 1454 and now considerered dormant. Todate, it is a hiking haven to mountaineers and can be reached by a good 3hrs journey. The trails are considered shaggy and relatively sharp. But rewarding nonetheless.

Read More...

Laguna Province

Google Maps Generator by RegioHelden

Read More...

Boracay Island

Boracay is one the Philippines' best place for tourist. The island is blessed with crystal blue waters and white sand shoreline. A tour in the Philippines is not complete without spending at least three days in Boracay. Thousands of visitors from all over the world have flocked the coast for more than a decade now and are continuing to receive guests everyday. 

View Batanes in a larger map

Read More...

Palawan

The Palawan Islands hold the World's undiscovered paradise. The place is tattered with spectacular views from landscapes to seascapes. Foreign and local tourists which once stepped on the soil of Palawan can't help but to go back and experience the serene ambiance and enchanting atmosphere.

Read More...

Bohol

The Chocolate hills is one of the main attractions when going to Bohol. The countless mound-like hills was formed in a volcanic activity in the island hundreds of years ago and became a tourist destination in the present day. The viewing tower situated at the top of one of the hills gives a visitor a stunning view of the entire landscape filled with these beautiful hills. As one would say "Another work of God's hands". 

Read More...

Banawe Rice Terraces

Considered to be the 8th wonder of the World, Banawe Rice Terraces is surely one of the pride of the Philippines. With rich culture and profound norms, the early people of Banawe (or the Ifugaos) has made this precious engineering work with their bare hands without the help of any heavy equipment machines.  

forecast for

Read More...

Intramuros, Manila

The panoramic scenes of the old Capital Manila can be seen in the present day Intramuros, Manila. Surrounded  by thick walls and buttresses, the city is rich in historical landmarks and pre-spanish colonial establishments such as old churches and schools. The famous Fort Santiago, where the National Hero Jose Rizal was detained before his execution in the late 1900, has been turned to a museum where anyone can visit. The historic place  was once the capital of Manila during the Spanish rule and was the main marketing place between the locals and  barters of the South East Asian region in 1600. It was destroyed in Japanese-American war in 1945 and has been restored by former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos almost to its original state in the 1980.

 Fort Santiago, Intramuros Manila

 (Dr. Jose Rizal's detention cell before his execution in the 1890's)

San Agustin Church, Intramuros Manila

(the only church which withstood the Japanese-American war in 1945)

The Manila Cathedral

(One of the oldest churches in the Philippines thats house the remains of Famous Filipino priests)

Intramuros is one of the loved places of foreign tourists as it is just a stones throw away from famous hotels such as The Manila Hotel, Sofitel Hotel Plaza, Traders Hotel, Diamond Hotel, Grand Boulevard Hotel, The Pan Pacific Hotel and others which, by the way,  have rooms with a spectacular view of Manila bay. Restaurants, recreational facilities and night clubs are not a problem as these hotels have plenty to offer. Tourists can enjoy other places around these hotels round the clock as they're just walking distance with security police patrolling the city 24/7.

The place also boast of many nearby tourist attractions such as the Luneta Park, Oceans Adventure (Roxas Blvd.), National Museum, Metropolitan Theater, SM Mall of Asia, Hobbies of Asia (Restaurants, fine dining, exotic foods, night clubs and more)

Read More...

Tagaytay City

Tagaytay City is one of the best tourist attractions in the Philipppines. Known for its cool climate because of its high altitude,  the city is well visited during summer. With just over an hour drive from Capital Manila, Tagaytay City is very accessible to local and foreign tourists alike.  The city is also very well known for the famous Taal Volcano, the worlds smallest   volcano which lies in a serene blue lake. The elevated Tagaytay city serves as a view deck to the enchanting  scenery. Taal Lake is widely known for its rich mineral deposits and abundant aquatic treasures.  The volcano crater is also a tourist destination.  It can be reached by motor boats (from shore to volcano) and by hiking to reach the crater. The local folks offer affordable packages to those who want to visit the crater (that includes tour guides, boats and horses - just in case you're unable or do not want to walk).

Hotel rooms are strategically situated very well to ensure of the guest's spectacular view of the Taal Lake and offers affordable prices ranging from $40-$50 per day. Tourists can dine anywhere and anytime as the city holds numerous restaurants, night clubs, casinos and coffee shops scattered around the city. Most of them have view decks for the scenic view of the lake.

Tagaytay City offers numerous places to visit. These are the People's Park in the Sky (formerly known as Palace in the Sky) where you can dine and have an unparalleled view of Taal, Tagaytay Picnic Grove where you can bring your family and enjoy camping, horseback riding or simply relaxing, Tagaytay Highlands where you can dine with world class restaurants, play golf, swimming, bowling and others, Canyon Woods where you can dine in the club house or stay for a night or two in their cozy hotel rooms, Filipino-Japanese Friendship Gardens where you can enjoy botanical treasures of Tagaytay, Casino Filipino where you can relax and try your luck in gambling, Orchard golf course plus a lot more.

For more info you can visit Tagaytay.com

forecast for

Read More...