A dream destination, Batanes’ rolling hills, spectacular cliffs, and beautiful beaches have always stirred my imagination. When I was finally able to visit the province, I realized there was really nothing quite like it.
Exploring North Batan
The first part of our itinerary was a trip around North Batan, which featured historic structures, and verdant landscapes such as the Vayang Rolling Hills. On a clear and sunny day, you’ll enjoy a palette of blue, white, and green as the sky, hills, and sea merge and make for a stunning natural portrait.
As its name suggests, Valugan Boulder Beach’s unique shore is lined with pebbles and rocks of various sizes. The remarkable views made me stop and stare, marveling at nature’s wonders. It was one of those moments when you’d rather take a mental picture, allowing a scene to linger in your mind, rather than take digital photos of it.
Relics of Spanish Occupation
The Spaniards left marks of their occupation across the Philippines – Batanes included. Among these are churches, like the over-century-old Basco Church. Here, patrons coming and going for prayer or donations are a common sight.
While not as old as the other churches in the province, Tukon Church possesses a unique appearance that would easily grab your attention. Perched on a hill, it looks like a traditional Ivatan house with its stone façade. It blends with the landscape and is a distinct landmark along the North Batan tour circuit.
The Basco Lighthouse towers over its surroundings as it rests atop Naidi Hill. One can go up to the lighthouse’s viewing deck to soak in 360-degree views of the island.
Onward to South Batan
After exploring North Batan, our group explored South Batan, whose unforgettable highlights include dramatic seascapes, beaches, hills, and mountains. Marlboro Country, also known as Racuh a Payaman, offers charming vistas of the sea and the hills, where animals graze. After taking photos, release the inner child in you and run around or up and down the hills!
Another noteworthy vantage point is the Alapad Pass and Rock Formation. Here, the road cuts dramatically through the rock formation, making it an ideal spot for admiring the seascape.
Lastly, the Diura Fishing Village, a quaint fishing community, provides you with a glimpse of local life amid a sharp background of cliffs and rock formations.
Sabtang Island: A Must-Visit
Home to even more sensational views, Sabtang Island is a must when visiting Batanes. One such spot that blew me away was the Chamantad Viewpoint. It has a bit of everything that other viewpoints offer, such as jaw-dropping cliffs, rugged rock formations, rolling hills, and fantastic seaviews.
Meanwhile, the villages of Savidug and Chavayan are characterized by distinct Ivatan stone houses. In both, locals still wear the vakul – a traditional Ivatan headdress made from vuyavuy palm.
You will never get tired of Batanes’ beaches on the island. Morong Beach is one of several and is known for its enticing, azure waters and picture-perfect surroundings. You will find the iconic Nakabuang Arch here, a natural rock formation shaped by waves.
Endless Opportunities for Unwinding
One of the things I like about Batanes is that there seems to be an innumerable number of places to simply enjoy the views. You can park your van, tricycle, or any vehicle anywhere, and gorgeous landscapes and boundless seas will be your backdrop. You can always pause, take a moment, and soak everything in. If you’re looking for a place to do nothing and detach, Batanes might just be the destination for you.
