Discover Batanes: Where Time Stands Still

Welcome to the captivating Batanes island group, the Philippines’ best-kept secret. Nestled in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, where the Pacific meets the China Sea, Batanes is a place of rugged beauty and timeless charm.

Island Gems and Ivatan Culture

Batanes consists of ten tiny islands and islets, each with its own unique character. The wind-swept landscapes of Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in the Philippines. Separated from the mainland by miles of rough waters, the Ivatans—the resilient people of Batanes—have cultivated a distinct culture. Honest, gentle, and proud of their heritage, they’ve weathered storms and shaped their lives against the dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs, rolling hills, and boulder-lined shores.

Architectural Marvels

As you explore Batanes, you’ll notice its iconic stone houses with thick thatched roofs. These architectural marvels stand as a testament to the Ivatans’ resilience, designed to withstand the battering typhoons that occasionally sweep through the region.

Weather and Simplicity

Batanes enjoys cool, windy weather year-round, with an almost temperate climate from December to February. Rain showers are a constant companion, but they only add to the island’s allure. Despite its reputation as a remote region, Batanes now boasts modern conveniences like mobile phones, electricity, and cable television. Vehicles are scarce, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Unforgettable Experiences

Swim in pristine beaches, explore fishing villages, visit centuries-old churches, and marvel at the lighthouses that dot the coastline. Batanes invites you to slow down, reflect, and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Once you’ve experienced its magic, you’ll find that Batanes never truly leaves you—it lingers in your memories, calling you back to its windswept shores.

So, pack your sense of wonder and embark on a journey to Batanes. Let time stand still as you discover a place where nature and culture intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on your heart. 🌴🌊🏞️✨

Places of Interest in Batanes:

• House of Dakay (1887) a UNESCO heritage building.
• Lighthouses of Batanes
• St. Dominic de Guzman Parish Cathedral
• Mt. Iraya – A 1008-meter mountain on Batan Island.
• Mahatao View Deck
• Burial Caves – Pre-historic burial caves in the town of Itbayat.
• Sumhao Wind Power Plant
• Nakaboang Beach, Ark & Cave
• Songsong Ruins
• Beaches – Chadpidan Beach, White Beach and more.
• Payaman – known as “Marlboro Country”, a pasture overlooking farm fields & the Pacific Ocean.

About Batanes:

• Land area: 230 square kilometers, Population: 18,000
• Literacy rate: 95%
• Major industry: Garlic and cattle
• Language: Ivatan (an Austronesian language, with pidgin Spanish and Chinese accent).

How to go to Batanes:

• SEAir [Tel. # (02) 849-0100] has early morning flights daily to Batanes from Manila and vise-versa. These flights land straight to Basco on Batan Island, Batanes.
• By sea, you can catch a ferry (MV Ivatan Princess) operated by the Batanes Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Tel. # 0917-793-0102) from Currimao, Ilocos Norte to Basco, Batanes and vise-versa every Wednesday and Sunday.