#bxtitle_1211948012.box-title.box-title-line-middle

[poolenick-blog]

One of the things that always surprises my readers whenever they request for a Batanes itinerary or a top list of things to do in Batanes is when they discover the fact that I grew up in these stunning group of Philippine islands. (Though I was born in Manila, I was raised in Batanes — not to mention the fact that I’m a full-blooded Ivatan local — and I stayed there up until I was 15. So YES, I’m a legit island girl!)

» READ: Batanes Itinerary for 5 Days

Now if you’re reading this and you’re not from the Philippines, let me tell you some fascinating facts about my lovely hometown. NOTE: Simply click the ‘+’ symbol below to open up the section

ALL ABOUT BATANES: THE HARD FACTS

Taiwan Batanes is the northern-most group of islands in the Philippines and dubbed by tourism officials as the country’s ‘Home of the Winds’ due to its generally cool and windy weather. It’s a small province that comprises of 10 islands but with only 3 inhabited ones, namely: Batan, Sabtang, & Itbayat — with Batan being the main island and the most populated one as it has 6 districts (one of which is Basco, the provincial ‘capital’ which I have lived in for 15 years). To prove even more how small we are, there naturally was a time that we were widely unknown — at least up until mid 2000 — that we even had to correct a popular local TV show when they declared another island below us, Aparri, as the farthest northern one (oh no you didn’t, Eat Bulaga!). It’s also just 190km south of Taiwan but, NO, we the locals don’t speak or understand Taiwanese.

We have a total population of only 16,000+, making us the smallest province in the country. Given this fact, it’s expected that almost every local would know who’s who. Well as long as you mention your last name, they will likely say: “Ah! You’re the daughter of Adalid! How’s your mom?” Something like that. By the way, we, the ‘natives’ are called “Ivatan” and our dialect/language is called as that too. If you’re a foreigner, don’t worry about any possible language barriers because a LOT of locals know how to speak fluent English unlike some other far-flung provinces in the Philippines.

Or no crime at all. I still vividly remember that we mainly had Taiwanese fishermen as our only prisoners (because they often cross the border of the Philippines, do illegal fishing in our borders, etc.). Other than this, I also remember leaving my bag ANYWHERE and I can still come back to it, confident that I have all my possessions complete and intact. I was so used to this way of living that when I started living permanently in Manila, there was a phase where my friends would have to constantly exclaim, “Why aren’t you holding on to your bag? You crazy woman, don’t leave it all over the place!” What’s more is that we even have this popular Honesty Coffee Shop wherein no one mans the store: we just get the things that we want to buy and then we’ll drop our payment by the drop box.

hotel/ resort / accommodation place here, in partnership with a local. Let’s see how that goes… though if you ask me, I would love for big names to stay away because I like the charm and state of Batanes as it is. But I guess change is really inevitable.)

I hope that these facts have helped piqued your curiosity and wanderlust for Batanes! Now, going forward, my statements might come off as ‘biased’, coming from me who’s a local, but head on to Google and search for Batanes reviews and you’ll surely see a lot of tourists singing praises as well! *beams with pride*

TIP: Bring cash — credit cards are not widely accepted nor used here. Rest assured, we, the locals can speak fluent English; so if you ever need assistance, don’t ever be afraid to ask around (for directions, recommendations) and everyone will be very glad to help you out (or you know… just continue reading this and you’ll already have a big idea of what Batanes can offer you!)

With that said and done, whenever you have the time and money and are in the Philippines, I suggest that you pack your bags and book a trip to this northern paradise! And once you’re there — from a full-blooded ‘Ivatan’ to you — here is a list of things to do in Batanes that you should ABSOLUTELY follow. .

Come and check out this list of the best Batanes tours which features the best activities and guided packages to do in places like Basco, Sabtang and more!

.title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, h2{ border-color: }

THINGS TO DO IN BATANES

#1 – Visit the beaches

We have an AMAZING coastline! If you ask me, we might just have all the types of beaches there can be! For my picks, try: Chadpidan Beach and Nakabuang Beach. And yes sir, we do have beaches that can equal the beauty of Boracay! The perfect plan? Just lounge by the shore, have a picnic, grill some fish (try Batanes’ favorite fish: the ‘dibang‘ or flying fish), grab some booze and play some music!

Discover the other beaches on your own! Though if I can give you another tip, other than checking out Diura Village’s beautiful coastal terrain, we also have a magical lagoon called as Homoron Blue Lagoon in Mahatao which is also called as the Spaniard’s Lagoon because during the olden times, only the Spaniards were allowed to take a dip in here. (But certainly, now, anyone can… so take that, Spaniards of the Spanish era!)

You shouldn’t even dare leave the island without witnessing at least one sunrise and sunset. I always remember how me and my classmates would enjoy going to the nearest beach after school hours, and then riding our bikes to go to the distant ones for a longer picnic on the weekends!

If you want a photo spree in one unique beach, try Valugan Beach. There are these numerous large boulders that are spread out across the coast, charming a lot of photographers and tourists alike!

Other than beaches, we often have caves near the coast that are also wonders in itself, worthy of exploration. Some of the popular ones are: Chawa Cave in Mahatao and Nakabuang Cave in Nakabuang Beach in Sabtang. #2 – Walk around: get to know the Ivatan people, their history, and culture

We, the Ivatans, are probably the warmest folks that you will ever meet in your whole life! We tend to be a bit shy at first, but go and strike up a conversation, send a greeting our way, or flash us a smile and we will seem to be a dear friend that you have known for years. We will even be more than happy to answer your questions and make you feel at home. (Though I’m pretty sure that now, with the steady stream of tourists coming in to the island, my fellow Ivatans are probably more proactive to approaching and greeting foreigners, more so than ever before).

For one of the things to do in Batanes that you should not miss out: visiting the Fundacion Pacita Lodge in Basco, the former house of internationally known artist Pacita Abad who was a full-blooded Ivatan…

…or, go to the ruins of the LORAN (Long Range Navigation) Station, a former US facility during the war in Uyugan, or in the Ruins of Songsong, a group of roofless old stone houses that were abandoned in the 50s when a tidal wave hit Batan. (We actually have a LOT of WWII memorials or landmarks and we often make up ghost stories about them; there’s even the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel in Basco built also during WWII).

If you want to witness the Honesty Coffee Shop that I mentioned at the top of this post, just head to the Ivana municipality (where it is located).

Learn about our famous headgear too! It’s called vakul (for women) and talugong (for men). Not a lot of people wear this (it’s mostly the elder ones since it helps protect them from the rain and sun when they’re out on the fields) but it’s a symbol of our culture and past.

TIP: You should meet lolo Elo Hostallero in Sabtang (the oldest man in Batanes) and lola Ida Estrella of in the house of Dakay (owns the oldest house in Batanes).

#3 – Visit the other islands

Again, I have already mentioned this above, but I’ll mention it again: Batanes is a group of 10 islands with 3 inhabited ones. They are Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat.

TIP: Book online to reserve your spot on a Sabtang day tour!

Batan is the main part of Batanes and it comprises of districts Basco (the provincial ‘capital’), Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan, Itbud, and Imnajbu. Itbayat is the largest in the group of islands, but it’s not the most populated (Batan is). Sabtang is the southernmost island and the least populated (around only 1,000+).

Other than these 3 occupied islands, you can try visiting the unspoiled ones in grey text above.

I believe Siayan and Mavudis (Y’Ami) are currently the only two islands that are open for tourists and it mainly constitutes traveling first to Mavudis and then staying a night in Siayan — since Mavudis has no portable water. Be aware that the sea waves can be quite strong over these parts, so the trips would be a bit of a ride!

#4 – See the traditional stone houses

I remember someone asking me before: “So you guys live in caves?” Probably because they heard of the term ‘stone houses’. I resisted the urge to laugh but, no, we don’t live in caves darling. Our ‘stone houses’ are much like any other house, but built with different materials.

In our language, we call our houses as ‘vahay‘. As per Batanes history, we used to live in the highlands in cogon houses, but the Spaniards forced us to the lowlands and taught us how to build stone houses using limestone and corals. Which was quite helpful because these could actually withstand strong typhoons and even earthquakes — which we occasionally experience.

I have lived in the main municipality of Batanes — Basco, a more urban place than the rest of the municipalities — and it almost has no inhabited stone house left. Most of the houses are modern brick or cement houses now; but, don’t fret! There are still a lot of stone houses in the other districts like Ivana and Mahatao, but it’s in Itbayat and Sabtang where you could see more of the stone house communities with locals living in it. #5 – Enjoy the rolling hills and get your ‘The Sound of Music’ game on!

Almost half of Batanes’ landscape is hilly and mountainous; which I think makes the place very iconic in itself, because some do revel in the fact that it can rival the beauty of New Zealand. So heed my advice and head to the hills: enjoy the view, take jump shots if you will, and hike!

But yeah, one does not simply leave without doing one of the best things to do in Batanes: taking jump shots in one of the numerous picturesque spots — which is like… everywhere! One couldn’t even call it a ‘Batanes’ experience if you won’t take the opportunity of going on a hike. There’s just so many areas to explore! If you can, I strongly advise that you find some time to trek Mt. Iraya! (It’s a dormant volcano rising at around 1,517 meters; the top can be reached in 3 hours and mountaineering or trail blazing folks would enjoy this terrain).

As for the hills, my favorite place ever since I was a child has always been the Naidi Hills (where you could also find the Basco lighthouse). I even remember the countless times that my classmates and I would roll down the hills, and then I’d arrive home with bruises and bits of grass in my hair and on my clothes — but with a VERY big smile on my face! Island life FOR THE WIN!

The icing to the cake: drop by the island’s own ‘Marlboro Country’! We actually call it ‘Rakuh a Payaman’ in our language (which literally means: a vast place where you can walk around) and it showcases a breathtaking view of vast pasture lands and dramatic cliffs, with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. It’s clearly a communal pastureland where free-roaming cows and carabaos laze around, but YOU can laze around as well!

TIP: To capture all of these top sights, book online a 3-day tour all over Batanes!

#6 – Visit the man-made attractions

Other than our stone houses, try visiting some of our churches and lighthouses as part of your things to do in Batanes!

The islands have a lot of churches that have been built in the 70s or 80s. Some have been renovated like the main church in Basco called as the St. Dominic de Guzman Cathedral but it still holds the same charm that it had back then.

Every municipality has churches of its own as well; but one of the most iconic ones it seems is that of Mahatao’s church: San Carlos Borromeo Church. This was built in 1873 and has been declared as a cultural icon by the NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) and the National Museum.

Batanes is specked with light houses too; witness the rounded Basco Lighthouse (in Naidi Hill) that faces the West Philippine Sea and the hexagonal Tayid Ligthouse in Mahatao that faces the Pacific Ocean

Otheriwse, if you want a relaxing dip, visit the Spring of Youth — a man-made pool with spring water and a view of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Iraya. #7 – Roam around in two wheels and see more attractions!

This is a must! There are shops that lend you bicycles and motorcycles, so go ahead and rent one! These are our common means for transportation other than the jeepneys; though, I’m pretty sure that there are more cars going around Batanes now. (Years ago, however, I could have only counted the cars with my hands Rest assured, I don’t think there would be much of them anyways because our roads are not that wide and it’s much more fun with a bike).

Now that you have your bike, go and travel along the winding and cliff-hugging roads that connects one of our municipalities to the next. (Remember to blow your horn when on a curved road! ;) If you’re up for it, you can bike from Basco up to the end of Batan island which is Imnajbu; it’s a long bike, alright! But my friends and I have done this countless times and we usually finish in just half a day! It was soooo awesome!

Besides, you get to control more of your time and route as you travel through Batan. Make sure to check by the View Deck in Mahatao that’s called as ‘Chawa‘. It gives you a wonderful view of our cliffs and it even has a steep staircase that will lead you to the bottom coastline. Afterwards, when you reach Uyugan, see the Alapad Pass that has a majestic rock formation and a fantastic view of the surrounding beaches.

#8 – Experience local public transportation like the faluwa!

If you’ve done you’ve experienced a ride for individuals, so now, I think it’s time that you try our transportation for groups!

First up: our jeepneys. Sure, you have these vehicles in every part of the Philippines, but ours make trips on picturesque cliffs and sea views.

Second: our faluwa. It is our native Ivatan motorized boat that’s unlike most of the boats in the Philippines because ours don’t have the outriggers. (Our smaller boats called tataya, don’t have outriggers as well).Why? Because in this way, the boats can roll freely in rough or turbulent waves.

The faluwa is much like Noah’s ark, but smaller of course! Tourists often find it  scary (well actually, I find it scary too) because imagine this boat and a sea full of big waves… And well, it sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? But I assure you, it’s safe. The ride might be wild and crazy but most of the time, it won’t be. Besides, it’s one of our transportation vehicles; we won’t keep using it if people keep dying, right?

Anyhow, as a bonus for riding a faluwa, you can even get to see dolphins! But of course, you can only ride a faluwa if you venture out to the other islands like Sabtang or Itbayat as one of your things to do in Batanes — which you should!

#9 – Try to attend at least one fiesta

I promise you, it gets really lively and fun! You’ll get to see cultural presentations like the native Palo-Palo Dance, Fundanggo, Sagalas & Gozos, and more!

The main fiesta you should witness is Batanes Day (happens on June 26) and it’s usually a week-long celebration consisting of fairs, parades, sports festivals, and shows. (Sidenote: I miss watching buffalo fights in Mahatao! Not sure if they still do it now though.)

Other festivites: Ivana Fiesta (May 1), Uyugan Fiesta (May 10), Diptan Fiesta (June 13), Valugan Fiesta (June 27), Basco Fiesta (August 8), Mahatao Fiesta (November 4), etc. Or just be there for Christmas! We have a lot of events happening during the holidays, and if you’re from the Philippines, you can get to experience a real chilly Christmas here.

And of course, much like any feast in the country, you are free to step into someone’s house — everyone will be happy to accommodate and feed you (yes, even if you’re a total stranger). Just say: “Kapian kamu pa nu dios!”, introduce yourselves, and celebrate the occasion with the locals. Have fun! #10 – Eat, eat, EAT!

As a seafood lover, I advise that you ABSOLUTELY try the payi (lobster), tatus (coconut crab; yes they do eat coconuts), and dibang (flying fish)! You would be surprised how seafood here is very cheap; but I guess it would still make sense to you since we are an island.

Personally, I miss tatus that I swear, I would kill to have it on my dinner table every night! ♥ We might be the only place in the Philippines that have these coconut crabs!

UPDATE AS OF 2017: It has now been declared that tatus is an endangered species in Batanes. Hence, eating it is illegal. We dearly hope for your cooperation so that they can repopulate and be taken off of the endangered list.

Other fishes you should try: arayu, doradu, mahi-mahi. Try the lataven a amung (kinilaw) too which is a perfect pair for your bottle of beer!

Rootcrops: pinasu a wakay, dukay, gabi, and amay (mashed sweet potato and taro). And yes, never forget to try vunes (dried gabi) and uved (pork balls with flying fish and banana trunk). For the absolute experience: eat it with your hands and on a vunung leaf, baby!

» READ: Batanes Food: What & Where to Eat for the Best Ivatan Cuisine

  .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, h2{ border-color: }

OVERALL

There’s still a LOT of other things to do in Batanes! Besides, I believe that with the positive response that we have been receiving from tourists, it’s likely that there are numerous other activities that are being offered (like scuba diving, surfing, etc.). Despite this, I still would try to coerce you to check out our natural and man-made attractions first and foremost.

Indulge yourself and take your time to soak all the wonder in!

P.S.: Much thanks to Mr. Opal Bala for these magnificent photos! He captures the beauty of Batanes very well! Dios mamajes! Butch Dalisay / CC

By the way, I guess I have to admit something… I think that if I were asked to live in Batanes again, I couldn’t do it. I mean, not yet. Maybe when I’m old, I’ll definitely consider spending the last years of my life here! But certainly not now, when I’m still on the bustling venture to make the most out of my youth. (It seems like I’m still conditioned to an urban city life).

Saying this is NOT a bad thing though because it brings me to a conclusion that it will be a brilliant idea for you to take some time away in this northern paradise! Especially if you are seeking for a break from your busy life, or if you are looking for a change of scenery. If you’re also aiming to experience some simplicity and tranquility in life, Batanes is sure to bring you back to the basics as it also brings you closer to nature.

Simply put: it’s the PERFECT getaway!

This is but just one of the many traits that I love about it, so when you are in the Philippines, don’t you ever forget this place and that you should absolutely do these top 10 things to do in Batanes once you’ve arrived — you’ll definitely have an EPIC and MEMORABLE time. Guaranteed!

How about you?

Do you wish to visit Batanes in the future? What’s one of the first things that you would like to do?

Have you visited Batanes before? How was it?

Did you like this article? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube and be notified about my newest posts and updates!

The post Top 10 Things to Do in Batanes, Philippines: The Home of the Winds appeared first on I am Aileen.