Showing posts with label Nature Tourist Attactions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nature Tourist Attactions. Show all posts

Batanes: A Remote Gem of the Philippines

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Batanes: A Remote Gem of the Philippines


The Batanes group of islands is the smallest province in the Philippines, both in terms of land area and population. Its capital, Basco, is located 280 kilometers north of Aparri, Cagayan, and about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan. Due to its isolation from the rest of
the country, Batanes has managed to preserve its distinct culture through generations.

Situated in the vast expanse where the Pacific Ocean meets the South China Sea, Batanes is made up of ten small islands and islets: Batan, Sabtang, Itbayat, Mavulis, Siayan, Diogo, North Island, and Y’ami. However, only three—Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat—are inhabited.

Batanes is captivating and unlike any other destination in the Philippines. The distance from the mainland has helped the Ivatans—the indigenous people of the province—develop a unique way of life. Known for their honesty, gentleness, and resilience, the Ivatans are proud of their heritage and deeply connected to their land.

The province's landscape is also a departure from the typical tropical scenery found in much of the country. Think steep cliffs, rolling hills, deep canyons, and rocky shores that evoke comparisons to New Zealand. Most iconic of all are the traditional Ivatan homes—stone-walled with thick cogon roofs, designed to withstand the region’s frequent typhoons.

Batanes enjoys a cool, windy climate, with rainfall possible throughout the year. Between December and February, temperatures can dip to as low as 7°C. Although it lies along the typhoon belt and frequently experiences strong storms, it’s no more vulnerable than other northern provinces.

Despite its remote reputation, Batanes has embraced modern conveniences. Electricity, mobile networks (via Smart and Globe), and cable television are now available—though cars and heavy traffic remain rare.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities: lounging on serene beaches, visiting old fishing villages, exploring historic churches and scenic lighthouses, or hopping between islands. More than anything, Batanes offers a peaceful setting perfect for reflection and reconnecting with nature.

A journey to Batanes is a timeless experience—one that lingers long after you’ve left. It reminds you of life’s quiet joys and simpler rhythms. But be warned: once you’ve visited Batanes, it may keep calling you back.

Natural Tourist Attactions

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  • SABTANG ISLAND
  • Chosen as one of the 12 Best Destinations in the Philippines by the Department of Tourism in 1994, this island southwest of Batan Island remains undisturbed and unspoiled. It has intermittent white sand beaches, steep mountains, and deep canyons with small level areas sporadically found along the coastline. Accessible in 30 minutes by falowa (oval-shaped motorized passenger boat without the outrigger) from Radiwan Port in Ivana. This island is also the take-off point for Ivuhos Island from Barangay Nakanmuan.

  • ITBAYAT ISLAND
  • Located north of Batan Island, it is surrounded by massive boulders and cliffs rising 20-70 feet above sea level and has no shoreline. It has a dirt airstrip for light aircraft. Ferries also run the Batan-Itbayat route, with a travel time of about four hours by falowa from the Basco Seaport. Light planes fly from Basco Airport to Itbayat in 12-minute trips at PhP700.00/pax.

  • BATAN ISLAND
  • Batan Island is where the center of commerce and seat of the provincial government lie. This is the most populated of all the islands in the province. It is composed of the municipalities of Basco, Ivana, Uyugan, and Mahatao.

  • MOUNT IRAYA
  • A dormant volcano standing at 1,517 meters whose last eruption was recorded in 505 AD. This peak is ideal for mountaineering, trekking, and trailblazing. It is located walking distance from Basco and can be climbed to the top in about three hours.

  • MUVUDIS ISLAND
  • Mavudis is the northernmost island of Batanes. Coconut crabs (called “Tatus” by the locals) are bountiful on this island, which is surrounded by rich marine life.

  • DI-ATAY BEACH
  • This beach is located along the national highway between Mahatao and Ivana, a mere 9.85 kilometers from Basco. It has a beautiful cove with multi-colored rocks and white sand, which is ideal for picnics and beach combing.

  • SONGSONG (Chadpidan Bay)
  • Famous for its beautiful sunset view and big stone boulders. It is a 3-kilometer, one-hour trek from Basco proper.

  • CHAWA CAVE
  • Chawa is believed to be an enchanted cave. It has a natural salt bed and a mouth that opens to the South China Sea, which is also accessible through the boulders of Chawa Point in Mahatao. This cave lies about 4 kilometers from Basco.

  • NAKABUANG CAVE
  • Another cave worth looking into. It is located 5.5 kilometers from San Vicente Centro in Sabtang.

  • MOUNT MATAREM
  • An extinct volcano measuring 495 meters at its summit. Located eight kilometers from Basco.

  • WHITE BEACH
  • As testament to the province’s natural beauty, this beautiful white beach can be found in Vatang Hapnit and Mavatuy Point at Mahatao.

  • Bird Watching at Cuyab
  • Observe the migratory birds from China that flock the islands in search of a warmer climate every October.

 
Batanes Islands - Paradise of the North © 2005