Batanes
The Philippines' northernmost province featuring rolling hills, traditional Ivatan stone houses, dramatic coastlines, and a unique culture of honesty and resilience.
Highlights
Traditional limestone and coral houses with thatched cogon roofs, built to withstand typhoons. The House of Dakay (1877) is a National Cultural Treasure that survived the 1918 earthquake.
Marlboro Country's lush green hills, Basco Lighthouse with panoramic views, and Naidi Hills for sunrise/sunset. Perfect for photography and scenic drives.
Traditional villages of Chavayan and Savidug with preserved stone houses, Morong Beach with Nakabuang Arch, and authentic Ivatan culture. Accessible by 40-45 min boat ride.
Experience the Ivatan culture of integrity at the Honesty Coffee Shop (no cashier), and witness a community built on trust and egalitarianism.
Top Attractions
Basco Lighthouse (Naidi Hills)
LighthouseWhite lighthouse on a hill offering 360° views of Basco town, Mt. Iraya, and the West Philippine Sea. Popular for sunrise and sunset.
Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for best light. Bring a jacket as it can be windy. Entry fee around ₱30.
Valugan Boulder Beach
BeachUnique beach covered with smooth volcanic boulders polished by waves. Dramatic coastline with powerful surf—not for swimming.
Tip: Best during low tide for exploring. Watch for waves—they can be unpredictable. Great for photography.
Marlboro Country (Racuh a Payaman)
Scenic HillsVast rolling green hills resembling New Zealand landscapes. Grazing cattle, windswept grass, and ocean views create iconic Batanes scenery.
Tip: Best in morning light. Respect the pasture—it's private land. Small entrance fee may apply.
Chavayan Village (Sabtang)
Cultural VillageTraditional Ivatan village with well-preserved stone houses, narrow stone pathways, and locals wearing vakul (traditional headpiece). A living museum of Ivatan culture.
Tip: Hire a local guide to learn about Ivatan traditions. Respect residents' privacy. Purchase handmade vakul as souvenirs.
Morong Beach & Nakabuang Arch (Sabtang)
BeachSecluded pebble beach with a natural rock arch formation. Crystal-clear waters and dramatic coastal scenery. Popular for photos.
Tip: Wear water shoes—beach is rocky. Best at low tide. Strong currents—swimming not recommended.
House of Dakay
Historical SiteBuilt in 1877, this is the oldest stone house in Batanes and a National Cultural Treasure. Survived the 1918 earthquake and showcases traditional Ivatan architecture.
Tip: Small donation appreciated. Respectful photography only. Located in Ivana, near Sabtang port.
Honesty Coffee Shop
Cultural ExperienceSelf-service coffee shop with no cashier—customers pay by dropping money in a box. Symbolizes the Ivatan culture of honesty and trust.
Tip: Pay the exact amount listed. Try local coffee and snacks. Located along the main road in Basco.
Vayang Rolling Hills
Scenic HillsAnother set of stunning rolling hills with ocean views, less crowded than Marlboro Country. Perfect for peaceful walks and photography.
Tip: Combine with South Batan tour. Best in afternoon light. Bring water—limited facilities.
Chawa View Deck
ViewpointClifftop viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean with views of Dinem Island. Dramatic waves crash against the cliffs below.
Tip: Stay behind barriers—cliffs are dangerous. Best during calm weather. Part of South Batan tour.
Mahatao Boat Shelter (Panatayan)
Cultural SiteTraditional stone boat shelter (panatayan) protecting fishing boats from typhoons. Unique Ivatan engineering and cultural heritage.
Tip: Free to visit. Respect the structure—still in use. Good photo opportunity.
Where to Stay
Convenient location near restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Walking distance to Basco Lighthouse and port.
Ideal for: Budget travelers, Solo travelers, Easy access to tours
₱800-1,500/night for fan rooms, ₱1,500-2,500 for AC
Pension Ivatan Hometel
Clean rooms, helpful staff, tour arrangements available
Batanes Seaside Lodge
Basic but comfortable, near town center
Shanedel's Inn
Budget-friendly, family-run, good for backpackers
Comfortable hotels with modern amenities, restaurants, and tour services. Best balance of comfort and convenience.
Ideal for: Couples, Families, Comfort seekers
₱2,500-4,500/night
Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge
Iconic stone architecture, art gallery, restaurant, stunning views
Marfel's Lodge
Modern rooms, good restaurant, helpful with tours
Batanes Resort
Comfortable rooms, pool, restaurant, tour desk
Premium accommodations with scenic views, traditional Ivatan architecture, and exclusive experiences.
Ideal for: Luxury travelers, Honeymooners, Special occasions
₱5,000-12,000/night
Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge (Premium Rooms)
Best rooms with ocean views, art-filled interiors, gourmet dining
Batanes Ecolodge
Eco-friendly, traditional stone houses, scenic location
Basic homestays for overnight stays to experience authentic Ivatan village life. Limited facilities but rich cultural immersion.
Ideal for: Cultural immersion, Adventurous travelers, Extended Sabtang visit
₱500-1,000/night
Sabtang Homestays
Basic rooms, shared facilities, home-cooked meals available
- Best: March-May (dry season, warm weather, calm seas for Sabtang)
- Good: December-February (cooler, occasional rain, fewer tourists)
- Avoid: July-October (typhoon season, frequent flight cancellations, rough seas)
- Note: Weather is unpredictable year-round. Flights and boats often cancelled due to wind.
- Fly: Manila to Basco (Batanes Airport) via PAL or SkyJet, 1.5 hrs, ₱4,000-8,000 one-way
- Note: Flights frequently cancelled due to weather—book flexible tickets
- Upon arrival: Pay ₱100 tourist fee + ₱350 environmental fee at airport
- Sabtang Island: Boat from Ivana port, 40-45 min, ₱100, pay ₱200 tourist fee on arrival
- Itbayat Island: 4-hour boat from Basco, weather-dependent, often cancelled
- Getting around: Rent motorcycle (₱500-800/day), hire van with driver (₱2,500-3,500/day for tours)
- Accommodation: ₱800-12,000/night depending on tier
- North Batan Tour: ₱2,500-3,500 (van + driver, 6-8 hrs)
- South Batan Tour: ₱2,000-3,000 (van + driver, 6-8 hrs)
- Sabtang Day Tour: ₱2,500-3,500 (van + boat + guide)
- Motorcycle rental: ₱500-800/day
- Meals: ₱150-300 per meal (limited restaurants, mostly in Basco)
- Entrance fees: ₱20-50 per site (minimal)
- Boat to Sabtang: ₱100 one-way + ₱200 tourist fee
- Book flights early and have backup dates—cancellations are common
- Bring cash—limited ATMs (only in Basco), no credit cards widely accepted
- Pack layers and windbreaker—weather changes quickly, always windy
- Respect Ivatan culture—ask permission before photographing people or homes
- Try local delicacies: vunes (dried fish), luñis (pork), and coconut crab (seasonal)
- Hire local guides for cultural insights and to support the community
- Be prepared for basic facilities—Batanes is remote and undeveloped
- Check weather forecasts daily—tours may be cancelled due to wind or rain