Do a Batan North Tour
◘◘ Tayid Lighthouse
(Mahatao) Erected in 2000, this colonial-looking beacon offers a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, as well as other parts of Batan Island and its rugged mountain cliffs that face the West Philippine Sea.
◘◘ Turungan Cave & Hills
The most ancient dwelling place in Batanes. It is believed to be the first landing place of the Austronesians who came from Formosa, Taiwan in 4000 BC. Today, it is an area where stone boat-shaped burial markers are found, and it is believed that this is the burial grounds of the cave’s ancient settlers.
Given that Batan is a huge island, this day of your Batanes itinerary will be spent on the southern parts as you go through the top highlights of the remaining areas: Mahatao, Uyugan, Ivana, Itbud, and Imnajbu.
South Batan Stops
If Sabtang island will leave you speechless, Itbayat island will make your mouth drop to the floor. Then again — traveling here is no joke! The waves can be harsher than the journey to Sabtang and it will take about 2 to 4 hours; yet without a doubt, it will all be worth it for your Batanes itinerary!
If Sabtang island will leave you speechless, Itbayat island will make your mouth drop to the floor. Then again — traveling here is no joke! The waves can be harsher than the journey to Sabtang and it will take about 2 to 4 hours; yet without a doubt, it will all be worth it for your Batanes itinerary!
If Sabtang island will leave you speechless, Itbayat island will make your mouth drop to the floor. Then again — traveling here is no joke! The waves can be harsher than the journey to Sabtang and it will take about 2 to 4 hours; yet without a doubt, it will all be worth it for your Batanes itinerary!
If Sabtang island will leave you speechless, Itbayat island will make your mouth drop to the floor. Then again — traveling here is no joke! The waves can be harsher than the journey to Sabtang and it will take about 2 to 4 hours; yet without a doubt, it will all be worth it for your Batanes itinerary!
If Sabtang island will leave you speechless, Itbayat island will make your mouth drop to the floor. Then again — traveling here is no joke! The waves can be harsher than the journey to Sabtang and it will take about 2 to 4 hours; yet without a doubt, it will all be worth it for your Batanes itinerary!
If Sabtang island will leave you speechless, Itbayat island will make your mouth drop to the floor. Then again — traveling here is no joke! The waves can be harsher than the journey to Sabtang and it will take about 2 to 4 hours; yet without a doubt, it will all be worth it for your Batanes itinerary!
◘◘ Rapang Cliff
A must-see for your Batanes itinerary! This is a natural park comprised of forest, cliffs, and rocky hills where bonsai arius trees are abundant along a grazing area for goats. One unique formation that you’ll find here is a flat stone that lies naturally upon another stone and when you strike it with another stone, it produces a bell-like sound. Apparently, it served as an alarm for the ancient inhabitants against approaching enemies and a signal for community meetings and for gathering goats.
TIP: The boat ride can get a bit wet, so it’s best to bring a waterproof bag for your essentials.
◘◘ Spanish Bridge
(Ivana) This was constructed and formed as part of the main road of Ivana during the Spanish period as the road leads to the doorstep of the Church. It is still being used to date by people and trucks alike.
◘◘ Savidug Idjang (Fortress)
Among the 4 Idjangs in Batanes, this is considered to be the most beautiful and perfectly shaped.
◘◘ Rakuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country)
(Mahatao) Dubbed by foreign tourists as Malboro Country because of its similar contour, endless rolling hills, and wind-swept communal pasturelands for cows, carabaos, and horses. For sure, this is a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Other Activity Options
◘◘ Chamantad–Tinyan Viewpoint
Located between Savidug and Chavayan, this place offers a spectacular view of nature and the Pacific Ocean. Take your sweet time lounging here during your Batanes itinerary because the sights are quite stunning!
NOTE: This mountain also supplies the water in all households in Basco — so yes, when you’re in Batanes, you can drink from the tap! It’s safe and fresh spring water!
◘◘ Climb Mt. Karububuan
The town’s highest point at about 280 meters above sea level. The historical significance of this mountain is that is the other ‘pair’ of Mt. Riposed which is one of the island’s foundations and old settlement for the early settlers.
If you’ve got the time, I highly recommend the following:
NOTE: You can book a packaged Sabtang tour for a hassle-free experience and you can even do it in just a day!
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Otherwise, you can DIY this trip. Sabtang boat trips (that spans for about an hour) depart from Ivana port from 6:00AM to 7:00AM — you can get to this port from Basco by renting a tricycle roundtrip transfer which costs about Php 440. The boat trip costs Php 100 per person each way, and once you arrive in Sabtang you will have to pay Php 200 environmental fee at the tourism office.
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Later on, you can take the boat ride back to Ivana starting from 8:00AM until 2:00 to 3:00PM (depending on the weather, there can still be boats at 5:00PM but it’s best to be at the Sabtang port before by 2:00PM — or better yet, just ask the locals what is the estimated time for the last trip back to Ivana).
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There are 3 boat operators going to Sabtang and I went with M/B Aljolyner since I personally know the owners. You can contact them via this mobile number: +63 928-244-5475. As for touring the island by yourself, you can rent a tricycle at the port for Php 800 (2 pax).
- Savidug Sabtang Fiesta (Around January)
- Ivana Fiesta (May 1)
- Uyugan Fiesta (May 10)
- Diptan Fiesta (June 13)
- Valugan Fiesta (June 27)
- Basco Fiesta (August 8)
- Sinakan Sabtang Fiesta (October 1)
- Itbayat Fiesta (October 7)
- Mahatao Fiesta (November 4)
- Itbud Fiesta (November 27)
If you’ve got the extra time during your Batanes itinerary, I highly recommend the following:
North Batan Stops