Other fish dishes you should try are arayu, doradu, mahi-mahi. Try the lataven a amung (kinilaw) too which is a perfect pair for your bottle of beer!
» READ: Batanes Food – What & Where to Eat for the Best Ivatan Cuisine
- It’s a small northern paradise that’s almost near Taiwan
Batanes is the northern-most group of islands in the Philippines and it is 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.
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- 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.
- Plane tickets can be a tad too expensive but it will be worth every cent
More or less Php 4,000 to 10,000 for a one-way trip… that’s expensive, right? But I kid you not, it’s going to be worth it and you’ll know why, not only with the photos I’ll be posting but also with the top 10 list of things to do in Batanes that I’ll be sharing.- You might be thinking: why are the tickets expensive? Well, it used to be cheaper, like half of that price now or even lower… but that was a time when there were competing airlines that were traveling to our island. Eventually, as technology progressed and the number of people on flights are recognized as very low, the big airlines did not find our small airport as an ideal landing ground and they did not also find the flights as profitable. So eventually, only one (or few other) small airlines are now going to Batanes. (Then again, the tickets can be cheaper when you grab some promos!)
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- You might be thinking: why are the tickets expensive? Well, it used to be cheaper, like half of that price now or even lower… but that was a time when there were competing airlines that were traveling to our island. Eventually, as technology progressed and the number of people on flights are recognized as very low, the big airlines did not find our small airport as an ideal landing ground and they did not also find the flights as profitable. So eventually, only one (or few other) small airlines are now going to Batanes. (Then again, the tickets can be cheaper when you grab some promos!)
- Almost everyone knows one another
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 know who’s who. 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 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.
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- By the way, we, the ‘natives’ are called “Ivatan” and our dialect/language is called 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.
- It only started to gain exposure in the mid-2000s
Our family often went to Manila for vacations when I was young. Whenever I meet new people or if they hear my ‘unusual’ language, I have to tell them where I came from; once I do, they always reply back with an: “Ah, Batangas!” (A big province in southwestern Luzon). I will, of course, try to correct them and when they finally get what I’m saying, there will still be this puzzled expression on their faces since they obviously have never heard of my hometown at all. Eventually, I just felt that it was a lost cause to try and correct them all the time. But after tourism efforts picked up some steam around 2008, Batanes is now one of the most sought-out destinations in the Philippines — so instead of the past reactions that I have been receiving, I am now met with phrases like: “OMG you’re from Batanes?!” (Besides, it’s not every day that you meet someone from my province).- Right now, Batanes is best known for its untouched and unspoiled beauty, and it has even earned a nomination on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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- Right now, Batanes is best known for its untouched and unspoiled beauty, and it has even earned a nomination on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- We have a very low crime rate 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 within 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.
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- 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.
- NOT a typhoon-infested land and it’s the only place in the Philippines that experiences tropical 4 seasons
First I would like to correct this misconception: we are not constantly battered by typhoons. People just started having this ‘idea’ because we are typically used as a reference point during weather reports. Second, I’m really not sure if it’s right to say that we have 4 seasons; it’s not an official thing either… but we do have very cold and chilly days from November to February. Our hottest months are from March to May (with April as the driest) and the rest of the months are often rainy (with August being the month where we mostly experience typhoons).
. - The sale of our lands is carefully moderated
We aim to have land owners to be Ivatans at most, but some big corporations seem to be trying to circumvent that now (I have read of an article wherein San Miguel is planning to build a hotel 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.)
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Must-Do Batanes Tours?
1. Visit the beaches
Batan is the main part of Batanes and it comprises the districts Basco (the provincial ‘capital’), Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan, Itbud, and Imnajbu.
Other than these 3 occupied islands, you can try visiting the unspoiled ones in the grey text above.
Want a detailed Batanes travel guide?
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? Simply put: it’s the PERFECT getaway!
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!
2. Walk around: get to know the Ivatan people, their history, and culture
Batanes is specked with lighthouses 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
3. Visit the other islands
Batanes is specked with lighthouses 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
4. See the traditional stone houses
Batanes is specked with lighthouses 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
5. Enjoy the rolling hills!
Batanes is specked with lighthouses 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
6. Visit the man-made attractions
Batanes is specked with lighthouses 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
7. Roam around on two wheels and see more attractions!
Batanes is specked with lighthouses 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
8. Experience local public transportation like the faluwa!
Batanes is specked with lighthouses 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
9. Try to attend at least one fiesta
Batanes is specked with lighthouses 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
10. Eat, eat, EAT!
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…or, go to the ruins of the LORAN (Long Range Navigation) Station, a former US facility during the war in Uyugan, or to the Ruins of Songsong, a group of roofless old stone houses that were abandoned in the 50s when a tidal wave hit Batan.
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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.
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!
We have an AMAZING coastline! If you ask me, we might just have all the types of beaches there can be.
» READ: Batanes Itinerary for 5 Days
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.
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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 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!
One couldn’t even call it a ‘Batanes’ experience if you won’t take the opportunity of going on a hike. There are 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.
Other than beaches, we often have caves near the coast that are also wonders in themselves, worthy of exploration. Some of the popular ones are Chawa Cave in Mahatao and Nakabuang Cave in Nakabuang Beach in Sabtang.
