Batanes

The Philippines' northernmost islands, where rolling grasslands drop straight into the sea, dotted with Ivatan stone houses and lighthouses; often called 'the Scotland of the Philippines'.

Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines, lying in the Bashi Channel between Luzon and Taiwan's Orchid Island. It consists of ten islands, including Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat, with Basco as the capital. Far from the main islands, its green grasslands sweep down hillsides to sea cliffs, dotted with grazing cattle, earning it the nickname 'the Scotland of the Philippines'; the thick-walled, thatch-roofed stone houses built by the indigenous Ivatan to withstand typhoons are national cultural heritage. Batan Island is the base for exploring: North Batan has Naidi Hills Lighthouse, Vayang Rolling Hills, Valugan Boulder Beach, Tukon Chapel and the Japanese tunnel; along the coastal ring road of South Batan are Chawa View Deck, Mahatao Church, Marlboro Country, Tayid Lighthouse, Alapad, the Song-Song ruins and the Honesty Coffee Shop in Ivana. A traditional wooden boat from Ivana port reaches Sabtang Island in about 30–40 minutes, for a day trip to its stone-house villages and the rock arch at Morong Beach. Itbayat, further away, requires a long boat ride and an overnight stay, and is not covered here. The best time to visit is Mar–May, with clear skies and calm seas; Jun–Nov is typhoon season, when flights and boats are often cancelled, and Dec–Feb brings strong northeast monsoon winds and high seas. Getting there: direct flights from Manila and Clark to Basco take about 1.5–2 hours. Get around the island by bicycle, rented e-scooter or chartered tricycle. Allow 4–5 days, with extra time in case weather leaves you stranded. Prices in Batanes are relatively high and ATMs are few, so bring enough cash; an environmental fee is charged for visiting Sabtang.

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Itineraries