Things to do in Batanes, activities in batanes, Batanes eco tourism, batanes adventure

THINGS TO DO IN BATANES

Natural
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 from Radiwan Port in Ivana. 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 from 20-70 feet above sea level and has no shoreline. It has a dirt airstrip for light aircraft. Ferries run the Batan-Itbayat route; travel time is 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
The center of commerce and seat of the provincial government. The most populated island of 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. Ideal for mountaineering, trekking, and trailblazing. It is a walking distance from Basco and can be climbed to the top in about three hours.

Mavudis Island
The northernmost island of Batanes. "tatus" or coconut crabs abound in this island surrounded by rich marine life.

Di-atay Beach
A beautiful cove with multi-colored rocks and white sand. Ideal for picnics and beach combing. Located along the national highway between Mahatao and Ivana; 9.85 kilometers from Basco.

Songsong
(Chadpidan Bay). Famous for its beautiful sunset view and big stone boulders. It is three kilometers or an hour of exhilarating trek from Basco proper. Naidi Hills. A walking distance from Basco.

Chawa Cave
Believed to be an enchanted cave, it has a natural salt bed and a mouth that opens to the South China Sea and is accessible through the boulders of Chawa Point in Mahatao. Located four kilometers from Basco.

Nakabuang Cave
Located 5.5 kilometers from San Vicente Centro in Sabtang.

Mt. Matarem
An extinct volcano measuring 495 meters at its summit. Located eight kilometers from Basco.

White Beach
Located in Vatang, Hapnit, and Mavatuy Point at Mahatao.

Trekking
Popular activity at Marlboro Hills and Naidi Hills.

Surfing
Popular activity at Madiwedved, Mahatao.

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

Religious
San Jose Church
(Ivana). Built in 1814 although its foundation dates back to 1795. Of all the old churches in Batanes, it is the only one that was not built in the espadana style. It has a crenellated fortress-like campanile or belltower that gives the appearance of a fortification. Fronts the Ivana Seaport and offers a commanding view of the sea and surrounding countryside due to its elevation. Located 14 kilometers from Basco.

San Carlos Borromeo Church & Convent
(Mahatao). Founded in 1789 and built in 1873, it has a facade modeled after that of Basco Cathedral, with two round arches at roof level for the bells. On its outer walls are massive buttresses that used to serve as stairways to the roof - a thing of convenience in the olden days when frequent repairs had to be made to the cogon grass roofing. The church still retains its centuries-old features. Located six kilometers from Basco.

Church of Sto. Domingo de Basco (Basco Cathedral)
Established in 1783, it is the oldest and most important church in Batanes. To give the facade stability and strength against earthquakes and typhoon winds, the church walls were buttressed with massive pilasters from foundation to top. The church is dedicated to the Immaculate Concepcion, patroness of Batanes.

San Vicente Ferrer Church
(Sabtang Island). Another church modeled after the one in Basco. Following an unfortunate incident in 1790, when Spanish emissaries sent to procure goods from the parish were killed by some natives, the people of Sabtang were forcibly resettled across the channel to Ivana and not allowed to return until 1844 when the foundations of the present church were laid.

Man-Made
Kanyuyan Beach & Port
(Baluarte Bay, Basco). The port of call of the cargo ships bringing goods from Manila.

Special Interest
Sitio Jura at Racujaide
The fishermens village at Mananoy Bay. Fishing season is marked by a festival in mid-March called Payvanuvanuan during which visitors are treated with fresh fish delicacies from the Pacific Ocean. Within the area is the legendary spring of Youth and a living cave with crystal limestone formations. Mananoy Bay is nine kilometers from Basco proper.

Batanes Day (June 26)
Marked with playground demonstrations, parades, the Palu-palo Festival, and other cultural events.

Feast of Three Kings (January 6)
On this day, the image of the Sto. Nino (Holy Child) is venerated in every home in Batanes. Economic
Ruins of Songsong
A ghost barangay which is really a cluster of roofless shells of old stone houses abandoned after a tidal wave that hit the island of Batan in the 1950s. The area has a long stretch of beach. Located 23 kilometers from Basco.

Radiwan Point
Located at Ivana Seaport. Landing site of the Katipuneros on September 18, 1898. Also the ferry station of the falowas plying the islands of Sabtang and Itbayat.