nature
Vayang Rolling Hills
Endless green hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Best timeMarch - June
Duration4-5 days
Budget / day₱3,500 - ₱7,000
From Manila1.5-2 hour direct
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The lay of the land
Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines, famous for its dramatic rolling hills, traditional Ivatan stone houses, and often compared to Ireland or New Zealand. This remote paradise offers unique culture, stunning landscapes, and an escape from modern life.
Batanes, officially the Province of Batanes, is an archipelagic province in the Philippines, administratively part of the Cagayan Valley region. It is the northernmost province in the Philippines, and the smallest, both in population and land area. The capital is Basco, located on the island of Batan, and is also the most populous municipality in the province.
Travel guide
Batanes is the smallest and the northernmost province of the Philippines.
Get inGet aroundSeeDoEat
Highlights
01
Rolling hills and dramatic coastlines
02
Traditional Ivatan stone houses
03
Unique culture and language
04
Untouched natural beauty
What to see
Top attractions
nature
Marlboro Country
Rolling grasslands resembling the American West
cultural
Sabtang Island
Traditional Ivatan houses and stone villages
nature
Valugan Boulder Beach
Beach with giant boulders from Mt. Iraya eruptions
landmark
Naidi Hills Lighthouse
Lighthouse with panoramic views of Basco
cultural
Honesty Coffee Shop
Unmanned shop operating on honesty system
nature
Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint
Stunning cliff viewpoint on Sabtang
nature
Alapad Rock Formation
Dramatic rocks with crashing waves
How to spend the days
Things to do
Activity
North Batan Tour
Vayang Hills, Valugan Beach, Naidi Lighthouse
Guide price₱2,000-3,000
Activity
South Batan Tour
Marlboro Country, Alapad, Mahatao
Guide price₱2,000-3,000
Activity
Sabtang Island Day Trip
Stone houses, Chamantad viewpoint, beaches
Guide price₱2,500-4,000
Activity
Itbayat Island Trip
Most remote island, overnight required
Guide price₱5,000-8,000
Activity
Biking Tour
Rent a bike and explore at your own pace
Guide price₱300-500/day
Activity
Traditional Weaving
Learn Ivatan weaving from locals
Guide price₱500-1,000
Activity
Fishing with Locals
Experience traditional Ivatan fishing
Guide price₱500-1,500
Gallery
See it first
Logistics
Getting there
Nearest airportBasco Airport (BSO)
From Manila1.5-2 hour direct flight
Travel options
- Philippine Airlines or SkyJet from Manila (limited flights)
- Book round-trip immediately - flights fill up fast
- No ferries - flights are the only option
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Eat
Local food
Uvud Balls
Meatballs made from pork and banana heart
Luñis
Flying fish cured in salt and dried
Coconut Crab
Local delicacy (seasonal, check availability)
Vunes
Local banana variety, try the chips
Sleep
Where to stay
Basco Town
Main town, most restaurants and services
Nightly range₱1,500-5,000/night
Homestays
Stay with Ivatan families for authentic experience
Nightly range₱800-2,000/night
Fundacion Pacita
Famous hilltop boutique lodge with views
Nightly range₱5,000-15,000/night
Sabtang Island
Limited options, usually day trip from Basco
Nightly range₱1,000-2,500/night
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