"Batanes: A Dream Destination" Top 5 Page for this destination Province of Batanes by cyndymc

Province of Batanes Travel Guide: 209 reviews and 575 photos

VT Flag Waves With The Winds of Batanes - Province of Batanes

Capping my 2010 travels is our memorable trip to Batanes. I’ve been to Batanes many years ago when I was still single, but I didn’t have a chance to appreciate the beauty of the place. Thanks to hubby for giving me this vacation as advance Christmas gift. He knew I wanted so much to go back to Batanes. Oh, what an experience we had! A dream fulfilled, rediscovering Batanes’ unspoiled beauty, breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, amazing heritage sites, unique culture, friendly people and delectable cuisine…yet, after our 4 days 3 nights stint, we realized that there’s still much more left for us to see.

Basic Info About Batanes

House of Dakay, UNESCO Heritage Building

The Province of Batanes is a cluster of ten islands and islets on the northernmost part of the Philippines, spread between the waters of Bashi Channel and Balintang Channel, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the China Sea. Batanes is the smallest province in our country in terms of land area (the islands and municipalities of the province have a combined estimated land area of 20,928 hectares) and population (approximately18,000). It is located 860 kilometers north of Manila and 280 kilometers from Aparri, Cagayan Province. Aparri is at the northern tip of mainland Luzon, the biggest island in the country. (Note: Figures were taken from the official website of the Province of Batanes.)

The largest islands are Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat which are the only inhabited islands. The smaller islands which are either sparsely populated or uninhabited are: Dinem, Siayan, Ditarem, Misanga, Vuhus , Dequey and Mavudis. Mavudis (or Y'ami) is the country's northernmost island. Our guide said that from Y’ami one can already see the island of Formosa. Actually, Batanes is nearer Taiwan than mainland Luzon, being only 190 kilometers south of Taiwan. There is a popular belief that at one time, the Batanes Islands belonged to Taiwan. In relation to this, Ivatan, their dialect is described as an Austronesian language, with Chinese accent and pidgin Spanish.

It is interesting to know that because of its well preserved heritage sites, Batanes is a candidate in the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site list.

Scotland? New Zealand? No, it's Batanes!

Batanes

Batanes is undoubtedly a dream destination for nature lovers, adventurers, honeymooners and photographers. Lucky are those who dare go to Batanes despite the notion that it is the Storm Capital of the Philippines. Tourists who have seen Batanes liken its islands’ massive cliffs to Scotland. Those who have seen the rolling hills, verdant green pastures and fields bounded by hedgerows couldn’t help but compare the place to New Zealand. I haven’t been to Scotland nor New Zealand so I cannot agree or disagree with their analogy. What I can say and write about is only based on first-hand knowledge, having seen with my own eyes the unparalleled beauty of Batanes. Through my Batanes Travel Page, I hope to be able to do justice to the beauty of all the places we visited.

Last visit to Province of Batanes: Dec 2010
Intro Updated Dec 15, 2010
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Reviews (47)

My First Sighting of Sabtang Lighthouse - Province of Batanes

Photoshoot of Sabtang Lighthouse Things to Do (33)

Of the three lighthouses in Batanes, Sabtang Lighthouse is not (at least when we went there) accessible to tourists. The... more travel advice

Mahatao Tower, Victim Of Vandalism - Province of Batanes

Go To Batanes Now, Otherwise... Things to Do (33)

Batanes Local Government is reportedly going to adopt a policy limiting the number of visitors in the next 3 to 5 years.... more travel advice

Yikes, "Fecal Timebombs"! - Province of Batanes

Look Out For "Fecal Timebombs" On The... Warnings Or Dangers (1)

You will definitely be mesmerized by the scenery from Marlboro Country and Vayang Rolling Hills, BUT PLEASE... watch... more travel advice

Lydia Roberto (L) Arranged Our Package Tours - Province of Batanes

Simple, Good-natured & Hardworking... Local Customs (10)

Ivatans live a simple life and can do away with material comforts usually accompanying modern living. They are gentle... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Plane From Manila To Basco,Batanes
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Comments (8)

Aitana Dec 17, 2011 at 12:26 PM Report Abuse

Hi Cindy, I'm impressed by the beauty of Batanes, indeed it is a dream destination. Thanks for you fantastic tips and pictures.
edwinic Jun 21, 2011 at 8:37 AM Report Abuse

i wish the place will not be called marlboro country
mircaskirca May 26, 2011 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

I only recently heard about Batanes from Gabriel and became interested. Such breathtaking landscapes and fascinating culture! Glad I found your page, an excellent source of info and fine shots! Thanks! Now I'm seriously considering visiting Batanes :)
miguel_arcangel Mar 7, 2011 at 7:00 PM Report Abuse

dreamin' of the place! will surely go there on a sunshiny day!
ayn_g Feb 9, 2011 at 4:01 PM Report Abuse

This is my dream destination in the Philippines. Thanks for the info and tips on traveling to Batanes. Will surely use your Batanes page as one of my references when I realize my dream.
joiwatani Jan 2, 2011 at 8:06 AM Report Abuse

For real, your Batanes page is very informative and has very good pictures! Thanks for sharing them Cyndy! I should recommend you as the ambassador of tourism in the Philippines!!!
SOLODANCER Dec 23, 2010 at 11:27 AM Report Abuse

Those Ivatan stone houses are awesome! they look like those invincible one in the north of Portugal. I must see Batanes when I'm in Pinas next! Thanks. Great page.
lahoree Dec 16, 2010 at 6:31 AM Report Abuse

cool