2026 Basco Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#travel #batanes

#holidayitinerary ### **Why Visit Batanes?** 1. **Untouched Natural Beauty**: Known as the "Home of the Winds," Batanes boasts dramatic landscapes—rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters—often compared to New Zealand or Scotland . 2. **Unique Ivatan Culture**: Experience the traditions of the Ivatan people, from their iconic **stone houses** (built to withstand typhoons) to their honest and egalitarian community values . 3. **UNESCO Tentative Site**: Recognized for its pristine ecosystems and cultural heritage, Batanes is a candidate for the **World Heritage List** . --- ### **Top Attractions** #### **1. Batan Island** - **Marlboro Hills (Rakuh a Payaman)**: Endless green pastures with grazing cows and panoramic ocean views . - **Basco Lighthouse**: A picturesque spot for sunset photos . - **Vayang Rolling Hills**: Hike through lush hills with sweeping coastal vistas . #### **2. Sabtang Island** - **Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint**: A jaw-dropping cliffside panorama . - **Traditional Ivatan Villages**: Visit **Savidug** and **Chavayan** to see centuries-old stone houses . - **Morong Beach**: A white-sand cove with a natural rock arch . #### **3. Itbayat Island** - **Torongan Cave**: A historic landing site of early Austronesian migrants . - **Rapang Cliffs**: Towering limestone formations overlooking the sea . --- ### **Practical Guide** - **Best Time to Visit**: **March–May** (dry season) for clear skies and calm seas. Avoid **June–November** (typhoon season) . - **How to Get There**: - **Flights**: Philippine Airlines (PAL) operates daily 1.5-hour flights from Manila to **Basco Airport** . - **Boats**: Ferries connect Batan to Sabtang (40 mins) and Itbayat (4 hours, weather-dependent) . - **Transport on Islands**: Rent **tricycles** (PHP 500–1,000/day) or join guided van tours . --- ### **Unique Experiences** - **Honesty Coffee Shop**: A self-service stall where you pay on trust—no cashier! . - **Ivatan Cuisine**: Try **uvud** (banana pith meatballs) and **vunes** (dried taro stalks) . - **Wildlife Spotting**: Free-roaming cows, horses, and rare birds like the **Ivatan hornbill** . --- ### **Visitor Tips** - **Respect Local Customs**: Avoid disturbing grazing animals or entering private lands without permission . - **Pack Light Layers**: Weather shifts quickly; bring a windbreaker and sunscreen . - **Book Early**: Accommodations are limited—homestays and small hotels fill fast . **#BatanesTravel #IvatanCulture #PhilippinesHiddenGem**

Batanes Island of the Philippines features breathtaking view of Hills and Seas. A large area of land is use to Pasteur land for feeding cows, goats or carabao. A number of Lighthouse is present which adds a beautiful experience during your visit. Traditional Stone houses were preserved or rebuilt which considered as Historical structures#travel #batanes #rollinghills

#favouriteitinerary 3-Day Batanes Itinerary Day 1: North Batan Tour • AM: Arrive in Basco, rent a bike or hire a tricycle tour. • Visit: Basco Lighthouse, Naidi Hills, Vayang Rolling Hills, Tukon Church, Valugan Boulder Beach. • PM: Sunset at Chadpidan Boulder Beach. Day 2: Sabtang Island Tour • AM: Take the early faluwa boat to Sabtang. • Visit: Savidug & Chavayan Stone Houses, Morong Beach (Mayahaw Arch), Chamantad-Tiñan Viewpoint. • PM: Return to Basco, enjoy seafood dinner. Day 3: South Batan Tour • AM: Explore Mahatao & Ivana. • Visit: Mahatao Church, Honesty Store, Marlboro Hills (Rakuh A Payaman), House of Dakay. • PM: Relax at Homoron Blue Lagoon, fly back.

Batanes has its timeless charm far beyond what you see 💚! Amazingly beautiful and breathtaking Batanes ❤️. Aside from its picturesque view, what makes it more beautiful are the heartwarming Ivatans. Their simple way of life is truly admirable. Please always check the weather before heading there. #batanes #breathtakingbatanes

No doubt! Sobrang sulit! Sobrang worth it puntahan at iexplore ang Batanes kahit medyo mahal na halos katumbas kung mag Int'l trip ka. Ika nga bago ka mangibang bansa bakit di mo muna iexplore ang sariling atin? Sobrang breathtaking🏞 ang views at ihanda ang mga best ootd👗🧥. 😁 Sobrang mababait pa ng mga locals dito at hindi ka mangangamba kasi halos lahat sila magkakakilala na. Flex ko lang ang mga nagaccommodate sa amin to made this tour memorable and worthwhile. Sobrang mababait sila at accommodating. ❤ DAY 1 - Spring of Youth Trekking siya at sobrang mabato yung way. Pero sulit... worth the walk🥰 DAY 2 - Naidi Basco Lighthouse DAY 3 - South Bound of Batanes DAY 4 - Sabtang Island DAY 5 - North Bound of Batanes Thank you sa mababait na tourguides 🛖🪨🪵We rented rooms from Vatan Home Stay sobrang bait ng owner at ng mga andito. Super accommodating sila. Happy travek sa inyong lahat po! See you again Batanes! Will surely come back 🥰✈👣🌠📸 #tripblazers#fallingforfall#spooktaculartrip #batanes#staycation#urbanexplorer#summervacation

Breathtaking BATANES! ⛰🌬🐂🌴🌊 Bucketlist Unlocked ✅🔐 Ito yung place na sasabihin mo sa sarili mo “BABALIK AKO DITO!” 😍 Medyo pricey ang airfare pero SULIT NA SULIT! Naka SEAT SALE ngayon ang PAL, So If I were you guys, Batanes ang i-book nyo! 👍🏻 1st day: We stayed at Marfel Lodge Main (PHP750 per head) No breakfast included but meron silang kitchen, you can cook your own food. Maganda yung place, very cozy. 🍳 (Meron din mas cheap pa, sa Crisan Pension House, PHP500 per head with breakfast na😍) * Basco Lighthouse 😍 * Vayang Rolling Hills⛰ * Valuyan Blouder Beach🌊 * Japanese Tunnel⛩ You can rent a tricycle (PHP500 whole day or bike (PHP25/pax per hour) to go around Basco. 2nd day: We stayed at Fundacion Pacita. Grabe dito bes, para kang nasa palasyo. Sobrang ganda ng place! Sobrang ganda din ng price ng hotel 🤣 PHP10,000 per night po, pero okay lang pinsan ko naman ang nagbayad. Haha! Tipid tips, kahit hindi na kayo mag check in dito, pwede ang walk in. 😍 Dito lang kami the whole day. Staycation ang peg. Kasi maluwang yung hotel, at marami din attraction. Sobrang ganda! You can dine din sa resto nila, Cafe du Tukon. Perfect sa breakfast at lunch date niyo kasi kitang kita nyo yung ganda ng Batanes, date with a view ba 😍🌴⛰ 3rd day: Wedding of my cousin 👰🏻👨🏻💒 So sa Basco Lighthouse sila Kinasal. Wedding goals no? 😍 • Dream wedding nga naman pag ikakasal ka sa Batanes 😍 Sinama ko na din yung ibang pics hehe 4th day: South Batanes Tour Dito karamihan ang tourist attraction ng Batanes, nag rent kami ng Tour and Services PHP3000 good for 10 pax. Kung 10 kayo, ito ang mapupuntahan ng PHP300 mo. * House of Dakay🏚 * Honesty Coffe Shop☕️ * Alapad Rock Formation🗿 * Tayid Lighthouse💡 * Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country)⛰ * San Carlos Borromeo Church⛪️ * Homoron White Beach🌊🐚 * Chawa View Deck 🏟 * Mahatao Boat Shelter ⛵️ * Fountain of Youth 👙🌊💦 5th day: SABTANG ISLAND 😍 Di kumpleto ang Batanes tour nyo kung hindi ka pupunta ng Sabtang. Buwis buhay pero GO padin! Take note, 7 am lang ang byahe papuntang Sabtang, sa Ivana Port. 30 mins from Basco. So kung naka stay ka sa basco, agahan nyo gumising hehe. 12 noon naman ang byahe ng Sabtang pabalik ng Ivana port. Kapag lumakas ang alon, 🌊 next day na kayo makaka byahe 😢💔 Nag rent lang kami Tryc duon, piliin nyo yung magandang tricycle para perfect sa picture. Yung may batanes at cogon na bubong 🤣 PHP1000 ang rent ng tryc good for 3 pax for half day tour. Sulit na to promise! Sobrang ganda ng Sabtang! * Savidug Barrio 🏘 * Chavayan Barrio (Old stone houses)🏚 * Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint⛰🌴 * Batanes Zipline (PHP500/pax) 🚡 * Morong Beach 🌊🐚 * Ahaw (Natural Stone Arch) 🏝🗿 Duon na rin kayo bumili ng souvenirs kasi mas mura compare sa Basco. Sa Sabtang kasi ginagawa ang mga souvenirs. Dito na rin kami bumili ng coconut crab PHP600 Per kilo, mahal no? Hehe pero mas mahal sa basco PHP1000/kilo 🦀🦀🦀 LIFE IS SHORT! VISIT BATANES!!!! 😍😍😍 #beachlife #staycation #foodie #urbanexplorer #summervacation

I love Batanes BATANES (6 days 5 nights)🍂SOLO TRAVELER The Northern Most Part of the Philippines 🇵🇭 📍Batan Island 📍Itbayat Island 📍Sabtang Island ✈️Flying via Sky Jet Airlines 🏠Where to stay: Crisan Lodge Nanay Citas Vatan Inn 👉🏻Eco tourism Fee 350php Locals called Ivatan, its the smallest province in the country and Unique language Ivatan 📍North batan Tour ✔️Rolling hills ✔️Naidi lighthouse ✔️Japanese tunnel ✔️Mt carmel church ✔️Pagasa complex ✔️Fundacion pacita 📍South Batan Tour ✔️Marlboro Hills ✔️Blue lagoon ✔️Maharao shelter port ✔️Mahatao Church ✔️White beach ✔️Old Spanish Bridge ✔️House of dacay ✔️Honesty Store ✔️Alapas rock formation 📍Sabtang Tour ✔️Savihug village ✔️Chamantad(Viewpoint) ✔️Chavayan Village ✔️Morong beach ✔️Nakabuang Arch ✔️Sabtang Lighthouse ✔️San vicente ferrer Church ✔️Weavers Association ✔️St thomas aquinas chapel 📍Itbayat Tour (“Failed due to Weather” Next time) 📍Note ✔️Renting a bike is cheaper in roaming around •Japanese bike 25php •Mountain bike 50php ✔️Expect to trek going to spring of youth ✔️No wifi in basco destroyed by typhoon ✔️Reach out to locals, immerse yourself to their culture ✔️Dont miss star gazing in naidi or in rolling hills(must try)felt peaceful ✔️Souvenirs- buying in sabtang is cheaper compared to basco. ✔️Tawsen and bisumi souvenirs are the cheapest shops in basco if you want a customized shirt pasalubong ✔️Wear the ivatan traditional costume ✔️Packing light, bring cup noodles and canned goods cook in your homestay to save some cash ✔️Plan ahead your itinerary going to sabtang and Itbayat to avoid getting straded ✔️ Expect brownout in sabtang 12midnight to 6am ✔️ if you plan to visit sabtang or itbayat prepare yourself to a bumpy ride(must bring bonamide) ✔️only landbank and PNB are the ATM machines available in basco ✔️try the local food(Coconut crab) Sa Mga na meet ko sa Batanes 🍂 -Sandra,Joan,Ann and Friends -Ginie at nanay cita -Couple John and Victoria -Ms Mecca and friend -Locals maam Joan and Madam Ritchie of BFAR •Be Friendly to other travelers, Everyone has a story to tell. For the Love of Wanderlust 🍂 Feel free to Message me, if you have Queries 😊 #beachlife #campingglamping #beachlife #foodie #urbanexplorer #summervacation #awesomepic

Batanes is known for its scenic waters and terrain, It is open for swimming, snorkeling, diving,lighthouse visits,biking and visits to a century old Ivatan houses. Another thing to fall in love with Batanes is its very clean and breathing environment, rock formations, wild horses that roam freely in vast pastureland. The most interesting part for me is the Honesty Cafe,It is a sari sari store and coffee shop combined what's fascinating here is that there is no one looking for the merchandise here,there is this price list of the items and a drop box where you can put your payment. #batanes #wonderlust #breathtakingview

A lot of people want to go to Batanes because of the magnificent views, food, culture, and people. I was surprised the most of what they are saying is really true. First that i noticed in this place is the people. They just greet you and smile at you even if you dont know them. Our tour guide Sir Renz told us that in batanes if you did not greet them back they will think that you are arrogant or boastful. So expect all the people will greet you, say hi and hello. Second the food, i really love seafoods and as expected we are served with so many seafood dishes and i really had a hard time eating it all ahaha. The fish, all the shell fish, they all tastes good. And last the view, while at the tour, the are also other tourist visiting the spot and i taking photos with the beautiful scenery. The place on every part of the island is so majestic that you really want to stay longer. Of course, i am definitely going back in this place. #beaches

Tour to Sabtang Island and learn about Ivatan culture and to see the natural wonders of Batanes!  This excursion will allow you to immerse yourself in Ivatan culture while also admiring the Sabtang's natural beauty.  This tour is ideal for a variety of travelers due to the correct blend of sightseeing and immersion. #summervacation#beachvacation#urbanexplorer

#summervacation The Ivatans took it upon themselves to honor their land by conserving their origin and identity, and the island of Batanes is brimming with preserved culture.  One of their honorable characteristics is their endurance against the most powerful storms and earthquakes, which is best exemplified by the construction of their ever-beautiful stone houses. #summervacation

#summervacation Batanes, with its magnificent scenery, is a refuge of shifting moods.  The weather is mostly warm, but it can be cool and crisp at times and unfavorable at others.  The beauty of the location, on the other hand, will make your heart skip a beat.  Batanes is a tranquil and laid-back island paradise where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the cool wind and warm sun #summervacation

#summervacation The pristine beauty of Batanes can be seen on its lovely beaches.  Morong Beach's waves are milder than those seen on other Batanes beaches, making it safer for tourists to swim.  It has pure white sand that rivals Boracay's.  It's also far more equitable than the other beaches in the province. #summervacation#beachvacation

#triplocal One of the best places I’ve been with and the most memorable getaway so far! A trip with my former officemates. Despite being the path of every storm, this smallest province in the Philippines became the paradise of the north. The preserved culture of the Ivatan people, savory foods, the beautiful landscapes, and even the raging seas will make you fall in love to the breathtaking BATANES! #mynovgetaway

Your GUIDE to BATANES! Tour Itinerary Day 1 North Batan -Mt Carmel -PAGASA Weather Station -Japanese Tunnel -Boulder Beach -Vayang Rolling Hills -Basco Light House etc. Day 2 Sabtang Island -Boat ride -Morong Beach -Stone Arch -Tinyan-Chamantad View Point -Chavayan-Chavayan Village Stone Houses etc. -Vakul and Kanayi Ivatan wearings Day 3 South Batan -Chawa Viewdeck -San Carlos Borommeo Church -Marloboro Hills -Alapad rock formation -Blow ur Horn -Mutchong Hilltop -Honesty Coffee shop -House of Dakay -Spanish Bridge etc. Book your Flights to Trip.com via PAL Clark-Basco Route and Explore Batanes! Feel free to Message me for Queries or Assistance #travel #batanes #tourguide #breathtakingbatanes for More information

#falladventures #travel #familytravel This is one of the lighthouses built in Batanes around the year 2000 to guide seafarers safely to the shore. While recently constructed, it has become one of the popular landmarks of Batanes, specifically of Basco in Batan Island, where it is located. You can climb its 83-step stairs right up to the top and enjoy the scenic view of the surrounding sea and Naidi Hills. On the ground floor, there's a small room that serves as a mini-museum, and close to the lighthouse is a big signage saying "I ♡ Batanes," great for photo shoots. It's a must-visit place when you're in Batanes. Everything is just breathtaking when you're in the province, or I am just being biased because it's my favorite place in PH. It's sunny and windy when I was there, so it was perfect, as you can see in the pics as well. I wanted to wait for the sunset, but my friends were adamant that we go to the next destination on our itinerary. If you enjoy the pictures, please like them! Follow me, Travelogist, for more updates like these.

Wedding Sesh 🫶

📅 Itinerary Day1： Day2: Day3: 🏨 Accommodation : djets homestay 🍴 Food Recommendations : 📌 Tips

Batanes is one of everyones dream destination. Preparation is very essential from booking cheapest possible flights, the season to travel to make sure good weather when traveling, your accommodation and itineraries or travel agency. Once you step foot in Batanes, you will fall in love with its breath taking views of hills and oceans, delicious food and kindness of local people. #tripkoto #batanes #Ivatan #ivatanculture #ivatanheritage #Vayang #VayangRollingHills #BatanesRollingHills #rollinghills #Tripdotcom #postandearn

In Sabtang Island, the wind carries stories—and the stone houses keep them safe. 🪨🌬️ Ivatan homes built strong with limestone and thatched roofs… standing quietly through typhoons, time, and tradition. It felt like walking through a living postcard. No noise, no crowds—just culture, calm, and kind smiles from locals who know what it means to truly belong. ✈️ Flight to Basco? Booked via Trip.com 🚤 Boat to Sabtang? Quick and easy 🛏️ Traditional Ivatan homestay? Unforgettable 📲 If you’re craving culture, connection, and a slow kind of wonder—book your Batanes trip now with Trip.com. Some places don’t ask to be captured. They ask to be felt. #TripDotCom #SabtangIsland #IvatanHeritage #StoneHousesPH #BookWithTrip #TripComPH #BatanesCulture #CulturalJourney #WanderWithTrip #UndiscoveredPH

Batanes felt like stepping into a painting—one that humbles you, silences you, and makes you feel like a tiny dot in the most beautiful way. 🌿⛰️ Rolling hills. Stone houses. Lighthouses standing guard over crashing waves. And skies so dramatic they move you. ✈️ I flew via Basco through Trip.com 🛏️ Found the perfect homestay 🚐 Pre-arranged transfers—everything smooth No stress, no complications. Just a seamless journey into the most sacred corner of the Philippines. If Batanes is on your bucket list (as it should be), this is your sign. 📲 Book your flight, transfer, and lodging with Trip.com—and let Batanes speak to your soul. #TripDotCom #BatanesPH #BascoAdventures #SacredNorth #BookWithTrip #TripComPH #PhilippineGems #WanderWithTrip #IslandInTheSky

#summervacay We visited Valugan Boulder Beach early in the morning, and it was calm and beautiful. Instead of sand, the shore is filled with smooth, round boulders shaped by time and waves. The sound of the ocean crashing against the rocks was both powerful and peaceful. We didn’t swim just walked around, sat on the stones, and enjoyed the quiet view. It’s a simple place, but one that leaves a lasting impression. If you're in Batanes, it's worth a short stop for some fresh air and quiet reflection.

📅 Itinerary Day1：North Batan Day2: South Batan Day3: Sabtang 🏨 Accommodation : Savatan Homestay 🍴 Food Recommendations : sabtang Da Figura 📌 Tips : enjoy and feel the nature

🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions • 🏯 Old Town Heritage Site • 🌉 Scenic Riverwalk • 🏖️ Crystal Bay Beach • 🗿 Local Art Museum • 🌅 Hilltop Sunset Point 💡 Tips • 📱 Download offline maps • 💵 Carry small cash for markets • 🕶️ Bring sun protection • 📅 Visit early to avoid crowds • 💬 Learn a few local phrases #TravelItinerary #WanderlustRoute #CityExploration #HiddenGems #LocalEats #PhotoSpots #TravelTips #AdventureTime #CoastalViews #CultureTrip #Globetrotting

Perched on Naidi Hills, the Basco Lighthouse offers a stunning 360-degree view of Batanes—where rolling green hills meet the endless blue sea. Its peaceful presence against the dramatic landscape perfectly captures the island's raw, natural beauty and timeless charm.

Batanes. Even the name whispers of dramatic landscapes and a unique cultural tapestry. My journey to this northernmost Philippine archipelago was an experience that transcended mere sightseeing; it was an immersion into a world where nature's grandeur and human resilience intertwine to create something truly magical. From the moment I arrived in Basco, a distinct sense of serenity enveloped me. The air, crisp and clean, carried the invigorating scent of the ocean and the verdant hills that rolled towards the horizon. This was a landscape unlike any other I had encountered in the Philippines. Emerald slopes met the jagged edges of cliffs that plunged with breathtaking drama into the sapphire embrace of the Pacific. The iconic stone houses, steadfast against the elements, stood as silent sentinels, narrating tales of survival and heritage across generations. The allure of Batanes lies not solely in its visual splendor but in its profound tranquility. Here, the hurried pace of modern life seems to fade away, replaced by a soothing rhythm dictated by the tides and the gentle sway of the wind. Standing atop Naidi Hills, the Basco Lighthouse a beacon against the vast expanse of the sea, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and connection to the natural world. Exploring the islands of Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat unveiled a captivating diversity. The charming town of Basco, with its warm-hearted locals and well-preserved architecture, offered a comforting welcome. The ferry to Sabtang Island was a scenic prelude to its wonders: the traditional Ivatan villages with their sturdy stone houses, the iconic Savidug community, and the awe-inspiring Chamantad-Tinyan Cove. The voyage to Itbayat, the northernmost inhabited island, was an adventure in itself, rewarding me with even more dramatic vistas and a deeper immersion into the unique Ivatan way of life. Yet, what truly elevates Batanes to an unforgettable destination is its people, the Ivatans. Their inherent warmth, unwavering resilience, and profound respect for their ancestral land are palpable in every interaction. Sharing stories, learning about their traditions, and witnessing their deep connection to their environment enriched my journey in ways I hadn't anticipated. Their unique culture, shaped by the islands' challenging yet beautiful geography, is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity. While reaching Batanes may require a little more effort than other destinations, the reward is immeasurable. It's a sanctuary for the soul, offering a welcome escape from the ordinary and an opportunity to witness nature in its raw, untamed glory. Batanes is more than just a place to visit; it's an experience that resonates long after you've departed, a poignant reminder of the profound beauty and enduring spirit that our world holds. It's a destination that has undoubtedly earned a permanent place in my heart, leaving me with a deep longing for a return to

#cherryblossom25 Waking up in Fundacion Pacita feels like a literal dream ✨🏡🌿 Perched on a hill with insane ocean + mountain views, this place is straight out of a postcard. Every corner is a masterpiece, and I’m officially obsessed 😍 If you’re ever in Batanes, THIS is the spot to stay. Who’s adding this to their bucket list? 🤩🌊 #FundacionPacita #BatanesBeauty #DreamStay #ScenicViews #HiddenGem #TravelGoals #Wanderlust #ParadiseFound #GenZTraveler #EscapeToNature