Things to Do in Batanes, Philippines

Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, is a breathtaking archipelago of ten islands where dramatic landscapes meet rich Ivatan culture. Known as the 'Home of the Winds,' this remote paradise features rolling hills covered in emerald grass, towering limestone cliffs that plunge into turquoise waters, and traditional stone houses that have withstood centuries of typhoons. The province's three inhabited islands - Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat - offer visitors an authentic glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. What sets Batanes apart is its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural preservation. The Ivatan people have maintained their traditional architecture, crafts, and values, creating an atmosphere of honesty and simplicity that's rare in today's world. From the iconic Marlboro Hills to the historic lighthouse of Basco, every corner of Batanes tells a story of resilience against nature's forces and the enduring spirit of its people.

Top Things to Do in Batanes

Island Hopping to Sabtang Island

Cross the choppy Balintang Channel aboard a traditional falowa boat to reach Sabtang Island, home to pristine beaches and well-preserved Ivatan villages. Explore the centuries-old stone houses of Savidug village and relax on the white sands of Morong Beach. The journey itself is an adventure, offering spectacular views of the surrounding seascape and neighboring islands.

Booking Tip: Boat trips cost around PHP 1,500-2,000 per person and depend on weather conditions. Book through your accommodation or local tour operators in Basco. Best visited during calm weather months (March-May) when seas are less rough.

Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hills Trek

Hike to the iconic white Basco Lighthouse perched on Naidi Hills for panoramic views of the West Philippine Sea and Batan Island's rugged coastline. The lighthouse, built in 2003, has become one of Batanes' most photographed landmarks. The surrounding hills offer excellent vantage points for sunrise and sunset photography, with rolling green meadows stretching to the horizon.

Booking Tip: Free to visit with no entrance fee. Best visited early morning (6-8 AM) for sunrise or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for sunset. Bring water and wear comfortable hiking shoes as the terrain can be steep and windy.

Marlboro Hills Photography Tour

Experience the famous rolling hills that resemble scenes from Marlboro cigarette advertisements, with vast green pastures dotted with grazing cattle and carabaos. These undulating grasslands offer some of the most Instagram-worthy landscapes in the Philippines. The hills change character throughout the day, from misty mornings to golden hour magic, making them perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Booking Tip: Join organized tours for PHP 2,500-3,500 per person including transportation and guide, or rent a motorcycle for PHP 800-1,200 per day for independent exploration. Early morning visits offer the best lighting and fewer crowds.

Traditional Ivatan Village Experience

Immerse yourself in authentic Ivatan culture by visiting traditional villages like Chavayan on Sabtang Island, where centuries-old stone houses with cogon grass roofs still stand. Learn about traditional crafts, taste local delicacies, and interact with friendly locals who maintain their ancestral way of life. Many villages offer cultural demonstrations including traditional weaving and cooking methods.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost PHP 2,000-3,000 per person including boat transfers and village fees. Book through certified local guides who can provide historical context and facilitate meaningful interactions with villagers. Respect local customs and ask permission before photographing people.

Cliff and Coastal Exploration

Explore Batanes' dramatic coastline featuring towering limestone cliffs, natural rock formations, and hidden coves accessible only by foot. Visit spots like Valugan Boulder Beach with its unique black volcanic rocks, or trek to remote viewpoints overlooking the Balintang Channel. The rugged coastline offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography and solitude.

Booking Tip: Join guided coastal tours for PHP 2,000-2,800 per person including transportation to remote areas. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip as cliff paths can be slippery. Always maintain safe distances from cliff edges due to strong winds and loose rocks.

Getting There

Batanes is accessible only by air through Basco Airport, with daily flights from Manila operated by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from PHP 8,000-15,000 depending on season and booking time. Due to frequent weather-related flight cancellations, especially during typhoon season (June-November), it's advisable to book flexible tickets and have buffer days in your itinerary. The airport is small and located just 10 minutes from Basco town center.

Getting Around

Transportation in Batanes consists mainly of tricycles for short distances within towns (PHP 20-50 per ride) and jeepneys for longer routes between municipalities (PHP 30-80). For maximum flexibility, rent a motorcycle (PHP 800-1,200 per day) or bicycle (PHP 300-500 per day) from local operators in Basco. Many accommodations offer bicycle rentals and can arrange motorcycle rentals with proper licenses. Organized tours with van transportation are popular for visiting multiple sites efficiently, costing PHP 2,500-3,500 per person per day.

Where to Stay

Basco Town Center

Mahatao

Ivana

Uyugan

Sabtang Island

Near Basco Airport

Food & Dining

Batanes offers a unique culinary experience centered around fresh seafood, locally-raised beef, and indigenous ingredients like coconut crab and flying fish. The famous Ivatan delicacy 'vunes' (coconut crab) is a must-try, along with 'arayu' (rice wine) and 'kakanin' (local rice cakes). Most restaurants are concentrated in Basco, with popular spots including Pension Ivatan Restaurant for traditional cuisine and Octagon Lodge Restaurant for international dishes. Local eateries called 'carinderias' offer affordable Filipino comfort food, while some accommodations provide home-cooked meals featuring organic vegetables and grass-fed beef from local farms.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Batanes is during the dry season from March to May when weather is most stable, seas are calmer for island hopping, and flight cancellations are minimal. This period offers the clearest skies for photography and outdoor activities, though it's also the peak tourist season with higher accommodation rates. The cooler months of December to February provide pleasant temperatures but increased chances of flight delays due to strong winds. Avoid June to November (typhoon season) when severe weather can strand visitors for days and many outdoor activities become dangerous or impossible.

Insider Tips

Bring cash as ATMs are limited and many establishments don't accept cards - withdraw money in Manila before your trip

Pack layers and windproof clothing as weather can change rapidly and winds are consistently strong throughout the year

Respect the Ivatan culture of honesty - many shops operate on an honor system where you leave payment without supervision, and locals appreciate visitors who embrace this trust-based tradition

Things to Do in Batanes