A couple of weeks ago, I was with a group going to the Twin Lakes in Negros Oriental. There was a German guy, a Canadian, a Japanese, an Australian, two British people, and a Dane.
They were all talking about their trip to the Philippines, each one trying to make their story more memorable than the others.
They mentioned the usual places that tourists visit in the Philippines: Boracay, Cebu, Sagada, Siquijor, and Bohol. I never heard them mention Batanes. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever met a foreign traveler who had been to Batanes.
When the group asked me for my recommendation (I was the only Filipino), I, of course, highly recommended that they visit Batanes. What’s special there? they asked. Gorgeous views, I said. Mountains. Rolling hills. Delicious food. Very friendly locals.
Looking down from Tayid Lighthouse.
It was only later when I realized that my descriptions were very generic. They could apply to Sagada, for example, or even to Bohol. Indeed, when it comes to Batanes, there are no words to accurately paint its beauty. You have to be there to appreciate it.
Failing that, photographs can speak much better than words when it comes to showing how beautiful this province is. There are only two places I’d been to where it doesn’t matter if you’re a photographer or not: Batanes and Santorini. Everyone can take good photos, because the photos and the reality would always match.
So if you want to know why you should visit Batanes, take a look at these photos. These are more than enough reasons to go!
It is a given that Batanes has lots of picturesque views. From North Batan to South Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat (which I still have to go), you won’t be able to stop taking photos.
Better yet, just stay still and absorb the beauty around you.
The rolling hills of Vayang Ranch.
Serenity at Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint on Sabtang.
This would be a wonderful place for a pre-nup!
I think Batanes is the only place in the Philippines where lobster is as common as chicken. We had it on days 1 and 2 of our tour (check out Discover Batanes), and we still wanted more of it.
Even the “regular” dishes tasted really good, too. I couldn’t have enough of the fern salad which was served to us on the first day, and the snails also looked delicious. It was the lunch of workers who were repairing the lighthouse in Tayid, so I was too shy to ask if I could have a taste of it.
Having lobster is a must when you’re in Batanes.
This fern salad (pako) was really good.
Even snails looked delicious here.
As an island-province, Batanes doesn’t lack of natural attractions. There are beaches, caves, and rock formations. You can climb Mt. Iraya, go swimming, diving, or snorkeling.
Valugan Beach is full of boulders…
…so better swim at Morong Beach.
Want fresh water instead? Take a dip at Diura Spring.
Have your pre-nup at Mayahaw Arch on Sabtang…
…or at the Japanese Tunnel in North Batan.
Batanes also abounds with cool structures. Their stone houses, churches, and lighthouses are by themselves worth a visit. They’re built to withstand the numerous typhoons that beset the islands every year.
The beautiful lighthouse in Basco.
Pacita Fundacion is the top resort in Batanes.
Their houses made of stone are built to last.
Even Mt. Carmel is built of stone.
Finally, get the chance to meet really nice people (and cute animals) in Batanes. Locals are very trusting; they have stores which are untended. Customers just get what they want and leave the exact amount to cover the cost of the items they took. I just hope the proliferation of tourists won’t change this.
A local family, the manager of Marfel’s Homestay, also invited me to swim with them one Sunday morning after Mass (yes, I went to Mass too).
It isn’t white sand like in Sabtang, but the water was refreshing enough. It was walking distance from the homestay, too.
I went swimming with a local family.
Most families in Batanes own a fortune in cattle.
There are wild horses roaming the lands, too!
Although delicious, it’s not recommended to eat coconut crab. They’re endangered.
Even birds are tame in Batanes….this one landed near me.
I know it can be expensive to go to Batanes. There are ways to cut cost (read my post: How to Travel Cheaply in Batanes), but I’m also a bit glad that it’s off the tourist trail.
I encourage people to visit Batanes but I really hope that those who will would do their best to keep Batanes as beautiful as it is now, for as long as possible. That’s the least we can do.
Going to Batanes soon? Find hotels/guesthouses in Basco, Batanes here.
25 Comments. Leave new
Thank-you so much for this inside tip. The Batanes look incredible- so pristine! If I ever get to the Philippines, this is where I want to be.
You had me at all the green, even before the food.
I love unspoiled places like this that look like paradise. And a bonus that it’s in the Motherland. My list keeps growing on where to go when we finally make it back. You just added Batanes to it. The lobster alone is so tempting. Funny..I just wrote about the coconut crab and how they’re a delicacy in Guam. Beautiful photos, Aleah.
Hope you can bring your family to Batanes, Mary. They would love it!
Batanes looks like an amazing place to be visiting. I would like to check it out. The pictures are breath taking, absolutely amazing. The beaches looks very nice, love the clear waters.
Thanks, Shalu. Hope you can visit someday.
How beautiful! I agree with you, sometimes pictures speak louder than words and, even with that, sometimes the pictures don’t do a place the justice it deserves!
Cheers,
Lexie
Batanes is the perfect example, Lexie!
Looks delicious, gorgeous and interesting – all wrapped in a fantastic package.
Oh it really is a wonderful package, Leigh!
Wonderful article! Been wanting to go to Batanes, will the kids enjoy there too?
Beryl! Your kids would love it, but I think only on the off season. I don’t think it will be as pleasant when it’s high season. That is, you’d have to wait your turn taking pics with the landmarks I included here, etc.
Wow, how beautiful. I confess I have never head of the Batanes, but it is now on my radar thanks to you. Can’t believe this place is not more well known looking at these 21 beautiful pictures.
I’m a bit happy it’s off the beaten path for most travelers, Ted. Still, I can’t help recommending it to everyone I meet!
Ive been to almost all the tourist spots in the Philippines except Batanes. Well almost till the high rise waves brought some sense in me from taking the boat ride some ten years ago. I think I’ll just have to add it in my bucket list for the mean time if only for the lobsters. BTW Santorini with almost all of it painted white should be a dramatic contrast to the lustful greens of Batanes. Both picture perfect in their own beauty.
I wonder what Batanes was like 10 years ago? Now that there’s cheap flights there, it’s easier for people to go there na, unlike before. Hope you can go before tourism spoils its beauty (I hope it doesn’t happen).
OH MY GAWD, Aleah!!! That is like the most tropical Utopia I’ve seen! Lobster are as common as chicken – yes please! Oh I sooooo hope I can make it there someday. My best buddy that I’ve told about before – his parents just went back to the Philippines for a couple of months 🙂
There are so many beautiful spots in the Philippines, Mike, as I’m sure your buddy has told you. 🙂 Too bad you’re so far away. You’d love my country!
Oh wow, you were right – I wanna go there NOW!! It looks soooo beautiful! Love the views, not to mention the appealing sea food photo 🙂 Thanks for sharing – will definitely have this destination in mind!!
Nina, it’s not that cheap to go there if you don’t plan in advance. However, it’s very worth it!
So very pretty!!! When I go back to Asia it will be to the Philippines for sure.
Hope you can visit Batanes, Bethaney! It’s beyond beautiful 🙂
No question about the temptations that Batanes offers, but is the province ready for the influx of tourists?
I agree with your sentiment about Santorini (never been to Batanes), but I think Santorini is even better in person than on the photoshopped images online.
Batanes seems ready. Or at least I hope it is!