A Breath of Fresh Air: A Trip to Batanes

Batanes, one of the provinces up north of the Philippines, has a lot in store for travelers. 🧳

From breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and a dash of whimsy, it’s a famous spot for finding peace and respite. 🌄

The province is known for its rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and traditional stone houses that seem straight out of a fairy tale.

Aside from the stunning scenery, Batanes is known for the warm hospitality of the Ivatan people. They also have local delicacies like coconut crabs and flying fish that are worth the try! 

One thing that we know of, once you  go to Batanes, you will most certainly come back.

Here are five places in the province that you must visit: 

CHAMANTAD-TINYAN VIEWPOINT

Known for its semblance to “Games of Thrones” landscapes, the Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint is located on a hilltop that offers panoramic views of the island’s rolling hills, the Chamantad Cove, and the South China Sea. 

To reach the viewpoint, visitors must hike for about 10 minutes from the entrance. The best view of Chamantad Cove is from the tallest peak amid the slopes. There is a short route here that will take you to a seascape that is dotted with small to medium-sized rocks and soft sand.

The hike is not too strenuous, but it is important to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the heat. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy the stunning views and take in the fresh air. There is also a small resting area where visitors can take a break and enjoy the scenery.

Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint is a great place to visit for those who want to experience the beauty of Batanes. If you are planning a trip to Sabtang Island, be sure to add Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint to your itinerary.

💸 Entrance fee of ₱50 per person
🕜 The viewpoint is open from sunrise to sunset.

RACUH A PAYAMAN

Racuh a Payaman, often referred to as Marlboro Hills in Mahatao, is possibly the most photographed Batanes tourist site.

The hills are a vast pastureland dotted with cows, carabaos, and horses. It offers the best view of the harmonious meeting point of the land, sea, and sky.

Because the hill is covered in green grass, cows, water buffalo, and horses have a big, open space in which to graze and wander freely. The government provides free access to the pastureland to those who prefer to raise cattle and carabaos in the area.

Racuh a Payaman translates to “land of the gentle breeze” in the local tongue. The landscape is defined by rolling hills, lush meadows, and magnificent views of the South China Sea.

One of the most popular activities in Racuh a Payaman is hiking to the top of the hills, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Racuh a Payaman is home to a multitude of historical and cultural landmarks, in addition to its breathtaking surroundings. The Tayid Lighthouse, the Mahatao Church, and the Sabtang Lighthouse are among them.

If you’re seeking for a lovely and unusual destination to visit in the Philippines, Racuh a Payaman is a must-see. It is a place where you can unwind and enjoy the calm and quiet of nature, or you may learn about the region’s rich history and culture.

VAYANG ROLLING HILLS

The Vayang Rolling Hills are a stunning natural scenery in the municipality of Basco, Batanes, Philippines. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a series of undulating hills covered in green grass and clumps of trees that offer breathtaking views of the West Philippine Sea, Mt. Iraya, and the nearby islands of Sabtang and Itbayat. 

The word “Vayang” means “to graze” in Ivatan, and the hills are a favorite grazing area for livestock. The hills are also a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and simply taking in the scenery.

The dry season, from November to April, is the best time of year to visit the Vayang Rolling Hills. During this time, the hills are a lush green color, and the weather is mild.

From a distance, goats and cows may be seen foraging in the foliage, with the magnificent West Philippine Sea as backdrop of the rolling slopes.

VALUGAN BOULDER BEACH

Valugan Boulder Beach is a three-kilometer stretch of beach in the Philippine town of Basco.

It is admired for its unique landscape, which is characterized by a vast expanse of boulders that line the shoreline. The stones are thought to have been produced centuries ago by an eruption of Mount Iraya, a neighboring volcano. The waves and tides have gradually smoothed the stones, creating a striking and unusual aesthetic.

Keep in mind that the beach is also a nesting site for sea turtles, so please be mindful of their habitat.

Swimming is prohibited at Valugan Boulder Beach due to the rocky shoreline, but the view is worth the visit. It’s ideal for photography enthusiasts! 

Highly recommend going there early in the morning to catch the sunrise. 

HONESTY COFFEE SHOP

The Honesty Coffee Shop is a small, unmanned cafe in Ivana, Batanes, recognized for its unconventional concept, in which customers are expected to pay for their items honestly. 

Elena Gabilo, a retired public school teacher, launched the business in 1995. Gabilo envisioned a place where individuals could come to unwind and have a cup of coffee without dreading being watched or judged. She also desired to encourage honesty and trust, and she thought that this business would be a wonderful place to do so.

The Honesty Coffee Shop is a simple establishment with a limited range of snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. There is no one to check on clients, so they can take anything they want and drop their money in a box. The store has been open for more than 20 years, and there have been very few thefts.

It has been a popular stop for travelers throughout the years, and is widely considered as an embodiment of the Ivatan culture of integrity and trust. It serves as a reminder that, even in a society where dishonesty is often the standard, there are some who believe in doing the right thing.

🕜 7am to 7pm, every day

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