Reasons To Visit Batanes

by Ronel Forbes

October 5, 2023

In the furthest north of Luzon, in the Cagayan Valley archipelago province of Batanes. It is also the smallest province in the Philippines, making travel there challenging because there is no land access; only aircraft can take you there.

Batanes, also known as the “Home of the Winds” due to its frequently windy weather, may be challenging to reach, but the effort is worth it for the spectacular beauty of the location. One of the most beautiful places the Philippines has to offer is Batanes, which has a breathtaking view wherever you turn.

Going to Batanes can be difficult, primarily due to finances, but it is still one of the most popular travel destinations in the Philippines. It appears that Batanes is not even located in the Philippines because of the breathtaking scenery and the calm, pleasant climate. With its highland landscape, the province almost uncannily resembles places like Scotland and New Zealand.

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Why Batanes is One of thihe Philippines Must-See Locations

Without a doubt, everyone should include Batanes on their travel bucket list. The definition of a paradise, Batanes offers stunning views. Batanes’ typically tropical yet windy climate gives off a serene and calming vibe.

Here are the top justifications for making the trip to the Home of the Winds if you are still debating whether or not to visit Batanes.

Beautiful Beaches

Among the delights of this small rural getaway are the beaches of Batanes. The Pacific Ocean is visible from the shoreline, which is comprised of a great array of white and cream sand beaches, bays, ridges, and rocky coasts.

You may visit a number of stunning beaches in Batanes. All of which, given how picturesque they are, are contenders for the best postage stamp photos. The fact that these well-known sites were all created naturally is even more amazing, as evidenced by the Mahayaw Arch, a prominent stone arch near Sabtang.

This imposing-looking arch can be found in Morong Beach, where it’s also a pleasant area to unwind and utilize as a sunshade. Morong Beach is unquestionably one of the nicest beaches in Batanes and all of Luzon thanks to the excellent white sand that surrounds its coast.

The beach at Valugan Boulder is another must-see location. The Valugan Boulder is one of Batanes’ more unusual views due to its distinctive rock formations and absence of sands. The waves can easily overpower anyone caught in their grip, hence swimming is not permitted in the area.

Culture and Heritage

The province of Batanes is one of the few places that has managed to keep its history, tradition, and culture because of how remote it is from the rest of Luzon and how challenging it is to travel there. There, meandering through the cities is like stepping back in time or exploring a sizable outdoor museum.

Around Batanes, there are still remnants of World War II, including American radio stations and Japanese hideouts. They are all now abandoned and serve only as remnants of a more disorganized period. In addition to being some of the only intriguing man-made structures on Batanes, these crumbling constructions are unquestionably must-see locations for history aficionados.

The distinctive Ivatan stone houses of the towns in this region may still be seen, and the residents still maintain their customs. The most well-known of these stone homes is the House of Dakay, which was constructed in 1887. The distinctive architecture of these homes is intentional and useful because the area is renowned for taking the full brunt of typhoons. Speaking of storms, it is advised to stay away from Batanes from June to September during typhoon season.

The majority of the buildings in Batanes, including the stone homes and the brightly colored churches, were constructed during the 17th century. Additionally, the Ivatans, who live in Batanes, continue to produce the vakul, a traditional headpiece. Wearing a vakul will shield you from the sun and rain. It is constructed from vuyavuy palm fiber. You could even request instruction from the locals on how to build the vakul headdress.

The Ivatan people still proudly display their rich culture, and they are also among the kindest people you will ever encounter. People in Batanes are friendly and continually grinning and greeting one another, and the towns have a welcoming warmth about them.

Amazing Scenery

The stunning vistas this region has to offer are one of the main reasons someone would travel to Batanes. Walking through broad, rolling hills reminds one of that memorable scene from the 1965 musical “The Sound of Music.”

In all honesty, you’ll want to shout out a few lines of “The Hills are Alive” or even the more modern “Let it Go” from the animated film Frozen. Besides the lovely hills, Batanes also provides expansive views of the mountains beyond the horizon.

The surrounding hills and mountains of Batanes are complemented by the lush flora. Racuh A Payaman in Batan, popularly known as Marlboro Country, is the perfect location to completely appreciate the rural wind.

Lighthouses

The numerous lighthouses dotted over the islands of Batanes are another well-known tourist destination. Mahatao Island and Batan Island both have three notable lighthouses. These three lighthouses are named Naidi, Basco, and Tayid. A number of smaller lighthouses can be seen all around the islands.

One of the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Batanes is one of these amazing lighthouses. Even some lodging options let you spend the night on specific lighthouses. However, because of the lengthy reservation waitlist, you must reserve your stay between months and a year in advance.

You can also take a look at this terrific 3-Day Tour, which will take you to these wonderful lighthouses and other well-known locations in Batanes.

Low Rate of Crime

It is uncommon to hear of crimes in the province because Ivatans appreciate honesty and have a strong feeling of community, and those arrested only commit infractions like biking without an early warning device. Since the late 1980s to the present, the crime rate has remained low, making it a tourist-friendly location and a place where peace is not only a word but a way of life.

The province’s archipelagic geography and small towns make it simple to implement the law there. Visitors will have a sense of belonging in Batanes because of the kind of locals there.

Honesty

Batanes is renowned for its honesty store, a self-service establishment without a guard or any other staff members, in addition to its beautiful natural settings. As a result, patrons of this coffee shop are expected to pay honestly, order the correct quantity of goods, and, when change is due, note it in a notebook and come back the following day to obtain it.

It’s a tribute to the Ivatans’ integrity and gives visitors a rich experience. The store has been open since the 1990s and is currently regarded as one of Batanes’ top tourist destinations.

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Conclusion

Batanes is an exquisitely lovely location that is definitely worth visiting more than once. This pristine, natural wonderland in the north transports you back in time.

Even seasoned tourists will find renewed energy in Batanes, which is also a haven for weary city inhabitants seeking a getaway from the concrete jungle.

A visit to Batanes will revitalize your spirit and relax your mind, giving you a fresh appreciation for nature and the basic things in life.

And also, include Travel Insurance Plans when you visit the most visited place in the Philippines.