Batanes is undeniably a dream escape to many travel enthusiasts. A dream come true for me, exploring the island is falling in love with it – love at first sight! And every sight indeed! Tagged by others as a paradise in the northern part of the Philippines, Batan is the main and second to the largest among Batanes islands.
Tour around Batan Island is usually divided into two, the North and South Batan tour, each can be finished for around 4 to 5 hours. Very much excited for our North Batan tour, we started at Mt. Carmel Chapel.
Mt. Carmel Chapel
Otherwise known as Tukon Chapel, Mt. Carmel Chapel was built in early 2000. Tukon is an Ivatan term for mountain. Like the traditional Ivatan houses, the small chapel is made of stone where mass is held every second week of the month.
Small as it is, the chapel is actually a favorite venue for intimate weddings. Also inspired by the Spaniards, the ceiling resembles a boat and is painted by images of saints made by young Ivatan artists.
From the chapel, you can get a really breathtaking view of both the West Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean. Mt Iraya, a dormant volcano, can also be sighted.
Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
Located at the hills of Tukon, we next passed by a Japanese Tunnel. Made up of five doors, the tunnel was built during the Japanese occupation serving as shelters for soldiers. It is very dark inside and you have to bring a flashlight to be able to go through the tunnel and exit at the other end.
Valugan Boulder Beach
After the tunnel, we visited Valugan Boulder Beach. As its name implies, absolutely big rocks lined up the shore. Walking through the giant stones may be a challenge to get near the waters but it is certainly one of the fantastic and unique pieces of experience you’ll take home from Batanes. Curious how these stones were formed? The stones were actually spewed from the eruption of Mt. Iraya long time ago.
Vayang Rolling Hills
Following our exciting and fun walk at the boulders of Valugan Beach is a windy, heart captivating stroll at the rolling hills of Vayang Ranch. This is another spot in Batanes offering a great view – the combination of green and seemingly endless hills and the calm West Philippine Sea. I really enjoyed walking in the undefined paths of the hills and I felt like shooting a scene in a movie.
Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hills
Still overwhelmed by the stunning rolling hills’ view, we were once again greeted by another enchanting sight as we next climbed Naidi Hills where Basco Lighthouse is located. Naidi, which came from the two Ivatan words, “Na” meaning past and “Idi” meaning settlement, Naidi actually served as an old Ivatan settlement.
Composed of six levels, we climbed the lighthouse through its narrow staircase. Located at the fifth floor is a viewing deck where we got a panoramic view of Basco town.
During the American period, telegraph facilities were built at the hill which was destroyed by the Japanese during World War II. Today, you can see the ruins and one of the buildings that survived which was transformed into a famous eating place in Batanes, the Bunker’s Café.
One of the best times to climb Naidi Hill is during sunset for a more serene and dramatic atmosphere.
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral
During our free time, we visited Our Lady of Immaculate Cathedral which is located at Basco town. Built in 1783 out of cogon and wood by Dominican missionaries, it is the first Catholic Church in the province.
This is truly a paradise… since Batanes is too far, it is very interesting that the place remained unspoiled and visiting it is truly a rewarding experience!
The churches, oh my, the Mt Carmel has always been on my bucket list and I hope I will get the chance (and the money too) to explore the humble province of Batanes!
I wonder how much this tour cost you?
Love the shots and hey love your blog layout <3
Thank you, Jovelyn 🙂
Another gem that’s too far from my place. 🙁 I enjoyed your great photos. My sister and her friends are actually planning to visit Batanes this year. I’ll share this post with her. 😉
Thank you, Cess 🙂
I noticed more and more people are coming to Batanes lately! What a dreamy place! Everything looks picturesque! <3
It is always my dream to go to Batanes but still got no time to travel because I have a 1 yo baby. I hope in a year or two, we can go their with my family. Those are great photos!
Your photos! I could look at them for hours! The Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel reminds of the one in Spirited Away, where Chihiro went through with her parents and ended up in a mystical place, haha. Lovely jump shot and post! 😉
A dream destination of every Filipino. Wish to shoot a promo fare ticket and finally see its charm.
Love these photos! When did you visit and were there many tourists?
Batanas – one of the beautiful place to visit in the PH. Its in my bucket list.
Batanes is at the top of must-visit places list. I would really love to visit the place with my boys + I will! If not in the next 2 years then on my 40th birthday! ^_^
Lovely images!!! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Thank you, Riley!!! 🙂
These pictures are amazing! I want to go there! The only place I really question is the tunnels where they hid the soldiers. Way too scary! It truly is picturesque!
The cliffs scenery reminds me of the trip I took to Cornwall, UK, last summer. i did a hike on the cliffs and I find it funny how two places on different parts of the world can look so similar.
Your photos bring Batanes to life and I find the churches and the tunnel ironic. Imagine during the war, Japanese soldiers were inside that tunnel… doing very bad things. And then there is the church.
OK. I need to get to the Phillipines. These travel posts are amazing!!! Your volcano photo is so beautiful! Can you please tell me what camera/lens you use to get such vibrant photos???
Batanes is one of my favorite destination in the country. But when we were there, it was mostly cloudy. Your photos were beautiful and the sky is really blue! It reminds me of my visit there.
Stunning photos! I hope to travel to Batanes also in the future. Maybe, when my kids are a bit older. =)
Amazing photos! I like the atmosphere on them, it looks like a really lovely place 🙂
Very pretty!! I hope to one day go visit until then I will live vicariously through your pictures!
Sigh. I am still waiting for serendipity to take me to this dreamland!
Hi Arrianne, wow, the island looks so untouched and i guess it makes sense considering the location of the island is separate from Luzon far north. The scenery of the church, West Philippine Sea and the rolling green hills looks like a postcard picture from Europe hahah…it’s beautiful 🙂