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THINGS TO DO IN BATANES: Batan Island North Tour - "Amazing Places to Visit, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Basco, Batanes"

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour

On new year's day, I asked my readers "What is your ultimate dream destination this 2014?" and around 80% answered Batanes! Indeed, this province in the northern Philippines is (almost) everybody's dream destination. I, myself had been dreaming for quite some time to visit this so-called paradise. I thought it will remain as a dream, but on May 6, 2013, the long-time dream became a reality as I finally set foot on Batanes, my 79th province! Our packaged group tour started after our hefty lunch of Ivatan specialties at Pension Ivatan Restaurant. I must admit, I am so excited to explore and experience Batanes' breathtaking sights, beaches, centuries-old churches and other man-made and natural wonders.


READ ALSO:


Top Things to Do, Places to Visit, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Basco, Batanes


Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Blue Door

You can find many amazing places and do many things in Batanes. I've listed here the top tourist spots and attractions, things to do and places to visit on our first day in Batanes - which include the northern part of the island of Batan.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Batanes Group Tour

1. Tukon Church

This lovely chapel was inspired by the Ivatan stone houses. The church is a project of the Abads for the communities nearby so they don't need to go to a farther church. I love its stunning interiors with beautiful paintings of saints painted by the students of the late Pacita Abad and its stained glass windows. An awesome place to have a small intimate wedding.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Tukon Church

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
The church's lovely interiors

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Paintings at the ceiling

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Stained glass window

2. Basco PAGASA Weather Station

The country’s northernmost PAGASA station. Here you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Iraya and Basco town with a commanding view of Batan hedgerows.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Radar Station

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
View from PAGASA Weather Station

3. Fundacion Pacita

Located on top of a cliff with a 270-degree view of the sea, mountains and the sky, Fundacion Pacita is considered as the most beautiful hotel in Batanes. Since we're on budget travel, we didn't check-in here. Hahaha! We just had a tour at their facilities. The place is certainly beautiful in every angle. It is owned by the most prominent family in Batanes, the Abads. So, if you're visiting Batanes and budget is not a problem, then Fundacion Pacita is a very nice place to stay-in.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Fundacion Pacita

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Kapian kamu pa nu Dios

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Fundacion Pacita

4. Basco Idjang

This is an ancient Ivatan fortress used by the Ivatans as a look-out point and to protect them from invaders. We didn't climbed it, just passed by and took photos of the fortress.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
The Idjang

5. Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel

A 5-door World War II tunnel built by the Japanese as a shelter house for soldiers. It is located at the hills of Tukon, about 3 kilometers away from the town proper. We entered the tunnel and our guide showed to us the chambers, bunkers and the water reservoir inside. It is best if you bring a flash light or a head lamp as it is very dark inside.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Japanese tunnel's entrance

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Tunnel

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Inside the tunnel

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
The exit

6. Valugan Boulder Beach

A breathtaking view of the pacific ocean greeted us as we arrived in Valugan Boulder Beach. Why boulder beach? It's because of the enormous stones spewed by Mount Iraya are found here. Be careful when you explore the beach as the waves are really very strong.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Huge stones by the beach

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
The view facing Mt. Iraya

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
More of Valugan Beach

7. Vayang Rolling Hills

Maybe one of the most recognizable spots in Basco, the Vayang Rolling Hills is one of the best spots to enjoy a spectacular view of the South China Sea and the Western part of Basco. The seemingly endless waves of rolling hills combined with the stunning seascapes are really jaw-dropping sights to behold.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Rolling Hills

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Ivatan Farmer

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
View of Naidi Hills

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Happy @ Vayang Rolling Hills

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Some cows

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Resting my tired yet very happy feet

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
More of Vayang Rolling Hills

8. Naidi Hills, Basco Lighthouse and Bunker's Cafe

This place offers one of the most picturesque sites in the island of Batan. Naidi is an old sitio from the Ivatan words, "Na" which means past and "Idi" meaning settlement. The hills affords a spectacular panoramic view of Baluarte Bay, Basco town, Mount Iraya and the rolling hills of Batan Island. It was also the site of the American period telegraph facilities which is now a ruin and was converted into a cafe. The best time to visit Naidi Hills is during sunset as the lush greens and the open sea provide a beautiful backdrop for a very nice sunset photo.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Bunkers

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Blue windows

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Basco Lighthouse

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
The door! Hahaha!

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
More of Naidi Hills

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Lovely sunset

9. Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral

Originally made of cogon grass roofing, this is the first (Spanish) catholic church in Batanes. Built in the early part of the 18th century, it is the first church in the province to have G.I sheet roof in the early 1890's. It's patron saint, Sto. Domingo de Guzman's feast is celebrated every August 8th. The Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion is the patron saint of the province.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Basco Cathedral

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Marker

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
The church's interiors

This north Batan tour took around 5 hours. We went back to our accommodation at Marfel's Lodge and prepared for our first dinner in Batanes at Bunker's Cafe in Naidi Hills.

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
I had so much fun!

This is just Day 1 of our Batanes trip. Get ready as I bring you to Sabtang island on my next post.


Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Basco Lighthouse

This is part of my 5-day trip to Batanes that happened on May 6-10, 2013. Batanes is the 79th province on my list.


TRAVEL TIP


Complete Batanes Travel GuideWhere to Eat in Batanes

North Batan TourSouth Batan Tour

Sabtang Island TourItbayat Island Tour

Where to Stay in BatanesWhat to Buy in Batanes

Batanes - Batan Island North Tour
Happy to finally set foot in Batanes!

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7 comments :

  1. Batanes Travel GuideMarch 12, 2014 at 7:54 AM

    We are looking forward to your visit here in Batanes! ... Yes, it is expensive to go to Batanes, make sure you get the most of your vacation by having a reputable travel guide.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. how much po kaya dapat ang budget for two person?

      Delete
  2. Hi everyone, I'll be travelling to Batanes this coming March 11, 2015, Solo trave ako.. knino pwede makisabay? :) -jhay

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds great! How much yung budget? :D

      Delete
    2. Gusto ko ung puro anonymous tayo rito haha

      Delete
  3. Dream destination ko rin 'to. Grabe, I can't wait to see Batanes! Parang sobrang
    peaceful, ganda. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. WOW! parang gusto ko n nga dito ah,
    Best place after the wedding!

    ReplyDelete

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