Duane Carey once said — “And, obviously as one who likes to travel around myself a lot, I think the Earth is a beautiful place. And, I’m looking forward to some new perspectives.”

Batanes is the only province in the Philippines declared in its entirety as protected landscape and seascape are. It is a haven for individuals who are into nature’s beauty and great outdoor adventure. Most travel-enthusiasts include Batanes in their bucket list. The province offers breathtaking sceneries to spirited and tranquil community experience.

This is a series of write-up about Batanes. First stop is a feature of the capital town of Batanes – BASCO.

WHAT TO SEE IN BASCO:

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral – This is the first Catholic Church built in Batanes during the early 18^th century. It was the first church to have galvanized iron roofing in the early 1890’s. The feast of Basco’s patron saint, Santo Domingo de Guzman, is celebrated by the Ivatans every 8^th of August.

Valugan Boulder Beach (also known as Chanpan Beach) – This rock lined bay is known for its long stretch of boulders from Mount Iraya’s eruption in 400 AD. The rock formation that looks like dinosaur eggs, presents a panoramic link between the sea horizon and Mount Iraya. If you are in for an early morning sunrise view, then this beach is the place to go.

Naidi Hills and Lighthouse – Its name is derived from 2 Ivatan words – “na” (meaning past) and “idi” (meaning community). Located in this sitio are the American period wireless telegraph facilities that were bombed by the Japanese Imperial Army in 1941. One may also marvel at a breathtaking view of Basco atop the 66- feet high Naidi lighthouse. The hills are also a perfect spot to view Batanes sunset.

Vayang Rolling Hills – These are ostensibly unending waves of rolling hills. It boasts a perfect combination of stunning seascapes and landscapes that can either be enjoyed from afar or experienced on foot. This is the best vantage point to see the 3 major islands of Batanes.

Tukon Hills – This is home to various remarkable Batanes landmarks such as the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel, a 5-door chambered tunnels with a water reservoir and a bunker that serves as a look-out point for soldiers during the Japanese occupancy. It is also in Tukon Hills where the beautifully constructed Tukon Chapel and the majestic Fundacion Pacita are.

Mount Iraya – Towering over Basco at approximately 1,009 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the first attraction one gets to see upon deplaning at the Basco Airport. Mountain enthusiasts would usually include a climb to this mountain during their Batanes trip. It brags an abundance of endemic flora and fauna, and has been the source of spring water distributed in Basco homes.

WHERE TO STAY IN BASCO:

Name of Establishment	Contact Number	E-Mail Address
Amboy’s Hometel	0917-971-7633/ 0920-910-3492	amboy_hometel@yahoo.com
Batanes Resort & Ivatan Lodge	0916-599-4023/ 0999-990-7554	batanes_resort2011@yahoo.com.ph
Batanes Seaside Lodge & Restaurant	0921-229-0120/ 0999-994-2313	batanesseasidelodge@yahoo.com
Berlen’s Lodge	0908-893-1475
De Borja’s Lodging House	0919-987-0806
Dive Batanes Lodge	0939-922-4609	divebatanes@yahoo.com
Fundacion Pacita	0939-198-2733	www.fundacionpacita.ph
Ivatan Brandon’s Lodging	0999-992-3844/ 0929-541-7786	brandons_lodging@yahoo.com
Marfel’s Lodge	0918-364-9722/ 0939-901-6359
Novita House	0927-412-1031/ 0928-239-7629	novitahouse@gmail.com
Shanedel’s Inn and Cafe	0919-823-4510/ 0920-447-0737	shanedels@yahoo.com

WHERE TO EAT:

FOOD ESTABLISHMENT	CONTACT NUMBER	ADDRESS
Casa Napoli Pizza and Pasta	0999-389-2101	La Fuente St., Brgy. Kayhuvokan
Koocharah Express	0918-644-5457	Lizardo St., Brgy. Kayhuvokan
Octagon Bed and Dine	0929-597-9380/ 0939-904-6278	National Road, Brgy. Kaychanarian
Pension Ivatan Restaurant	0917-585-9288/ 0919-211-7378	Reyes St., Brgy. Kayvaluganan

*** Casa Napoli is my personal favorite. Super foodgasmic pizza!

HOW TO REACH BATANES:

The fastest and safest (but could be an expensive) way to get to Batanes for now is by plane. Airline companies serving the island province with 3 flights per week from Manila are SkyJetAir, and PAL Express; while local airlines from Tuguegarao, Cagayan have a minimum number of passengers required for a flight and if there aren’t enough, the flight will be delayed / re-scheduled for 24-72 hours.

***And oh, by the way… if you need some help with your itinerary contact the very gracious Sir Ryan Cardona of Bisumi Tour and Services. He is simply the best! (https://www.facebook.com/batanestravelguide)

Blogging next is the island town of Sabtang!