The Beautiful Province of Batanes -

Home of the Winds

ALL ABOUT BATANES ❤

Batanes is one of the beautiful provinces found in the Philippines. It is also known as the
“Home of the Winds”. Batanes is the northernmost and the smallest province in the
country. It encompasses ten chief islands and three of it are occupied. Basco is the
capital of Batanes.

Batanes is home to the Ivatans who are much admired as the “True Insulares”. Ivatan
Tribe is the first settler in this province. They came from Formosa which is known as
Taiwan today. They have kept the purity of their culture and traditions through the years.

The strong winds blowing along the coastline and the historic marks that can be found in the
province are the reasons why the area is visited by tourists. Commented [61]:

PEOPLE
People in Batanes are called Ivatan and they share cultural and linguistic similarity with
Taiwanese. Spanish ancestry also runs in their blood. The Ivatan dialect is different from any
other in the Philippines.

DELICACIES, SOUVENIRS

Batanes is popular for dried fish, the main product of the province. Handicrafts such as native
hats and fans are products of export quality. Sugarcane or “Palek” are widely sold in the islands.

CULTURE & TRADITIONS

No other cultures in the Philippines have mastered the rages of the seasonal typhoons as the
Ivatan. Their culture is a product of long history of struggle and adaptation to typhoons, the rough
seas, and meager resources. It exemplifies the harmonious relationship of people with their
environment.

The Houses. Before the coming of the Spaniards, the Ivatan lived in very small and low cogon
houses well situated to maximize the protection against strong winds. The Spaniards introduced large-
scale production of lime for the construction of the now famous “traditional” Ivatan stone-houses,
with exceptionally thick cogon roofs, that could withstand the strongest typhoon.
Food and Production. Small islands usually have limited carrying capacities. The seas are hospitable
only for a few months (March, April, May) every year. Flying fish (dibang) and dolphinfish (arayu)
fishing are the highlights of the fishing season.

The meager resources taught the Ivatan to scrimp on every resource that they have. They do not
waste food or anything. Food security of the household is a continous concern of every household.
The scarcity of resources produced food patterns unique to this culture.

They are also masters of recycling; few things go to the garbage dump. They are also excellent
farmers producing most of the food that they need, especially rootcrops like yam (uvi, dukay), sweet
potato (wakay), and taro (sudi).

Religion. Today, the Ivatan are basically Catholic. Their religious devoutness can be attributed to
the persistent and dedicated works of the early Dominican priests.

Kinship. The family is still the strongest social unit among the Ivatan. Extended families are still
widely accepted among many Ivatan households. Because of the constant threat from the elements,
the Ivatan has to rely on its close family ties or kinsmen (kalipusan) and friends for support.

BEAUTIFUL SPOTS

These are the best spots that you should not miss in Batanes:

1. Liveng, the Batanes hedgerows – One thing that would grab your attention when you look at
the hills on the island are this complex network of tall vegetation that seems like boundaries of a
giant jigsaw puzzle spread over the verdant hills. Liveng to the locals, are small trees, tall grass
like talahib, bamboo, shrubs and/or corn that are planted to serve many purposes: protection of
crops against grazing animals, windbreakers, protection from soil erosion and serves as
boundaries or demarkation lines of the lands they own.
2. Chawa Viewdeck – heading to the hills you would pass by a viewdeck on a steep mountainside
where the cliff meets the sea. From the south of the capital on the way to Mahatao, you can
easily see the viewdeck with a grotto of the Virgin Mary and few stone benches where you can
photoshoot and admire the view. Since it faces the South China Sea, this spot is ideal for sunset
watching. From the viewdeck, you can descend to more than a hundred zigzagging steps leading
to a small rocky coast below where you can find naturally made pools. Climbing back up is not
for the faint of knees though.
3. Marlboro Country/ Racuh A Payaman – get your “The Sound of Music” game on and head to
Uyugan to check one of the popular place for tourists to marvel the scenery and for livestock to
graze at. Seriously, when you reach the rolling hills of Uyugan you will fight the urge to either 1.
Do a selfie 2. Take a jumpshot 3. Sing Julie Andrews “The Hills are Alive” or do all of them!
4. Mahatao Viewdeck – Another view deck you should not miss is the Mahatao. Going to Marlboro
country, you can head to the viewdeck. You cannot miss it as it is the stop leading to the hills.
You can also arrange to have lunch here and your stomach and eyes will surely be full with
Ivatan cuisine and scenery. This is also where one of the lighthouse of Batanes is situated – the
Tayid Lighthouse.
5. Imnajbu Road Cliff – “imnajbu means settlement to the lowland or downhill, Imnajbu is the
smallest baranggay of all Batanes. The place is significant for this is where the first mass and
 baptism in the islands was celebrated according to church records,. Fr. Mateo Gonzales, OP,
Apostle of Batanes, first landed in Imnajbu in 1682 A.D.
6. Mahayaw Arch – In Sabtang, there is a naturally made stone arch that is so heavily
photographed, it became an icon and a symbol of the island. Sometimes called as “Nakabuang”
or “Mahayaw” or just simply “Ahaw“, this arch was carved by geologic forces together with the
sea. The arch also serves as a cooling shade under the scorching sun. Tourists stop by to this
beach to have lunch.
7. Morong Beach – right in front of the arch is a long stretch of white beach that are much more
calmer compare to any part of the island.
8. Valugan Boulder Beach – another favorite spot for tourists and photographers alike, the beach
is unique in such a way that it has no sand, instead the beach is surrounded by boulders of
igneous rocks said to be spewed by Mt. Iraya long ago when it was geologically active.
Swimming is impossible here as you can easily get smashed by the crashing waves and big
boulders of rounded stones at the beach. This is frequented by photographers who wanted to
do sunrise shoot amidst the fantastic backdrop.
9. Vayang Rolling Hills – Another popular rolling hills in Batan Island is the one up north of Basco.
The hills give you an unobstructed view of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). This is one
of the most visited spot north of Basco. This, together with the Marlboro country south of Batan
somewhat epitomises what Batanes to the general populace is all about- endless verdant rolling
hills, deep blue skies and magnificent view of the sea. Perennial postcard-ready view.
10. Chamantad-Tiñan Cove – If Batan Island has Racuh A Payaman and Vayang Rolling Hills, Sabtang
boast pride on its cove called Chamantad-Tiñan. This cove on the southern most part of Sabtang
is arguably the most scenic spot of the island. Get lost in thought while basking the windswept
hills and amazing rock formations that leads all the way down at the cove. These rugged hills,
where cows and goats freely wander, is where you can sample tubho Ivatan wild tea and
sugarcane wine for free in one of the huts that sell traditional Ivatan stuff and souvenirs.
11. Diura Fishing Village – A tiny fishing village facing the Pacific Ocean around three kilometers
east of the town of Mahatao. Every year, around mid-March, this is where local fishermen
perform the kapayvanuvanua, literally means “cleaning of the shore” ritual to signify the start of
the fishing season.
12. Chanarian Beach – They say it’s a crime not to witness at least one sunrise and/or sunset in
Batanes. For sunset, one good spot is to visit Chanarian beach, few minutes off the town proper
of Basco. It’s a long stretch of light black sand and pebble beach suited for refreshing dips and
sunset viewing. What makes it unique is the interesting stone stacks near the beach.
13. The Light Houses of Batanes – Batanes has three lighthouses—Basco Lighthouse (Naidi), Tayid
Lighthouse (Mahatao) and Sabtang Lighthouse on the northern end of Sabtang lies the village
of Malakdang. The construction of three lighthouses around Batanes was a project of then
Congressman Florencio Abad in the early 2000′s. These parolas were built not only to guide
seafarers across the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean and West Philippine Sea (South
China Sea), but also as tourist attractions. All three lighthouses are open to visitors anytime,
accentuating the vista with their magnificent and imposing presence.
14. The Churches of Batanes — All 10 existing churches, chapels and cathedrals in Batanes share
the same distinct feature native to the island. Originally, thick buttresses are constructed to
withstand typhoons and earthquakes with cogon grass as the main material for its roofing.
15. Fundacion Pacita – The last, but definitely not the least is the place where the internationally
renowned artist, Philippine-American contemporary painter, lived – Pacita Abad. Fundacion
Pacita, once her home and studio, is now the premier hotel and an art museum, wherein parts
of the proceeds go to her foundation for young Ivatan artists.
 16. From top: Sta. Rosa de Lima Chapel in Chavayan, San Carlos Borromeo Church in Mahatao, San
Jose de Obrero Church in Ivana, San Vicente Ferrer Church in Sabtang and Tukon Chapel in
Basco

ONLY IN BATANES

1. Batanes is the smallest province in the Philippines.

2. Ivatan, the Batanes language, is Austronesian in origin.
3. Batanes crime rate is the lowest in the Philippines.
4. You’ll be blown away by the sumptuous supply of strong winds in Batanes.
5. Fishermen in Batanes have distinctive traditional fishing techniques.
6. The development of lands in Batanes is carefully regulated.
7. Ivatan children are remarkably respectful of elders.
8. The food tradition in Batanes is uniquely Ivatan.
9. Basco, the capital of Batanes, has its own version of Grab Car—calling the
bicycle owner.
10. To “Blow Ur Horn” is encouraged in Batanes.
11. Batanes is the only place in the Philippines I know of where bikes are
registered.
12. Liveng, the Batanes hedgerows, are normal sights over the hills.
13. Ivatans are resourceful structural engineers.
14. Vakul is the signature Batanes headdress.
15. Batanes is the only province in the Philippines declared as Protected
Landscape and Seascape by UNESCO.