Exploring Batanes: Things to do to enjoy your visit
In recent years, Batanes has acquired renown for its picturesque vistas of rolling seas and lush hills. Apart from taking plenty of pictures (and filling up your Instagram), what other fun things are there in store for visitors to Batanes?
Read on to get ideas on what activities can you do in this amazing province!
Go Biking
Bikes and motorcycles are among the main forms of transportation in Batanes, even in the capital of Basco. These are speedy and perfect for navigating the area’s rolling terrain. Take in the fresh air and the view, while getting some exercise, by renting a bike for your day trips. Usually, the proprietor of your hotel or place of lodging would have recommendations for bike rental. You can choose to bike within the city limits of Basco or be more adventurous by bringing your bike out as far as the more distant villages of Batanes.
Trek Mount Iraya
Mount Iraya is the highest point in Batanes, and one of the area’s known active volcanoes. Although it is still being monitored for seismic activity, the mountain is still open for hiking and trekking. Despite its height, it is reputed to be an easy, gentle climb that is friendly for first-timers and amateurs. The slopes of Mount Iraya are covered in vibrant forest, making it truly a sight to behold as well as a haven for biodiversity.
Enjoy Birdwatching
Visitors to Batanes during the months of September to October are in for an additional treat. It is at this time of the year that migratory birds from the northern latitudes fly south to escape the cold winds from Siberia. Oftentimes their routes take them through to Batanes before they proceed to other wetlands and islands in the Philippines. Marvel in the majestic sights of herons, egrets, swifts, terns and other avian species in their natural roosts and habitats all throughout the island. Of course, remember to take only pictures of these birds, and take nothing but memories of these wonders of nature.
Try Island Hopping
No trip to Batanes would be complete without a visit to the spectacular islands of Sabtang and Itbayat. Of the two islands, Sabtang is closer, being only a 30-minute boat ride away. Itbayat, being the northernmost island of the Philippines, is four hours away via bangka. Regardless of the length of the trip, Sabtang and Itbayat both have scenic beaches, well-kept lighthouses, and picturesque rock formations. These islands also have examples of the traditional Ivatan stone houses, giving a glimpse of the resilient culture of Batanes.
Indulge in a Food Trip
Last, but certainly not the last, get to know more of the people and the culture of Batanes by indulging in their fresh local cuisine. Much of the food comes from the sea, so visitors can be assured of the freshness of the fish and other seafood on the table. You can arrange with local fishermen to buy most or all of their catch, and have it cooked right there at the beach. Must-try delights from the sea include fish mahi-mahi and the famed “flying fish”, sea urchins known widely as uni and various other shellfish. Hotels, inns, and restaurants in Batanes also serve up other fare such as supas (turmeric rice with garlic and pork, cooked in a leaf), tamiduk (fiddlehead fern also known as pako in other parts of the Philippines), and luñis (salted pork preserved in lard, and said to be a drier version of the dish adobo).
Batanes is said to be among the last frontiers for Philippine tourists, owing to its very remote location and the relatively unspoiled conditions of the island’s biodiversity and other natural attractions. Visitors to this province are enjoined to do their part to keep Batanes clean, not only for other tourists but for future generations of Ivatan. We hope that you will enjoy your sojourn in this legendary province. Have fun!
