Batanes Island Philippines

What can a tourist expect to this northern top island of the Philippine archipelago? Well, if you like historic adventure or tracing the roots of Malay people in the Philippines, Batanes Island Philippines is the answer. This island is famous for its Ivatans inhabitants. Ivatans are said be descendant of Malay people who cross through the island of Formosa (now Taiwan) into the Philippine archipelago. Thus, Batanes Island Philippines is called “The Land of The True Insulars”. For the Ivatans who dwell in this island are called “True Insulares”. The word “insulars” means “isolated, deeply private” Which gave us an impression that this people and the Batanes island Philippines itself is indeed a frontier or untouched people and place, respectively, exhibiting a beautiful virgin place. So let us now look the insularity of this island.

The People

Stepping into this island, a Malayo –Polynesian which has kind of resemblance to Japanese and Chinese countenance people will welcome you. These are the so called Ivatan people of Batanes. They are kind of race of people that can only be seen in the Philippines. You can see their naturally crafted beautiful native houses built in stones and dried cogon grass along the roads of Batanes.

Take out your camera and have a souvenir picture with this rare race of people in the planet.

Hit its Beautiful Green Hills and Relax.

Yes, Batanes have green hills where cows roam up it and you also could do quiet meditation up the hills. And up hill see the picturesque landscape of all Batanes Hills.There are trekking activities held in two Batanes Hills,namely the Marlboro Hills and Naidi Hills.

Beaches

One of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines listed by the Department of Tourism is Batanes’ Sabtang Island. This island remains undisturbed and unspoiled with intermittent white sand beach, steep mountains and deep canyons. However, you can visit it for sight-seeking purposes.

Another white sand beach in Batanes is the Di-atay Beach. This beach has multi-colored rocks and beautiful coves.It is best and ideal for picnics and beach combing if you want to visit this beach.

Another white sand beach is the White Beach located at Vatang, Hapnit, and Mavatuy Point.

Mountains and Volcano and Caves

If Batanes have many hills, surely it ha also mountains (or mountain volcanoes) and caves for mountain lovers – Batanes’ Mt. Iraya and Mt. Matarem. Mt. Iraya is a dormant volcano best for mountain climbing,trekking and trailblazing activities,while Mt,Matarem is an extinct volcano.

Not only mountain lovers could enjoy Batanes Mountains and hills but also its famous enchanted cave –the Chawa cave. This cave has salt beds and an open mouth channel leading to South China Sea. Another famous cave is the Nakabuang Cave.

Aside from all what we have mentioned, there is another activity that is worth doing if you are tourist here at Batanes, that is you can do bird watching at Cuyab Batanes. Like in Pampanga Philippines, many migratory birds from China flock into region of Batanes to seek refuge from cold weather from China during winter.

There is also a beautiful white lighthouse tower at Basco Batanes.