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Metro Manila, Philippines
The smallest province in the Philippines can be found in the most remote part of the country’s northernmost tip. The Cagayan Valley Region incorporates the archipelagic province of Batanes into its territory. The “Home of Winds” province has a total area of 230 kilometers. When Mount Iraya erupted in 325 BC, it set off a chain reaction of volcanic eruptions and other geologic processes that resulted in the formation of this area. It is surrounded by the Bashi Channel to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east, the West Philippine Sea to the west, and the Balintang Channel to the south. Each of these bodies of water forms one of its four borders. There are a total of ten islands that make up Batanes; however, human habitation is restricted to only the three largest islands. They are the islands of Batan, Ibtayat, and Sabtang. On the island of Batan is the city of Basco, the capital of the Batanes. In the last 2020 census, Batanes is home to over 18 000 people with a density of 86 people per square kilometer.
The island of Batanes is physically located further away from the rest of the Philippines than it is from Taiwan. The capital city, Basco, may be found around 280 kilometers to the north of Aparri in Cagayan, about 860 kilometers to the north of Manila, and about 190 kilometers to the south of Taiwan. The most convenient way to reach Batanes is by flying there, which can cost anything from two thousand to six thousand pesos and takes longer than two hours on average.
The landscape of Batanes is enchanting and magical, and it seems more like the site of ancient dramas than anything else. Batanes is known for its verdant hills, stone towns with roads lined and decorated with colorful flowers, towering lighthouses that have withstood the test of time, and cliffs that drop into a deep sea with white-tipped waves crashing against them. Tourists are drawn to Batanes for its natural beauty. Travelers who want to reset their minds, relax in the fresh air, and be surrounded by nothing but greens and painted-like scenery will find Batanes the perfect destination. Batanes is the epitome of calmness, comfort, serenity, and serendipitous serendipity. In 2016, the Philippine government recognized the province of Batanes as a “responsible, community-based cultural heritage and ecotourism zone” under the Batanes Responsible Tourism Act, also known as Republic Act No. 10866. This was done as a result of the unspoiled beauty that had been preserved by the Ivatans. A sustainable tourism industry for the environment, responsible, participatory, sensitive to culture, economically viable, and fair for local communities must be supported by the State under RA 10866. It will be given top priority for development by the Department of Tourism (DOT), and it will be required to follow the rules and laws governing cultural heritage development and ecotourism zones. The tourism industry in the province of Batanes should be developed and managed with a focus on promoting the following values and qualities that make the Ivatan culture distinctive and the islands of Batanes beautiful: the integrity of its ecology and environment; the richness of its natural and cultural heritage; and the resilience of its indigenous social institutions. These values and qualities make the Ivatan culture distinctive and the islands of Batanes beautiful.
The customary greeting for visitors is “Dius mavidin!” a Latin for “May God be with you.” There is no need to worry about where to stay in Batanes. There are small inns and homestays where travelers can stay for their trip, and flights to the islands are limited to avoid over tourism. Due to the unpredictability of the local climate and the fact that traveling to other islands can be challenging, visitors must make tour reservations through local travel agents to make the most of their time there. The Basco Lighthouse, the Tayid Lighthouse, and the hills of Rakuh a Payaman are just a few attractions in Batanes that visitors must not miss. The Homoron Blue Lagoon is the place for vacationers who want to see the clear blue seas that Batanes is known for. As was already said, Batanes is a heritage site in its own right. Ivana and Mahatao are two towns that anyone who has the interest in historical architecture should not be missed. These quaint little communities are well-known for the churches and bridges that were constructed during the time of the Spaniards.
Visitors can take in the stunning scenery at the Chamantad-Tiñan Viewpoint on the island of Sabtang. They would absolutely like the view of the ocean and the waves, particularly in the morning and evening as the sun rises and sets. Morong Beach is yet another location on Sabtang Island that visitors should not miss while they are there. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty thanks to the powdery white dunes and the famous Nakabuang Arch, both of which are located on the island. It is considerably safer for tourists to swim in Batanes than at other beaches on the islands since the waves at Morong beach are not as powerful as those at other beaches.
Everywhere you look in Batanes, the landscape looks like something out of a picture postcard. It is flawless in every nook, cranny, and crevice imaginable. Mount Iraya is another location that is well worth mentioning in your social media feeds and on your timeline if you are traveling to Sabtang Island. Those seeking an exciting hike will enjoy the opportunity to explore the active volcano. The magnificent view that can be had from Vayang Rolling Hills encompasses not only the towering Mount Iraya but also the significant islands of Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat, all in the same picture. Cogon grass, used by people to form the roofs of their cogon homes, is used to cover a significant amount of the public space now filled by rolling hills. Cogon grass roofs are what give cogon homes their distinctive appearance. In the town of Savidug, located on the seashore, there are several examples of traditional stone houses with conical roofs. The Ivatans, who were the first people to settle on the island, are the ones who are responsible for maintaining these buildings. Along with Chavayan, this hamlet has not been touched by modern civilization, and its members continue to live their lives in the same manner, they have done for generations. It is generally agreed that becoming familiar with the art produced locally on Sabtang Island is among the most essential and entertaining components of a visit to the island.
Dozens of churches spread throughout the three populous islands that make up Batanes. The design of the Mt. Carmel Chapel, a simple chapel located on top of a hill, was influenced by the historic stone buildings in the surrounding area. The chapel is a beautiful venue for married couples with their hearts set on having an emotional and personal ceremony for their wedding. On the chapel walls are canvases depicting saints painted by artists from the surrounding community. Given this, a trip to the Mt. Carmel Chapel should definitely be on your itinerary while in the province.
Although Batanes is at the end of the road in the most northern portion of the Philippines, this does not mean that the opportunities for excitement and exploration in the province is limited. Batanes is home to various tourist hotspots that are sure to win over visitors but have yet to gain widespread recognition.
