Things to see and do Batan Island

It is a huge landscape of rolling pastures and green meadows reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. The only "inhabitants" one encounters are a few wild carabaos (Asiatic buffalo). There is nothing around, except a magnificent panoramic view of the sea. In Tukun, where a weather station is located, there is a breathtaking view of the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. A must-see in the Batanes.

It is a dormant but still active volcano that culminates at 1,000 m of altitude, the highest point of the Batanes. Its last eruption was in 1454. Mount Iraya often has its head in the clouds, for the Ivatans, local people, this halo of clouds is formed when someone dear to the community disappears. It is possible to climb the volcano if the weather allows it: count 2 hours to the camping site, then 1 hour to the summit; we go down in about 1 hour 30 min. A guide is essential because the path is not always clear and indicated.

Ivana is located 14 km south of Basco. Dedicated to St. Joseph, this Catholic church was built in 1775 and is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Spanish and Filipinos. Its white façade was restored after being damaged by the earthquake of 2000. It is also in Ivana that you can see the House of Dakay, the oldest house in Batanes, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its former janitor, Lola Idan, remained famous for being one of the most photographed personalities of the archipelago, until her death in 2014.

After a 15-minute walk or a short ride on a tricycle, we reach the top of the Naidi hills where a lighthouse, 20 meters high, offers a 360° view of the town of Basco, the sea, Mount Iraya and the cliffs of the island. The lighthouse served as a base for American telegraphs during the Japanese occupation. In 1941, the lighthouse was bombed and it was only rebuilt in 2003. The site with the ruins of the old lighthouse is still accessible. At sunset, the view is breathtaking.