Places of Interest in Batanes: House of Dakay (1887) a UNESCO heritage building. Lighthouses of Batanes St.

Dominic de Guzman Parish Cathedral Mt. Iraya - A 1008-meter mountain on Batan Island. Mahatao View Deck Burial Caves - Pre-historic burial caves in the town of Itbayat. Sumhao Wind Power Plant Nakaboang Beach, Ark & Cave Songsong Ruins Beaches - Chadpidan Beach, White Beach and more. Payaman - known as "Marlboro Country", a pasture overlooking farm fields & the Pacific Ocean. Hotels and Inns in Batanes: Brandon's Lodging - 11 tastefully decorated rooms each with TV, aircon and toilet & bath. Contact: Madeleine Siazon at +63 919 366 2158 for reservations. Batanes Resort - P550 /day and up. Tel. # 9229621 local 327 (Ivatan Center, Q.C.) Batanes Seaside Lodge P450 /day and up Tel. # 0981-993613 Ivatan Lodge - P100/1 pax, P400/ 1 or more pax/day. Email: ivatanlodge@ yahoo.com Shanedel's Inn - P200 /day 0920-4470737 Troy Lodge - near airport Tel. # 0920-4470726 Batanes Attractions: Natural Sights Sabtang Island Itbayat Island Batan Island Mount Iraya Mavudis Island Di-atay Beach Songsong Chawa Cave Nakabuang Cave Mt. Matarem White Beach Bird Watching at Cuyab Batanes Attractions: Religious Sights San Jose De Ivana Church San Carlos Borromeo Church and Convent Sto Domingo de Basco / Basco Cathedral San Vicente Ferrer Church Batanes Attractions: Other Sights Kanyuyan Beach and Port Sitio Jura at Racujaide Batanes Day (June 26) Feast of Three Kings (January 6) Ruins of Songsong Radiwan Point Other Places of Interest

y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y

Location The Batanes Islands lie at the northernmost tip of the Philippines, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. Batanes is the smallest province in terms of population and land area, and is composed of three major islands: Batan, which contains the capital town of Basco; Sabtang, and Itbayat. Close by are seven islets including Amianan, which is the closest to Formosa. Batanes has been identified as the countrys potential gateway to East China because of its location.

These wind-swept islands are beautiful and enchanting like no other Philippine isles. Since Batanes is separated from the rest of the country by miles of rough waters, the Ivatan (the native people of the Batanes Islands) have developed a different culture. They are of Malay stock, tracing their roots to early immigrants from Formosa, Taiwan, as well as Spaniards who came to the island in the 16th century. They are considered to be the True Insulares and have kept the purity of their gene pool through time. Best Times to Go The best season to come is within the months of December to May. Batanes exhibits a cool and windy weather. It does rain any month of the year, and temperatures can dip as low as 7 degrees centigrade. It lies along the typhoon belt and gets its fair share of typhoons during the wet season. Batanes Attractions Natural Sights: Sabtang Island

Chosen as one of the 12 Best Destinations in the Philippines by the Department of Tourism in 1994, this island southwest of Batan Island remains undisturbed and unspoiled. It has intermittent white sand beaches, steep mountains, and deep canyons with small level areas sporadically found along the coastline. Accessible in 30 minutes by falowa (oval-shaped motorized passenger boat without the outrigger) from Radiwan Port in Ivana. This island is also the take-off point for Ivuhos Island from Barangay Nakanmuan. Itbayat Island

Located north of Batan Island, it is surrounded by massive boulders and cliffs rising 20-70 feet above sea level and has no shoreline. It has a dirt airstrip for light aircraft. Ferries also run the Batan-Itbayat route, with a travel time of about four hours by falowa from the Basco Seaport. Light planes fly from Basco Airport to Itbayat in 12-minute trips at PhP700.00/pax. Batan Island

Batan Island is where the center of commerce and seat of the provincial government lie. This is the most populated of all the islands in the province. It is composed of the municipalities of Basco, Ivana, Uyugan, and Mahatao. Mount Iraya

A dormant volcano standing at 1,517 meters whose last eruption was recorded in 505 AD. This peak is ideal for mountaineering, trekking, and trailblazing. It is located walking distance from Basco and can be climbed to the top in about three hours. Mavudis Island

Mavudis is the northernmost island of Batanes. Coconut crabs (called Tatus by the locals) are bountiful on this island, which is surrounded by rich marine life. Di-atay Beach This beach is located along the national highway between Mahatao and Ivana, a mere 9.85 kilometers from Basco. It has a beautiful cove with multi-colored rocks and white sand, which is ideal for picnics and beach combing. Songsong (Chadpidan Bay).

Famous for its beautiful sunset view and big stone boulders. It is a 3-kilometer, one-hour trek from Basco proper. Chawa Cave Chawa is believed to be an enchanted cave. It has a natural salt bed and a mouth that opens to the South China Sea, which is also accessible through the boulders of Chawa Point in Mahatao. This cave lies about 4 kilometers from Basco. Nakabuang Cave

Another cave worth looking into. It is located 5.5 kilometers from San Vicente Centro in Sabtang. Mt. Matarem

An extinct volcano measuring 495 meters at its summit. Located eight kilometers from Basco. White Beach

As testament to the provinces natural beauty, this beautiful white beach can be found in Vatang Hapnit and Mavatuy Point at Mahatao. Bird Watching at Cuyab Observe the migratory birds from China that flock the islands in search of a warmer climate every October. Religious Sights San Jose De Ivana Church (Ivana)

Built in 1814 (although its foundation dates back to 1795), this church is truly unique among all the old churches in Batanes as it is the only one not built in the espadana style of the day. It has a crenellated fortress-like campanile or belltower that gives the appearance of a fortification. San Jose Church fronts the Ivana Seaport and offers a commanding view of the sea and surrounding countryside due to its elevation. It is 14 kilometers from Basco. San Carlos Borromeo Church & Convent

(Mahatao)

Founded in 1789 and built in 1873, it has a facade modeled after that of Basco Cathedral, with two round arches at roof level for the bells. On its outer walls are massive buttresses that used to serve as stairways to the roof a thing of convenience in the olden days when frequent repairs had to be made to the cogon grass roofing. The church still retains its centuries-old features. Located six kilometers from Basco. Church of Sto. Domingo de Basco (Basco Cathedral)

Established in 1783, it is the oldest and most important church in Batanes. To give the facade stability and strength against earthquakes and typhoon winds, the church walls were buttressed with massive pilasters from foundation to top. The church is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Batanes. San Vicente Ferrer Church (Sabtang Island)

Another church modeled after the one in Basco. Following an unfortunate incident in 1790, when Spanish emissaries sent to procure goods from the parish were killed by some natives, the people of Sabtang were forcibly resettled across the channel to Ivana and not allowed to return until 1844 when the foundations of the present church were laid. Other Attractions Kanyuyan Beach & Port (Baluarte Bay, Basco). The port of call of the cargo ships bringing goods from Manila. Sitio Jura at Racujaide The fishermens village at Mananoy Bay. Fishing season is marked by a festivalin mid-March called Payvanuvanuan during which visitors are treated with fresh fish delicacies from the Pacific Ocean. Within the area is the legendary spring of Youth and a living cave with crystal limestone formations. Mananoy Bay is nine kilometers from Basco proper. Batanes Day (June 26) Marked with playground demonstrations, parades, the Palu-palo Festival, and other cultural events. Feast of Three Kings (January 6) On this day, the image of the Sto. Nino (Holy Child) is venerated in every home in Batanes. Ruins of Songsong A ghost barangay which is really a cluster of roofless shells of old stone houses abandoned after a tidal wave that hit the island of Batan in the 1950s. The area has a long stretch of beach. Located 23 kilometers from Basco. Radiwan Point Located at Ivana Seaport, this is the landing site of the Katipuneros on September 18, 1898, thus making it a very historical location. The falowas plying the islands of Sabtang and Itbayat are also stationed here. Other Places of interest in Batanes: House of Dakay (1887) a UNESCO heritage building. Lighthouses of Batanes St. Dominic de Guzman Parish Cathedral Mt. Iraya A 1008-meter mountain on Batan Island. Mahatao View Deck Burial Caves Pre-historic burial caves in the town of Itbayat. Sumhao Wind Power Plant Nakaboang Beach, Ark & Cave Beaches Chadpidan Beach, White Beach and more. Payaman known as Marlboro Country, a pasture overlooking farm fields & the Pacific Ocean.

y y y y y y y y y y

Batanes Resort inquiries: tel 9229621 local 327 or 332 (Ivatan Center in Quezon City) Single Bed Double Bed Triple Bed Cottage P550.00 per day P672.00 per day P764.00 per day P1,528 per cottage per day

Capacity: 6 cottages, 12 rooms - 36 persons capacity

Batanes Seaside Lodge and Restaurant inquiries: tel 0981-993613 (phone is located at the hotel in Basco) Ivatan Lodge One person per room Two or more persons, maximum 6 Shanedel's Inn and Caf Per head Lodging including meals Pension Ivatan Visit Per head P980 per day P150 per day P450 per day P100 per day P400 per day

The island-province of Batanes was created by a series of volcanic activities and other geologic forces millions of years ago. The province is home to the famous Ivatans who are nationally acclaimed as the True Insulares. The Ivatans are of Malay stock, tracing their roots to early immigrants from Formosa, Taiwan as well as Spaniards who came to the island in the 16th century. Being an insular people, the Ivatans have kept the purity of their gene pool through time. Batanes lies at the northernmost tip of the Philippines, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. It is composed of three major islands, namely: Batan which contains the capital town of Basco, Sabtang, and Itbayat. Close by are seven islets including Amianan, which is the closest to Formosa. Thus, Batanes has been identified as the countrys potential gateway to East China. Geography "The island-province is strewn on a 4,500 square kilometer expanse of territorial waters, the Luzon Strait and Balintang Channel, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea, a sealane between the Philippines and the southern parts of Japan, China, Hongkong, and Taiwan. It is bounded on the north by the Bashi Channel, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the west by the South China Sea, and on the south by the Balintang Channel. It is characterized by gently rolling hills, cliffs, and black and white sand beaches. Batanes is about 860 kilometers (approx. 525 miles) from Manila. Basco, the capital town, is about 280 kilometers north of Aparri and about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan. Political Subdivision Batanes has six municipalities, 29 barangays, and one congressional district. The six municipalities are Ivana, Uyugan, Mahatao, Basco (the capital), and the island municipalities of Sabtang and Itbayat. Climate The Batanes weather is rather pleasant. Compared to the rest of the country, Batanes is blessed with a cooler, balmier climate. It enjoys practically four seasons, the best one being summer which is from March to June. Average monthly rainfall is 450 mm. Population The 2002 census of population for Batanes registered a population total of 16,467 distributed over a land area of 230 square kilometers. Language / Dialect The mother tongue of Batanes is Ivatan, spoken by 93.94 percent of all households. The Ilocano dialect is also spoken while Filipino and

English are generally spoken and understood. Major Industries The province has a total agricultural land area of 5,438 hectares and has a wide area open for agricultural expansion. Due to its terrain, it is a major livestock producer with cattle as its main stock. Carabaos and goats are also popularly raised. Another major industry is fishing which reaches its peak during the summer months, from March to June, when the seawater is relatively calm

Batanes Resort This local government-owned and newly-renovated Batanes resort has 10 stonehouses with two rooms, each able to accommodate three people. Located on the mountain slopes, every room gives a spectacular view of the sea. Modern comfort includes air-conditioning, hot and cold showers, and a standby generator. This Batanes hotel is only 10 minutes away from Basco. Expect to see basic Ivatan fare on the menu, consisting of turmeric rice, dibang, arayu and venes. Rates start from P1,000+ per person, per night for double occupancy. No phones here, but your mobile phone should work. Batanes Resort is located at Kaychanarianan, Basco, Batanes. To book, contact their booking office at Tel.: 078/ 533 3444, 533 3456 and in Manila at Tel.: 927 2393. Seaside Resort This Batanes Resort offers basic, clean rooms with air-conditioning, TV, a fridge and water heater. There are rooms able to accommodate up to 30 guests. Located in a natural cove, Seaside has a black-sand beach that is safe for swimming. Batanes has a strong undertow so be sure to check out the beaches before you swim. There is no generator in this Batanes hotel. Food is also basic Ivatan fare. For reservations or inquiries, contact Lydia Roberto at Tel.: 0921/ 229 0102, or Mobile: 0917/ 882 5609. Shanedel s Inn and Caf Popular with anglers, this bed and breakfast has 14 rooms and is staffed by members of the owners family and their help. Rooms are basic and clean, with private toilets and showers, and air-conditioning. Its located in the town proper, walking distance from the plaza and restaurants, and less than five minutes from the airport. The inn overlooks Bascos commercial port. Food served is basic Ivatan fare. Rates are from P450-P1,000 per person, per night. Call: 0920/ 447 0737, or e-mail:shanedels@yahoo.com. Home stays Or you can opt to stay at an old Traditional house. Limestone walls and hardwood floors of an Ivatan house ensure that the house is cool even during the hottest time of the day. No air-conditioning, just fans. The home usually consists of the main house with its living room and bedroom/s and the outhouse and kitchen, which is also a storage room of sorts. During your stay, youll be assigned a cook, a housekeeper and a local tour guide by the town council. The toilet and bath are a basic but clean affair; and although theres no hot and cold shower installed yet, you can always request the assigned staff to boil water for you. Food served are local Ivatan dishes by a cook assigned by town. Far different from staying in a Batanes hotel but this might make for a more exciting experience. Rate is P1,000 per night for the whole house. Contact BCTA to book.