What to do and see in Province of Batanes, Luzon: The Best Free Things to do

August 14, 2021 Sachiko Swiger

Discover the best top things to do in Province of Batanes, Philippines including Marlboro Hills, Marlboro Country - Racuh Apayaman, Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint, Vayang Rolling Hills, Basco Lighthouse, Valugan Beach, Naidi Hills, Sabtang Beach, Mahatao Tayid Lighthouse, St Dominic de Guzman Cathedral.
Restaurants in Province of Batanes

1. Marlboro Hills

Mahatao, Luzon Philippines http://www.discoverbatanes.com
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 91 reviews

Marlboro Hills

Reviewed By 349lorenzot

My November 2019 visit to the archipelagic province of Batanes in the Philippines’ northernmost tip further deepened the beautiful impressions etched during my first visit to the country’s top end wonder nearly two decades ago. Such mental imprints included the Batanes house, the Arius tree, the vakul and kanayi headgears, yuvuk and other local baskets, the local garlic, the exhilarating drive along the coastal road that zips through the postcard-perfect rolling ‘Marlboro hills’ with the breathtaking green grass-topped grazing lands where horses, cows and goats freely roam on one side of the road and the endless blue waters of the Philippine Sea on the other, and the hardy and genteel Ivatans. Let me offer some snippets about each of these. The Batanes house fascinates me no end as it definitely is an admirable architectural and structural feat courtesy of the Ivatan people. It has proven to withstand the test of time, the harshness of the elements especially the strong typhoons that frequent the place. Its twin attributes of simplicity and durability coupled by its thoughtful use of local materials and indigenous house construction techniques, were capitalized to build multi-functional and highly durable dwelling spaces quite unique to this laidback vacation haven. The sturdy Arius tree, referred to locally as the Batanes pine, is endemic to the province and dots most of the local landscapes. Its branches thickly dotted in all directions with flat baby-finger-like leaves of varying shades of green and forming a pattern resembling bottle cleaners is definitely an interesting natural beauty to behold. The vakul (for women) and kanayi (for men) headgears, as well as the yuvuc (a farm-produce harvesting basket) and other basketworks, are a product of the functional ingenuity and creativity of the people of Batanes. The local garlic, though smaller than imported garlic, is definitely richer in flavor giving extra savory taste to the Ivatan dishes I sampled at the HiroJoy Cuisine exquisitely prepared by no less than its owner Ms. Lidia Roberto. The quick drive along the awesome grazing hills make you feel transported for a moment to a spectacular place outside the Philippines where the hills come to life and the time gets warped. The infinite sea simply leaves you breathless as you face head on its boundless majesty with its serene waves gifting you with an unexplainable calmness of spirit and soul. The hardworking, honest and long-suffering Ivatans are in themselves a wonder. I would always have a soft-spot in my heart for these people as I continue to cherish their native brand of hospitality and friendship. By Lorenzo F. Templonuevo

2. Marlboro Country - Racuh Apayaman

Racuh Apayaman, Luzon Philippines
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

Marlboro Country - Racuh Apayaman

3. Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint

Luzon Philippines
Excellent
86%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 36 reviews

Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint

Reviewed By ET3121 - Greater Melbourne, Australia

Two main points to head. You can go straight down to rocky area that everyone heads too or you can veer right and walk up large grassy hill that was home to a lonely goat when we visited. Both lookouts were absolutely breathtaking

4. Vayang Rolling Hills

Basco, Luzon Philippines
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 42 reviews

Vayang Rolling Hills

Reviewed By ET3121 - Greater Melbourne, Australia

One of my favourites of the entire trip. Simply breathtaking with so many points to take photos from. Amazing

5. Basco Lighthouse

Basco, Luzon Philippines
Excellent
62%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 228 reviews

Basco Lighthouse

Reviewed By 395gittes - Cainta, Philippines

I can never leave this tourist spot without climbing up the tower of this lighthouse. The view up there is just majestic. You can see the port and the vast ocean, We came here near sundown and we were just so glad coz we are able to see a very beautiful sunset.

6. Valugan Beach

Basco, Luzon Philippines
Excellent
45%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

Valugan Beach

Reviewed By 395gittes - Cainta, Philippines

visiting this place is one of the most memorable experience i have made. Apart from enjoying the waters splash to the shore and feeling the cool wind, I got to do some stone work - stacking stones on top of each other. The place is abounding with this, left by visitors. I can do this all day, wow! The feeling is so relieving when you see your creation standing tall. I hope it keeps it's position till I get back.

7. Naidi Hills

Basco, Luzon Philippines
Excellent
64%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 85 reviews

Naidi Hills

Reviewed By beautyandbeyond - South East England, United Kingdom

My family and I enjoyed our sight seeing tours, and this place is one of our favourite, view is breath taking, though it was quite windy when we went there.

8. Sabtang Beach

Luzon Philippines
Excellent
51%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Sabtang Beach

9. Mahatao Tayid Lighthouse

Mahatao, Luzon 3900 Philippines
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 33 reviews

Mahatao Tayid Lighthouse

Reviewed By jaynery - Singapore, Singapore

Been there last month, but the beautiful landscape still fresh in my mind! This is my favourite Lighthouse amongst the lighthouses in Batanes. It nestled on the top of the hill with the serenity of the surroundings, calmness of the see, the lush greenery of hills and the view of Mt Iraya from afar. I stay sit and stare this place the whole day.

10. St Dominic de Guzman Cathedral

Basco, Luzon Philippines
Excellent
40%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 35 reviews

St Dominic de Guzman Cathedral

Reviewed By SaigonDoug - Pattaya, Thailand

Several entrances available. When ever you visit members will be in the church. The Alter is in fantastic condition, the best I have seen. Great stained glass windows with good lighting to show it off. Lots of fans to keep it comfortable.

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