Timeless Batanes Group Tour

Arrive in Batanes and begin exploring the northern half of Batan Island, starting around Basco. Visit Mt Carmel Chapel before continuing to the PAGASA Tukon Radar Station and Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge, set among the hills overlooking the surrounding countryside. Stop at Idjang Viewing to see one of the natural hill formations historically associated with fortified Ivatan settlements, followed by the Japanese Tunnel, a reminder of the islands’ experience during the Second World War.

Continue to Valugan Boulder Beach, where large volcanic stones cover the shoreline, before exploring Basco itself. Visit Basco Plaza, Casa Real and Kilometer Zero, then see Aman Dangat and Santo Domingo Church. Finish among some of northern Batanes’ best-known landscapes at Vayang Rolling Hills, Naidi Hills and its lighthouse, with wide views across the coast and surrounding hills. (B,L,D)

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Travel to San Vicente or Ivana Port and cross by boat to Sabtang, an island known for preserving some of Batanes’ most recognisable Ivatan villages and architecture. After registering at the port, begin at San Vicente Ferrer Church before continuing into Savidug, where traditional stone houses demonstrate how island communities adapted their homes to Batanes’ exposed climate. Visit Santo Tomas de Aquinas Chapel and the nearby limestone production area, then take in the scenery from Savidug Idjang Viewing and Chamantad-Tinyan View Deck.

Continue to Chavayan, another of Sabtang’s traditional villages, where narrow lanes are lined with stone houses and the small Santa Rosa de Lima Chapel. The day also includes Nakabuang Beach, Morong Beach and the distinctive Ahaw Arch Formation. After exploring Sabtang, return by boat to Batan Island and transfer back to your hotel. (B,L,D)

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Spend the day exploring southern Batan, where some of the island’s best-known landscapes sit alongside fishing villages, historic churches and reminders of Batanes’ past. Begin in Mahatao at Chawa Viewdeck, overlooking the rugged coastline, before visiting Mahatao Shelter Port and San Carlos Borromeo Church. Continue to Diura Fishing Village for a glimpse of the island’s close relationship with the sea, followed by Hohmoron Blue Lagoon and Racuh a Payaman, with its open grazing land and sweeping coastal views. Nearby Tayid Lighthouse is another excellent viewpoint.

Continue through Uyugan, stopping at Alapad, the old Loran Station and several small churches before seeing the Song Song Ruins, remnants of a settlement damaged by a tsunami in the 1950s. Finish in Ivana with San Jose de Obrero Church, the traditional House of Dakay, the Spanish Bridge and the wonderfully simple Honesty Coffee Shop, where customers serve themselves and leave payment without a shopkeeper present. (B,L,D)

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Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before preparing for your onward journey. Transfer to the airport for your departure from Batanes, bringing this short but comprehensive introduction to the islands to a close. (B)