Batanes 2020: North Batan Tour

After the teaser and the little sneak peek in Batanes, our second day there gets a little more exciting. We’re now going to explore the North Batan!

We start our day with a cup of coffee of course and a beautiful view of this so called “Mount Iraya”. This is also listed as one of the active volcano here in the Philippines. Mount Iraya last erupted in 1454. On the other way around, Batanes is offering hiking activities for this mountain.

Capturing the perfect view of Mount Iraya from our homestay. If you’re interested you can contact Savatan Homestay on their facebook account.

Little rain showers envelope Batanes every morning during our stay (Mid-January), so don’t forget your umbrellas and jackets. We stay and relax in our homestay during the morning, and stroll a little bit in the town to find some restaurant for our lunch.

Start of the Tour – Welcome to Basco!

We first drop by to their Provincial Capitol to pay for the Environmental Fee – 400 PHP per head and start the North Batan Tour by the infamous Basco Arch in Town!

A Piece of History – Japanese Tunnel

Also known as the “Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel”, one of the most historic place in the Philippines during World War II and the time of Japanese invasion in the country. A lot of tunnels were built around Batanes, idea of the Japanese but was built by sweat and blood of the Ivatans. The tunnels are made of the volcanic rocks and cement.

Note: You can explore inside the tunnel

One of the most interesting part of our tour was the historical information by the Ivatan Tour Guide. They really undergo training about the history of their town for them to be part of the Batanes Tourism.

PAGASA Weather Station – ripped by Typhoon Ferdie

I am a little skeptical to see the PAGASA Weather Station, since I really love radars. The station was located at a hilltop with the amazing 360 degrees view of Batanes. It was too unfortunate to see the RADAR was destroyed by the super Typhoon Ferdie. But overall, the view was definitely amazing!

Not Sand but Stones – Valugan Boulder Beach

I definitely love beaches with fine white sand but I couldn”t imagine that I would even love this beautiful boulder made shore of the Valugan Beach. The place was very relaxing. We stay here for the longest time of all the tourist attractions in North Batan. It amazes me that the jag of rocks comes from the Mt. Iraya eruption way back 400 AD and naturally been carried by the current to the shore.

Going Back on North Batan Highlights – Rolling Hills/Basco Lighthouse

Since Vayang Rolling Hills and Basco Lighthouse is originally part of the North Batan Tour, we decided to stroll there again!

Pension Ivatan

To end our day with a local vibes, therefore, we have our dinner at Pension Ivatan.

This ends our second day in Batanes. Hope you enjoy reading. See you on our next day adventures in the town!

If you haven’t read the first part, I advise you to do so, head here!

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With Love,