10 Batanes Off-the-Beaten Path Attractions

Last updated on August 7th, 2022 at 04:51 pm

We have been writing about our trip to Batanes like amazing tourist spots in Batanes, food to try, and our itinerary for Batanes trip. Now, we want to share with you our top 10 Batanes off-the-beaten path attractions to explore in your next trip!

Like what we’ve said in our previous related blog posts about Batanes, it is the northernmost and smallest province in the Philippines.

Best time to visit Batanes

For us, the best time to visit Batanes is from March to June. It’s summer so there’s only minimal rainfalls and you can expect that the weather is nice and sunny. But if you love cold weather like many of us, you can visit Batanes from December to February where the weather is nice and cold. As the weather is so unpredictable in Batanes, click here to know more about the weather in Batanes!

Batanes Off The Beaten Path Attractions

1. Spring of Youth

Spring of Youth is one of our favorite Batanes off the beaten path attractions. It’s located in Diura fishing village. To reach it, you have to walk around for 10 minutes. Don’t worry because it’s just an easy trekking, but it can be slippery if it’s raining.

There is a pool at the end of the way with amazing views to the sea. Just on the top is Marlboro Country, one of the most popular spots in Batanes.

2. Nakamaya Burial

It’s located in North East part of Batan Island in Basco. You will do a small trek for around 10 minutes that can be slippery so it would be great if you bring proper shoes. The Ivatanas have their burial with the shape of a boat in their graves pointing/looking at the sea. They believe that their spirit needs to go back to the sea when you die. Interesting, right?

3. Fishing Villages

It’s great to walk around Diura fishing village, especially with the view of the calm sea. It’s the view that you can get from Marlboro Country and it’s close to the Spring Youth that we mentioned above.

Duvek Bay is located in Sumnanga Barrio and it was very interesting because we saw a fisherman catching cuttlefish, something we don’t see often. Apart from fishing, the view of the beach is a fascinating sight to see.

4. Overnight in Sabtang

The population in Sabtang is around 1000 people only. This place is quieter than Basco in Batan island. We recommend you spend at least one night here if you have more than enough time in Batanes. The experience is great and when you go back to Basco, it doesn’t seem as quiet as Sabtang. Explore around local carinderias, day tour and walking around stone houses in the different barrios of Sabtang.

5. Hiking Mt Iraya

If you like hiking apart from the tours in Batanes, Mt Iraya is one of the best places to visit in Batanes. You have to hire a guide or join a group to hike Mt Iraya. Try to plan in advance since it can be expensive if you do the activity on your own. If you join to a group, prices can be around 1000-1500 PHP depending on how many people are joining.

Looking for accommodation in Batanes? You can try AirBnB in Batanes there are a few places around Basco. Click here to get $30 USD off your first booking with AirBnB!

You can reserve your accommodation in Batanes before your trip with Booking and Agoda!

More Batanes Off The Beaten Path Attractions

6. Vuhus Island

There are day trips from Sabtang Island which are cheaper and also coming from Basco. You can even pitch a tent but there is no accommodation. You can get to the island if you arrange the price and schedule with the fisherman boats. A trip can be around 600-800 PHP per boat for two people if you rent the boat in Sumnanga barrio.

7. Zipline in Sabtang Island

Did you know about the zipline in Sabtang Island? It’s very close to Morong beach and if you like adventure, it is a must to try it. Imagine the views from the top of Sabtang from the zipline. Priceless!

8. Dinner in Lighthouse

Most of the Filipinos know that Batanes is a popular wedding destination. Aside from enjoying the sunset in Basco Lighthouse another favorite activity of ours was enjoying a delicious dinner. The views, the lights and the service made a magical and romantic moment for us. Not many restaurants organize the dinner, but Hiro Joy Cafe organized the dinner for us!

9. Itbayat Island

The boats going to Itbayat leave at 6 am from Basco. Price is 450 PHP for a 3-hour boat ride that can be tough when the sea is not calm. There are also flights around 2000 PHP to get to Itbayat if you want to avoid the ferry ride. The environmental fee in Itbayat is 100 PHP. Prices for sleeping in Itbayat are as cheap as 300 PHP for a homestay. If you travel as a couple like us, you can sleep for $3 USD in your own private room.

10. Sleeping in the lighthouse in Sabtang

Lastly, if you want to experience a real peaceful and quiet sleep, we recommend you to have an overnight in Sabtang and sleep in the lighthouse! The 18-meter high lighthouse welcomes guests since it was converted into a homestay.

Book your accommodation in advance in Batanes!

Looking for accommodation in Batanes? You can try AirBnB in Batanes there are a few places around Basco. Click here to get $30 USD off your first booking with AirBnB!

You can reserve your accommodation in Batanes before your trip with Booking and Agoda!

Which one of the 10 Batanes off-the-beaten path attractions you love the most? Please share this blog post with your friends if you would love to go to Batanes with them soon!

Hope to hear from you! 🙂