Million years ago, a sequence volcanic activities and geologic forces molded the island-province of Batanes. Ivatans are the popular settlers of the province who nationally proclaimed as the “True Insulares”. This Ivatans derived from the ancient settlers from Formoso, Taiwan and Spaniards who had explored the island way back in the 16th century. Due to their limited existence, they have kept the clarity of their gene group through time.
The province of Batanes is the northernmost and the smallest province of the Philippine Republic, in terms of inhabitants and land area. Its capital is the municipality of Basco. The region consist of ten islands, known as the Batanes Islands, lies around162 km north of the Luzon mainland in the Luzon Strait and is a portion of the Cagayan Valley. The largest island of the province which bring significance to its economy are Itbayat, Batan and Sabtang.
Batanes Islands are divided from the Babuyan Islands of Cagayan Province through Balintang Channel and Taiwan through the Basi Channel. On the northernmost portion of the province is Mavudis (Yami) Island. The other islands of the province are Misanga, Ditarem, Siayan, Dinem, Ivuho and Dequey.
Geographical position of the province is spotted on a 4,500 square kilometer area of territorial waters, the Luzon Strait and Balintang Channel, where the Pacific Ocean unites with the South China Sea, a sea track between the Philippines and the southern portions of Japan, China, Hongkong, and Taiwan. Bordered 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 distinguished by lightly 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.
The land area of 5,438 hectares serves as the agricultural land of the province. Its main source of living is livestock farming due to its topography and its main produce is cattle, carabao and goats. Another prime industry which rises on its peak during summer as the seawater is moderately quiet is fishing.
EXPLORATIONS
December to May is the ideal period for travelers and explorers to come and visit the islands of Batanes. The islands tenders a cool and windy conditions. Any month of the year it could rain and its warmness can plunge as low as 7 degrees centigrade. It lies along the typhoon belt and gets its fair share of typhoons during the wet season.
December to May is the ideal period for travelers and explorers to come and visit the islands of Batanes. The islands tenders a cool and windy conditions. Any month of the year it could rain and its warmness can plunge as low as 7 degrees centigrade. It lies along the typhoon belt and gets its fair share of typhoons during the wet season.
Sabtang Island
Preferred by the Department of Tourism as among the 12 finest destination in the Philippines. This island remains uninterrupted and untouched which lies in the southwest of Batan. It has blinking white sand beaches, sheer mountains, and deep canyons with small level areas periodically 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
The island is enclose with gigantic boulders and cliffs mounting 20-70 feet above sea level having no shoreline located on the north of Batan Island. 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
The center of business trade where the seat of the provincial government situated. Batan Island is the most inhabited among all the islands of the province.It is composed of the municipalities of Basco, Ivana, Uyugan, and Mahatao.
Mount Iraya
An inactive volcano rise at 1,517 meters high whose previous outbreak was documented in 505 AD. This peak is best for mountaineering, trekking, and trailblazing. Situated in a 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 is seen in this island, which lies on the national highway between Mahatao and Ivana, 9.85 kilometer away from Basco. The beach has a wonderful cove and multicolored rocks and blinking white sand, which is perfect for picnics.
Songsong Ruins
A 3 kilometer track which could arrive in an hour walking from the core of Basco. The ruins is known for its splendid sunset scene and huge stone boulders.
White Beach
As evidence to the province’s innate advantage, this wonderful white beach can be seen in Vatang Hapnit and Mavatuy Point at Mahatao.
San Jose de Ivana Church
The church foundation was way back on 1795 but its construction was on 1814. The church is justly exceptional among the old churches in the province of Batanes because its design is not included on the espadana style. It has bell tower that offers the look 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
Founded in 1789 and built in 1873, it has a portico shaped 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.
Sto. Doming de Basco
It is the oldest and the most significant church in Batanes which instituted in 1783. The church were supported with enormous pilasters from its foundation to top to offer firmness on its portico and strength against earthquakes and typhoons. The church is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Batanes.
Other travelers places;
Burial Cave
Mahatao View Deck
House of Dacay
Preferred by the Department of Tourism as among the 12 finest destination in the Philippines. This island remains uninterrupted and untouched which lies in the southwest of Batan. It has blinking white sand beaches, sheer mountains, and deep canyons with small level areas periodically 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
The island is enclose with gigantic boulders and cliffs mounting 20-70 feet above sea level having no shoreline located on the north of Batan Island. 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
The center of business trade where the seat of the provincial government situated. Batan Island is the most inhabited among all the islands of the province.It is composed of the municipalities of Basco, Ivana, Uyugan, and Mahatao.
Mount Iraya
An inactive volcano rise at 1,517 meters high whose previous outbreak was documented in 505 AD. This peak is best for mountaineering, trekking, and trailblazing. Situated in a 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 is seen in this island, which lies on the national highway between Mahatao and Ivana, 9.85 kilometer away from Basco. The beach has a wonderful cove and multicolored rocks and blinking white sand, which is perfect for picnics.
Songsong Ruins
A 3 kilometer track which could arrive in an hour walking from the core of Basco. The ruins is known for its splendid sunset scene and huge stone boulders.
White Beach
As evidence to the province’s innate advantage, this wonderful white beach can be seen in Vatang Hapnit and Mavatuy Point at Mahatao.
San Jose de Ivana Church
The church foundation was way back on 1795 but its construction was on 1814. The church is justly exceptional among the old churches in the province of Batanes because its design is not included on the espadana style. It has bell tower that offers the look 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
Founded in 1789 and built in 1873, it has a portico shaped 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.
Sto. Doming de Basco
It is the oldest and the most significant church in Batanes which instituted in 1783. The church were supported with enormous pilasters from its foundation to top to offer firmness on its portico and strength against earthquakes and typhoons. The church is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Batanes.
Other travelers places;
Burial Cave
Mahatao View Deck
House of Dacay
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