Batanes: North Batan Island Tour

Comparing with South Batan Tour, the North tour is a bit shorter.  It only covers half of your day. So you can do this after resting a bit following your arrival on the island.  This tour is just the prologue of what the first-timers can expect in Batanes.  

During our tour, we passed by...

1. Tukon Church  

Mt. Carmel Chapel, inspired by the Ivatan stone houses, is a project for the nearby residents of the Abad clan, a prominent family in the Batanes.   

2. PAG-ASA Weather Station / Radar Tukon

Our next halt is the weather station of Basco which is in the northernmost of the country.  When at the view deck, it offers you a magnificent view of Basco.

3. Dipsaynupayan Japanese Tunnel 

The Japanese tunnel was built during the height of World War II by the Ivatan kids and men.  

It has 5 entry/exit points and was used as a shack and lookouts of the Japanese soldiers. 

4. Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge

Fundacion Pacita is a posh hotel in Batanes which used to be a home studio of the world-renowned artist Pacita Abad.

5. Idjang or Stone Fortress

A mountain fortress which was used by the Ivatans as a settlement a long time ago.  To know more about this Idjang, click on Batanes Pre-Hispanic History.  I wished I have stumbled on this blog before I went to Batanes so I could have visited the places mentioned.  Waaaah!! I miss this spot. Ohh, next time maybe. 

6. Valugan Boulder Beach

Valugan means "east" in Ivatan language.  The shores of the beach are chock-full of boulders of different sizes, shape, and colors which was erupted by Mt. Iraya back in 400AD.  According to the locals, sunrise is best spent here.

7. Santo Domingo Cathedral 

Known as Basco Cathedral, is the first Roman Catholic church in Batan Island.  It was dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion, Patroness of Batanes Prelature.

8. Vayang Rolling Hills

Vayang Hills is one of the favorite spots whenever one visits Batanes.  Staying in the hills gives you a magnificent view of the West Philippine Sea and Batan Island.

the route going to the hills.. 

Mt. Iraya 

overlooking the Naidi Hills and Basco Lighthouse

Hey!  It's Radar Tukon there!! 

9. Basco Lighthouse / Naidi Hills 

An alluring spot for watching the sunset is at the Basco Lighthouse, where it gives you a bird's eye view of Basco.   It is located on top of Naidi Hills where old American bunkers stood.  The bunkers open late in the afternoon and dining in is welcome only when you have your reservations.  

another spot to view sunset in Basco is here in Naidi Hills. :) 

Truly North Batan Tour is worth doing whenever you're in Batanes. :) 

REally had fun.