v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Naidi Hills & Basco Lighthouse — The go-to viewpoint for sunrise and wide ocean panoramas; you can walk up grassy slopes to the old lighthouse, watch supply boats come in and get that classic Batanes postcard shot without spending a fortune.
- Vayang Rolling Hills — Soft, windswept grasslands above sheer cliffs that feel impossibly remote. Short hikes here give sweeping views of Basco town and the runway; personal favorite for low-effort, high-reward scenery and quiet afternoons.
- Valugan Boulder Beach — A dramatic black-boulder shoreline you won’t see elsewhere in the Philippines: pounding surf, sculpted rocks, and a raw, lunar vibe. Great for dramatic photos and to watch local fishermen work the tides.
- Chavayan Village (Sabtang) — Stone Ivatan houses clinging to narrow lanes, elders weaving
- Naidi Hills & Basco Lighthouse — The go-to viewpoint for sunrise and wide ocean panoramas; you can walk up grassy slopes to the old lighthouse, watch supply boats come in and get that classic Batanes postcard shot without spending a fortune.
- Vayang Rolling Hills — Soft, windswept grasslands above sheer cliffs that feel impossibly remote. Short hikes here give sweeping views of Basco town and the runway; personal favorite for low-effort, high-reward scenery and quiet afternoons.
- Valugan Boulder Beach — A dramatic black-boulder shoreline you won’t see elsewhere in the Philippines: pounding surf, sculpted rocks, and a raw, lunar vibe. Great for dramatic photos and to watch local fishermen work the tides.
- Chavayan Village (Sabtang) — Stone Ivatan houses clinging to narrow lanes, elders weaving vakul and mats, and a living village layout unchanged for generations. Visiting here is more like stepping into everyday Ivatan life than a staged attraction.
- Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country, Sabtang) — A broad grassy plateau with a cliff drop and endless sea views that looks like a movie set. Easy to reach and ideal for sunrise, picnics, and watching clouds race across the horizon.
- Nakabuang Arch & Morong Beach (Sabtang) — A natural rock arch and sheltered beach with turquoise pockets of water and strong tides; less crowded than the Basco coast and great for rugged coastal walks. Bring sturdy shoes — the approach can be rocky.
- Mount Iraya — The island’s dormant/active volcano that dominates the skyline. Hikes are steep but short; the reward is a different landscape (thick moss, endemic plants) and a panorama that makes the islands’ geology obvious.
- Mahatao Boat Shelter & Church — A local fishing culture hub where wooden boats tuck into seawalls carved from rock and an old stone church anchors the town. It’s quieter than Basco and gives a good look at everyday Ivatan life — a true hidden gem.
- Tukon Chapel (Chapel on the Hill) — A small, circular hilltop chapel with simple modern architecture and one of the clearest lookout spots over Basco and the runway. Locals come here for quiet reflection; many travelers skip it, which makes it feel special and unhurried.
- Tataya ride with local fishermen — Hop into a traditional Ivatan wooden boat (tataya) for a short ride or a fishing demo. It’s hands-on, cheap if you negotiate politely with the crew, and gives a tactile sense of how islanders read waves and weather — a hidden, authentic experience you won’t replicate on bigger tourist islands.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.