Prague, CZ – The Batanes Islands, the northernmost province of the Philippines, stand out as a unique and captivating destination known for their breathtaking landscapes and very rich culture. With its stunning rolling hills, cool climate, and picturesque landscapes, it is often dubbed as the “Little Switzerland of the Philippines.”
Batanes islands is comprised of 10 volcanic islands, only three—Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat—are inhabited, with Basco on Batan Island serving as the provincial capital and main gateway. 1
The Ivatan People of Batanes
The Ivatan people, descendants of Austronesian migrants from around 4,000 years ago, have a rich history marked by seafaring, farming, and boat-building skills. They lived in fortified mountain settlements called idjangs to protect themselves from raids and natural elements. 2
Batanes was occupied by Spain in 1783. The Ivatans initially resisted colonial rule. The revolt was led by Ivatan hero Aman Dangat in the late 18th century. Spanish colonization introduced limestone technology, which influenced the construction of bridges, churches, and the iconic stone houses.
During the American colonial period, Batanes was established as an independent province in 1909, seeing improvements in infrastructure such as roads, schools, and telegraph services.
VAKUL – The vakul is a traditional Ivatan head covering made from native materials, designed to shield them from sun, rain, and strong winds.
Breathtaking Sceneries
Did you know that Batanes lies closer to Taiwan than to the northern tip of Luzon? The islands are separated from the Babuyan Islands by the Balintang Channel and from Taiwan by the Bashi Channel. With a total land area of about 230km2, Batanes is the smallest province in the Philippines.
Batanes is part of the United Nations-recognized International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO)—the only site in the Philippines and one of the few worldwide. This recognition underscores the province’s efforts to balance tourism with sustainability. Basco Rolling Hills is one of Batanes’ most breathtaking natural attraction with green landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
Perfect place for a romantic walk with your favorite person, and yes, it’s totally Instagram-worthy!
Their traditional stone houses, with thick cogon grass roofs and limestone walls, are designed to withstand the region’s frequent typhoons and earthquakes making them one of the most unique architectural features in the Philippines and a must-see for visitors.
The province is also known for its peaceful atmosphere and free-roaming wild horses, adding to its charm. Tours around North Batan, South Batan, and Sabtang Island allow travelers to immerse themselves in Ivatan culture and natural beauty.
Batanes is truly a gem of the Philippines. It’s unique, unspoiled, and rich in culture and simplicity. While it may be compared to places like Switzerland for its beauty, Batanes stands on its own. It’s more than just a destination; it’s an experience that touches the heart and stays with you long after you’ve left.
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REFERENCES:
- National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (n.d.). The Batanes Islands. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-cultural-communities-and-traditional-arts-sccta/northern-cultural-communities/the-batanes-islands/ ↩︎
- Breathtaking Batanes. (n.d.). History of Batanes Islands. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://breathtakingbatanes.com/History ↩︎
