Not sure if it’s because it’s my last tour or what, but the South Batan Island Batanes tour tops my whole trip.
This tour takes up a whole day compared to Sabtang Island, which ends before you know it. With that, I suggest packing some water, snacks, sunscreen, and extra clothes.
South Batan Island Batanes itinerary
The South Batan Island Batanes tour is composed of three municipalities: Mahatao, Uyugan, and Ivana. If you’re booking with Batanes Travel and Tours, here’s the list of places you’ll visit:
- MAHATAO, BATANES
- Diura Fishing Village
- San Carlos Borromeo Church
- Rakuh a Payaman (Marboro Hills)
- Tayid Lighthouse
- Mahatao Shelter Port
- Chawa Viewdeck
- Homoron Blue Lagoon
- UYUGAN, BATANES
- Imnajbu Old LORAN Station
- San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel
- San Antonio de Florencia Church
- Alapad
- Motchong
- IVANA, BATANES
- House of Dakay
- San Jose de Obrero Church
You may request to start early to watch the sunrise at Rakuh a Payaman, popularly known as Marlboro Hills. If you don’t catch it, though, the entire blues and greens in front of you are enough to make you cry a little, thanking the heavens for allowing you to witness such paradise. Trust me, I did.
You can see Tayid Lighthouse from Marlboro Hills (and vice versa), but it’s also part of the South Batan Island Batanes tour so you can still see it up close.
It’s currently not operational but still famous for its hexagonal shape. It also serves as an amazing view deck.
Moving on, the San Carlos Borromeo Church made a mark on me as I also left mine in it.
It’s where the Batanes Blank Book Archive is located, where you can write pretty much anything on their blank hardbound books. Take note of the number so you can maybe revisit it!
The San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, meanwhile, is where the first-ever Catholic baptism in Batanes was held. The tour guide said that it was all grass fields back then, but this cross on the right side of the picture was the exact spot:
For the famous “BLOW UR HORN” photo-op, Alapad is just the place. Another fun fact I learned is that the Ivatans have long used shortcuts even before the texting era.
Across it is Motchong Viewdeck, where you can witness huge waves slowly crawling on beautiful rock formations.
Restaurants to try
We ate at Nanay Ching Restaurant, which easily became my favorite restaurant on the island (fish fillet and buttered lobster, ugh). It is usually the lunch spot for the South Batan Island Batanes tour.
Also, be sure to double-check with your tour provider so they can make a reservation for you.
After the tour, I went for a quick bite at Yaru Art Gallery and Fip Cafe. It’s just along the way going back to Basco.
Traversing through the island left me amazed. I wasn’t at all scared of the zigzags. I couldn’t help but compare the roads to my (VERY) tiring and a rocky trip to Nusa Penida, Bali.
For more tips, read my full Batanes itinerary.
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