Batanes Adventure: 'Pop Talk's' journey to Philippines' northernmost frontier

Situated at the northernmost tip of the Philippines, the Batanes Islands remain unexplored by many Filipinos because of their remote location. For the first installment of “Pop Talk's” second anniversary, Tonipet Gaba explored the three inhabited islands of Batanes with travel and food blogger Lois Yasay, celebrity reviewer Maey Bautista, and backpacker Mildred Penales.

The travellers agreed: It’s definitely worth going the distance to visit Batanes. Here are some of their recommended things to do and sights to see on the islands of Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat.

Batan Island



Batan is the second largest island in the Batanes archipelago and home to Basco, the provincial capital. It is also just a plane ride away from Manila, making it the most accessible place in Batanes. Like the other islands of Batanes, Batan boasts of breathtaking landscapes and equally picturesque seascapes. A tourist who wishes to go sightseeing around Batan could do so by car or by bicycle.

One of the most popular places on this island is the Honesty Coffee Shop, where customers make themselves a cup of coffee without the help of any store attendant. Just walk inside the store, get yourself a drink, leave your payment at the cashier, and you're good to go!

Some of Batan’s most famous landmarks are the two-century-old San Jose de Ivana Church that was built in 1795, and the Basco Lighthouse, a Batanes landmark that was built to guide ships and to serve as a tourist attraction for the province.

Wow factor: 3/3
Fun factor: 3/3
Convenience: 3/3

Total Pop Points: 9/9

How to get to Batan: A plane ride from Manila takes you straight to Basco airport, which is located in Batan.

Sabtang Island



Sabtang island is famous for its Ivatan stone dwellings and churches, many of which date back to the Spanish era. "So ‘pag naglalakad ka rito, para kang naglalakad sa isang living museum," Tonipet observed as he toured the island's unique houses. Truly, a day trip around Sabtang can feel like going back in time.

Aside from enjoying Sabtang's sights, visitors can also immerse themselves in the Ivatan culture by joining the traditional vakul headgear weaving activity.

Wow factor: 3/3
Fun factor: 3/3
Convenience: 3/3

Total Pop Points: 9/9

How to get to Sabtang: A boat ride from Batan's Ivana Port to Sabtang takes 30 to 45 minutes. Roundtrip boat fare between the islands is just P150.00 per person.

Itbayat Island



Our reviewers' last stop is the island of Itbayat, the farthest and the biggest among the three inhabited islands of Batanes. When visiting Itbayat, you may want to try their local sugarcane wine, sample the local cuisine, or visit more stone houses.

Travelers can also go spelunking in Itbayat's Torongan cave, said to be the burial site of the first inhabitants of Itbayat. Our reviewers thought the long trek to the cave was taxing, but their efforts were made worthwhile by beautiful view at the end of their trip. Itbayat is perfect for people who love hiking and caving.

Wow factor: 3/3
Fun factor: 3/3
Convenience: 3/3

Total Pop Points: 9/9

How to get to Itbayat: Itbayat-bound boats can be found at the Basco Port, which is only a short walk away from the Basco Municipal Hall. A one-way trip from Basco Port to Itbayat lasts for three to four hours. The roundtrip fare between the two islands is P 900.00 per person.


–Lara Gonzales/PF, GMA News