Batan Hills and Coast in Batanes

Part of the Batanes travel guide — see every topic in All Batanes Guides.

Batan is the main island of Batanes and the place where most visits start. It is small enough to see in one or two days, but it holds some of the most famous views in the Philippines. Grassy hills roll down to high cliffs, cows and goats graze beside the road, and the sea is always close. The best way to enjoy it is slowly, with many stops for photos and short walks.

Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country)

Racuh a Payaman is a wide area of open hills in the south of Batan, near the town of Mahatao. Visitors often call it Marlboro Country, after the old cowboy advertisements. It is shared grazing land, so you will see cattle, horses and goats moving across the grass. From the top you can look down to the cliffs and the ocean, and on a clear day you can see Mount Iraya to the north. Paths lead along the ridges, and the walking is easy on the gentle slopes. There is little shade and the wind can be very strong, so bring a hat that will not blow away. Please close any gates and keep away from the animals.

Valugan Boulder Beach

Valugan beach is on the east coast, a short ride from Basco. It is not a sand beach. The whole shore is covered with smooth round stones, many of them as big as a football or bigger. People say they came from old eruptions of Mount Iraya and were rounded by the sea over a long time. Big waves from the Pacific roll in and make a loud sound as they pull the stones back. It is a beautiful place to sit and watch the ocean, especially early in the morning. Swimming is not safe here because of the strong waves and currents. Walk carefully, as the stones can move under your feet.

Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hills

The white lighthouse on Naidi Hills stands just above Basco, close enough to walk from town. It is one of the best places on the island for sunset. From the hill you can see the town, the harbour, the green slopes of Mount Iraya and the open sea. The grass around the lighthouse is a favourite place for locals and visitors to sit in the evening. When it is open, you can climb the stairs inside for a wider view; check locally for hours. Other lighthouses on Batan and Sabtang make good stops too, and many visitors try to see several of them.

The coast road and viewpoints

A road loops around most of Batan, and it is one of the main reasons to come. It runs along cliffs and through small villages, with stops at viewpoints, quiet coves and rock formations. Along the west coast, the road passes stone walls, small farms and steep drops to the sea. In the north, Vayang hills give wide views of rolling grass and ocean. Mount Iraya, the island's volcano, rises about 1,000 metres above Basco, and guided hikes to the top are possible in good weather. Take your time on the road. It is narrow in places, and animals often walk across.

Batan Hills and Coast at a glance

More in Batanes

All 5 Batanes guides·Philippines tourist maps

Featured Videos