Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines. It is the smallest province in terms of land area and population. You will surely love this place. It is the best place for nature lover and people who love tranquility and serenity. This is where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. Batanes is great for summer vacation, fishing, diving and hiking.
What makes Batanes unique?
One of the most notable facts about Batanes is its claim to a zero crime rate. Violent crime is unheard of on the islands and even petty theft is a rare occurrence. Visitors who misplaced or lost personal items are told to visit the local radio station in Batanes so that an island-wide bulletin can be aired. Locals who have found items are also likely to drop them off at the station.
Batanes' Honesty Coffee Shop, believe it or not, there is no one minding the store. Instead, a clear plastic jar is left on the counter for customers to pay for their snacks and get their own change. It works under the honesty system. Softdrinks, instant coffee, candies, biscuits, noodles, chips and other snacks are available. This is one of the many things that make Batanes a unique place to visit.
Here are some other things that make Batanes unique among other tourist destinations in the world;
Batanes is a special place. Isolated from the rest of the country, it has evolved into a truly unique destination - unlike any other island in the Philippine archipelago. Batanes is absolutely pollution-free. No traffic jams. All you can see are beauty of nature.
Unique architecture of Ivatan houses made of thick lime and stone walls with cogon grass roof has made it a favorite attraction to visitors. They were built this way to endure typhoons that frequently hit the area.
Batanes is made up mostly of hills and mountains. Lush greenery tapers off to give way to stretches of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines.
Batanes is suitable to hardy, outdoor types who enjoy hiking over hills and vales, swimming and discovering a unique local culture, rather than indulging in material pleasures.
The people are different - a brave and skillful race of hardy, inscrutable survivors. They are notable for their honesty, industry and hospitability.
The topography coupled with its constant rainfall and strong winds have created a destination that is truly one-of-a-kind. The weather is different. In fact, the weather is the king.
The boats, the language, the crafts, and the wine (called palek-from sugarcane) - they are all different.
Aside from the festive town fiestas, free and natural beaches, trekking adventures, bird watching in October or fishing in summer, there are a lot of other local attractions worth visiting such as:
The undisturbed and unspoiled Sabtang Island, with its sandy beaches and rugged country trails make it a secret paradise.
Historic Churches in every town which were over 200 years old made of massive mixture of lime and stone.
Radar tukon in Basco rests on the hilltop overlooking a 360 degree view of the cliffs, hills and the seas around the island.
And the Interior road, a trail of unending countryside panoramic views, rock formations and rolling terrain
Other places of interest in Batanes include; House of Dakay (1887) a UNESCO heritage building; Mt. Iraya - A 1008-meter mountain on Batan Island; Mahatao View Deck; Burial Caves - Pre-historic burial caves in the town of Itbayat; Sumhao Wind Power Plant; Nakaboang Beach, Ark & Cave; Songsong Ruins; Beaches - Chadpidan Beach, White Beach; and Payaman - known as "Marlboro Country", a pasture overlooking farm fields & the Pacific Ocean.
The best time to visit Batanes is from February to July.
I wish I could visit this beautiful and serene place.