Batan island tour, Philippines
Just a bit South of the Northern confines of the Philippines lies the island of Batan. A hundred miles from Luzon, another hundred from Taiwan, facing the harsh currents, high waves and heavy winds of the Pacific Ocean together with the West Philippine Sea, the island is remote! Precisely this is the reason why this destination commands curiosity among Filipinos and people across the World.
The island’s isolation widens Social and Cultural differences to those of other Filipino regions. Where else in the Philippines, one of the most densely populated countries in the World, can you find a shop where no one looks after the products it sells? Or, bikes without locks, even houses can be unlocked!
Honesty store
The Honesty store started as an initiative to leave a thermos with coffee as well as a Moneybox for the poor fellows arriving at port Ivana at an ungodly hour when the coffee shop is closed. The idea was successful; people were honest, paid their due in general, and gradually the shop evolved into a full-blown unattended variety store.
Organic Food
Again, due to its isolation, the locals depend more on indigenous and organic produce. While food import is expensive, seafood and other local produce can be relatively cheaper than the rest of the Philippines.
Fundacion Pacita, Batan island
With a breathtaking view of the Pacific and the rolling hills, “Fundacion Pacita” is geographically at the center of Batan. The Hotel restaurant promotes the art and heritage of the Ivatans through the organization’s art exhibitions for local artists, the restaurant serving organic local dishes, and the adoption of indigenous architecture — the main house has a wall plastered with limestone, reminiscent of the traditional Ivatan house. Indeed traditional Houses in Batan are made of limestone, robust enough to withstand strong winds with the benefit of keeping you fresh on a hot summer day.
Mount Iraya and Basco
North West of the Island is a volcano called Mount Iraya; it last erupted in the 15th century, and it is located just a few miles north of Basco, the island’s capital. Judging by the way the volcano peppered Valugan beach with boulders, it is easy to imagine how destructive this volcano can be. You can ascend Mount Iraya; the local tourism office will recommend to do this with a guide; after all, it is hard to find your way through a jungle hiking path.
Batan’s Lighthouses
There are a number of lighthouses on the island, a constant reminder of the difficulty of reaching this island by boat. Incidentally, Sabtang a few miles South of Batan island, should not be missed, unless you get dizzy with boats on what could sometimes be a rough sea. Sabtang has a bigger share of traditional Ivatan houses than Batan.
The Marlboro country
Batan’s Marlboro country is a regular stop for tours around the island; it is on a communal ranch and arguably the most spectacular views of the rolling hills and cliffs. The tour-operators often organize lunch at this place.
Map of Batan island
Getting There
Just before the Covid-19 lockdown there were direct flights from Manila(MNL) to Basco(BSO) . Companies such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Skyjet serve the island. There are also flights from Clark (CRK). These airline companies would suggest that you reserve accommodation before booking a flight as an accommodation booking could be difficult at times.
Batan island has an area of 219 square kilometers with one main coastal road that goes around the island. Renting a motorcycle or a car can be practical. Otherwise, local guides organize a tour of the islands with a visit to the places mentioned in this write-up.
