Batan Islands

The Batan Islands form the province of Batanes and are the northernmost province of the Philippines, located in the Luzon Strait. The group is noted for its compact inhabited islands, traditional Ivatan culture and distinctive stone houses adapted to strong winds.

Travel highlights include dramatic sea cliffs, rolling grassy landscapes, traditional stone and thatch architecture, and coastal viewpoints such as the Naidi Hills above Basco. Inter-island boat services and short flights connect the main islands of Batan, Itbayat and Sabtang, which together hold most of the population and visitor facilities.

The islands have been inhabited by the Ivatan people for centuries and show a mix of local vernacular architecture and adaptations to the local climate. The area has a strong maritime culture and local crafts.

The Batanes archipelago sits in the Luzon Strait between mainland Luzon and Taiwan; it is the northernmost province of the Philippines. Basco, on Batan Island, is the provincial capital and primary transport hub for the islands.

• Main inhabited islands: Three main inhabited islands form the core of the province and are where most transport and visitor services are concentrated.

What to See #

• Batan Island (Basco): The largest and most developed island in the group, home to the provincial capital Basco and the Naidi Hills lighthouse viewpoint.
• Itbayat: The northernmost inhabited island, known for steep cliffs, traditional stone houses and more remote village settlements.
• Sabtang: A smaller inhabited island with traditional Ivatan villages and coastal cliffs; often visited on short inter-island boat routes.