Batanes

This province is located on the Northernmost part of Philippines and also the smallest with respect to both area and population.

With capital as Basco, it’s 190 Km s South of Taiwan. Mid-March – June is the most preferred tourist period though other times the

place is still pleasant. This province is accessible by air and the main occupation of the island is farming and fishing. Due to

erratic climate, economic growth is hit and opportunities are scare leading to migration of educated crowd. For ease of

management this province is divided into six municipalities with only one congressional district. The most surprising aspect

is that their culture is still per-historic and they’re almost isolated from the entire Philippines for decades.

Batanes is increasing becoming more popular as the costs and frequency of transportation to the main island’s airport of Basco

has changed favorably. The flights are now more common (4 times a week) and with the new player Sky Pasada

www.skypasada.com/, the cost of a trip to Batanes has significantly dropped by at least 30%.

Traveling by van or rented vehicle is required as it would be tough to go around using public transportation. The roads

were made around hills and thus inclined and sometimes with very sharp curves. BLOW UR HORN signs are often seen so

that the horn would signal the oncoming traffic to giveway at certain parts of the road that are narrower or with a sharp

and/or blind curve.

The roads were quite high up from the ocean and there were many view points/decks where you can get good views

of the coasts and the hills. The beaches/coasts of Batanes are quite rocky and this place is a sure heaven for

landscape photographers. Although a heaven for photogs; it’s not the best place to enjoy the beach as the rocks are quite tedious to navigate around especially in the water.

LUSH GREENERY OF ROLLING HILLS

What is surely enjoyable in Batanes is the Rolling Hills and wide open spaces.The really blue sky and really

green grass combine for a beautiful scene.

Batanes is truly special.Getting tourists into the islands is easy, but keeping their ecological footprint as small

as possible is the challenge.

LANDSCAPE OF SABTANG, A REMOTE ISLAND IN THE NORTHERN EDGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

HILLS

AN ARC FORMATION

COWS ON A HILL