Basco, Batanes: 9 Breathtaking Sights That You Must See

1. Valugan Boulder Beach

No, this isn’t your usual beach. There are no white or pink sands here. You’ll find only rocks in Valugan. When Mt. Iraya erupted sometime in 400 AD, it scattered countless boulders that created this astonishing beach. The waves here are wild so the beach isn’t ideal for swimming; you might get thrown straight onto the rocks. But the place is perfect for relaxation. You’ll never get tired watching the long stretches of boulders of the Valugan Beach. This is definitely a must-see in Basco.

Valugan Boulder Beach

Address: Contra Costa Rd, Basco, Batanes

2. Vayang Rolling Hills

Here you’ll find hundreds of cows, different shades of greens, and endless waves of rolling hills. On a clear day, you can actually see Batanes’ major islands from here: Sabtang, Itbayat, and Batan. If you look further you can see the Nakamaya Burial Site at the foot of Mt. Iraya.

3. PAGASA Weather Station

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Visit the Tukon Radar Station and get a magnificent 360-degree view of Mt. Iraya, Batan Island, Basco proper, the beaches, and the rolling hills. This was once a lighthouse and used as a weather station at the same time by the United States.

4. Basco Lighthouse at Naidi Hills

Here at Naidi Hills you will have a breathtaking view of the sunset. The ruins of the bunker houses are found here as well. The Basco Lighthouse, a 66 feet (20 meter) lighthouse that was built in 2003, is another awe-inspiring sight in Basco. Situated on top of the hill, the lighthouse is a photographer’s favorite. Just near the Basco Lighthouse is the World War II ruins; structures that were once part of the war. The facilities once connected Batanes to the government.

Basco Lighthouse

Address: North Batan, Basco, Batanes

5. Japanese tunnel

This attraction is also known as the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel, that was built during the World War II. In a documentary, it was said that Ivatans, the locals of Batanes, were ordered by the Japanese to build the 5-door tunnel. Although they were not tortured, they decided to dig hard for the fear of being killed. The tunnel is creepy and mysterious. You can explore the tunnel’s chambers or climb to the hilltop to get another awesome view of the island.

6. Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge

The hotel was named after Pacita Abad, a prolific painter born in Batanes in 1946. This was her former studio that was later modernized by her brother Butch Abad. Fundacion Pacita created 5,000 artworks including a 55-meter (180 foot) bridge in Singapore right before she died of cancer. She is the pride of Basco. If you want to have the best accommodation in Batanes, Fundacion Pacita is your place. The hotel is full of Pacita’s art that is characterized by vibrant colors. In fact, it was inspired by the painter’s colorful vision of the world. A little pricey but they use part of the proceeds to support Ivatan artists and projects in Batanes.

Fundacion Pacita

Website: Fundacion Pacita

7. Mt. Carmel Chapel

Just a short walk from Fundacion Pacita stands the Tukon Church or Mt. Carmel Chapel. Butch Abad had it built for his late parents that wished to have a place of worship near their home. The church was inspired by Ivatan traditional houses. Inside the chapel are six large paintings of patron saints that covered the ceiling. It was for each municipality of Batanes – and there are six. The images were hand-painted by the scholars of the Pacita Abad Center for the Arts. The chapel’s walls were made up of boulders and some materials used in the chapel were contributions by the owner’s family and friends.

8. Chadpidan Boulder Beach

This is the twin sister of Valugan Beach found on the west side of Basco. In their native language, Chadpidan means west and Valugan means east. Chadpidan beach is also filled with boulders from the eruption of Mt. Iraya. It faces the West Philippine Sea and it’s another sight to behold. And did we say the sunset here is perfect?

Chadpidan Boulder Beach

Address: Songsong Iraya Road, Basco, Batanes

9. Sto. Domingo Cathedral

Built in the 18th-century, the Cathedral of Sto. Domingo De Guzman or Basco Cathedral was the first Catholic Church in Basco. The interior of the church looks rather new as it has undergone numerous renovations. The recent reconstruction were after the 2000 earthquake. You can end your tour by visiting The Cathedral.

The most sought-after destination

If you’re in the Philippines, getting to Basco, Batanes can be pricey so book your flights in advance. The plane tickets alone can cost about 240 USD on average yet the province remains to be on top of every tourist’s dream destination list. Who wouldn’t want to visit a place as beautiful as Batanes? The province is also dubbed as Home of the Winds because of its cool weather but no, they’re not always hit by typhoons as what most people think. Visit this little paradise between the months of December and May where it’s mostly dry. That way you’d be able to explore Batanes on foot. It will be challenging to hike the hilly terrain but you will be rewarded with postcard-perfect scenery.