Batanes: Northern Isles by Boat and Ridge — 4 Days

Island-hopping through the Philippines' northernmost province: Basco, Sabtang Island, and Racuj Valley

Batanes sits at the edge of the Philippine archipelago, closer to Taiwan than to Manila. This four-day itinerary moves through three distinct zones: the capital, Basco, where a trek to Naidi Hills overlooks the northern coast; Sabtang Island across the channel, reached by motorized boat, with cave sites and traditional Ivatan architecture; and Racuj Valley, a high pastoral plain backed by Mount Irayat. The route combines coastal approaches with interior highland terrain, relying on local boat transport and private road transfers. A single English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout; multilingual guides (German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin) are available at additional cost. The itinerary assumes arrival by commercial flight into Basco and departure the same way, with three nights' accommodation and all meals included.

Highlights

  • Trek to Naidi Hills from Basco for views over the northern coast and Batanes Strait
  • Motorized boat crossing to Sabtang Island and visit to Nakamuan Cave
  • Traditional Ivatan houses in Savidug village, Sabtang Island
  • Racuj Valley — a high rolling grassland beneath Mount Irayat
  • Fishing villages and coastal settlement patterns across the island group

Day by day

1Arrive Basco, Trek Naidi HillsBasco · Naidi Hills · hotel or inn · Vayang
Arrive in Basco. Transfer to hotel or inn. Afternoon guided tour of Vayang with trek to Naidi Hills for coastal views. Lunch and dinner included.
2Sabtang Island: Nakamuan Cave and Ivatan VillagesSabtang Island · Nakamuan Cave · Ivana Port · fishing villages · Savidug · Basco
Drive to Ivana Port and board a motorized boat to Sabtang Island. Visit Nakamuan Cave, visit fishing villages, then continue to Savidug to see traditional Ivatan stone houses. Return to Basco by boat.
3Racuj Valley and Mount IrayatRacuj
Drive inland to Racuj, a vast rolling pastoral valley with sweeping grazing lands backed by the dramatic slopes of Mount Irayat.
4Basco to ManilaBasco · Basco to Manila
Free time in Basco until transfer to the airport for the return flight to Manila.

Included

  • Accommodations 3 nights/4days
  • Meals as indicated
  • Private
  • air-conditioned transportation during tours and transfers in Batanes
  • Boat rides
  • Activities as indicated
  • services of local English-speaking guide.
  • N.B Services of English-speaking driver. Services of multi-ligual gude (English or German or Italian-Spanish-Russian-Mandarin) is available at extra cost...
  • ( B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinne