Why You Should Not Go to Batanes
Batanes is not your typical tropical getaway. It’s not for everyone. This remote archipelago in the northernmost part of the Philippines is a realm of raw beauty, where simplicity reigns, and life moves at a pace dictated by nature.
If you’re someone who can’t live without your creature comforts or who can't stay still in the serenity of solitude, do yourself a favor and skip Batanes. This is not the place for you.
Dust, salt, ruggedness, tears, unpredictability, mud, exciting, unpolished, alive, this is the grit of the journey — where everything feels like an intimate love letter to being alive, being human.
We grew up with Ashley Tisdale so here are seven reasons why Batanes might just be too much for you — unless, of course, it is not.
1. It’s Too Isolated — You’ll Feel Cut Off From the World
Batanes is a world apart, literally. Its location is closer to Taiwan than the Philippine mainland, with only a few flights connecting it to Manila or Clark. Once you arrive, you’ll find no bustling cities, no shopping malls, and only the humblest of conveniences. Internet? Spotty. Cell signal? Intermittent.
But for those who revel in the idea of truly disconnecting, this isolation is exactly what you need. It gives you the chance to immerse yourself in nature, unburdened by digital noise.
Naidi Hills, Basco, Batanes
You’ll find yourself free-diving into the turquoise waters of the Pacific, cycling along rugged coastal roads, or meditating to the sound of waves crashing against ancient cliffs. If you do yoga, there's no other place here in earth to do the shavasana than in Chanarian during sunrise or Naidi Hills during sunset.
2. The Lifestyle is Too Slow
Life in Batanes flows at a pace that feels like a whisper. The Ivatan people, known for their resilience and honesty, live in harmony with nature. There’s no rush, no urgency, no clamor for material wealth.
For those accustomed to the hustle and bustle, this stillness can be unnerving. But when used properly —
Blue Lagoon, Ivana, Batanes
Spend your days frolicking in the rolling hills of Naidi, practicing yoga under the shade of a centuries-old lighthouse, or simply gazing at the endless expanse of the sea.
3. Nature is God, No Other Thing To Do But Surrender
Batanes is known as the “Home of the Winds” for good reason. Its weather is as untamed as its landscapes, with strong gusts and it's own mini climate.
Don't believe what you see in the internet about "Summer Months" or "Best Months to Visit Batanes". I am sorry but it is really hard to tell. We get mini "Rayun" (summer) during winters, yes we have winter, and it is
4. The Terrain is Harsh — You’ll Need to Be Adventurous
Batanes demands physical endurance. Its rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and rocky beaches are breathtaking, but they’re not easy to navigate. The unpaved trails of Mt. Iraya or the steep descents to secret coves like Valugan Boulder Beach will test your stamina.
For the adventurous spirit, however, these challenges are a small price to pay for the rewards. Go biking along the winding coastal roads, free-dive into the surreal underwater world, or hike to the highest peaks for panoramic views of the island’s untamed beauty.
5. The Nights Are Too Quiet — You’ll Face Yourself
In Batanes, the nights are eerily quiet. There are no blaring horns, no bright lights, no bustling nightlife. The silence can be deafening to those who fear their own thoughts.
But for the introspective, this silence is a canvas for deep meditation and self-discovery. Lay under the stars in Marlboro Country, where the milky way stretches above you like a celestial masterpiece. Or, meditate as the first rays of dawn illuminate the rolling hills and rugged cliffs.
6. There’s Nothing Luxurious Here — You’ll Have to Simplify Your Life
Forget five-star hotels and Instagram-worthy infinity pools. Accommodations in Batanes are simple, often family-run lodges or homestays. Meals are humble but hearty, featuring local specialties like dibang (flying fish) and lunis (salted pork cooked in its own fat).
For those who crave luxury, Batanes will feel like deprivation. But for those who value authenticity, this simplicity is nourishment for the soul. Cooking your own freshly caught seafood, dining on banana leaves, and sharing stories with locals around a fire are experiences far richer than anything money can buy.
7. It’s Too Beautiful — You Might Fall in Love With It Forever
Batanes is heartbreakingly beautiful. Its landscapes are so surreal they seem almost otherworldly. The Naidi Hills, the Tayid Lighthouse standing sentinel by the sea, the endless green pastures dotted with grazing cows — all these sights will sear themselves into your memory.
But beware: falling in love with Batanes comes with a price. You’ll never look at the world the same way again. You’ll be spoiled by its purity, its simplicity, and its unparalleled beauty.
What Can You Do in Batanes?
If you think you’re up for the challenge, here’s a taste of what awaits you:
Reconnect With Nature
- Free-Dive: Explore the vibrant marine life surrounding the islands. The waters of Batanes are a diver’s paradise, teeming with colorful corals and fish.
- Biking: Cycle through scenic routes that take you past rolling hills, stone houses, and stunning coastlines.
- Hiking: Conquer Mt. Iraya or explore the rugged trails leading to hidden beaches.
Find Inner Peace
- Yoga and Meditation: Practice mindfulness in breathtaking locations, from the foot of a lighthouse to the quiet shores of a secluded beach.
- Star Gazing: Experience the magic of the Milky Way in some of the clearest night skies in the Philippines.
- Intense Reflection: Spend hours in quiet contemplation, surrounded by the raw beauty of nature.
Immerse Yourself in Local Culture
- Visit Stone Houses: Explore traditional Ivatan homes in Sabtang, built to withstand typhoons.
- Join Local Rituals: Witness the mayvanuvanua, a ritual to bless the fishing season.
- Savor Ivatan Cuisine: Try traditional dishes like uvud (banana pith meatballs) and vunes (dried taro leaves).
So, Should You Go to Batanes?
If you’re not ready to leave behind your fast-paced life, your reliance on technology, or your craving for luxury, Batanes is not for you. But if you’re a wanderer at heart, someone who seeks meaning in simplicity and beauty in the raw, then Batanes will welcome you with open arms.
It’s not for the weak. It’s not for the uncurious. It’s for those who dare to embrace its challenges and revel in its unmatched splendor.
So, do you have what it takes to venture into the “Home of the Winds”?