THINGS TO DO:

 

Hiking

The Batanes Islands are, without doubt, a hiker's paradise. A number of routes, featuring different types of terrain and various levels of difficulty, are available to the serious (or occasional) hiker. Nine known trails are featured here. Although Batanes is a very safe place and you could probably locate some of the trails yourself, it is still a good idea to have a local guide with you.

 

Photography

Batanes offer tremendous opportunities for landscape photography. The island's architecture subjects are, likewise, worth preserving on film. Don't forget the wildlife. The islands have interesting birds and sea life. There are many unique images that will delight any photographer. Take along all the film you need, plus that extra roll just to play safe. Print film can sometimes be bought in Basco, but don't even bother to look for slide film.

 

Diving and Swimming

Visitors are often taken to White Beach in Maydangeb, Ivana or at the beach in Kilometer 2. Avoid Kanyuyan Beach on Baluarte Bay for swimming. Two creeks drain there and it is located almost right by the Basco pier. The old US Cost Guard Station in Imnajbu, Uyugan has a fine "pool" at its southern side. Batanes beaches generally do not offer visitors the fine sand and calm water that you find elsewhere in the Philippines. Most of the Batanes coastline is fringed with a broad, shallow reef and a pounding surf that can prove to be a bit difficult for the inexperienced. The large boulder shift with each wave and swimmers have been known to get their feet cought in between rocks. You will find changing facilities or refreshment stands at these beaches. As long as you know what to expect, a swim by the Batanes shoreline can be a pleasant break.

 

Birdwatching

The Batanes Islands are a well-known and highly-regarded birdwatching location among serious hobbyists. When the prevailing winds change, in September or October, a host of migratory birds fly down through the islands from the Asian land mass. Unfortunately, the peak season for birdwatching is in the off-season and not many visitors come to the islands during this period.