Basco Tours

See firsthand the beauty of Batanes with this full-day tour of Batan Island. If you’re looking to experience the highlights of the whole island in just one day, then this package is just what you need and more.  After being picked up from your accommodation, sit back and enjoy the view in comfort as you travel around the coastal winding roads of Batan Island. Your first stop will be at the Vayang Rolling Hills. Offering vast green pastures overlooking the sea, this site is perfect for your photo-ops. Breathe in the cool sea breeze and soak in the view before you head over to the Naidi Lighthouse. The lighthouse proudly stands at a height of 66 feet, giving you an amazing vantage point of the whole town of Basco.    Some four kilometers from the lighthouse is the Valugan Boulder Beach, a long stretch of boulder-blanketed coastline formed after Mt. Iraya’s eruption in 400 AD. This rocky bay offers a view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the active volcano on the other. You will then enjoy a stopover at the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel. Composed of volcanic rocks and cement, the tunnel served as the Japanese soldiers’ hideout during their occupation in the country in the 1940s.  From there, you’ll visit the quaint Mt. Carmel Chapel, a tiny church on a hill that’s sought-after for destination weddings. While in here, pray and contemplate before you proceed to your next destination, the PAGASA Tukon radar station. Sitting on top of a hill, the station provides visitors with a 360-degree view of Batan Island that goes as far out as the town proper of Basco and the fields of Mahatao.  You will see with more spectacular views at your next destination, the Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge. The nature lodge was built on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the favorite view decks on the island. Another must-see viewpoint on Batan is the Rakuh-A-Payaman, one of the Batanes’ most iconic destinations. Popularly called “Marlboro Country”, this idyllic communal pastureland where cows and carabaos graze offers a view of rolling hills, a cove and, the wide-open sea framed by cliffsides. From there, you will make your way to the Alapad Rock Formations, where you will be welcomed by its captivating view of natural rocks weathered by the elements. Pose for some photos here before heading to the Honesty Cafe. This shop has no attending staff, so visitors are expected to pay for their purchases honestly.  Less than a kilometer away from the cafe is the Tuhel Spanish Bridge that dates back to the 1800s. You will then end your day with a visit to the San Carlos Borromeo Church of Mahatao next. This Baroque-style church has been listed as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines. Marvel at postcard-perfect views of the entire Batan Island in just one day with this hassle-free tour in Batanes. Check the booking availability by choosing a date.

Climb to the summit of the highest point of Batanes on this full-day guided tour of Mt. Iraya. If you’re an avid mountaineer and nature lover who want an off-the-beaten-path experience while in the province, then this package is just what you’re looking for.  After being picked up from your accommodation, you will be dropped off at the jump-off point, where you will immediately start your trek to Mt. Iraya after a short introduction of the rules and regulations you need to follow to ensure the mountain’s preservation. Mt. Iraya is actually an active volcano that towers over Basco at approximately 1,009 meters above sea level, making it very visible even from the airport albeit its peak almost always covered by clouds. Rated a moderate to difficult climb, the mountain is rarely visited by tourists. Don't worry, though, as your guide will be with you at all times.  As you trek to the top, you will pass by various trails in protected areas that are abundant with endemic flora and fauna. You will also catch a glimpse of the Basco Lighthouse and town proper. You will take on the trails that wind around the mountain. After a few hours of trekking, you will reach an area flanked with high reeds that lead to the most challenging portion of the hike. Ascend up the steep, almost vertical trail with rocks that serve as footholds and handholds for assistance. After completing that section, you will soon reach the summit. If the weather is good, your efforts will be rewarded with a picture-perfect view of the island and Mt. Matarem on the other end. Rest and enjoy your packed lunch at the summit. After a while, you will make your way down to the jump-off point, where your vehicle awaits. Put on your hiking shoes and prepare to scale the remote mountain of Mt. Iraya in Batanes with this guided trekking tour. Check the booking availability by choosing a date.

Explore the beautiful landscape of Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, in this sightseeing tricycle tour of northern Batan, the province’s second-biggest island. If you like seeing verdant rolling hills and scenic seascapes, then this tour is for you.  Your excursion begins when you are picked up from your accommodation in Basco and taken to Vunong Dinette. Here, you will be served authentic Ivatan cuisine. Enjoy your delicious lunch and make sure to try out their specialty dish, the Vunong meal, a plate of turmeric rice, beefsteak, and native pork adobo wrapped in breadfruit leaves. Once you're finished with your meal, you will head to Mt. Carmel Chapel, a rustic stone church built by one of the prominent families in the island. Marvel at the chapel’s stone-finished facade, which is made from the materials coming from the local beach. A short drive from the chapel is the PAGASA “Tukun” Weather station. Thanks to the station’s elevation, you will see here a 360-degree view of the surrounding beachscape and cliffs.  You will then see Fundacion Pacita next, a non-profit bed and breakfast that helps fund the cultural preservation efforts, education, and livelihood projects of the Ivatan. Situated in the hills, this lodge offers its guests and visitors an overlooking view of the ocean. After taking in the views at the lodge, you will be taken to the Basco Idjang Didawud. Sitting about a hundred meters above sea level, this view deck is made out of molten volcanic magma and provides you with a panoramic view of the surrounding seascape. You will need to trek the steep slope by the National Road to reach the view deck.  Afterward, you will see a glimpse of the island’s past when you visit the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel. This interconnected network of tunnels in Tukon Hills serves as a remnant of WWII and a landmark that signaled the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. You can see the inside of the tunnel with your guide.  A short drive from the tunnel will take you to the Valugan Boulder Beach, a kilometer-long stretch of shore that is mostly made up of boulders. From there, you will also drop by Casa Real (Provincial Capitol), the Kilometer “0” marker, and the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral. See more of Batan’s lush pastoral landscape when you head to Vayang Rolling Hills, a picturesque terrain that serves as a poster picture of the island. Make sure to ready your camera as the contrasting blue of the Pacific Ocean and the green hills make a good backdrop. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide to take your photos! You will then go on a quick stroll along Abad Street, Basco’s commercial street before capping off your day at the Basco Lighthouse and Bunker Complex at Naidi Hills to watch the sunset. Experience the best of north Batan in Batanes aboard a local tricycle with this guided afternoon tour. Check availability by choosing a date

Hit the road and explore the northern section of Batan, the second-largest island of Batanes. Taking you from rolling hills to pebble beaches, this afternoon tour is perfect for backpackers who love to sightsee and discover new destinations. Your tour begins when you are picked up from the airport in Basco and taken straight to Vunong Dinette. Here, you will be served with an authentic Ivatan cuisine for your lunch. Try their specialty called Vunong meal, a signature dish of turmeric rice, beefsteak, and native pork adobo wrapped in breadfruit leaves. Upon finishing your sumptuous meal, you will head to Mt. Carmel Chapel. Patterned after the traditional stone house of Batanes, this chapel is meant to withstand the fiercest of storms that hit the area frequently. From here, you can also visit the Tukun Weather Station, located some 250 meters away.  After some quick photos in the weather station, you will check out the Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge, a nature lodge built on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Some of the profits of this private accommodation are used to fund livelihood and educational projects around the islands. You will also be visiting Basco Idjang Didawud. This popular viewing deck is made out of molten volcanic magma elevated around a hundred meters above sea level. From the National Road drop-off point, you will be trekking the steep slopes toward view deck.  After you’ve had your fill of the landscapes at the viewing point, you will be taken to the Dipnaysuhuan Japanese Tunnel, an interconnected network of tunnels in Tukon Hills. It dates back to World War II, serving as the shelter of the Japanese soldiers who came to the island in the early 1940s. Your guide will lead you into the tunnel, which is made out of volcanic rocks and cement.  From the tunnel, you will stop over at the Valugan Boulder Bay and Vayang Rolling Hills, two postcard-worthy attractions that are almost the pinup picture for Batanes. You will also check out Casa Real (Provincial Capitol), the Kilometer “0” marker, and the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral before going on a walking tour of Abad Street, Basco’s commercial street. You will end your day at the Basco Lighthouse and Bunker Complex at Naidi Hills to watch the sunset. See for yourself the picture-perfect landscape of Basco Town in Batanes with this afternoon sightseeing tour. Check availability by choosing a date.

See what makes Batanes a must-see destination with this private sightseeing tour of the northern section of Batan, the second-largest island of the province. If you’re looking to maximize your stay in North Batan before heading off to the other islands of Batanes, then this afternoon excursion is just what you need.  By lunchtime, you will be picked up from the airport or in your accommodation in Basco and taken to Vunong Dinette. Your lunch of authentic Ivatan cuisine will be served here. Expect to taste a medley of flavors in the local dishes and make sure to try the specialty called Vunong meal, a signature dish of turmeric rice, beefsteak, and native pork adobo wrapped in breadfruit leaves. Once you’re done eating, you will hit the road and make your way to Mt. Carmel Chapel, a small chapel patterned after the traditional stone houses of Batanes. From here, you will be driven to the PAGASA “Tukun” Weather station, where you can drink in the 360-degree views of the sharp cliffs by the beach on one side and the rolling hills on the other. You will also see the Mt. Iraya and Dinem Island here.   You will be rewarded with more stunning views at your next destination, the Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge. This nature lodge is built on a hill that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the favorite view decks on the island. From there, you will be taken to the Basco Idjang Didawud. Made out of molten volcanic magma and sits at around a hundred meters above sea level, the Basco Idjang Didawud will provide you with a panoramic view of the surrounding seascape. To reach the view deck, you will trek up the steep slope from the National Road.  Your next stop will be the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel, an interconnected network of tunnels in Tukon Hills that was a remnant of World War II. This historical landmark signaled the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. If you like, you can explore the insides of the tunnel, which is made out of volcanic rocks and cement.  From the tunnel, you will proceed to Valugan Boulder Beach. The kilometer-long stretch of shore covered by boulders is an aftermath of Mt. Irayat’s eruption and the continuous polishing of the waves and tides that lap against the rocks.  You will also check out Casa Real (Provincial Capitol), the Kilometer “0” marker, and the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral before heading to Vayang Ranch. The ranch is commonly known as the Rolling Hills because of the picturesque view of the vast stretch of green mounds set against the blue sky. From there, you will stroll along Abad Street, Basco’s commercial street before ending your day at the Basco Lighthouse and Bunker Complex at Naidi Hills to watch the sunset. Get introduced to the picture-perfect landscape of North Batan in Batanes with this private afternoon sightseeing tour. Check availability by choosing a date.