Itbayat Island: 12 Places to see in PH’s Northernmost Town

Blog Updated on May 8, 2026 by Aldrick ‘chiki’ Agpaoa

Being in some of the extreme points in the Philippines, here is another milestone for me – reaching the northernmost municipality of the Philippines – ITBAYAT! Here is the last municipality in my personal #Project82PH quest and 12 of the places I have personally visited.

Read also: Sabtang Island Tour: 6 Tourist Spots to see in this Island

Here are the 12 places I have personally explored  in ITBAYAT ISLAND when I visited Batanes:

12 Places to Explore in Itbayat Island, Batanes

Valanga Port

Valanga Port is one of the major ports of entry in the island of Itbayat. It is the primary passenger port when the weather is calm and is located just a few kilometers away from the town center of the island. It hosts around 2 to 3 trips per day (morning only) from Basco.

Tachimus Port

The still-to-be-constructed Tachimus Port will soon serve as an alternate port when going to Itbayat from Basco.

Famous Windswept Arius Tree

As Arius trees are common in Batanes, this “Famous Windswept Arius Tree” in Itbayat has become a tourist attraction on its own. Given its unique features from a regular-growing Arius Tree, this plant just withstands the test of time and grows diagonally adapting to the winds that frequent the place.

Torongan Cliff + Torongan Cave

The Torongan Cliff and Torongan Cave is one of the main attractions in Itbayat Island. Given the nature of the island with no natural shores, this cliff also gives a glimpse of the once accessible Torongan Cave. The cave can be visited before but because of the recent destructive earthquake that struck the province of Batanes in 2019, huge boulders from the cliff covered the main entrance going to the cave, hence, making it now inaccessible.

Cavaywan (Kavaywan) Water Reservoir

This natural freshwater lake is found just south of the Itbayat Airport. The Cavaywan (Kavaywan) Lake / Water Reservoir is the only lake in Itbayat and is a vital water source for nearby farms and local households.

Mauyen Cliff and Port

One of the highest cliffs in Itbayat is the Mauyen Cliff in Barangay Raele. It showcases a beautiful contrast between the cliff’s gray limestones, the green landscapes, and the blue waters of Batanes. It also has a small port mainly used for emergencies going to Basco / Batan Island.

Itbayat Airport

Also known as Jorge Abad Airport, Itbayat Airport is the northernmost commercial airport in the Philippines. Located in Barangay Raele just on the northern portion of the Cavaywan Lake, this is the primary and only airport on the island connecting to the capital town of Basco. There are at least 2 to 3 flights per day in this airport (morning only) and caters only to small turbo planes.

Itbayat View Deck

This is the northernmost point I have been to in the province of Batanes. The Itbayat View Deck located in the highest point of the island, Mount Carobooban gives you a 360-degree view of the Itbayat and the nearby Siayan Island. You will also get to see the convergence point between the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Rapang Cliff

If you are visiting Itbayat, do not miss going to Rapang Cliff. This ridge is one of the most iconic spots in Itbayat. It features several rock formations, endless greens and grazing animals, and the interesting “stone bells” used by local farmers to reorganize and count their livestock. Coming from the Ivatan word “maraparapa” meaning “attached together,” Rapang Cliff is a series of rock formations when viewed from its highest point.

Good Shepherd Chapel

Since the Santa Maria de Mayan Parish Church was destroyed by a strong earthquake in 2019, the Good Shepherd Chapel now became the main place of catholic worship in Itbayat. It is just located behind the original location of the then-demolished church, near the municipal park.

Itbayat Municipal Hall

The Itbayat Municipal Hall is the northernmost municipal capital building in the Philippines. This is the seat of government of the island municipality. It is located just across the Itbayat District Hospital.

Umawen Arc

Umawen Arc is considered to be a hidden tourist attraction in Itbayat and is located just near the Chinapoliran Port. This interesting rock formation features a hollow cove of limestone, probably carved by the crashing waves over time. When I visited here, I thought I was standing on firm ground but I am really not. This is also one of the last spots to visit before leaving for Basco.

Read also: Breathtaking Batanes Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Itbayat, Batanes

Lozano’s Homestay

This simple homestay is one of the newest accommodation options in Itbayat. Located around a few meters from the town proper, it is equipped with at least 2 rooms with their own bathrooms. Their Wi-Fi signal is intermittent as well as telecommunication lines all over the island.

Sample Itinerary when Visiting Batanes

If you have the luxury of time when visiting Batanes, a 5-day, 4-night itinerary would work with a lot of rest time / free time. Here is a sample 5-day itinerary to all the 6 municipalities of Batanes (the itinerary I followed when I visited). *Note that there are some places that are not on the list as I have not visited them personally (a sign for me to come back! 🙂)

Day 1

North Batan Tour

BASCO

*check-in at accommodation

*Brunch – Beehan Food Enterprise (must try: Meal Set A)

*Tukon Chapel (Mt. Carmel Chapel)

*Tukon Radar Station (PAGASA Weather Station)

*Fundacion Pacita

*Didawud Idjang

*Dipnaysuhuan Japanese Tunnel

*Valugan Boulder Beach

*Basco Rolling Hills

*Naidi Basco Lighthouse

*Dinner – Shanedel’s Inn and Cafe

*Souvenir Buying – Tawsen Souvenir Shop

Day 2

Sabtang Island Tour

*Port of Sabtang

*San Vicente Ferrer Church

*Chamantad-Tiñan Viewpoint

*St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel

*Savidug Stone Houses

*Morong Beach

*Mayahao Arch

*Nakabuang Cave

*Lunch – Pananayan Canteen and Catering Services

*Sabtang Lighthouse

Day 3

South Batan Tour

BASCO

*Welcome to Basco Sign

*Basco Plaza

*Basco Municipal Hall

*Batanes Provincial Capitol

*Kilometer Zero (Batan Island)

*Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Basco Cathedral)

*Lunch – Cafe Pampayukay

MAHATAO

*Chawa Viewdeck

*Mahatao Shelter Port

*San Carlos Borromeo Church (Mahatao Church) – try writing at the “Blank Page Archives”

*Huhmurun Blue Lagoon

*Maydangeb White Beach

*Toblerone Hills

*Lunch – Marconine’s Food Catering

*Racuh-a Payaman (Marlboro Country)

*Tayid Lighthouse

IVANA

*Welcome Ivana Sign

*Bridge of San Jose (Old Spanish Bridge)

*House of Dakay

*San Jose el Obrero Church

*Ivana Lighthouse

*Brunch / Snack – Honesty Coffee Shop – also souvenir buying

*Radiwan Port

UYUGAN

*Welcome to Uyugan Sign

*Mutchung Viewpoint – “I Love Uyugan”

*Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish Church

*Alapad Hills and Rock Formation – Famous “Blow UR Horn Sign”

*National Museum – Batanes

Day 4 and 5

Itbayat Tour

*Valanga Port

*Tachimus Port

*Famous Windswept Arius Tree

*Torongan Cliff and Torongan Cave

*Cavaywan Water Reservoir

*Mauyen Cliff and Port

*Itbayat Airport

*Lunch and Dinner – Pagsit Farm

*Itbayat View Deck – Mount Carabooban

*Rapang Cliff – try their “stone bells”

*St. Joseph Husband of Mary Chapel

*Itbayat Municipal Hall

*Umawen Arc

*There are a lot of food and accommodation options when visiting Batanes. Just ask your preferred tour guide where you want to stay and eat. It is also recommended that you have your own tour guide to accompany you throughout your visit to lessen the burden of paying all the necessary fees and to have a hassle-free trip! You can contact my guide, Kuya Dennix Ferido Cantor of Naidi Hills Tour Services (click on his name to direct you to his Facebook profile. Just tell him I referred him to you!) and have an amazing Batanes trip!

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*Note that the places, prices, and information written as of publication date and time are true and are given best during my visit. Changes may occur without prior notice. If you notice any changes to the information given above, you can e-mail me here so we can dish things up!*

We’re born to travel!