South Batan Tour: 16 Places to See in South Batan Island

Blog Updated on April 24, 2026 by Aldrick ‘chiki’ Agpaoa

Being the 82nd province in my personal quest for #Project82PH, Batanes is the culmination of my journey around the Philippines. In this blog, I will be featuring the South Batan Tour of 3 municipalities in Batanes, namely: Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan.

Read also: Breathtaking Batanes (North Batan Tour)

Here are the 16 places I have personally been to in SOUTH BATAN when I visited Batanes:

16 Places to See and Things to Do in South Batan Island, Batanes

MAHATAO

Chawa View Deck

Kicking off your South Batan Tour is a visit to the Chawa View Deck in the municipality of Mahatao. As Batanes is a series of islands that are volcanic in nature, almost all of its borders are high limestone rocks with few shorelines. This view deck can also serve as a resting place during your tour.

San Carlos Borromeo Church and the “Maywang a Libru Du Batanes”

San Carlos Borromeo Church is the largest church in the municipality of Mahatao. Locally known as the Mahatao Church, this Dominican-led church is also conferred the National Cultural Heritage Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2001. Beside the Mahatao Church is a Library called “The Blank Book Archives” or the “Maywang a Libru Du Batanes.” Curated by UP Fine Arts graduate Jay Ticar, this library served as a silent diary for locals and tourists alike and they can write anything they want on these books when they visit.

Racuh-a-Payaman (Marlboro Country)

One of the highlights of the South Batan Tour is a visit to Racuh-a-Payaman or the Marlboro Country of Batanes. It features a 180-degree view of Batan island overlooking Diura Beach and the Tayid Lighthouse. This place is also a local pastureland and many grazing animals can be seen during your visit.

Tayid Lighthouse

The hexagonal structure of Tayid Lighthouse is one of its kind in Batanes. Built in 2002 just second from the Basco Lighthouse in Naidi Hills, the name “tayid” comes from the act of pulling as early settlers used to ‘pull themselves’ up the hill when they wanted to go to the town center. The area is privately owned and you have to pay ₱ 50 entrance fee when visiting. This lighthouse gives you a panoramic view of the Diura fishing village (with their iconic faluwas parked at shore), Mount Iraya, and Mount Matarem. You can also see uniformly partitioned lands by “liveng” or hedgerows, signifying the boundary of each farmland. From a distance, you can also see Racuh-a-Payaman from here.

IVANA

Maydangeb White Beach

This 200-300-meter stretch of Maydangeb White Beach located between the municipalities of Ivana and Mahatao is a popular local beach destination. It is just located a few meters from the Huhmurun Blue Lagoon and its secluded vibe is what makes the area more exclusive (and free)! This place is also a good spot for snorkeling.

Toblerone Hills

If you imagine the Toblerone mountain of Switzerland, Batanes also has a local version known as the Toblerone Hills. These green hills situated by the shores of Ivana are also a scenic spot and a perfect break from your South Batan tour.

Radiwan Port

Radiwan Port is the main port in the municipality of Ivana and is the main gateway to the island municipality of Sabtang. It also houses several “tatawas” or small fishing vessels of locals. The port is also adjacent to the iconic Ivana lighthouse and the San Jose el Obrero Church.

Bridge of San Jose (Tuhel Spanish Bridge)

Built from pure limestone with no steel reinforcements during the Spanish period, the Bridge of San Jose (also known as Tuhel Spanish Bridge) is one of the main walkways of local Ivaneos during the colonial period going to the San Jose el Obrero Church. Until today, this bridge is still being used by locals and is one of the oldest structures in the municipality of Ivana.

House of Dakay

Also known as the Jose Estrella House, the House of Dakay is one of the oldest stone houses in Ivana, built in 1877. Notably known as one of the four remaining standing houses during the great earthquake of 1918, this house was once a residence of the Estrella family and is typically made from limestone rocks and thatched cogon roof. It is now one of the popular tourist attractions in Ivana and part of the South Batan tour and is now a National Cultural and Historical Treasure.

San Jose el Obrero Church

Locally known as Ivana Church, the San Jose el Obrero Church is the biggest Catholic Church in the municipality of Ivana. This church is also designated as a National Historical Landmark and is also a Dominican-led church. The church is located just across the Radiwan Port, overlooking Sabtang Island.

Ivana Lighthouse

This striking and modern lighthouse is the main attraction when docking and disembarking to and from Radiwan Port. The Ivana Lighthouse is also used by local fishermen, alongside the Sabtang Lighthouse to guide them during fishing season. The lighthouse is just a few steps away from the San Jose el Obrero Church and the Honesty Coffee Shop.

Honesty Coffee Shop

Since gaining popularity in the early 2010s, the Honesty Coffee Shop in Ivana is a must-stop. Showcasing the honesty culture of the Ivatans, the store is really unmanned and it is solely a self-service shop. You can just get what you want to purchase, log it in a logbook, and pay at designated pay boxes. It is basically a store filled with basic goods (even with their local produce such as garlic and onion). At present, it now has an extended Honesty Souvenir Shop and an Honesty Lodging House. This is a perfect place for having a snack while on your South Batan Tour.

UYUGAN

Mutchung View Point

Mutchung View Point is one of the main attractions in the municipality of Uyugan – the southernmost town in the province of Batanes. This is also where you will find the “I Love Uyugan” sign and will give you a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish Church

Located in Barangay Itbud, the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish Church is known for its modern architecture and quiet neighborhood.This is also the largest church in the municipality of Uyugan.

Alapad Hills and Rock Formation

If you have seen the famous “Blow UR Horn” sign in Batanes, this is the place to look for. The Alapad Hills and Rock Formation features a scenic rock formation with the famous Blow UR Horn sign. Apparently, there are a lot of “Blow UR Horn” signs in Batanes and this one is the most popular. This is also where you will find the Madangay Hills and have some free time in its ‘lonely swing’ overlooking the shores of Uyugan and the National Museum – Batanes.

National Museum – Batanes

Considered to be the Northernmost branch of the National Museum of the Philippines, the National Museum – Batanes houses some interesting artifacts found around the 11 islands of the province. From traditional attires and accessories for daily life, the Ivatan culture is best summarized in this place. It also highlights the “Kapañidungan” or “bayanihan” of the locals.

Read also: Breathtaking Batanes Travel Guide

Where to Eat in South Batan, Batanes

MAHATAO

Marconine’s Food Catering

Marconine’s Food Catering is the main dining area when you visit Rakuh-a-Payaman or the Marlboro Hills in Mahatao. They also have a restaurant portion where you can see the hills while you eat.

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!