DiscoverItbayat
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Itbayat.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Itbayat
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Itbayat
- The first thing that strikes you when you visit holidays to Itbayat is the sound of the waves smashing on basalt cliffs to remind you that the island has withstood a century of stormy water.
- Strolling along the winding streets of the town itself, you have the smell of fresh seaweed mingling with the odor of the earthly lime-covered stone walls, which is distinctive and memorable to the sense.
- The hilly terrain that surrounds the village bears some green rice paddies as well as root crop fields, providing a living canvas of the agricultural tradition.
- Local fishermen, wrapped in woolen blankets, stand and talk to each other softly at their boats, and exchange the tales which were told before the island was charted.
- Having few commercial outlets, your food will be cooked at home where you will get a true feel of Ivatan cuisine which is quite basic and lacks complexity, yet at the same time is very hearty.
- When the sun sets over the cliffs, the sky is set ablaze in a orange purple blaze that provides a perfect backdrop to photographs that incorporate the rather coarse beauty of the island.
- Capital (of the province): Basco
- International airport: No international airport in Itbayat
- Nearest commonly used: Basco Airport
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Ivatan, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The dramatic coastal cliffs are very high above ocean, they provide panoramic views that appear to be stretched to infinity, hence ideal in sunrise photographs.
- A patchy grass with a banana tree here and there, the hills are the best place to have an easy time walking and discovering the minor beauty of the island.
- The Ivatan architecture is witnessed through the skill that has been developed through generations, through the traditional stone houses which are constructed using limestone and thatches.
- Their small communities observe a high level of bayanihan where neighbors assist one another with the harvests, construction works, and community events.
- The holidays to Itbayat isolated beaches, not developed commercially, enable the visitors to unwind on undistributed sand as they hear the waves as they crash over.
- The rough landscape will offer adventurous tourists hiking and rock-climber trails, starting with easy walks and going as difficult as climbing the mountain.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The holidays to Itbayat season of dryness that falls between March and May offers calmer seas and a clear sky, which makes traveling the sea more safe and visiting the beach more comfortable.
- The temperatures go down and the wind increases during December to February and make the whole environment crisp and refreshing, which one would love in case he/she prefers a cooler weather.
- Typhoons and heavy rains experienced during the rainy season of June to October may cancel the boat schedules and render the cliffs greasy and dangerous.
- Taking a shoulder season trip in late March or early May can often provide good weather and less of a crowd, doing more of a nice stroll.
- Local harvest festivals are most likely to be observed during the late summer period when people in the village will be celebrating the abundance of their harvest through music and dancing.
- It is important to always check the weather conditions and ferry schedules prior to leaving since sometimes schedule changes may take place due to the remote location on the island.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Itbayat Wharf & Town Proper
- The main pier is small but it is a very important entry point to the island by both tourists and local people, and the wooden planks in it are quite robust and have witnessed several boats coming and leaving.
- The quay is lined by a few small stores that sell salt, fresh fish and handcrafted mats as indications of the artisanship of the island.
- The air at the wharf is so quiet that it is broken only by the wailing of gulls in the far distance and the splashing of the waves upon the sides of the hulls of small ships.
- Close to it, a community center is available where traditional weaving classes are offered, which provide the visitors with the opportunity to learn the local textile methods.
- Market days are filled with vendors selling root vegetables and fresh seafood, filling the square and creating a highly active, yet small market.
- A visit to wharf would enable the guests to see the everyday activities of the fishermen who are loading their catches in the boats about to head to the mainland.
Itbayat Stone Houses
- Every stone house is the work of the Ivatan who managed to use the load-bearing technique of the construction, resistant to strong winds.
- The thick stone walls offer natural insulation and therefore, interiors remain cool during summer and warm during the winter seasons.
- The thatched roofs composed of the reeds available locally will provide defense against the rain and also harmonize with the surrounding scenery.
- The houses have open yards in which the family spends their time together enjoying meals and discussing tales under the shade of the banyan trees.
- Simple furnishings, like the woven mats and wooden stools, often feature in their interiors and tend to focus on utility as opposed to luxury.
- Tourists are given a chance to explore a number of the preserved houses to get to touch with the stone of centuries and the impression of continuity in the Ivatan lifestyle.
Coastal Cliffs & Beaches
- Cliffs that run along the coastline can be as high as 200 meters which provide incredible sceneries and are ideal when taking panoramic shots.
- Secluded places exist in between cliffs with hidden coves where a person can hear the waves without being interrupted by tourists.
- The rugged beaches are also immaculate and would not be changed by any commercial development since the sand is fine.
- The rocks at low tide feature finer details of life in the sea, thus inviting people curious enough to examine the ecosystem closely.
- The cliffs act as wind resistant natural barriers, which form micro climates that accommodate rare plants like strong ferns and sweet smelling herbs.
- Divers and cliff-jumpers enjoy the waters and the excitement of the natural setting in the area.
Rolling Hills and Farmland
- The hills have some gentle slopes that are interspersed with rice paddies, whereby local farmers are using the traditional irrigation techniques that have been enhanced over centuries.
- The island is diverse in agriculture whereby seasonal root crops like sweet potato and taro are sprouting out of the earth.
- There are hiking trails that cut across the hills and provide a tranquil walking experience to the individuals who desire to view the landscape at different levels.
- On the road, goats and chickens can be met, wandering around, and contributing to the pastoral beauty of the picture.
- The mountains are used as a natural amphitheater to host community events whereby the villagers usually sing and dance.
- The most basic of farmhouses, constructed by using both stone and thatch are a testament to the strength and functionality of Ivatan country life.
Reason 05
Discover More
Sabtang Rock Formations
- A boat ride to holidays to Itbayat, the Sabtang rocks offer a rough coast with great basalt spires.
- These formations are a captivating subject to the photographers and in particular when the sun is rising and the light gives long shadows over the cliffs.
- There are local guides who have knowledge on how to go through the treacherous currents and identify safe areas where the visitors can have a close look of the rocks.
- The region is abundant in sea life, and there are coral reefs that support numerous species of fish so it is a silent place to snorkel.
- The presence of the massive rocks addresses the geological processes which fashioned the Batanes archipelago in the course of millennia.
- Tourists should take care of nature to ensure that they do not litter it by walking on designated paths.
Small Villages and Barangays
- The strolling around the villages gives out a picture of mosaic of stone houses piled up in the middle of the plazas which are central to the community.
- Barangay has its own unique rhythm and day to day chores like fishing, weaving and farming can be seen in every barangay at any time of the day and night.
- The residents of the village usually invite tourists to take part in the simple activities of their village and this is an excellent chance to teach the traditional skills on the spot.
- It is possible to see how families handle their domestic tasks, which can help understand the idea of cooperative spirit that characterizes Ivatan society.
- Native reeds are used by local craftsmen to make baskets and mats; these can be bought as original souvenirs.
- The structure of the villages explains that people can adjust to the harsher climate of the island, thus utilizing thick stone walls and thatched roofs to help make the environment comfortable.
Churches and Community Schools
- The community schools have small classes that are usually established in open areas where the students can study in the warm rays of the sun.
- Such schools are also a source of cultural continuation with kids singing ancient songs and playing ancient games.
- The churches are typically plain stone buildings, which also arrange regular Masses that both locals and visitors attend, making them feel that they are connected in terms of spirituality.
- The churches have turned into the location of processions, dances, and community feasts as part of religious festivals to honor the heritage of the island.
- Most of the schools have cultural workshops where the tourists are invited to experience the hands-on activities in weaving and in the pottery process.
- A trip through such institutions gives a first-hand experience on what informs the Ivatan lifestyle; reverence towards faith, education and community.
Hidden Streams and Coves
- The hills are lined with a network of small fresh water streams that flow into inland pools which are ideal in cooling down after a hike.
- The native fish species can be found in these streams and their clear water gives a cool relief in the hot afternoons.
- Secluded beaches in the coast are safeguarded by concealed coves and the cliffs enhance the sound of the waves in the area.
- The coves usually have fertile vegetation thus making them the best places to view birds and get a sight of native seabirds.
- Not all of these natural attractions have been affected by modern civilization and provide tourists with a clean collection of pristine sceneries.
- The access to these coves is not very well marked out, and thus the tourists are recommended to use local guides to be able to move safely and not to harm the environment.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Ivatans show their Catholic religion by very colorful fiesta processions, when the inhabitants of villages wear brightly-colored clothes and carry the images of patron saints.
- Conventional dressings like the balatik woven shawl are still worn throughout the festivals and this is a great sign of strong adherence to the ancestry.
- Rhythmic footwork and hand movements in folk dances that are delivered in community gatherings have a history that can be traced to the ancient practices.
- Storytelling is an important aspect of the Ivatan culture, and the elders tell young people about the legends of the sea and the islands.
- Crafted music instruments, made out of wood and bamboo, are used during communal sings in special occasions.
- Even the interdependence is high as seen in the fact that the community members are all involved in fishing and farming.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Seafood, especially canned tuna and salted fish, is the major culinary element on the island, which is no wonder given that the inhabitants depend on the sea.
- Root crops are also cooked in the dry season like sweet potato and yam, which have simple seasonings and the natural sweetness of these crops stands out.
- Ivatan breads that are traditional are prepared using millet and corn cooked over open coals to give them a crust that is very aromatic which is served with fish stews.
- Eating is also very social, and it is typical in most cases when families eat grilled fish and boiled root vegetables in huge portions outside in the open air.
- Restaurant services are limited and most of the meals are done at home, which can also give the travelers a true taste of local tastes.
- Due to the lack of ATMs, guests should make sure not to run out of cash and bring bottled water to be able to afford the needs during the whole time.
Fun
- There is no better way to have a panoramic view than by climbing through the rugged cliffs which give you a view that cannot be compared with any other, and you will be able to take pictures of the dramatic view of the island in various angles.
- The photographers will have inexhaustible possibilities to capture the interaction of light with stone walls and waves.
- A traditional fishing experience is a unique experience to see how the Ivaten people utilize the resources of the sea using powerful nets and boats.
- The visits to the villages will allow respectful communication with the locals and result in incidental storytelling and the cultural exchange.
- Spending time on the virgin beaches, you will be able to relax in a calm atmosphere that does not seem to be very close to the noise of modern life.
- Attending local fiestas, as time will allow, lets you partake in the happy environment of music and dancing, as well as common sustenance.
Fashion
- Dress warmly in sweater of wool or fleece jackets to prevent the coldness that may be as sudden as the high winds and sea breezes.
- Good hiking boots that are of good grip are important when going through rough trails and rugged coasts.
- Long sleeves and closed-toed shoes are modest style, and when attending churches and adhering to the local traditions, they are respectful.
- Use sunscreen regularly, because the high elevation of the island may increase the amount of ultraviolet light especially on bare cliffs.
- Also, to take care of oneself when enjoying the natural environment, it is best to carry an insect repellant and consume as much bottled water as possible.
- Be ready to stay in poor conditions, carrying a flashlight, a small first-aid and additional clothing layers.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The cliffs create natural nesting places of the seabirds, whose calls may be heard echoing all through the island in early morning hours.
- Goats also roam freely on the hills, and their presence brings a pastoral touch to the dramatic scene.
- One can find small livestock near the villages (e.g. chickens and ducks) which offers fresh eggs to the families.
- Holidays to Itbayat sea is very abundant with fish species and therefore, it has attracted both amateur swimmers and professional divers.
- Its vegetation is hardy shrubs, ferns and some fruit trees, all acclimated to such a windy and salt-prone climate.
- Since the trails are mostly primitive, care should be taken by the visitors and they have to mark their way and maintain the routes so that the wilderness does not get lost.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The town fiesta when the town honors the patron saint, in May, is marked by a procession through the town, as attended by the drums and flutes.
- Smaller celebrations such as barangay fiestas enable the guests to have close dances and community meals that showcase local cuisine.
- The Holy Week is a somber period, during which the religious processions and blessings unite the society.
- Fishing and harvest festivals follow the arrival of the seasonal corn, and group feasts feature displays of new catches and new root crops.
- All the events expose the spiritual devotion of the Ivatan, community, and the profound respect they have towards the natural world that supports them.
- You can plan your holidays to Itbayat visit to take place during these celebrations to experience more of what the island has to offer, give you an insight into the cultural pulse of the island.