Must Read When Visiting Batanes

Kapian kamu pa nu Dios and Welcome to Batanes!

Batanes in its entirety by virtue of RA 8991 is declared as a Protected Landscape and
Seascape because of its diverse flora and fauna and its breathtaking natural features.
Its inhabitants – we call Ivatans are recognized as one of the 103 diverse indigenous
people in the Philippines. Recognizing this uniqueness, Batanes was declared as a
responsible, community based cultural based and ecotourism zone through RA 10866
also known as the Batanes Responsible Tourism Act.

Batanes is composed of 11 islands with only three inhabited – the Batan island,
Sabtang and Itbayat. Its 230 square kilometers of land area has six municipalities, 29
barangays and approximately 17,000 residents.
 

Given the distinct natural and cultural landscapes of Batanes, we encourage everyone
to join in protecting and preserving what is breathtaking in Batanes.

• Gathering or bringing out of any natural endowments and treasures such as stones, shells, corals, sands, and any other flora and fauna is strictly prohibited.
   
• Littering is also strictly prohibited on all islands. Guests are encouraged to bring garbage back to their hotel for proper waste disposal.
  
• We advise everyone to dress appropriately particularly in churches, cultural sites, and in the communities. Wearing skimpy shorts or spaghetti strapped tops may be disturbing for the locals.
  
• Children are used to showing respect to the elders through the practice of pagmamano. If they try to extend their hands to you in the act of mano, please accept.
   
• All researchers and media documenters are required to request and comply with the requirements of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 30 days prior to the date of research or shoot.
   
• To support the businesses of locals, we recommend that you avail tour packages from our local tour operators.
   
• Landbank and PNB ATMs are available in Basco. The mode of payment is in cash since there are no credit card services offered in the island.
   
• There is a limited access to the internet. We encourage you to social-media cleanse during your stay, explore Ivatan ways of simplicity and enjoy the breathtaking sceneries Batanes has to offer.