Itbayat, Batanes

The island of Itbayat is the largest of the three inhabited islands that compose the province of Batanes. It is also the northernmost municipality in the Philippines, located only over 200 kilometers from the southernmost tip of Taiwan.

While the church and civil government were already established in Batan Island mid-1783, its was only in 1855 that civil authority was officially established and the mission canonically founded in Itbayat. A mere pueblo during the Spanish regime, it became a municipal district when the Americans organized the province in 1909. However, in 1935, it became a municipality.


Barangays: Itbayat is politically subdivided into 5 barangays.
• San Jose (Raele)
• San Rafael (Idiang)
• Santa Lucia (Kauhauhasan)
• Santa Maria (Marapuy)
• Santa Rosa (Kaynatuan)
Transportation
The only way to reach Itbayat by a direct route from Manila is by plane. There are commercial carriers that service flights to Itbayat from Basco, the capital of Batanes.
Lately, carriers available are:
• Philippine Airline
• Skyjet
• (others)

Tourist Attractions
• Siayan Island
An island north of Itbayat with beautiful beaches, one hour ride by motorboat from Itbayat (depending on sea condition)
• Di'nem Island
An island made of lowering cliff with boulder beaches and good for mountain climbing.
• Rapang Cliff
A natural park with a ringing mushroom like rock, believed to have been used to call the ancient settlers to a meeting.
• Mount Riposed
One of the two volcanoes that have been the foundation of Itbayat Island, This volcano has panoramic view of the island.
• Mount Karaboboan
The other pair of Mount Riposed that is one of the foundation of Itbayat. It is also an old settlement for the early settlers of Itbayat.
• Torongan Cave
The most ancient dwelling place and on top is a burial ground, and believed to be the first landing place of the austronecians from Taiwan 2000 BC.
• Nahini Votox
With its own Ijang and boat-shaped burial grounds. It is also an ancient settlement with plenty of broken clay pots. Its Ijang has a spectacular view of Dinem and the easter cost of Itbayat Island.
• Underground Stream in Kumayasakas
It flows down the sea, northwest of Itbayat.
• Itbayat Caves
These caves have a majestic feature of stalagmites and stalagtites. The caves are named Northern Sarokan, Eastern Sarokan, Do'tboran Cave, and Pevangan Cave.
• Agosan Rock
A rock formation north of Itbayat. It is a breeding site for endangered birds.
• Vernacular houses
These are composed of 3 structures:
• the Kitchen where they use kugon to cook;
• the actual house where people stay;
• the bathroom.
• Port Mauyen
An alternative port south of Itbayat with 14 zigzag roads. Located 14 kilometers from town.
• Groto - 155 steps up