Batan Island

Long-ignored by the lower mainland because of its remoteness, Batan and the smaller islands of Batanes burst into the scene when intrepid travelers crossed tempestuous seas far north and started bringing stories of unspoilt islands floating without care in the tumultuous South China Sea. While amenities are being put into place to make Batanes up to speed, the largest –Batan Island – still beckons with verdant cliffs abruptly dropping to pounding surf below, rolling hills populated by grazing cows, pre-Hispanic settlements, squat stone houses, Spanish-era churches, and a promise of heaven on earth under the milky blanket of stars when power is out and cold beer is at hand.