Welcome the New Year with a meaningful escape to Batanes. Join our 4-day Praycation with a Pilgrimage Chaplain from January 18 to 21, 2027, and step away from the noise of daily life to pray, reflect, and encounter God amid the breathtaking landscapes and serene charm of one of the Philippine’s most treasured destinations.
Your praycation begins at the picturesque Mount Carmel Chapel, designed in the traditional Ivatan style and set against the stunning backdrop of the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Continue to Radar Tukon, a former lighthouse perched atop a hill, where sweeping panoramic views of Batan Island, Mount Iraya, and the surrounding seas await. As you take in the breathtaking scenery, let the cool island breeze and the quiet beauty of Batanes renew your spirit.
Discover Basco’s Idjang, an ancient Ivatan hilltop settlement that once served as a natural fortress and refuge for the island’s early inhabitants. Stroll along the rugged shores of Valugan Boulder Bay, where massive volcanic rocks—cast by the ancient eruption of Mount Iraya—create a striking coastal landscape. Later, join in the celebration of Holy Mass at Basco Cathedral, also known as Sto. Domingo de Basco, the oldest church in Batanes. Dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the cathedral stands as a cherished symbol of the province’s deep Catholic faith.
From the scenic Vayang Rolling Hills, continue to Naidi Hills, home to the iconic Basco Lighthouse. Perched above the coastline, it offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Mount Iraya, and the rolling landscapes of Batan Island.
After an early breakfast, welcome the day with morning prayers at Tayid Lighthouse in Mahatao, where breathtaking views of the sea and rugged coastline set a peaceful tone for the journey ahead. Continue to the quaint fishing village of Diura, where the Ivatan tradition of Kapayvanuvanua is observed to usher in a bountiful fishing season. Along the way, make a brief stop at the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes. The day’s spiritual highlight is the celebration of Holy Mass at the historic San Carlos Borromeo Church. Built by Dominican missionaries in 1789, the church is one of the country’s treasured cultural landmarks and a testament to Batanes’ rich Catholic heritage. From there, proceed to Racuh Apayaman, more popularly known as “Marlboro Country,” where sweeping vistas of the sea, dramatic cliffs, and rolling green pasturelands await.
Your journey continues to Imnajbu, regarded as the cradle of Christianity in Batanes. Visit the San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, the site where the island’s first Holy Mass was celebrated in 1682. From there, marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Alapad Hills and Rock Formations, where sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean provide a breathtaking backdrop and countless photo opportunities.
Later, celebrate Holy Mass at the picturesque Church of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Itbud. Continue on to Uyugan, home to some of the best-preserved stone houses on Batan Island, offering a glimpse into the Ivatan way of life. The day also includes a visit to the historic San Antonino de Florencia Parish Church and a drive past the Ruins of Songsong, a once-thriving village left deserted in the aftermath of a devastating tidal wave in the 1950s.
Travel to Ivana and make a stop at the iconic Honesty Coffee Shop, one of Batanes’ most distinctive landmarks. Famous for its unique concept, the shop has no attendants and relies entirely on the honesty of its customers. Continue your journey south to the historic San Jose de Obrero Church, one of the best-preserved churches in the province.
From there, visit the House of Dakay, a cherished Ivatan heritage home that remains one of the oldest surviving stone houses in Batanes. Revered for its enduring beauty and cultural significance, it has become one of the island’s most recognizable and photographed landmarks.
Conclude your praycation with a peaceful pause at Chawa View Deck, where dramatic cliffs meet the vast waters of the West Philippine Sea—a fitting setting for reflection and thanksgiving at the end of your journey.
Find rest for your soul in Batanes. From January 18–21, 2027, embark on a 4-day Praycation with a Pilgrimage Chaplain and encounter God’s grace in the stillness, beauty, and timeless charm of the islands.
