Begin the year with a meaningful escape to the breathtaking islands of Batanes. From February 9–12, 2027, embark on a 4-day Praycation with a Pilgrimage Chaplain—a journey that invites you to slow down, deepen your faith, and discover the quiet beauty of the country’s northernmost province.
Your spiritual retreat begins at the serene Mount Carmel Chapel in Tukon, whose Ivatan-inspired architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Perched above the coastline, the chapel offers magnificent views of both the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Nearby, Radar Tukon rewards visitors with panoramic vistas of Batan Island, Mount Iraya, and the vast waters that embrace the island.
Travel back in time as you visit Basco’s Idjang, an ancient hilltop settlement that once served as a refuge for the Ivatan people. Continue to Valugan Boulder Bay, where enormous volcanic rocks scattered along the shore tell the story of Mount Iraya’s powerful past. Later, gather in prayer at Basco Cathedral, or Sto. Domingo de Basco, the province’s oldest church and a cherished symbol of faith in Batanes.
Marvel at the awe-inspiring landscapes of Vayang Rolling Hills before heading to Naidi Hills, home to the famous Basco Lighthouse. Standing proudly against the backdrop of the sea and sky, the lighthouse offers unforgettable views of the island and its rugged coastline.
As dawn breaks on the next day, begin with prayers at Tayid Lighthouse in Mahatao, where the endless blue horizon inspires reflection. Visit the quiet fishing village of Diura, known for the traditional Kapayvanuvanua ritual that marks the start of the fishing season. Pause at the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes before making your way to Racuh Apayaman, fondly called “Marlboro Country,” where sweeping grasslands meet dramatic cliffs and the open sea. The day concludes with Mass at the historic San Carlos Borromeo Church, a Dominican-era church and one of the country’s treasured cultural landmarks.
Journey onward to Imnajbu, recognized as the cradle of Christianity in Batanes. Visit the San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, the site of the island’s first Mass in 1682, and take in the spectacular beauty of Alapad Hills and Rock Formations, where rolling terrain and ocean views create a picture-perfect setting.
Celebrate Mass at the charming Church of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Itbud before continuing to Uyugan, home to some of Batan Island’s best-preserved stone houses. Explore the San Antonino de Florencia Parish Church and pass by the haunting Ruins of Songsong, a once-thriving village left abandoned after a devastating tidal wave in the 1950s.
In Ivana, experience one of Batanes’ most beloved attractions—the Honesty Coffee Shop, an unmanned store that reflects the integrity and trustworthiness of the Ivatan people. Continue to San Jose de Obrero Church, admired for its remarkable preservation, and visit the House of Dakay, a treasured heritage home and one of the oldest surviving stone houses in the province.
Before bidding farewell to Batanes, spend a quiet moment at Chawa View Deck, where towering cliffs overlook the vast waters of the West Philippine Sea—a fitting finale to a journey of prayer, reflection, and discovery.
Join this 4-day Praycation to Batanes with a Pilgrimage Chaplain on February 9–12, 2027, and allow the island’s peaceful landscapes, rich heritage, and enduring faith to renew your spirit and draw you closer to God.
