The hilltop
The whole coast below in a blue line.
Kirkamon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bien02 — CC BY 4.0 · Johnkevinreglos — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jeremy.alinea — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ed Oliver Japco — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tim Villanueva — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Vayang Rolling Hills are green grassy slopes in the north of Batan Island, overlooking the sea near Basco, the capital of Batanes. A narrow road climbs through the pastures, and the scene feels closer to the islands of northern Europe than to the usual picture of the Philippines. Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines and the smallest in both population and land area. It lies about 162 km north of Luzon and 190 km south of Taiwan, home to the Ivatan people with their own language. The islands are known for their isolation, and typhoons often pass through, with wind and sea shaping the open landscape. From a hilltop you see the coast running below in a long blue line, the grass rippling in the wind, and Mount Iraya rising behind you over the island. Cattle sometimes graze the slopes. Colours shift with the light, and sunset is a favourite time for photographs, with a clear horizon over the sea. There are few buildings here, which is the secret of the place. The hills are 1.9 km in a straight line north-west of Basco and 3.8 km from Valugan Boulder Beach. Wind is strong and shade scarce, so bring a light jacket and sunscreen, and keep away from the edges. Since 15 June 2026 every visitor to Batanes must preregister on the province's official portal. Typhoon season from June to November can stop flights, so leave spare time in your plans.
The whole coast below in a blue line.
A narrow road through the pastures.
The volcano rising behind the hills.
North Batan Island, Batanes province
Yes, since 15 June 2026 you must preregister on the province's official portal.
Outside typhoon season, roughly December to May, with sunset the finest time of day.