Basco: A Travel Guide to the Capital of Batanes

Basco (also known as Santo Domingo de Basco) is a 5th class municipality and the capital of the province of Batanes, the Philippines. Basco is located on the northern part of Batan Island, the second largest island among the ten islands which comprises the country’s northernmost province.

Basco, Batanes

Basco, Batanes

The municipality of Basco is named after Capitán General José Basco, who led the Philippines to freedom from the control of New Spain, which is today Mexico.

Barangays

Basco is politically subdivided into six (6) barangays.

  • Ihuvok II (Kayvaluganan)
  • Ihuvok I (Kaychanarianan)
  • San Antonio
  • San Joaquin
  • Chanarian
  • Kayhuvokan
Basco, Batanes as seen from the air

Basco, Batanes as seen from the air

People

People of Basco, like in other municipalities in Batanes, are called Ivatans. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 7,907 people.

What to see

Casa Real, Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnels, Marine Sanctuary, Mount Iraya, Naidi Hills, Nakamaya Burial Site, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Tukon Hills, Valugan Boulder Beach, and Vayang Rolling Hills.

Where to stay

Amboy Hometel, Batanes Resort, DDD Habitat, Dive Batanes Lodge, Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge, Ivatan Lodge, Marfel’s Lodge, Novita House, Rapitan di Vasay Lodge, Shanedel’s Inn and Cafe, Time Travel Lodge, Troy Lodge

Transportation

Basco has a domestic airport serving flights from Manila International Airport by PAL Express and SkyJet and Tuguegarao Airport by NorthSky Air and Air Republic.

Traveling around Basco and to the surrounding municipalities in Batan Island is done by bike, jeepney, or tricycle.

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