Batan Island, Volcanic island in Batanes Province, Philippines
Batan Island is a volcanic island in Batanes Province, located in the northern Philippines. It has two main mountains—Mount Iraya to the north and Mount Matarem to the south—that shape the landscape and stand out along the shoreline.
Japanese forces occupied the island on December 8, 1941, taking control of an airfield near Basco. The naval combat units later withdrew, marking a significant moment during the Second World War in this region.
The Ivatan people, who live here, have kept their way of life through stone houses built low and strong against the wind. Walking through villages, you see these structures everywhere, shaped by generations of living on this windy island.
The island is divided into four municipalities, with Basco serving as the provincial capital and the main entry point for visitors. The other towns—Ivana, Mahatao, and Uyugan—are accessible by local roads and offer different areas to explore.
The Batan Volcanic Complex displays rock formations from different geological periods, creating a mix of hills, cliffs, and varied stone structures across the island. This layering of different geological ages makes the landscape unusually diverse for its size.
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