Itbayat Island is the largest of the Batanes Islands and is rarely visited by tourists because of its remote location. Studies have suggested that the island was originally a coral reef which has become exposed as the sea levels decreased.
Unlike Batan and Sabtang islands, Itbayat is not inhabited by humans and is completely undeveloped. The island is full of garlic, pineapple, coconuts and the soon-to-be-extinct coconut crabs. The crabs are the largest land living arthropod known to man, and are very much a nocturnal animal, only foraging at night-time. The crabs take their name from the fact that they can crack a coconut with their claws.
Typhoons hit this area quite frequently so it is advisable to visit in April and May when the sea is at its calmest.
Getting There & Away
There are two ways of traveling to Itbayat Island and both involve boats. The first option is to fly from Manila in a twin prop plane to Batan Island, which takes about 1 hour, 30 minutes. From here you can ride a Falowa to Itbayat Island, which will take another 2 to 3 hours. The other option is to take a boat from the mainland, which can take up to 10 hours and is not advisable for those prone to sea sickness.
Things to Do
Itbayat Island Attractions
- Coconut crabs
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See the largest living crabs in the world.