Island group located approximately 120 miles
north of Luzon and south of Formosa.
Batan
Island
One of the first
Japanese landings in their attack on the Philippines. A Japanese
Special Task
Force on December 8, 1941 that debarked from
Formosa.
Mt. Iraya, a dormant volcano at 3,307ft (1,008m) can be climbed,
but only
during
the
height of the dry season and with the aid of a guide. The
usual
way starts at Basco. There are no clear trails through the dense
rain forests that cover the slopes. For those who prefer not
to
climb to the peak, there are trails that lead part of the way
up the slope and then around the volcano to its coastal side
Basco
Lat
20° 26' 60N Long 121° 58' 0E
Japanese tunnels from World War II are scattered
throughout the Batanes, and there are also some on the Naidi hills.
Beside the gravel road going to the barrio of San Joaquin on Batan's
east coast, there are a couple of tunnels partially hidden from
view by the overgrowth. One is passable, but only for a few meters.
Mr. Bata of the Philippine Information Agency can be a very helpful
guide.
American Missions Against Basco
February 21 - April 25, 1945
