Batan Island · Hills & Landscapes
Marlboro Hills (Racuh A Payaman)
A communal pasture perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific, nicknamed after the iconic cigarette commercials.
About Marlboro Hills (Racuh A Payaman)
Officially called Racuh A Payaman, Marlboro Hills sits high above the eastern Batan coastline near Mahatao, offering 360-degree vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Mt. Iraya, and the southernmost tip of Diura Fishing Village. The wide, treeless plateau is a working communal pasture used by Ivatan farmers for centuries. Its sweeping panoramas earned it the nickname 'Marlboro Country' from visiting filmmakers in the early 2000s.
What makes it special
- Panoramic Pacific Ocean cliff views
- Wide, breezy plateau ideal for picnics
- Wild horses and free-grazing cattle
- Backdrop of Mt. Iraya volcano
Photo gallery
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Travel tips
- Sun protection is essential — there is no shade on the plateau.
- Cell signal is intermittent; download your map offline.
- Combine with a Diura Fishing Village stop on the same day.
People also ask
No, they are different. Vayang is on the western coast near Basco; Marlboro Hills is on the eastern coast near Mahatao. Both are open pastures with stunning views — Vayang faces sunsets, Marlboro faces sunrises.
Nearby destinations
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Alapad Rock Formation
A dramatic cliffside chapel and rock spire that played starring roles in Filipino cinema.
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Diura Fishing Village
Quiet coastal hamlet where Ivatan fishermen still set out for the dorado catch each March.
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Mahatao Church (San Carlos Borromeo)
A National Cultural Treasure built in 1789 — limestone walls that have stood for two centuries.
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Visit with a guide
Tours that include Marlboro Hills (Racuh A Payaman)
See the curated Batan Island packages our Ivatan-led partners run year-round.
North BatanPopular
Half day (4 hours) · Easy
North Batan Half-Day Discovery
- Vayang Hills
- Basco Lighthouse
- Valugan Beach
- Tukon Chapel
InquireFrom
₱1,500/ person
South BatanPopularFull day (8 hours) · Easy
South Batan Full-Day Heritage Tour
- Marlboro Hills
- Alapad Rock
- Honesty Cafe
- Diura Village
InquireFrom
₱2,500/ person
Multi-islandPopular
4 days · 3 nights · Moderate
Complete Batanes Experience (4D3N)
- All three core islands
- Heritage village immersion
- Sunset lighthouse experience
- Fundacion Pacita afternoon
InquireFrom
₱18,500/ person