Marlboro Hills
Marlboro Hills
5
What people are saying
Beautiful Batanes Impressions
5.0 of 5 bubblesNov 2019
My November 2019 visit to the archipelagic province of Batanes in the Philippines’ northernmost tip further deepened the beautiful impressions etched during my first visit to the country’s top end wonder nearly two decades ago. Such mental imprints included the Batanes house, the Arius tree, the vakul and kanayi headgears, yuvuk and other local baskets, the local garlic, the exhilarating drive along the coastal road that zips through the postcard-perfect rolling ‘Marlboro hills’ with the breathtaking green grass-topped grazing lands where horses, cows and goats freely roam on one side of the road and the endless blue waters of the Philippine Sea on the other, and the hardy and genteel Ivatans. Let me offer some snippets about each of these. The Batanes house fascinates me no end as it definitely is an admirable architectural and structural feat courtesy of the Ivatan people. It has proven to withstand the test of time, the harshness of the elements especially the strong typhoons that frequent the place. Its twin attributes of simplicity and durability coupled by its thoughtful use of local materials and indigenous house construction techniques, were capitalized to build multi-functional and highly durable dwelling spaces quite unique to this laidback vacation haven. The sturdy Arius tree, referred to locally as the Batanes pine, is endemic to the province and dots most of the local landscapes. Its branches thickly dotted in all directions with flat baby-finger-like leaves of varying shades of green and forming a pattern resembling bottle cleaners is definitely an interesting natural beauty to behold. The vakul (for women) and kanayi (for men) headgears, as well as the yuvuc (a farm-produce harvesting basket) and other basketworks, are a product of the functional ingenuity and creativity of the people of Batanes. The local garlic, though smaller than imported garlic, is definitely richer in flavor giving extra savory taste to the Ivatan dishes I sampled at the HiroJoy Cuisine exquisitely prepared by no less than its owner Ms. Lidia Roberto. The quick drive along the awesome grazing hills make you feel transported for a moment to a spectacular place outside the Philippines where the hills come to life and the time gets warped. The infinite sea simply leaves you breathless as you face head on its boundless majesty with its serene waves gifting you with an unexplainable calmness of spirit and soul. The hardworking, honest and long-suffering Ivatans are in themselves a wonder. I would always have a soft-spot in my heart for these people as I continue to cherish their native brand of hospitality and friendship. By Lorenzo F. Templonuevo

Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Tours and Tickets

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles92 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
16
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0

maila_ani
Philippines281 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
It’s an easy walk from the road. Very picturesque. Great place to take photos. When we were there, we saw someone proposing to his girlfriend. Very romantic place to do so. Our tour guide said that weddings can also be held there. It was very windy but also sunny. Because of the cool breeze we weren’t aware that we were already getting sunburnt. Best to wear sunblock if you’re going to stay long under the sun.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Czar Emmanuel
Manila, Philippines10,273 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Friends
Locally named as "Racuh a Payaman", people started calling this place "Marlboro Country" probably inspired by the popular 1968 advertisement of the cigarette brand portraying a landscape similar to that of Batanes. The site is actually a vast pasture land owned by the local government. People are free to have their cattle graze in the area for free. They simply have to ask the government's permit for it. Today, not only cattle raisers frequent the place, but also tourists because of its beauty and the amazing scenery it offers. Just brace yourselves to face strong winds when you visit it and be sure to keep the gate closed. :D
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

God_is_good_29
Quezon City, Philippines11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2014 • Friends
Peaceful! Beautiful! Breathtaking! Need not say more!

Make sure to take alot of photos! We'll be back!

Next year!!!!
Written May 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ann T
49 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2017 • Couples
We ate at Marconine's. 300php per person and it was great. After lunch we've explored the hills beyond the restaurant.
Be careful of your things that might be flown by the strong winds and be sure to put on sunblock. The air is cold but it still burns.
Written April 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gladys abigaile r
Los Angeles, CA16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2016 • Friends
This place is a piece of art and definitely breathtaking. The lone horse adds a special effect into the view of the hills.
Written September 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GuiaBuendia
Manila, Philippines99 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2016 • Friends
Would be here in a heartbeat over and over again.
This is simply awesome place to reflect.

#peaceful
Written June 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gpm prieto
131 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2016 • Family
I was so amazed with the view.
The place is so lovely.
You can lay down, kiss the grass, run and slide!
Ofcourse, if you want to shout, relieve the heavy thing in your chest, go on!
The landscape are similar to the well known sheep yard in New Zealand.

It feels like your in the other side of the world.
Written June 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rpantoni
Melbourne, Australia829 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2014 • Couples
We biked around the Marlboro Hills and it is really majestic. The place is just so awesome.

This is a bit far from basco, and would need endurance.
Written November 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MauriceEspina
Makati, Philippines55 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2014 • Friends
The inner child in me was unleashed in Marlboro country. The views were amazing! Me and my bestfriend ran to the farthest hill we could reach, and chased the carabaos like kids. One could just sit there for half an hour, gaze at the views, and feel relaxed. Truly a worthwhile visit. The hilly terrain is a pastureland of the Ivatans, and one can have lunch there. But during our tour, we had it as our second to the last stop, being one of the best attraction in South Batan.
Written August 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kai111
Metro Manila, Philippines316 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2013 • Couples
Rakuh or fondly known as "Marlboro Country" is known for its amazing rolling hills and views. But what struck me the most is what our tour guide shared with us about these hills: The government allows free use of the land for anyone who wants to take care of cows and carabaos. Just one of the wonderful things that Ivatans are lucky to have!

For that, I am truly in awe of Batanes and the Ivatans. The place is beautiful but the generosity, honesty, and purity of the people who both live and govern Batanes are what makes it a thousand times even more beautiful!
Written June 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 90
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

MARLBORO HILLS (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

FlightsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars