Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country)

Overview and Cultural Significance

The Ivatan word payaman refers to a traditional communal grazing ground shared by local families. At Racuh a Payaman, cattle, carabaos, and horses roam freely across open pastures enclosed by natural ridge boundaries.

Local livestock owners mark their animals and turn them out onto the payaman, relying on a centuries-old community agreement for pasture governance. The land is maintained as open grass without artificial fences, preserving the natural landscape.

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What to See and Experience

1. Viewpoint Over Tayid Lighthouse

From the eastern bluffs of Racuh a Payaman, visitors can look down upon the hexagonal tower of Tayid Lighthouse resting on a narrow coastal ridge above the Pacific ocean swells.

2. Panoramic View of Mount Iraya

To the north, Mount Iraya (1,009 meters), the dormant volcano that shaped Batan Island, dominates the horizon. On clear mornings, the peak is fully visible above the green slopes.

3. Walking the Pasture Trails

Narrow footpaths wind through the grass slopes. Visitors can walk along the ridges to experience the steady coastal winds and observe grazing livestock in an undisturbed environment.

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Logistics and Access

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Traveler Tips & Safety Guidelines

• High Wind Hazards: Coastal gusts can be sudden and strong along the ridge edges. Keep a safe distance from cliff edges and secure loose items such as hats and camera gear.
• Livestock Interaction: Do not startle or approach grazing cattle or carabaos closely, especially cows with young calves.
• Weather Exposure: There is minimal tree cover on the pasture. Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) during dry months and a wind-resistant jacket during cooler months (December to February).
• Environmental Etiquette: Take all trash back with you. Do not leave plastic bottles or wrappers on the pasture grounds.