Trip to Batanes!
Its been a while since I have posted something here. Now, that I am back I would like to share one of my unforgettable trip in Batanes Island, Philippines.
Fundacion Pacita known as House of Art. The owner of this house is Pacita Abad who is a multicolored ivatan gypsy artist and also Fundacion Pacita is one of the best hotel in Batanes. The blue chair are signature design of Fundacion Pacita
After a few days of bad weather in Batanes finally I could see the sunset in our last day.
I could say going in this place was a great idea! My first intention was to travel in this place to see the beautiful island but during my stay here I learned things about their culture and it open my eyes to things that I wasn't aware.
The local people here are living in a simple way, staying here feels like I comeback to my childhood days. The first day I came here I was a little frustrated cause they don't have wi-fi access, and they also have a very weak signal that you can't even call or send a message. But because I don't have choice but to enjoy this vacation, all I did was to leave my gadget and guess what it was the best idea. I was able to appreciate the nature, the people, the things that I could see.
Batanes has a lot more things to show that is why I recommend those travelers to visit this stunning island.
One of the best place you could go in the Philippines is the island of Batanes!
Where is it located? It is located in the northernmost of the country, surely foreigner can easily book their flights here but some of the Filipino's are still hoping they could travel this place. Because of the airfare tickets is already expensive that's why not every Filipino have seen or been in this place. That is why I want to share my tour and experience to those who would like to visit this beautiful island to give you idea how amazing this place is.
But before I start, I would like to give some trivia about the Island of Batanes. Batanes is the smallest in both of population and land area. The capital is Basco located on the island of Batan. The island group is located approximately 162 kilometers north of the Luzon mainland and about 190 kilometers from south of Taiwan. Batanes has 3 largest island this are Sabtang, Batan and Itbayat this are the only inhabited islands. As of today there are only 2 airlines that travel here, this are Skyjet and Philippine Airlines. This airlines have only one flight per day so it means that if you missed the flight then you need to come back to the airport the next day and of course by a new ticket.
Day 1 North Batan
The first day of the tour will begin in the Northern Part of Batan.
Mt. Carmel Chapel ( known as Tukon Church) when I went here the roof was damage because of the typhoon Freddie. But as you can see in this photo that I took the whole chapel is still firm.
Sadly the PAGASA Weather Station was destroyed by the typhoon.
Valugan Boulder Beach. This big rocks are from Mt. Iraya because of waves that hits them, the rock was pushed to this side and created a beautiful landscape. If you will stand here, you would hear the slapping of the big waves to the rocks. But remember that its not safe to come closer at the waves.
Basco Lighthouse. Is located at Naidi hills in barangay San Antonio. The is perfect place to watch the sunset. Up till now this light house is still working at night.
At the height of 66 feet, once you are at the top of the Light House you could view 360 degree the island of Batan. If in case you will come here during the month of December expect that it will be a
very windy day. To the point you could hear the howling of wind.
Day 2 Sabtang Island
Before you could reach Sabtang Island you will need to go in the port because the only transportation for it is by riding that boat. The local say that during the summer season the sea is calm except of course if there's a typoon. During December-February the sea is wavy and it will feels like you are riding some roller coaster. So if ever you are planning to visit Sabtang during those months make sure that you are prepared to get sea sick.
Chamantad - Tinyan Viewpoint. A new island a new beautiful sight to see. To get here you need to do some trekking. During the summer you would see the bluish of the sea. Sadly the weather of the day we went here was not so good but there are a moment when the bright sun come up at least we were able to have a glimpse the bluish sea.
Sta. Rosa de lima Chapel. A rustic but a strong chapel here in
Sabtang Island.
Chavayan Village. A small village and population, walking here feels like I went back to the past. The locals here live in a simple life, No Theaters, No Malls none. But still it I enjoyed to see how peaceful this place. How children plays with other children creating a good childhood memories. Now a days we all know that because of the technology some kids would rather play on there phones, tablet, laptops etc. and I thinks its kind of sad to absorb this lifestyle.
Another trip in this beautiful beach before going back to Batan.
Day 3 Southern Batan
Chawa View Deck. This stairs is made of rock stone. In this first
stop you could see the West Philippine Sea hitting this side of the island.
Mahatao Boat Shelter Port. This port was the biggest infrastructure project by the provincial government it serve as a shelter of local fisher man boat during a dreadful weather.
The oldest light house in Batanes.
San Carlos Borromeo Church. Located at Mahatao, the church was name to Saint Charles Borromeo whose feast celebrated every July 4.
The church is made of stone and lime which was also used to some of the rock house here in Batanes. The material used in the ceiling is none other than a bamboo tree. In Sabtang they use bamboo stick as a based of their roofs.
Old Spanish Bridge. The oldest and strongest bridge in Batan Island. This was build during the Spanish Era and till now the locals are still using this bridge on transporting heavy equipment.
Standing here in the middle of the bridge can't believe that this bridge is still being used by locals to up till now.
House of Dakay. The oldest house in Batan island one of the few house remained standing and one of the 5 houses that survive after an 8.3 magnitude earthquake on September 13 1918.
And till now there are still people who stay here. The family of the deceased owner of the house. Yes! If ever you will come here to visit this house you will likely to see them inside of the house. This is how kind Ivatans are, they would welcome anyone in their house. Whatever your nationality or religion.
Honesty Coffee Shop. I didn't have the chance to take the picture of the house due to the bad weather so instead I took a photo of some signs you will see here in the shop. One of the signs in Honest Coffee Shop. You could also leave a sticky note if you want.
This is the first shop in the Philippines where the customer are trusted to pay what they took by dropping the payment on a designated box. The people who own this shop are old couple so whatever you brought here will be a big help for them.
Racuh A Payaman or known as Marlboro Country. The little New Zealand of the Philippines. After you ate your lunch at the top of the hill, you could go down and sit or lay in this grassy field. If you like you could also roll down. (I'm just joking here).
You could also view Mt. Iraya. Local say that if you like some adventure you could do Mountain climbing here.
Tayid Lighthouse. In the door you would see an initial letter A and this stands for Abad.
Because of the windy day in my first trip I wasn't able to reach the Vayang Rolling Hills that is why on my free time. I came back to this beautiful place. And this time I did it! I reached the end of the hill, One of the scariest thing I did but surely worth it! I was breathless to witness this amazing view because at the end of the path you would see the Blue West Philippine Sea.
94% of the Ivatans here in Batanes are Roman Catholic. So in every place you go you will see their faith.
Blue Notebook. I called it the blue notebook because majority of the notebook here has a cover of blue, but there are also black, grey, green and white. This were donated notebooks but instead of the kids using it. It became a blank notebook for tourist to fill up. You could write anything you want. I think there's nothing wrong leaving a memory here in Batanes. A memory you could recall in the future when you comeback.
Valugan Boulder Beach. This big rocks are from Mt. Iraya because of waves that hits them, the rock was pushed to this side and created a beautiful landscape. If you will stand here, you would hear the slapping of the big waves to the rocks. But remember that its not safe to come closer at the waves.
Basco Lighthouse. Is located at Naidi hills in barangay San Antonio. The is perfect place to watch the sunset. Up till now this light house is still working at night.
At the height of 66 feet, once you are at the top of the Light House you could view 360 degree the island of Batan. If in case you will come here during the month of December expect that it will be a
very windy day. To the point you could hear the howling of wind.
Day 2 Sabtang Island
Before you could reach Sabtang Island you will need to go in the port because the only transportation for it is by riding that boat. The local say that during the summer season the sea is calm except of course if there's a typoon. During December-February the sea is wavy and it will feels like you are riding some roller coaster. So if ever you are planning to visit Sabtang during those months make sure that you are prepared to get sea sick.
Chamantad - Tinyan Viewpoint. A new island a new beautiful sight to see. To get here you need to do some trekking. During the summer you would see the bluish of the sea. Sadly the weather of the day we went here was not so good but there are a moment when the bright sun come up at least we were able to have a glimpse the bluish sea.
Sta. Rosa de lima Chapel. A rustic but a strong chapel here in
Sabtang Island.
Chavayan Village. A small village and population, walking here feels like I went back to the past. The locals here live in a simple life, No Theaters, No Malls none. But still it I enjoyed to see how peaceful this place. How children plays with other children creating a good childhood memories. Now a days we all know that because of the technology some kids would rather play on there phones, tablet, laptops etc. and I thinks its kind of sad to absorb this lifestyle.
Another trip in this beautiful beach before going back to Batan.
Day 3 Southern Batan
Chawa View Deck. This stairs is made of rock stone. In this first
stop you could see the West Philippine Sea hitting this side of the island.
Mahatao Boat Shelter Port. This port was the biggest infrastructure project by the provincial government it serve as a shelter of local fisher man boat during a dreadful weather.
The oldest light house in Batanes.
San Carlos Borromeo Church. Located at Mahatao, the church was name to Saint Charles Borromeo whose feast celebrated every July 4.
The church is made of stone and lime which was also used to some of the rock house here in Batanes. The material used in the ceiling is none other than a bamboo tree. In Sabtang they use bamboo stick as a based of their roofs.
Old Spanish Bridge. The oldest and strongest bridge in Batan Island. This was build during the Spanish Era and till now the locals are still using this bridge on transporting heavy equipment.
Standing here in the middle of the bridge can't believe that this bridge is still being used by locals to up till now.
House of Dakay. The oldest house in Batan island one of the few house remained standing and one of the 5 houses that survive after an 8.3 magnitude earthquake on September 13 1918.
And till now there are still people who stay here. The family of the deceased owner of the house. Yes! If ever you will come here to visit this house you will likely to see them inside of the house. This is how kind Ivatans are, they would welcome anyone in their house. Whatever your nationality or religion.
Honesty Coffee Shop. I didn't have the chance to take the picture of the house due to the bad weather so instead I took a photo of some signs you will see here in the shop. One of the signs in Honest Coffee Shop. You could also leave a sticky note if you want.
This is the first shop in the Philippines where the customer are trusted to pay what they took by dropping the payment on a designated box. The people who own this shop are old couple so whatever you brought here will be a big help for them.
Racuh A Payaman or known as Marlboro Country. The little New Zealand of the Philippines. After you ate your lunch at the top of the hill, you could go down and sit or lay in this grassy field. If you like you could also roll down. (I'm just joking here).
You could also view Mt. Iraya. Local say that if you like some adventure you could do Mountain climbing here.
Tayid Lighthouse. In the door you would see an initial letter A and this stands for Abad.
Because of the windy day in my first trip I wasn't able to reach the Vayang Rolling Hills that is why on my free time. I came back to this beautiful place. And this time I did it! I reached the end of the hill, One of the scariest thing I did but surely worth it! I was breathless to witness this amazing view because at the end of the path you would see the Blue West Philippine Sea.
94% of the Ivatans here in Batanes are Roman Catholic. So in every place you go you will see their faith.
Blue Notebook. I called it the blue notebook because majority of the notebook here has a cover of blue, but there are also black, grey, green and white. This were donated notebooks but instead of the kids using it. It became a blank notebook for tourist to fill up. You could write anything you want. I think there's nothing wrong leaving a memory here in Batanes. A memory you could recall in the future when you comeback.
Fundacion Pacita known as House of Art. The owner of this house is Pacita Abad who is a multicolored ivatan gypsy artist and also Fundacion Pacita is one of the best hotel in Batanes. The blue chair are signature design of Fundacion Pacita
After a few days of bad weather in Batanes finally I could see the sunset in our last day.
I could say going in this place was a great idea! My first intention was to travel in this place to see the beautiful island but during my stay here I learned things about their culture and it open my eyes to things that I wasn't aware.
The local people here are living in a simple way, staying here feels like I comeback to my childhood days. The first day I came here I was a little frustrated cause they don't have wi-fi access, and they also have a very weak signal that you can't even call or send a message. But because I don't have choice but to enjoy this vacation, all I did was to leave my gadget and guess what it was the best idea. I was able to appreciate the nature, the people, the things that I could see.
Batanes has a lot more things to show that is why I recommend those travelers to visit this stunning island.
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