It's almost a year before I finally decided to make this post. I just wanna share one of the best travels I had so far. I was in Singapore when my friends invited me to join them in a trip to Batanes since there's a ticket sale for this dream destination of ours. We agreed on a date and finally they booked for round-trip tickets good for a week stay. With me are my high school buddies who were also with me during the Vietnam Trip and additional travel buddies.
Batanes is the northernmost group of islands in the Philippines and is known for its beautiful landscapes. Travelling here is quite difficult as weather can be harsh especially during the rainy season. The universe conspired for us and we finally reached Batanes on the day without any delay. The weather was cloudy and cool, which was perfect for strolling and exploring.
Day 1. Arriving Basco Airport via Clark. Kapian capa nu dios!
The mekmekers sets foot at Batanes! Adventure starts now in #BreathtakingBatanes!
We stayed at the quiet town of Basco in a house which we rented. We got the house for ourselves and we got separate rooms, a living room and a kitchen. The caretakers also cook for us if we wanted to have our meals there. It was very good location. The plaza is just a few meters away and there are lots of stores and shops in the neighborhood, too.
We don't have a tour on our first day yet. So we explored the town and went to the nearby Naidi Hills which has a beautiful lighthouse on top of the hill! This building are remains of an American period telegraph house which was used as a set in the indie film "Sakaling Hindi Makarating."😍⛰🏠
The famous lighthouse in Naidi Hill at Basco, Batanes with Mt. Iraya at the back. Bucketlist checked!
The viewing deck is a perfect location to view the whole of Batan Island (the main island where Basco is located) from end to end, including Mount Iraya. One can also have a clear view of Sabtang Island in the south of Basco and Itbayat Island to the north.
The Basco Lighthouse is a 6-storey building with a gallery or viewing deck on the fifth floor. Located next to the 66 feet (20 m) tower is a dwelling of vernacular architecture. Traditional Ivatan houses are made with stone or rubble masonry.
Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Basco, Batanes 😍⛪🙏
Day 2. We had a morning tour at the northern part of Batanes island. Our first stop is here at the hills where the PAG-ASA radar station is located. At the back are mountains with man-made "hedgerows" called "liveng" which looks like giant maze made of tall grass or bamboo.
Our next stop is a hilltop lodge "Fundacion Pacita", owned by the Abads and has a restaurant and art gallery. It's also a famous wedding destination. Here's a wonderful wall mosaic with a greeting "Dios Mamajes" which means "God reward you with goodness" or simply "God Bless you."
Wonderful stonehouse cabin for guest with a breathtaking view of the mountains and seas.
Valugan Boulder beach facing the vast Pacific Ocean.
Closer view of the "liveng". Tall rows of reeds, trees, grass, or piled stones used as crop protection from wind, typhoons or sea breeze. They make Batanes landscape appear like vast collection of labyrinths. They prevent soil erosion and double as demarcation lines or boundaries of farms.🌿⛰😍💚
Day 3. We went south to the island of Sabtang. It is accessible via a 30-minute ride aboard the "faluwa," the bigger traditional Ivatan boat. Like the tataya, the Ivatan dory, they do not have outriggers (katig), either. They say every ride is quite an experience.
Upon arriving the seaport at Sabtang, tricycles like these wait for tourists to offer them an island tour. The roof resembles the cogon roof of the stone houses.
Our first stop is at the picturesque "Chamantad Viewdeck" which is a vast hilly area with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Here I am enjoying the sun and pacific breeze at the top of the hill.
Chamantad viewdeck is a famous location for music videos and wedding shoots. The green grass reminds me of the LOTR and the Hobbit movies.
Then, we went to the village of Chavayan, famous for the Ivatan stone houses. Chavayan came from the word cha, which means bountiful, and vay, which is the arrowroot plant that was known as the most distinct plant on the island. Vayan, on the other hand, means community.
These are called vakul, an Ivatan woven headdress used by women to shield the locals from the harsh elements.🌿⛅
One of my dream photos is with these pre-colonial stone houses. Chavayan is an old Ivatan village that is most known for its stone houses, some of which are over 100 years old now. This style of construction was introduced by the Spanish when they arrived in the last half of the 1800s and quickly proved perfect for the region, which is prone to strong winds and frequent typhoons. Their roofs are made of thatched cogon (a tall type of grass found throughout Southeast Asia) and are replaced every 25-30 years, depending on the thickness.
Wearing the Ivatan men's attire. A cogon vest and a bamboo woven hat.
Built inside a cove and surrounded by jagged mountains, this ancient fishing village of Chavayan is probably the most well-preserved village in the whole Batanes region.😍⛰💕
Fun shoot with the buddies.💕
Our next stop is at the Morong Beach famous for this wonderful natural rock formation called "Nakabuang Arch". We had lunch in a resto by the beach.
We stayed overnight at a house we rented which is just a walk away from the sea port. At the back of our house is a hill and there this beautiful lighthouse made of stone. It looks so majestic during sunset with the peach skies.
Day 4. We went back to Batanes Island. We sent out postcards to ourselves which is one of our bucketlists inspired by the movie "Sakaling Hindi Makarating." We went to Philbrews Cafe and had merienda and coffee. It was so delicious!
Day 5. We enjoyed a dip at the cool spring pool known as the "Fountain of Youth" or "Rakuh A Idi Spring"
Like paradise on earth, I did feel more youthful at the fountain of youth! Char.
Going to our next destination, we are welcomed with this majestic view of the coast and hills of central Batanes.
After the awesome swim, we went back to Fundacion Pacita to have lunch which we pre-booked. The first time we went here, we weren't able to dine because it was full. The ambience of this resto is just beautiful! And their food is amazing!
The reason why their food is great is because Cafe du Tukon uses organic ingredients produced by Ivatan locals, who has great respect for the environment.
What a great place to chill. This window view is what dream houses are made of.
Indeed, It's more fun in the Philippines!
Before we end today's tour, we stopped by this unique stone church known as the "Tukon Chapel". It sits humbly atop a foothill, an eye-catcher made of stone as though offered by the greenery to the restless skies. Tukon means “mountain” in the Ivatan language, an apt name as it covers generally rugged terrain that lies in the shadow of Mt. Iraya. From here, one can admire the mischievous waves of both the West Philippine Sea and the roaring Pacific.💒😍⛰💚
After arriving home, we decided to go for a tour to catch the sunset. We rented motorbikes and rode north to Vayang rolling hills which is just a few kilometers from the town.
Since we had more time, we wandered more at the area and saw these picture-perfect spots where we can see the rollings hills.
We waited for the sunset, hoping that the clouds won't cover the view.
Indeed, the wait was worth it! The view was truly breath-taking and perhaps one of the best sunsets I've seen in my life! It was more special witnessing it with my friends.
The sky turns into a fiery sea of clouds as the sun sleeps at the horizon.
Day 6. Batanes South Tour. We go down south to explore the islands beauty. We pass by the Batanes Boat Shelter Port. Inaugurated in 2007, the shelter port was built to protect Batan Island’s boats from the area’s mercurial weather. It has since become a popular stop on the South Batan tour. 😍⛵🏞
Chawa Viewdeck. It gives you a wonderful view of our cliffs and it even has a steep staircase that will lead you to the bottom coastline. 🏞🌊⛰😍
Feeling like a daredevil at Chawa viewdeck.
Hailed as the “Marlboro country” of Batanes, Racuh A Payaman is a protected location in the island of Batan in Batanes where everyone is dreaming for to visit. A trail to its hills will give you pleasure that only nature can afford to give.⛰🐃🌬🌊💚
The iconic "Blow Ur Horn" singage of Batanes with the Alapad Pass at the background.
Before heading back home, we passed by the San Carlos Borromeo Church, a stone and lime church which is declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum.
Day 7. We bought souvenirs and went back home. It was such an awesome trip and we're truly happy to finally do our dream destination. Batanes is truly a gem of the north and we really recommend everyone to experience it even once in their lifetime. More than the tourist spots, you'll get to know the gentle and resilient Ivatans who has great respect to one another and nature.
Thanks to my travel buddies for making this a reality. Their company, the laughter, the stories and memories we made during the trip will be one that I'll truly cherish for the rest of my life! Dios Mamajes!
Cedrick S. Zabala "CSZ97" is a multimedia artist based in the City of Zamboanga. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology major in Multimedia and Computer Animation. Currently he works at the City Government of Zamboanga under the Mayor's Office as a Public Information Officer, and as a part-time Instructor in Ateneo de Zamboanga University. He is currently taking his Master's Degree in Public Administration in Western Mindanao State University. He lives a life with a passion for the arts, culture, and travel. This blog contains his works and travel journals. Carpe effin' Diem!
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