Charming. Peaceful. Natural wonders. South Batan.

We decided to take the South instead of North on our first day and honestly, it was really overwhelming.  From its amazing views of the mountains and cliffs, the clear blue skies and the roaring waves kissing the rocky shore, stunning historical man-made wonders, perfect natural panoramas, absolute warm welcome of the people and most importantly, tasting their authentic cuisine, understanding and embracing this one of a kind cultural experience.

South Batan is one of the loveliest place in Batanes where you’ll find anything and everything you love. You can explore the whole South in a day tour covering 3 municipalities of Uyugan, Ivana and Mahatao. Our tour started at 9:30 AM and covers Chawa View Point Deck, Marlboro Hills, Tayid Lighthouse, San Carlos Boromeo Church, San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, Honesty Store, House of Dakay and the White Beach and Hohmoron Blue Lagoon.

Travel itineraries is inclusive as part of the package of our homestay, Wakay Hostel.

Batanes perhaps is one of the top dream destinations in the country. Travel bucket lists may not be completed without writing there the name of this infamous island in the far northern part of the Philippines. For some, this has always been their dreams to step their foot in this archipelagic island. Likewise, my dreams do came true when we set forth last year.

Flight tickets are quite expensive if you don’t book a promo, but if you’re not conservative enough and you’ve got that unlimited pockets, well then, it would be easy as A,B,C. However, in our case, we secured a promo round fare back in July 2018 and flight will be March of 2019. That is almost 8 months of waiting but a perfect timing since its summer and we’re kind of persistent and determined. Travelers said it is better to be there during summer and so be it. We can enjoy more of the perfect view of the mountains, cliffs and the sea. We stayed for 5 days and explore the island(s) together.

Basco Welcome Arch, Basco, Batanes

Batanes capital is Basco located in the island of Batan, the gateway and hub of commerce and transport for the whole island. From its 230 sq. km. land area, Batanes considered as the northernmost and smallest province. It has a total of 6 municipalities, Basco, Mahatao, Ivana (Ivana Alawi if from here. Just kidding), Uyugan, Sabtang and Itbayat. It has 29 barangays with a population of not less than 20,000. Having said that, it is among the most sought after tourism frontier located at the confluence of the West Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean.

Ivatan are what the people called themselves the same name of their language. The archipelagic province has been declared by the Philippine government as “Protected Landscape and Seascape” because of its rare flora and fauna, diverse marine life, limestone cliffs, and panoramic sceneries. Batanes is composed of 11 islands, but only three are inhabited. These are the Sabtang, Batan and Itbayat. Other islets are uninhabited but some crops and livestock also came from these areas. I think so. As per our tour guide.

The Team Goes to Batanes

My good friend Jon, is the one in-charge (the punong abala) in keeping up the travel itinerary, accommodation, finance, and all, even the restau or local pub where we will settle for lunch and dinner. She’s kinda used to it since she’s a frequent traveler. IMAO! While me, I was just enjoying the whole thing and savor every moment.  

I will share more of what we did in Batanes, places we visited, and some sort of local trivia and travel photos in the next posts. Meantime, see below sample itinerary that we have, courtesy of my friend, Jonalyn Jamon. Note that we only used a tricycle during the whole exploration in the island and thus, the time is ours, no constraint. The tricycle is actually part of the over-all package of the hostel that we had stayed.

The good thing about this three-wheeled vehicle is that, you can have a 360 view passing thru from one place to another compared to closed vans or mini coaster, which is also rare in the island. In addition, it is a huge help for locals as well as their supplementary income.

Chamantad View Point Deck

We just explored Sabtang and Batan Island for we are running out of time if we will proceed to Itbayat and even if summer, the weather is unpredictable in this region maybe because its rests within the Pacific Ocean were most typhoons started.

To date, three airlines has now open their routes going to Batanes such as Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific (CEBGO) and the Skyjet. I don’t think there’s a regular flights in Batanes on a weekly basis so better to secure your tickets months before your scheduled trip to avoid inconvenience. Also, make sure to bring money since there are limited banks and ATM in the island. Bring your sunblock if you wish to come by summer. It’s typically hot during this season. And make sure to register at the LGU office, settle certain fees (your local tour guide will bring you there) and always be guided on policies and guidelines which can be read on the leaflets or flyers. Most of all, be nice to locals, always pay respect, and do not leave your trash.

Batanes is a peaceful and simplest place, also one of the most disciplined places I have visited so far with 0% crime rates. So before doing one, always think of it.
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