Batanes: A Majestic Island

The Batanes island group is the smallest province in the Philippines in terms of population and land area. The capital of Batanes, Basco is 280 kilometers north of Apari, Cagayan (the tip of main island of Luzon) while it is only 190 kilometers south of Taiwan. Batanes lies in the vast waters of the Pacific ocean where the Pacific meets China sea. An area that for generations is almost isolated from the rest of the Philippines. Batanes consist of 10 tiny islands and islets namely: Batan, Sabtang, Itbayat, Mavudis, Siayan, Diogo, North Island and Y'ami. Only the first three islands are inhabited.

The wind swept islands of Batanes are beautiful and enchanting and they are like no other in the Philippines. Since Batanes is separated from the country by miles of rough waters, the Ivatans (the name of the people of Batanes) have developed a different culture. Ivatans are honest, gentle and polite but brave and robust. They are proud of their their heritage and their land.

View overlooking the beach sea and mountains. The landscape of Batanes is also distinct from other Philippine provinces - steep cliffs, rolling hills, deep canyons and boulder-lined shores - not unlike New Zealand in some way. But the most noticeable of all features of Batanes is the architecture of the houses - stone walled and thick thatched roofs to withstand the battering of typhoons.

Batanes Beach. The weather of Batanes is cool and windy. And it rains any month of the year. It has an almost temperate temperature from December to February where temperatures dip as low as 7 degrees centigrade. Although Batanes lies along the typhoon belt and gets hit by strong typhoons, it get it's fare share just like other provinces on the north. But in spite of the reputation of Batanes as a backward region, it now has modern conveniences like mobile phones (cell sites by Smart & Globe Telecoms), electricity and cable television but hardly any vehicles.

Batanes Stone House on Batan Island. There are a lot of things to do and see in Batanes, swim on the many beaches, see the fishing villages, the churches and lighthouses, island hop, but best of all, it is a beautiful place to reflect and admire nature.

A trip to Batanes bestows one a feeling timelessness...an experience that will linger long after arriving back home. It makes one appreciate the simple things in life, but in a deeper sense. But be forewarned though, once you've experienced Batanes, it will haunt you to come back... 

The Mahatao Lighthouse is not that popular as compared to the lighthouse of Basco but it has its own beauty that attracts the tourist. This octagonal lighthouse is located in the town of Mahatao, near the Marlboro Country. 

The view deck that takes your breath away. Just a few kilometers from Basco when going to Mahatao. You can't miss it. Mahatao View Deck is a perfect site for picture taking as it offers a great view of the sea. It has many stone benches suitable for resting and picture taking.

The Payaman, also known as Marlboro Country, offers a breathtaking view of farm fields and the Pacific Ocean. The hills got its name because it looks so much like the setting of the commercial of the Marlboro Cigarette. 

Few steps from the San Jose de Ivana Church is the Honesty Cofee Shop. The honesty of the Ivatans and the people going there are tested because no one mans the store. If you want to buy something, you just have to get it and list down the item/s you bought and drop the payment to a drop box provided by the store owner. Every item has a corresponding tag price so you would know how much each costs. The shop also has coffee cups and hot water thermos for those who wish to buy coffees. 

The oldest house in Batanes is located at Ivana. The stone house was built in 1887 out of limestones and corals and it was said that this is the only house that survived the strong earthquake that hit the island a few years it was built. The current owner of the ancestral house is Lola Florestida Estrella, an Ivatan woman in her early 80’s. 

The Tukon Church, a project of the Fundacion Pacita Abad, is a new church being constructed in the hills of Tukon. It has life-size paintings of saints in its ceilings, all made by Ivatan artists. 

The Fundacion de Pacita Abad is the house of the former Education Secretary’s sister Pacita Abad, an international painter known for her modern and colorful work of arts. A true blooded |Ivatan, Pacita studied in the United States and was able to hone her craft by traveling and working in different countries. Right after she passed away, her house on the hill of Tukon now serves as a gallery where her works are displayed. 

Valugan or east in the local language of the Ivatan, is where the bay got its name because it is located on the east side of Batanes. Valugan Bay is a boulder beach perfect for picture taking and resting while watching the waves touch the big rocks. You can even try closing your eyes and hear what the winds has got to say to you. 

The Rolling Hills in Batan is also an alternative spot for taking a picture of the sunset. The lush green hills are comparable to the Windows wallpaper except that it doesn't need some photoshop anymore. If you have a scooter, motorcycle or bike, you can actually consider driving them in the hills. 

95% of the houses in Sabtang Island are still made out of coral and lime stones. The first town in Sabtang that you will visit is Savidug. It has a long row of stone houses situated in a very quiet and friendly community. Your service will drop you off the very first house in Savidug and will wait for you at the end of the street so you will have plenty of time to check out the houses and take some pictures for souvenirs. 

Like the San Carlos Borromeo Church, San Jose de Ivana Church is made of limestone construction with original baroque architecture. The church was built during the 19th century by Dominican priests. 

This is probably one of the best places in Sabtang to take pictures. The stunning view of the Pacific Ocean is a perfect backdrop for every picture. To fully enjoy the view, you need to go down the not so steep mountain and discover the secret paradise hiding behind it. 

One of the highlights of the tour is your visit to the town of Chavayan where you will see the community of Ivatans and actually see them making Vakuls. Vakuls are Ivatan women’s headgear that are used to protect them from rain, wind and sun, it’s counterpart for men are called Talugong. Vakuls are made out of Palm dates’ leaves. 

San Carlos Borromeo Church is the first church in Mahatao that was built during the 19th century. Near the church is the oldest and smallest light house in Basco. Lamp was being used then to light the said light house which served as a guide for offshore fishermen on their way home. The church is considered as one of the National Cultural Treasures by NCCA because of its cultural significance and architecture. 

Radar Tukon is a weather station on a hill. Tukon is an |Ivatan word for hill. It gives you a 360 degrees view of Batan Island. If you are into photography, doing a panoramic shot of the landscape is a perfect idea. Pacific Ocean in the East, South China Sea in the West Mt. Iraya on the North and rolling hills leading up to Mt. Matarem in the South. Beside Radar Tukon is the island's PAGASA station. 

During the Spanish colonial times, the Spaniards were the only ones allowed to swim in this area. The 'True Insulares' or the native Ivatans are strictly off limits in this area. 

As what mentioned, one needs to have a pre-arranged lunch at Nakabuang arch for you to enjoy the beach, the sceneries and the food at the breathtaking sceneries of Nakabuang beach. Just ask your friendly tour guide as to where you need to arrange your lunch. The famous Nakabuang Arch is a natural sculptured rock along Nakabuang Beach, the place is perfect for lunch and swimming because of its great view and white sand.

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