North Batan: Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel

Following the terrific view from Radar Tukon 

is the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel. 

The tunnel, which is located in Tukon Hills, 

has 5 entrance/exit points. It was constructed by the Ivatan men and kids

during the Japanese era for soldiers' shack for fear of losing their lives. 

It has a bunker that serves as a lookout and a water reservoir. 

It's a bit chilly inside the tunnel because of its vents. 

We opted to do the climb up at the end,

(the exit near the highway)

since according to kuya Toto, the climb up is very steep. 

And he was right. 

Good job, kuya!!! 

 

The tunnel can get muddy and slippery when it rains

so it's better to go there during dry season.  

Do walk cautiously as well

for we've spotted drop-like water in the walls of the tunnel.

It makes the ground moist.  

We were also fortunate that we always bring our torches with us. 

It helped big time during our walk in the tunnel. 

North Batan: Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge

Fundacion Pacita,

occupying a perfect spot on top of a cliff,

is the most ritzy hotel in Batanes. 

 Fundacion Pacita from afar (we're at the Radar Tukon at this time)

It was previously the home studio of the world-renowed artist, Pacita but when she died, 

they've turned into an inn. 

The proceeds go to the conservation projects in Batanes. 

Everything is just preeminent. 

It's fun to take pictures of its surrounding. 

their multicolored signage 

the reminder just before the entrance :) 

The statue of the internationally acclaimed painter Pacita Abad, 

who created more than 5, 000 artworks and who travelled to more than 50 countries around the world. 

Dinner At Octagon Restaurant

One of the reasons why we went to Batanes 

is to experience some of their local cuisines 

and have a taste of their famous coconut crabs. 

pinakbet 

We opted to have vegetables and salad, along with the yellow rice. 

(to combat the cholesterol that we will be getting from the crabs. haha!)

And because I couldn't get enough of the Pako Salad that my boyfriend's brother-in-law did, 

I asked for it. 

pako! 

Pako Salad is known as fern salad seasoned with fish sauce, 

topped with onion, garlic and yellow ginger garnished with tomatoes on the side. 

It's common in Batanes. 

And it was delectable. 

cocnut crabs 

We dined at Octagon Bed and Dine. 

Took sit at the veranda, 

overlooking the Basco Lighthouse and the sea.

We had to wait, while waiting for our food, for the seat (that we wanted) to be available

since we didn't make any reservations. 

It was a little chilly outside. 

I guess that's one of the things that Batanes is known for. 

Enough of babbling, 

time to dig in and feed our famished tummies. 

Overall, 

the food were really fit for the king. 

*Notes: 

Coconut crabs are called such because they eat coconut meat and are costly. 

Yellow rice has turmeric that's why it's yellow.  It's common in Batanes aside from black and brown rice.