I've always wanted to go to Batanes, like crazy.
It's one of my ultimate dreams.
I've seen and read so many things about it, and it's making me drool big time and every time!
Then on vacation, I was lucky to have my flight included in my hospital ticket!
Viola!
Batanes!!!! Here I come!!
We started with South Batan tour, and it took the whole day!
It covered the towns of Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan.
When we started our tour, it seemed that everything that we passed by is picturesque.
(Click on the link to know more.. :D )
1. Paderes Point and Cliff Road
Our first stop during our tour. At first, I didn't understand why we halted here, but when Kuya Toto, our trike guide, explained everything then I learned what was this for. According to him, if somebody needs medical help, they'll put him here while waiting for the ambulance to pick them up and bring the injured person to the hospital.
Alongside, the cliff road offered a magnificent view of Mt. Iraya and its turquoise sea water.
Our first stop during our tour. At first, I didn't understand why we halted here, but when Kuya Toto, our trike guide, explained everything then I learned what was this for. According to him, if somebody needs medical help, they'll put him here while waiting for the ambulance to pick them up and bring the injured person to the hospital.
Alongside, the cliff road offered a magnificent view of Mt. Iraya and its turquoise sea water.
Yes, you'll be seeing tons of this road signs when traversing Batanes because of its blind bends.
The view deck is usually the first stop of the South Batan tour. The view offered a mind-blowing scene of the West Philippine Sea where one can make a descent from the stairways and take a closer look at the turquoise sea.
Since tough weather conditions always visit Batanes, the Mahatao Boat Shelter Port serves as a shack for the boats.
I know it wasn't the love month when we went to Batanes but this reminds us that love is everywhere. And that life is beautiful.
6. Write something in this Blank Book Archive located near San Carlos Borromeo Church
It's a small library of hard-bound blank books located beside the church where guests can scribble their thoughts or expressed them in drawings or any form of art.
The San Carlos Borromeo Church is one of the oldest churches in Batanes. It was build in the 1800's and later on became a National Cultural Treasure. And not far from the church are two lighthouses that were no longer functioning but were used during the Spanish era.
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| San Carlos Borromeo Church |
7. Stop and Breathe (Side Trip )
After a short visit to the church, when we were on our way to Mahatao Lighthouse, we asked Kuya Toto to stop for a while and take in this wonderful view of the hills and hedgerows. It is so breath-taking.
8. Explore the Mahatao Lighthouse (Tayid Lighthouse )
Moving on, we reached the Mahatao Lighthouse. It was built in the year 2000 that offered a splendid view of the West Philippine Sea and some parts of Batan.
A village facing the Pacific Ocean and the venue of the kapayvanuvanua, which means "cleaning the shores," is a ritual signifying the start of the fishing season.
10. Feel the Sound of Music at Marlboro Country
It is popularly known as the Marlboro Country as it resembles the scenes from the cigarette commercial.
Herders can leave their grazing animals here. They just put tags on their animals so they could identify which one is theirs. This place got gates that you will open when you get in and out of it.
Imnajbu is one of the smallest barangays in Batanes, having a couple of hundred people only. It's a rugged country where the famous movie was shot. The film was Hihintayin Kita sa Langit featuring Dawn Zulueta and Richard Gomez. Apart from that, the place was dubbed as the Birthplace of Christianity in Batanes.
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| the view from the Alapad Rock Formation |
The LORAN station is a terrestrial navigation system using ground-transmitters constructed by the Americans and was abandoned in 1970's. At present, the station is being renovated and will be converted into a museum.
12. Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church
13. Itbut Stone Houses and Song-song Ruins
These were just one of the few stone houses spotted in Itbud Village. Although they can only be counted in your fingers, a shot with them is definitely worth it.
Soon after, we halted in Song-song Ruins. It was termed a ghost town after its desertion when it was hit by a tsunami several decades ago.
14. San Antonio de Florencia Church
A cafe where "Honesty is the Best Policy." The shop doesn't have anybody in it. The guest had to look after what he wants, log it in the logbook, compute the costs and drop the payment in the box.
The Spanish inspired church was about nearly 250 years old from its construction. It was built in front of the Port going to Sabtang island. The church served not only a place of worship back then but also a watchtower.
One of the oldest stone houses in Batanes is known as the House of Dakay. It was built in lime and sand during the 1800's.
Not far from the stone house is the old Spanish bridge which is still functional and was built in the 1700's by the Spaniards.
A white sand beach, with calmer water, is a good place for picnic and swimming.
19. Blue Lagoon
We capped our day by dipping in the Blue Lagoon. It was refreshing. It soothed our burning skin from the day's tour. That's how we capped our South Batan Tour. :)
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