Northern Batan, Batanes
-July, 2010-
Sea Air is the only flight which offers Batanes trips coming from Manila. Being the only air line who has the capacity to go there, the flights are quite expensive, two-way would cost P16,000/ head. Thankfully, we got a cheaper flight due to their promo at P8,000/ head on a two-way trip. It was still expensive but better. I just got married, quit my job a few months back and moved in with my husband recently, my life had been a whirlwind. I needed a breather. Everything was happening so fast. Batanes, ever since I came across the province via a local show, had been a dream. I deemed that it would be a perfect place to unwind and reflect. My sister, Abrea, having just graduated from college also wanted to get away, and so the two of us embarked on this trip on a sudden decision. I booked the flight and we arranged tours via my sister's friend whose uncle resides there.
Sea Air is the only flight which offers Batanes trips coming from Manila. Being the only air line who has the capacity to go there, the flights are quite expensive, two-way would cost P16,000/ head. Thankfully, we got a cheaper flight due to their promo at P8,000/ head on a two-way trip. It was still expensive but better. I just got married, quit my job a few months back and moved in with my husband recently, my life had been a whirlwind. I needed a breather. Everything was happening so fast. Batanes, ever since I came across the province via a local show, had been a dream. I deemed that it would be a perfect place to unwind and reflect. My sister, Abrea, having just graduated from college also wanted to get away, and so the two of us embarked on this trip on a sudden decision. I booked the flight and we arranged tours via my sister's friend whose uncle resides there.
We arrived in Basco (Batanes' capital) 7:30 in the morning.Our contact picked us up from their airport. Our designated driver for the day was Eli and our tour guide was Gerardo. He would be joining us daily for our trips to assist us and carry our luggages mostly. He doesn't know much about his own homeland but he was amicable and trustworthy like the rest of the Ivatans.They dropped us of at the Ivatan Lodge where I reserved a room for two (200/night). Deeming that the weather would be cool, I booked a fan room, only to find out that the weather was far from cold, humidity was at its peak. It was summer all over. Good thing there was a great view outside our room, that made up for the sweltering heat. Immediately after checking in we had breakfast at Pension Ivatan. Food there ranges from P100-300/head. We had tapa with coffee.
After breakfast, our tour started. We went to their Boulder Beach. This is where the Valugan Bay lies. The beach was so named because its shore had boulders and rocks of different shapes and sizes instead of having fine white sand. This is where, according to our tour guide, Dawn Zulueta was filmed for the commercial of pH care. After taking in much of the site's splendor we moved forward.
We then proceeded towards the Japanese Cave. It has four exits used during World War II by the Japanese soldiers as bunkers. We didn't get to check what's inside due to our lack of a flashlight. The entrance to the cave was quite small.
Third stop was Fundacion Pacita, which commemorates Pacita, a famous Ivatan painter, member of the Abad Clan. The Fundacion is the most expensive hotel in town (P6,000-12,000/ night) with a mini art gallery showcasing Pacita's work. It holds a commanding view of Basco's entirety.
The next stop we visited was Tukon Radar, it is Basco's PAG-ASA site. It was enclosed in a small space with outdated weather instruments.
Near Tukon Radar stood the quaint Tukon Church. It has stone walls, stained glasses for windows and was surrounded by wild flowers from the outside. It was locked so we didn't get to see what's inside. If ever I'd have a chance to get married again (with the same husband of course), I'd definitely choose this church.
We drove around Chanarian Beach. It is also known as Basco's Marine Sanctuary. Beside Chanarian is the Chatpidan Bay where the locals swim every weekend. We didn't swim for lack of a suit. After which we drove back to Ivatan Lodge for an afternoon rest before proceeding with the tour. It was a surprise that I was able to nap despite the heat. Back on the road by 3pm. We first stopped over the Basco Church before heading for the prettier parts of the tour. The church was still under construction from the inside during our visit.
Then came the Rolling Hills also known as the Vayang Ranch. I couldn't explain the beauty that the landscape possessed--the wind, the grass, the cows, the sky...its the communion of all things breathing, living and beautiful. No matter where we focused our camera marvelous photos were taken.
Another equally beautiful viewing site is the Basco Lighthouse situated on top of Naidi Hills. The lighthouse was locked for the day we didn't get to go inside. On the opposite side of the lighthouse lies Japanese bunkers. There were about three and one was locked up. Beside the lighthouse stood a cute cafe known as the Bunker Cafe. We stayed in the area awhile waiting for the sunset. The sun said its farewell around 6pm. Like most of the views in Basco, the sunset has captivated me just as much.
After our Northern Batan tour our van dropped us of at Ivatan Lodge. We went around Basco's Divisoria to buy supplies for the next day's travel to Itbayat. We then met Abrea's friend's uncle, Deo. He was in a wheelchair. We gave him goods that Abrea's friend sent to him. We had dinner with them at an eatery near our hotel. The ground beef we had cost us about P70/ head with rice already. We left Uncle Deo after dinner excusing ourselves. We were both pretty tired. Back at the hotel, the heat was unbearable even after a bath. It took awhile before we both fell asleep.
<<< back
<<< back
Other 2010 Travels:
> Hong Kong
- Disneyland
- Ocean Park
- Peak Tower
- HK Night Life
> Macau, China
> Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao
- CDO
- CDO Night Life
- Bigby's Cafe
> Camiguin, Mindanao
> Bukidnon, Mindanao
> Batanes
- Itbayat
- Sabtang
- Southern Batan
- Basco
> Bohol
- City Tour
- Island Hop
- Panglao
> Tree Top Adventure, Subic
> Singapore
- SG at Night
- City Tour
- Chijmes
- Singapore Zoo
- Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
- Sentosa
> Bali, Indonesia
- Cultural Visits
- Temples
- Tourist Spot
- Menjangan Island
- Menduk Waterfall
> Tagaytay, South Luzon
> Pueblo Por la Playa, Pagbilao Quezon
- The Wedding
- Morning After
> Hundred Islands
- Islands
- Maxine's Restaurant
> Anawagin Cove, Zambales
> Cebu
- Shangri-La, Mactan
- The City
> Hong Kong
- Disneyland
- Ocean Park
- Peak Tower
- HK Night Life
> Macau, China
> Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao
- CDO
- CDO Night Life
- Bigby's Cafe
> Camiguin, Mindanao
> Bukidnon, Mindanao
> Batanes
- Itbayat
- Sabtang
- Southern Batan
- Basco
> Bohol
- City Tour
- Island Hop
- Panglao
> Tree Top Adventure, Subic
> Singapore
- SG at Night
- City Tour
- Chijmes
- Singapore Zoo
- Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
- Sentosa
> Bali, Indonesia
- Cultural Visits
- Temples
- Tourist Spot
- Menjangan Island
- Menduk Waterfall
> Tagaytay, South Luzon
> Pueblo Por la Playa, Pagbilao Quezon
- The Wedding
- Morning After
> Hundred Islands
- Islands
- Maxine's Restaurant
> Anawagin Cove, Zambales
> Cebu
- Shangri-La, Mactan
- The City