Southern Batan, Batanes
-July, 2011-
For our Southern Batan tour, we once again hired a van to take us around. If the weather was cooler a jeep would have been cheaper but during our visit the weather was getting hotter everyday and drizzling by late afternoon, a van was the best option and comfortable at that.
Our first stop was Chawa's Viewing Deck. It was quite windy when we dropped by. We checked out what was downstairs of the deck, which was a better view of the sea, to complete our visit. The sea was of a deep blue color but up close it was clear.
For our Southern Batan tour, we once again hired a van to take us around. If the weather was cooler a jeep would have been cheaper but during our visit the weather was getting hotter everyday and drizzling by late afternoon, a van was the best option and comfortable at that.
Our first stop was Chawa's Viewing Deck. It was quite windy when we dropped by. We checked out what was downstairs of the deck, which was a better view of the sea, to complete our visit. The sea was of a deep blue color but up close it was clear.
Up next was the Boat Shelter where the locals place there boats for safe keeping especially during storms.
Since Gerardo knows the staff in one of the boats parked there, we were able to check it out.
We then visited the Mahatao Church with a mini stone lighthouse outside, which was used during the Spanish era. It is also known as the San Carlos Borromeo Church declared by the National Historical Institute as Heritage Site.
We passed by their National Road during our visit which has an arresting view of Batan.
As we drove further, the Alapad showed itself, which is an interesting rock formation on the side of the road.
Old Loran Station's view is just across this imposing rock formation. It was used to house a US Coast Guard detachment for almost two decades and is now an abandoned site.
The must see Marlboro Country of Batanes, or better known as the Racuh A Payaman by the locals, was our next stop. It offered a panoramic view of the hills and the sea. This area is used primarily for cow pasteurization, which is a booming industry in Batanes.
Before living Mahatao we checked out their Wind Turbine Farm System installed at Mt. Sumhao. It is the first commercialy operated hybrid system in the Philippines. The three units of 60-kilowatt wind turbines complement the diesel generator system that Batan Island is using. It was not functional during our visit though.
Deeper into our southern tour we stopped by the Blue Lagoon. According to the locals, this is where the friars, during the Spanish Era used to wash themselves.
At Ivana, we first had a look at their White China Beach. It is ideal for swimming since the water is clear and the sand is white. Instead of the usual fine white sand, this beach's sand is made up of white pebbles and small white shells.
Once you're in Ivana, you shouldn't miss the House of Dakay which is one of the oldest houses in Ivana. We even met the owner who obligingly had her picture taken with us.
Up next was the Ivana Church visit it is also known as the San Jose Church built in 1814. It has a crenellated fortress-like campanile. The church faces the Ivana Seaport.
Just across the Ivana church is the Honesty Coffee Shop, devoid of sellers or of the owner. All the goods are displayed, you could just get whatever you want to purchase and drop your payment on the box provided. Some guts the owner must have to trust every buyer who would drop by. Most of the Ivatans are well mannered and kind natured though so its no wonder the owner is trustworthy. I bought snacks and softdrinks just to try it out.
After finishing the town of Mahatao and Ivana we then went to Uyugan. Like the previous towns they also have their own church, which was our first stop. The San Antonio de Florencia Church.
We then proceeded towards the Ruins of Songsong which is a ghost barangay featuring a cluster of roofless shells of old stone houses abandoned after the tidal wave that hit the island of Batan in the 50’s. Some of the stones are taken by the locals used for their own houses.
Last stop was the Fountain of Youth which is a sacred place for the Ivatans. Silence was requested once in the area. This is where we had our lunch. We couldn't find a decent eating place along the way so we suited ourselves to bread and biscuits bought in a shop on our way to the fountain.
On our way back to Basco we passed by Diura Fishing Village.
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
- Northern Batan
- Itbayat
- Sabtang
- 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
- Northern Batan
- Itbayat
- Sabtang
- 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