The Breathtaking Batanes [Wanderlust]

The Breathtaking Batanes

For those of you who’ve been caught by a bug called “travel bug”. I bet Batanes is one of your top 5 Philippine destinations. I know I am right because I am one of those. Batanes has been in my bucket list and finally, I was able to save up for this trip and cross that one entry on my travel destination list. Situated at the northernmost part of the country, looking at the pictures on the internet — who wouldn’t want to be there and experience “The Breathtaking Batanes?”

Here, I’ve listed 8 heart-stopping, soul-feeding activities that you should do when you’re in Batanes. But before that, let’s list some facts about Batanes;

– It is known to be the “The Home of the Winds” merely because its climate is set to be cool and windy.
– It is derived from the word Batan which means a local Ivatan people.
– Ivatan Tribe is the first settler of the province and they came from Taiwan.
– It is the northernmost part of the Philippines, 120 miles south of Taiwan.
– It is known to be the smallest province both in population and land area.
– It has 6 municipalities: Basco the capital and then there’s Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang, and Uyugan.
– Its main language is Ivatan.
– Almost half of Batanes is hills and mountains.

I am warning you though, even how picturesque these images are, I would still advise you to see it for yourself.
I had a great time here, and the feeling to be alive is so evident that you would want to visit the place again. Enjoy!

1. Visit North Batan’s beautiful places

North Batan will set your pace. If you will do this on your first day in Batanes, it will somehow set your mood, your mindset that your stay will surely be one you wouldn’t forget — not for long, or never at all.

Tukon Church – Mt. Carmel Chapel

PAGASA Weather Station – Basco

Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel

Chadpidan Boulder Beach

Vayang Rolling Hills

Naidi Hills – Basco Lighthouse

2. Road trip to South Batan

South Batan’s road trip is a heart-warming journey. You will see how Batanes once again holds the power to literally stops you on track and appreciate how blessed you are to be alive and see this part of the country. Each stop holds a promise that you’ll forever remember.

Chawa View Deck

House of Dakay

Honesty Coffee Shop

Imnajbu Point: Alapad Pass and Rock Formation

Imnajbu Beach

San Carlos Borromeo Church

Rakuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country)

Tayid Lighthouse

Rakuh-a-idi Spring (Fountain of Youth)

3. Set foot to a small and laidback Sabtang island

This remote island is perfect if you would want a life that is so laidback and simple. Here, you will see the Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint, Chavayan Village, Morong Beach / Nakabuang Beach, and the Sabtang Lighthouse, of course.

4. Take a bicycle and try how far can you reach down South!

I had fun going around Basco and taking my time down South. This comes with a warning though, as much as this is fun but if you plan to go South, there’s a lot of uphill climbs, so if you’re not physically fit to do this, then don’t. You can just bike around Basco proper. This was one of my favorite activity. I took my time and wait and made a stop on the spot where I could watch the sunset. It’s a soul-feeding activity indeed.

5. Bath yourself with stars

You have to climb up Naidi hill for the perfect spot to watch the Milkyway. (Thank you, Aaron for this image. I owe you one, brother!)

6. Chase sunsets

Oh boy, as I’ve said, I bleed for sunsets. I love, love, love watching the sunset, and this was definitely a must for me wherever I wander places. It’s like therapy. Seeing sunset and watching them slowly fading is my kind of keeping the time stand still. Since Batanes is mostly hills and mountains, you have the advantage to see the sun kissing the ocean pretty much giving you awe-inspiring feeling.

7. Do a hike to Vayang Rolling Hills

Vayang Rolling Hills is one gorgeous place to see. It’s like walking on a narrow road keeping your eyes to the green surroundings, looking up at the blue horizon and the wind touching your face giving you a feeling of nostalgia. It’s as if you were one with the universe on time travel. Imagine that feeling. Isn’t it life-changing? IT IS!

8. Walking around Basco

One afternoon, I decided to just walk around Basco, alone. It’s an activity I would advise you to do. The feeling of being free, engaging yourself with the place, the people, and their culture. It’s kind of therapeutic. It is in this kind of activity that you became aware of who you are whenever you are in a foreign land. Basco is just a small town with beautiful people, I must say. They gave me home, away from home.

*There was one island that is included in our itinerary, that we weren’t able to go to. It is the elusive Itbayat Island. The waves, by the way, are huge when we travel to Sabtang Island, and it’s much bigger waves going to Itbayat. In order to go there, you have to endure a 4-hour boat ride, and there’s no exact schedule of days for the boat as it will always depend on the weather. I read a blog that describes the island as only for the brave ones. If time is of not the essence, I would definitely go there. But for now, I will put that on my bucket list!

Here’s the gallery to feast your eyes with the Breathtaking Batanes!

8 heart-stopping, soul-feeding activities you should do in BATANES!

BONUS!

Click here for a sample itinerary.

THANK YOU for the following people who made this trip a life-changing one! I can’t wait for my next trip back here.
– Kuya Lito our ever so kind tour guide who made everything possible as to where and when we will be visiting the places. (Contact Number: 0908-617-0726)
– Ate Flor of Alasco Homestay. She’s like a mother/sister to us. (Contact Number: 0918-254-8828)
– And these bunch of #Hampaslupa. 6 of them whom I’ve only met for the first time. You were all amazing and fun to be with, guys! Thank you — John, Maye, Fred, Jessa, Dai2x, Aaron, and Xian! Looking forward to our next travel — how about conquering the waves going to Itbayat? Game? 🙂

8 heart-stopping, soul-feeding activities you should do in BATANES!