It is just right that I start this travel blog with one of my favorite Philippine destinations — Batanes. My friends and I went island-hopping from Batan to Itbayat to Sabtang to Ivujus. To say that Batanes is breathtakingly beautiful is an understatement.
When I was there, I texted family and friends — Batanes is so beautiful, God must have lingered here before He finally said: Done!
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Click thumbnails to enlarge photos.
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Flights to Batanes: Asian Spirit flies to Batanes (with stop-over at Tuguegarao).
Best time to visit: Between April and May. Note: If you go there before and after the summer months, flight schedules could be cancelled due to bad weather.
Accomodations: There are a lot of hotels in Basco. Call them for reservations. You can home-stay in Itbayat and other islands. The Ivatans are very generous, honest, and kind. Still, you must let a local arrange home-stay accomodations for you.
Transportation in Batanes: In Basco, the most convenient way to go around the town proper is through a tricycle. You can also rent a van or a jeep (with a guide) if you want to go around the island.
If you want to visit other islands, there are small motorized boats (small, considering they are going to cross the strait between the Pacific ocean and South China sea). The trip to Itbayat from Basco takes three hours of extremely rough ride and the conditions are not very ideal (squatting for three hours takes a toll in the body and spirit). Still, it’s a trip worth experiencing. Just be ready with some plastic bags for you-know-what. =)
Places to visit: Batan island. Sabtang island. And if you want some unforgettable adventure, visit Itbayat.
See old stone houses, historical churches, lighthouses, and rolling hills with panoramic views. Do not forget to drop by the Honesty Store and Pacita Abad’s house for some inspiration.
Don’t forget: Bring enough cash (I’m not sure if they already accept credit card payments there). Bring your favorite food because there are no supermarkets (but they have grocery stores that might not carry your favorite chocolate bar). Bring comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring medicines, flashlights, and if you decide to go island-hopping, bring a sleeping mat (or your trusty malong).
Batanes has zero crime rate and the Ivatans take very good care of their environment. Bring them respect and love.
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Photos by Aileen Siroy. All rights reserved.
Batanes, Philippines. April 2006.
this makes me want to go to batanes more, and more!
thanks for letting us travel with you– in real life, and in pictures.
do visit Batanes, edeena! i assure, it will be one of your most memorable trips ever! =)