A Rare Sight of Beauty

While taking a break from an afternoon dive in summer 2007, i've mentioned to my buddy that i am dying to see Batanes. To my surprise, she has visited this place a couple of years ago. I was so jealous about it... This has to be one of my dream destinations eversince I've seen it on tv in one of a travel shows.  and so, exactly after a year of that summer i received an email from her about a vacation package that will enable me to fulfill my dream of seeing the farthest island in the northern part of Philippine archipelago. 

Ok, April 2008 i booked a tour pkg for Batanes. So about two weeks before the flight, our tour agent sent the e-ticket and I can still remember that only 10 passengers were on the list. "Oh, it must be a very small aircraft.

" It was a nerve wracking moment for me as i am a bit scared of tiny airplanes. Imagine the two weeknights of thinking of what ifs.. what if by the time we were flying a typhoon hits Batanes.. and what if the plane crashes in the middle of the ocean.. or what if the plane didn't make it to the runway of Basco when it was just a kilometer away.. I know, i was stupid at those thoughts. But well, i can't avoid thinking about it. (paranoia side effect.. ahaha..) no one will ever know what's going to happen.. right?

My idiocity has ended by the time we were called to board the plane. It was a relief to see a hundred seats waiting for the passengers of Asian Spirit.. ahaha.  :0)

We were booked at Batanes Seaside Lodge. Just your ordinary resort 15 mins away from the airport.

Nothing much to expect.. just the friendly staff and a nice view from our room.  ;0) After an hour, we were called on the first day tour of Batan Island. The views along the winding road of Chawa were a feast to my eyes. Everywhere i turned my head were breathtaking sea coasts and mountainscapes! We stopped by a view deck and a so called "lovers' lane" where you can just enjoy seeing the waves bumping to the cliff rocks. i can just stay to that place and emote the wholeday.. ahahaha.. after about a hundred pictures or so, we continued our tour and visited a row of Ivatan houses/cottages in Dysvayangan. Then we went to Ivana where one of the century old churches was built. Of course took a picture at the Honesty Coffee Shop. Whatever you choose to buy, you just have to drop your coins in a box and sorry if you have a change as this is a cafe without a storekeeper.  Only honest people are allowed. Other places we've visited : Vitawuy Beach, Jojmoron Cove, Ghost Town in Songsong, Alapad Marlboro Country and had the best halo-halo in Basco. Then we call it a day. I was tired and my camera was out of battery..

2nd day, a motorized banca transferred us to Sabtang Island. it was quite of a rough ride as the current is a bit strong. But we managed to get to the island still at our best condition. Depending on the weather, when you will be allowed to get to Sabtang as there could be big waves even during the summer months. Best to see the panoramic views is by riding on the top of the jeepney while getting around the island.

It was fun, it's hot and it's alright to get toasted under the sun. Just don't forget to put on some sunblock lotion. And so we visited Chavayan, Savidug (known for expertise on boat making) and we took our lunch at Kakabuang Beach.

3rd day, picnic activity and continuation of Basco tour >> Fountain of Life, Tahuhura Beach, Naide Hills, Pacita Abad Museum, Rest House of Butch Abad, Japanese Tunnel, Valugan Bay, mt Iraya and witness a beautiful sunset at Vayang Ranch. ahhh.. I do not want to go back home.

Most of us in this tour felt like we've just been to Ireland, New Zealand or Scotland. I've never been to those places. My knowledge is just limitted to pictures and threads of readings about those stunning countries. But I am glad, I get to see their beauty thru this place called "Batanes". Spectacular as it was best described by my American friend.  I will kill whoever disagrees to that! ahaha! :)