Taking the boat from Basco to Sabtang Island was definitely
one of the things we were not looking forward to in our three days in Batanes. I
am not a fan of deep waters, my mind was filled with dread just thinking about
the ride across the often traitorous waters of the West Philippine Sea and the
Pacific Ocean. But with the sun shining and the glimmering waters look calm
enough, maybe luck was on our side.
Our
brief respite from the morning sun finished with our guide’s call that told us
that we were ready to board the faluwa, a traditional boat in Batanes
without an outrigger that is able to withstand the waves.
This is our photo before we hit the hilo effect. Nakakaloka.
Upon arrival in San Vicente port, I asked our guide about the seemingly new lighthouse in
the distance. It is located on a private property hence cannot be visited that
time and that fact weirded me out.
Uhmmm. Ms. po. charing. So our tour started at 8 am.
Compared to the more modern of Batan, walking along the narrow streets
of Sabtang felt being transported back in time.Lots of
traditional houses made of limestone, boulders, and corals plus cogon
roofs lined the streets of Savidug, a glimpse into Ivatan culture and traditions. These houses can withstand storms and earthquakes and are built to last.
Bagay ba? Haha. Super happy that we were able to try the local tricycle with cogon roof rather riding a van.
This is one of our favorite photos ever. #besties
Another highlight in Savidug is the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel painted in white and blue, and the Beaterio that is popular as a movie filming location and photography spot.
On the way to Chamantad-Tinyan, we were once again
amazed by the jaw-dropping sight. Clear waters, green mountains, and beautiful shore. It was as if Batanes
was showing off, except this is just how it is ever since. I remember seeing this place in the movie of Toni-Coco's You're My Boss.
Chamantad-Tinyan, actually consists of Tinyan viewpoint and Chamantad Cove. You’ll surely say that the word beautiful is an
understatement to describe the place. Sobrang ganda! Nakakaiyak sa ganda! The view made me speechless. Braving the heat and the strong wind was definitely worth
it to walk on the rolling hills to reach the cove. Hindi ako nanghinayang sa gluta ko. haha.
I think we stayed here for an hour and a half. Sobrang ganda kasi talaga na tipong bawat sulok ang ganda mag picture. haha
Our next stop was Chavayan. One thing you’ll notice is how this tiny fishing village, seemingly lost
in time, is nestled between the mountains and the sea. The Ivatan houses here are also more preserved than the ones in Savidug, with some of them reaching hundred years old already.
I also saw this on the movie You're my Boss. haha. As you all know how I love Toni G.
Our last stop was Morong Beach with Nakabuang Arch. The naturally formed arch is one of Sabtang’s popular spots, and also called as Mahayaw Arch. The surrounding beach, Morong Beach, is made of fine sand that is perfect for walking barefoot.
We also went to Sabtang's lighthouse. Too bad we didn’t have much time, for I really wanted to go up of the lighthouse. The raw beauty of this place amazed me, making it my favorite spot in Sabtang. 
As part of our tour, they offered us to star gaze in Batan lighthouse for free. Here are some photos from Kuya Romnick. I can say that they can be professional photographers with their cameras and photos.
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