MARKISM: June 2019

Batanes Day 3 x South Batan Tour

By Marky - 1:00 PM

For our third and last day in the northernmost province of the country, we finally had the chance to explore the southern part of Batan Island. Our tour guide said that this area has more beautiful sights than the North. Listed below are the attractions that will be seen and/or experienced in the Batanes' South Batan tour.

1. Tayid Lighthouse

Tayid Lighthouse amidst the rolling hills of Mahatao is a hexagonal lighthouse built in the early 2000s. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It is also part of the South Tour in Basco, Batanes.

Candid shots with my bestfriend.

2. Mahatao Church & Blank Book Archive

Our second stop is National Cultural Treasure and one of the old Spanish Colonial Era church. Painted white with accents of blue, San Carlos Borromeo Church, also known as Mahatao Church, is probably the most beautiful church in Batanes.

Blank Book Archives is basically a room full of books with blank pages. Locals and tourists are encourage to write whatever you feel like writing. It’s a good way of expressing one’s self. To those who will go to Batanes, go to this place and choose this book to put all your hugot in life.

3. Homoron Blue Lagoon

It is easy to see why Homoron Blue Lagoon and White Beach are favorite swimming and picnic spots for locals. The pristine waters alone are inviting. Even though both are accessible from the road, it is secluded enough that you’ll get your peace and quiet.

4. Maydangeb beach

5. House of Dakay

What makes the House of Dakay a stop in the South Batan Tour is its uniqueness. Built in 1887, the House of Dakay is the oldest surviving stone house in Batanes. It is one of the only five houses that remained standing after am 8.3 magnitude earthquake leveled the town of Ivana on 13 September 1918. Of the five, it is the only one that remains unchanged, not including the thatched cogon roof that has to be replaced every 30 years.

6. Old Spanish Bridge

The Spanish Bridge is one of the remaining structures from the Spanish period. It was made with lime and stone built to form part of the main road. The bridge is in perfect condition and still utilized by people and vehicles to this day.

7. Honesty Store

Unmanned and always open, the Honesty Shop is a sari-sari store and coffee shop that puts so much trust on its customers. You get what you want and drop your payment at designated boxes, a testament to the admirable values of the locals. In a province that boasts virtually ZERO crime rate, stealing is almost unheard of.

8. South Batan View point

A famous spot because of the magnificent views and rock formations.

9. Nanay Ching Restaurant

10. Imnajbu Point: Alapad Pass and Rock Formation

The road cuts through a small hill, forming what they call Alapad Pass. A few meters from here rises a viewdeck that gives another stellar vista of the beaches on both sides. Massive rocks speck the surrounding waters, too.

And the Blow Ur Horn photo op. haha

11. San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel

12. Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country)

The hills are definitely alive with the sound of music! Racuh a Payaman, commonly known as Marlboro Country, is one of the reasons why I wanted to go to Batanes. Sobrang ganda! I once saw a photo of the rolling hills with a view of the ocean into the horizon and from there, it was high up on my travel list.