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.
13. Spring of Youth
Even
though the Spring of youth costs 400 per person, we still pursue it as
it shows beautiful background of the ocean and mountains. Amazing place!
14. Chawa View Deck
This is our 2nd to the last stop as our last is the souvenir shop. They gave us Batanes T-shirt for free. Thanks to Wandering Treek Travel & Tours.
Thank you for viewing. Till my next blog.
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