Hello Gentle Readers.
I'm back @restlessadvntr and I hope you'll read my today's digest.
FEATURING : Batanes Island.
Tayid Lighthouse with the background of Mt. Iraya
Batanes was known for its scenic waters, terrain, and clean environment. It was located approximately 162 kilometers (101 mi) north of the Luzon mainland and about 190 kilometers (120 miles) south of Taiwan (Pingtung County), feels like you've travel outside of the country.
Batanes is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the wonders of nature. It's so magical, when I first saw photos of the location it's giving me vibe and urge to go there.
I can't even imagine up until now that I've been to that magical place.
This trip was one year in the making. We've been planning ahead to lessen our expenses. We booked different airlines just to save money. We even opted to book peso fares and thanks God; we got it. We flew from Mactan Cebu International Airport bound to Clark International Airport via Cebu Pacific. Clark to Basco Batanes via Philippine Airline. PAL's I think the only airline that had a flight from Clark to Basco, Batanes that time. We choose Clark Airport because it's much closer to Basco, Batanes and had a lesser fare that time. There's an alternative route which is from Manila Aiport but the fare was too expensive. The airline available was Airswift and/or Skyjet.
This photo was taken during our flight from Mactan International Airport to Clark International Airport. A bet nervous but feeling excited.
Touch Down Batanes it was a smooth flight with Philippine Airlines.
Having a photo of their airport. I was amazed that their airport was make with stacked rocks.
By that time, I took my time to took a photo with this peculiar tricycle because we've been waiting for our van transport. It's one of their main transportations on the Island of Batanes.
Photo of our Transient House. It's were our van transport took us. It was out home stay for 5 days. Yes, for 5 days. We want to experience the Island whole heartedly.
When we got to our home stay the owner wasn't there, were amazed that the key to that house was just left in there. Just sooth yourself, feel at home. I thought I'll just gonna read the amazing Batanes by the books. But, no. It for real, I experienced it.
On the same day, we never wasted time. We prep ourselves for the most awaited adventure on the island.
Our first stop was the famous Honesty Store. Literally, it was an honesty store. The store was full of souvenir items and etc. but there was no attendant if your done choosing items and need to pay already just drop your bills on the designated payment area and if you need change there was a coin box next to the drop box for paper bills. Price list was already posted on the area.
Snippet of what was inside the Honesty Store.
I took a photo of this amazing painting. In the painting it was their main transportation crossing to the next Island which was Sabtang Island. The transport vehicle was called Falowa.
The House of Dakay is said to one of the oldest stone houses existing in Batanes and considered as a UNESCO Heritage Building.
Our photo at the House for Dakay.
The Boat Shelter Port it was built to protect the Batan Island's boats from the destructive waves. We took time to stop by coz' the view awe us. It was calling...
Chawa View Deck. That sea at the background was the West Philippine Sea if I'm not mistaken.
Took our group picture. They can't live without a group picture. That looks like a family picture. 😂🤣
The Alapad Hill and Rock Formation was one of the most famous stopovers among tourist. "Blow ur horn" photo was very famous. If you searched for Batanes. It was all over Google.
So happy experiencing Batanes Island. By reminiscing it, I was teary-eyed. Needed to go back. Those days on the Island, there culture, the people. I don't want to leave the Island.
Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel was a tunnel connected to different tunnels on the whole Island.
The passage of the tunnel. It was served as a shelter for Japanese Military during World War II.
The San Jose de Ivana Church, also known as Ivana Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Ivana, Batanes, Philippines. It was established in 1787 by the Dominicans as a chapel.
Morong Beach famous for its arch stone designed by nature.
Me wearing Vakul with the view of Savidug Stone Houses.
Mt. Carmel Chapel or Tukon Church inside the chapel were painting made by locals’ artists. Outside the chapel you can see the sea view of Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea crashing waves.
If you want to travel Batanes. Feel free to reach them out. There very accommodating.
Just to wrap up this adventure. Until now I can't even imagine that I made it to the top. Top or Peak of the Philippine Archipelago. It was and achievement to experience the culture of Ivatans. I still want to go back to that majestic Island. Full of History.
If you want to go there. Just let me know and let’s explore the island even more.
Nature is therapeutic.
Can’t wait to tell you more about my next adventures. 😊