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Lakbay Batanes, May19-22, 2007. Just got back last Tuesday from Batanes. I joined our church (Day by Day Christian Ministries) tour to Batanes this May. There were only 10 participants for this trip. Most of us on this trip also went to Palawan last April. We get to know each other a little more on this trip.
Batanes has breath taking views of the hills, sea, stone houses. The people are gentle and friendly. Words are not enough to describe the place. All I can say is you must visit this place. What you see in travel magazines about this place, is what you'll see when you get there and more. As our tour operator, Ms. Luz told us to bring lots of film (or memory card), please do bring lots of this, spare batteries too. I was deleting at times from my digital camera because on the first day alone, I took a lot of photos already. Just when we checked in at Shanedel's Inn, the views are awesome, the South China Sea, Naidi Hills can be seen from the Inn.
All I was thinking for this trip, was finally I am going to Batanes. My friends
and I have long planned to go here but we can't seem to get a booking when we were decided to go when there was a long weekend. I check out the Batanes sites on the net, for tips on restaurants and souvenir shops (thanks for the info in virtual tourist, batanes). Though after we had our meals, and my fellow "lakbayers" are sharing stories, I thought to myself, this is more than what I came here. I listened to their stories and I'm keeping notes of it in my mind. It is good to listen to stories of people who have aged in grace and wisdom from the Lord.
Our first day tour, we went around Basco town. Sights to see: Radar Tukon (weather station up on a hill, where there is a 360degree view of the town), the Abad's Residence (former Congresswoman Abad was at home, she was accommodating and friendly), Fundacion Pacita, Japanese Tunnel, Idjang, Valugan Bay, Rolling Hills, Naidi Hills (lighthouse). The Abad's Residence has a great location on top of the hill with views of the sea, mountain, hills; nothing can beat that.
We were up early on the second day. We are
going to Sabtang Island, we went to San Vicente, Mahatao to board a "falowa". The sea was calm. Sights to see in Sabtang Island: beach where they make lime, "sleeping beauty" profile on the mountain (can be seen from the beach), lime and stone houses of Savidug, scenic coast from Savidug to Chavayan, Chavayan: lime and stone houses, "vakul" (headress worn by Ivatan women), Mr. Ireneo Hornedo, oldest living person in town still making "salukot" (men's hat), old well; white beach with famous arc.
The third day, we went to the towns of Mahatao, Uyugan, Ivana. Sights to see: Mahatao Viewdeck, Racuh A Payaman (Pastureland) ("Marlboro Country"), Uyugan: LORAN station (old US coastguard station), Alapad, ruins of Songsong; Ivana: House of Dakay (UNESCO heritage building), old Spanish Bridge, Honesty Coffee Shop, port of Ivana, San Jose Church (ruins at the back). We had lunch at Disvayangan Beach at Mahatao. Then we went to San Carlos Borromeo Church (a National Heritage site), near the church is the ruins of a lighthouse (another one is across the street from the church). By 2:00pm we were in Diura, a fishing village. This is also where the "spring of youth" is located (we
Radar Tukon
Mt. Iraya at the background hike up the mountain for about 30mins, then we went back to Diura via the beach since it was low tide); along the trail you can see old stones with holes and you will pass by ruins of an old settlement. Most of our fellow "lakbayers" stayed at an open cottage in Diura, while three of us (Baebee, Jeannie and me with our guide Jack) went to the "spring of youth".
By late noon we were back in Basco, we went for souvenir shopping; garlic, shirts, handicrafts. As much as we want to buy souvenirs, we have to take into account that we are only allowed 10kilos per passenger onboard the Asian Spirit flight. It's a 70 seater plane so there is a small baggage allowance.
I thank the Lord for our time in Batanes, for the sunshine and the rain, the fellowship, the people, the place. The Philippines with its 7,100 plus islands, each has its own beauty. You can't say, I've been to one and I've seen them all. 'Til next lakbay.
We are thankful to our friendly tour operator Ms. Luz Cartano of Ivatan Travel and Tours and our tour guide Mr. Jack. We
are also thankful to Ms. Del and family of Shanedel's Inn, to our transport operators specially to Mr. Danny (and his junior aide Mr. Jethro), to the people who prepared our meals in Batan Island and Sabtang Island (we loved the "yellow rice"). They are well oraganized, we are on schedule with our itinerary, we have maiximized our time in Batanes. Dios Mamajes!
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digital_explorer
Reymos
This is my next destination
Well done. I really want to spend few days in this part of the Philippines. Maybe when I finished my studies this is my top list of places to visit for my homecoming late next year. Rey