A few years back, we have always dreamed of going to Batanes, but we just didn't have the means to get there. It just so happen that while we were planning for our wedding, we got to add the "honeymoon" section (though it was never a priority) at the end of our long wedding checklist and see if we can still save up for it and fit it in the budget. Plus after an airline's religious (almost daily) promo fare updates, we finally gave in to the temptation.
It was quite a risk, yet with no regrets, and with utmost gratification it's now been marked "checked" in our "Gigantic Tank List" (our bigger version of the bucket list)!
We stayed in Batanes for 6 days and had our tour for 4 days. Since we had a lot of photos to share we have divided our Batanes trip into 4 topix. You might also want to check out our other honeymoon destinations in these links: (Coming Soon. =D)
It was quite a risk, yet with no regrets, and with utmost gratification it's now been marked "checked" in our "Gigantic Tank List" (our bigger version of the bucket list)!
We stayed in Batanes for 6 days and had our tour for 4 days. Since we had a lot of photos to share we have divided our Batanes trip into 4 topix. You might also want to check out our other honeymoon destinations in these links: (Coming Soon. =D)
View slideshow of the photos in this article here
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We wanted to show you JAVID SAWEN NU VATAN! (How Beautiful is Batanes) through our photos. Though we're both amateur photographers, some said we were able to take nice photos. Maybe it's because the place itself is just an effortlessly beautiful subject! =)
We arrived in Basco, Batanes by plane directly from Manila NAIA 3, on board PAL express which only fly there on MWF's. Luckily we got a promo ticket which we were able to avail a few months before the trip. We got it for 13k each (round trip). We thought it's not so bad, thinking regular one-way tickets usually amount to 15k.
We were picked up from the airport by the Manager "Madam TIta" herself on the service van of Batanes Seaside Lodge and Restaurant . We booked with them directly for our 4 days 3 nights tour which already include full-board meals. After thorough research and comparisons on other tour packages it turned out we got the best rates from them. The food was good with large amount of serving, plus we had the place all to ourselves! (well, aside from the staff of course). It was not a peek season then.
Our time of arrival was comfortable enough that we still had time to relax, nap and prepare our gadgets before the start of the tour at 1 pm that day. Just keeping our cargo light and easy to handle, the smaller the better. =)
Before we start off with the tour, meet Ate Remy our tour guide assigned to us by Batanes Seaside Lodge (PM us or leave a comment below if you want to ask for her contact number). It was 3 days before the barangay elections, and she ran for councilor. And the funny thing is our driver, who drove us around, also ran as one of her opposition. And they were peacefully working and touring us together! Will let you know the election result at the end of Batanes Day 4 blog. =)
Before we start off with the tour, meet Ate Remy our tour guide assigned to us by Batanes Seaside Lodge (PM us or leave a comment below if you want to ask for her contact number). It was 3 days before the barangay elections, and she ran for councilor. And the funny thing is our driver, who drove us around, also ran as one of her opposition. And they were peacefully working and touring us together! Will let you know the election result at the end of Batanes Day 4 blog. =)
Our first stop for the tour was in Mt. Carmel Chapel in Tukon, that looks like a chapel in one of our fairy tale books. It is made of stone walls and wooden doors to withstand strong winds.
The chapel overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea on both sides. It is best to go there during sunrise or sunset, to be able to capture it with the golden sun that highlights the beauty of its architecture and landscapes.
Our next stop is the topmost part of Tukon Hill. We climbed the DOST tower for a 360 view.
Our third stop is in Batanes Itbud Stone Fortress or known as "Idjangs" used by the Ivatan ancestors who live in them as defensive cover.
After passing by the stone fortress, we head directly to the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel.
Finally! As we got out of the tunnel, we then head to Valugan Boulder Beach. They said the best time to come here is during sunset. It is also at these shores that the cultural practice called "Kapayvanuvanwa" is performed before the annual start of fishing season.
After spending a few minutes in the boulder beach, we head to Vayang Ranch or famously known as the Rolling Hills.
Next stop is Tayid Lighthouse in Basco, which is known for its spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and the rest of the parts of Batan Island.
Similar materials to the vernacular houses, the base of the lighthouse is made of stones.
Before calling the first day of tour off, we dropped by Sto. Domingo Cathedral.
After the first day of tour, they dropped us back to Batanes Seaside Lodge. We still had time to stroll by the beach and capture its beautiful, naturally filtered soft golden sunset.
This concludes the first day. Stay tuned for updates on the rest of our Batanes tours! =)