Dios Mamajes, Batanes!

It was an experience of a lifetime! 

Basco Lighthouse. Basco, Batanes.

The 4 days/3 nights I have spent in Batanes was definitely a magical one. No Harry Potter's, no Disney characters, no wizards and no magic wands and yet, I felt the magic in the air. The vast rolling hills, the azure sky, the cold air, the old age Ivatan houses, the beautiful churches and the warm smile of the locals made my experience indeed magical, wonderful, and unforgettable.

Sabtang Rolling Hills. Sabtang, Batanes.

Together with Natz (wanderingsoles.com), Glen (escapemanila.com), and Arjay (rjdexplorer.com), I was able to visit 5 of the 6 towns of the province, all of which are beautiful in their own right, and are equally worthy of visit. 

We first toured the capital town of Basco visiting the Spanish-old Casa Real (the provincial capitol), Basco Lighthouse, Basco Cathedral, Vayang Rolling Hills, and Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel.

Ivatan House. Barrio Chavayan, Sabtang, Batanes.

The next day, we were at the Ivana Port early in the morning for our short water journey to Sabtang Island. There, we were able to visit the very picturesque Tinian Hills, Sabtang Church, Chavayan Beach and all the 6 barrios of Sabtang: Sinakan, Savidug, Chavayan, Sumnanga, Malakdang and Nakanmuan.

Honesty Coffee Shop. Ivana, Batanes.

The third day was spent touring around the towns of Ivana and Mahatao. We were able to visit the Honesty Coffee Shop, the iconic Ivana and Mahatao Churches, Marlboro Country, Diura Fishing Village, House of Dakay, and many more beautiful spots. 

Mahatao Church. Mahatao, Batanes.

Batanes never did waver in amazing all of us during our tour. The many beautiful landscapes, seascapes, unique architecture, sunset and sunrise were really sights to behold. These we had chance to see in all the Batanes towns we had been to.

View from Chawa Viewdeck. Mahatao, Batanes.

On the night of the third day, we had a taste of many Ivatan delicacies during our dinner at Pension Ivatan, a famous Batanes Restaurant (and hotel) which can be found just outside Batanes Airport. Ms. Tess, the owner of the restaurant, invited us to a dinner through Sir Ferds (ironwulf.net), her respected travel blogger friend. 

Ivatan Platter. Pension Ivatan, Basco, Batanes.

On the fourth day, we toured the town of Uyugan. We visited the quaint barrio of Imnajbu, the farthest barrio from Basco, where utmost honesty is observed and expected (you will know why on a different post about Uyugan). We also visited Barrio Itbud and Song Song Ruins and had a glimpse of Uyugan town proper. 

We were back to Basco with still plenty of time left to tour and because that was my last day, I seize the chance to visit two more spots while my 3 other companions retired to the lodge to rest. I visited Fundacion Pacita and had fun taking many shots of another iconic Batanes structure, the Tukon Chapel. I came back to the lodge utterly satisfied and prepared for my departure to Manila, early morning the next day. 

Tukon Chapel. Basco, Batanes.

The 4 days I had spent in Batanes was actually not enough given the fact that there are still many parts of the province I know I haven't visited yet (read : Itbayat) but I thought it was just another beautiful reason to visit Batanes again. After all, I think no one will ever get enough of Batanes, even the Ivatans themselves! :)

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More posts about Batanes:

How I spent less than Php 5,000 in my 4 days/3 nights Batanes trip?
Pension Ivatan Restaurant : Ivatan Delicacies at its best!

Basco : Capital of a Beautiful Province (soon!)

Sabtang Island : Batanes' Precious Jewel
Sabtang Church and Its Historical Complex

Ivana : The Other Town (soon!)

Mahatao : Marlboro's Home (soon!)

Uyugan : The Really Quaint Town of Batanes (soon!)