Michi Photostory

Time is slipping away so fast and I can’t believe that today is already the last day of the year 2022. I’m supposed to write my year-end post but my Facebook memories reminded me that four years ago we went to Batanes. It’s been a long time since we travel during the holiday so for now, I will just reminisce about our trip. 

I was deleting photos on my phone and I saw my Batanes photos so this reminds me to finish this series. It took me a few months to finish the series because it is hard to choose photos and videos, for this South Batan Island tour, I have 644 photos and videos. Waah! Anyway, if you missed my other posts, you can check the link below for Day 1 and Day 2 Batanes Tour.

Day 1: North Batan Island Tour 
Day 2: Sabtang Island Tour


South Batan Island Tour Itinerary 

Chawa Viewdeck
Mahatao Boat Shelter Port
Tayid Lighthouse
San Carlos Church
Homoron Blue Lagoon
Maydangeb White Beach
Ivana Municipality
Old Spanish Bridge
House of Dakay
San Jose De Obrero
Honesty Coffee Shop
Uyugan Municipality
Muchong Viewpoint
Songsong Ruins
Itbud Village
Alapad Natural Rock Formation
Old Naval Station
Imnajbu Village
Racuh A Payaman (Marlboro Country)

I thought that we really need a day to finish the South Batan Island Tour so we started our tour as early as 8:30AM but I was wrong. The list of tourist spots are so long pero hindi naman pala lahat babaan or I guess it depends on the tour guide din. We just passed some of the tourist spots so I only have pictures from afar and we stopped by dun sa mga popular tourist spots. So we were done before 1PM, hindi pa kami nagmadali niyan at 1 hour na nga kami kumain.

So I think, doing compressed North and South Batan Tour is okay. If you have a limited budget or if you have limited time in Batanes, you can do North and South Batan Tour in one day. Based on our experience, we only spent few hours visiting the tourist spots.

For our Day 3, I was worried at first because it started to drizzle on our way to Chawa Viewdeck but we’re thankful because the rain stopped. Yehey! Nakisama naman ang weather up to our last day of tour.

Chawa Viewdeck 


On our way to Ivana Port, I already saw Chawa Viewdeck, Mahatao Boat Shelter Port and lighthouse. I find it beautiful so I was really looking forward to our South Batan Tour so I can see these tourist spots, up close and personal.


Ang ganda talaga sa Chawa viewdeck, you can see the West Batan Cliffs and the West Philippine Sea. Looking at the waves was relaxing but scary at the same time because the waves were strong. And because of the drizzle, we did not go down anymore because the staircase is wet and slippery.

Mahatao Boat Shelter Port 


I was sad because we just passed the Mahatao Boat Shelter Port, gusto ko pa naman bumaba para magtake ng pictures. This port was constructed so in times of typhoon and strong waves, there is a shelter for the boats. I also saw a lighthouse from afar but I don’t know the name of the lighthouse.

San Carlos Borromeo Church 

Next stop is San Carlos Borromeo Church, a church in Mahatao that was built in 1787 and was improved through the years. This is also the place where Katipuneros raised the Katipunan flag on September 19, 1898. It is part of National Cultural Treasure since July 31, 2011.


There is a blank book here where you can write your personal message. Within the area, you can see two old Spanish lamp post that serves as a lighthouse or guide to fishermen.

Homoron Blue Lagoon 


We passed the Huhmoron, Homoron Blue Lagoon or Spanish Lagoon, it is famous because of the blue color of the water but during our visit, hindi siya blue. It is also called Spanish Lagoon because during the Spanish era, only priest or Spaniards are allowed to take a dip or swim here. But of course, now it is open to the public.

Maydangeb White Beach 


We stopped by at Maydangeb White Beach, looking at the beach parang ang sarap na magswimming. But it was cold and we did not go to Batanes to swim, so we have to continue our sightseeing tour.

Old Spanish Tuhel Bridge 



On our way to House of Dakay, we passed by Old Spanish Bridge in Ivana Town, it was built in 1800’s but it is still functional. You can also see other bridges in the area.

House of Dakay 

House of Estrella or popularly known as House of Dakay is the oldest stone house in Batanes. It is one of the stone houses that survived after the September 13, 1918 earthquake (8.3 magnitude). The house is still in its original form except for the cogon roof because it is replaced every 25 to 30 years. The kitchen and comfort room are few steps away from the house. You can also rent a Vakul and Kanayi Vest for P20. Few steps away from House of Dakay is a souvenir shop so you can already buy souvenirs there.

San Jose de Ivana Church 


Then we moved to old Ivana Port, in front of the port is San Jose de Ivana Church. Batanes is a small province but I was really surprised that everywhere we go, there is a church for the Ivatans. It was built in 1787 to serve the people of Ivana, Sabtang, and Uyugan but when Sabtang residents moved back to Sabtang, they closed some parts of the church.

Honesty Coffee Shop 

From the church, we walked to Honesty Coffee Shop. It the famous coffee shop because the store is unmanned. Yes, there is no staff that will assist you. If you want to buy or eat, feel free to serve yourself but don’t forget to pay. There is logbook where you need to list the stuff that you bought and drop your payment at the dropbox. According to our tour guide, palaki ng palaki nga daw bahay ng may-ari ng Coffee Shop because it is indeed the most visited tourist spot in Batanes.


Maybe, even you don’t have to plan to buy something, mapapabili ka just to experience buying something at the Honesty Coffee Shop. It is good to know na nagwork ang Honesty Coffee Shop in Batanes but sad to know na hindi siya nagwork sa mga ibang gumaya like in Metro Manila. Bilang na lang ba ang honest sa Metro Manila?

Muchong Viewpoint 



After exploring Ivana Town, we went to Uyugan Town. Our first stop is Muchong Viewpoint, another rolling hill in Batanes where you can enjoy the seascape.

Ruins of Songsong

We passed by Sitio of Songsong, which is also known as ghost barangay because the area was abandoned after the tsunami hit the town in the year 1954. You can still see the roofless stone houses but some of the ruins are already occupied. People try to restore and maintain the stone house.

Alapad Pass and Natural Rock Formation 

We stopped by Alapad Pass and Natural Rock Formation, it is another popular tourist spot because it is where Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta shot their movie “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit”.




You will enjoy the different rock formations here, the two cliffs separated by the road, the Pacific Ocean view. In Batanes, you will always see “Blow UR Horn” sign if you will pass narrow curve cliff, hindi pa uso text lingo may ganung sign na sa Batanes.

Old LORAN (Long Range Naval Station) 


From the Madangay Cliff, you can see the OLD Loran or also known at Little America. It will be reopened as the National Museum.

Lunch at Nanay Ching Restaurant 

It was only quarter to 11AM, but we’re almost finished with our South Batan Tour. Lighthouse and Marlboro Country na lang ang kulang. We had early lunch at Nanay Ching Restaurant. It is park of our tour package, we had nilagang pork, chicken afritada, pork adobo, chopsuey, rice and camote salad. The serving was huge so we took our time eating at mahaba-haba pa oras namin.

Read: Where to Eat in Batanes

Marlboro Country 

After one hour, we continued exploring South Batan and off we went to Racuh A Payaman or also known as Marlboro Country. It is a protected area where you can see cows, carabaos, hills, mountain, fields, sky, and sea. It is indeed a picturesque place and sometimes I wonder if this place is really in the Philippines.



Breathtaking Batanes it is, you can see the Tayid lighthouse at the left, Mount Iraya at the right, and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean. It was windy so it was hard for me to walk kasi feeling ko liliparin na naman ako. But even though I’m afraid, I try my best to walk so I can enjoy the view too. Kung hindi lang mahangin, we can stay longer here.

Tayid Lighthouse 


Our last stop of the tour is Tayid Lighthouse, it is one of the three functional lighthouses in Batanes that was built in the 2000s. It is hexagonal shape lighthouse that guides the seafarers in the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse was closed so we were not able to check the interiors.

Mahatao Wind Turbines 


On our way back to the hotel, we saw the Mahatao Wind Turbines. It is not operational so nakababa lang.

Tawsen Souvenir Shop 

Since we are early, our tour guide dropped us at Tawsen Souvenir Shop so we can buy some souvenirs or pasalubong.

Watch the video here

Dinner at Hudzan’s Cafe & Catering 

We had dinner at Hudzan’s Cafe & Catering, we ordered Buttered Garlic Shrimp, Burger Steak, Crispy Beef Ribs, Rice and Softdrinks. It is part of our tour package so we did not pay anything.

That’s the end of my Batanes series. It is a hassle-free and memorable experience for us. Going to Batanes is not cheap but I have no regrets in visiting this province. I’m happy that I was able to cross this out on my bucket list and I am proud to say that we have this breathtaking place in the Philippines.

We paid P7200 per person for our 3 Days Tour in Batanes, which includes the tour, lunch, and dinner. If you want to save money, you can check my post here. You can also book your tour at Klook.

Read: Where to Stay in Batanes

3 Days North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island Tour P5,500
2 Days North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island Tour P4,800
North Batan Half Day Tour P1500
Sabtang Island Day Tour from Batan Island P2500
2 Days North Batan and South Batan Tour P3500
South Batan Tour P2000

Batanes is on my bucket list but I was hesitant to visit Sabtang Island because I’m scared to ride the Faluwa. My initial plan is we will just visit North Batan Island and South Batan Island but when we availed of the Tour Package of Bernardo’s Hotel, Sabtang Island Tour was already included so I was just praying that weather will cooperate on the day of our trip.


During our North Batan Tour, we visited the Naidi Lighthouse and a stranger approached us and asked if we already visited Sabtang and I said “Hindi pa”. He said, “Punta kayo dun, ang ganda-ganda dun”. He was really smiling while saying those words so nacurios tuloy ako lalo.

Read: Bernardo’s Hotel Review 
Day1: North Batan Island Tour in Batanes

Sabtang Island Tour Itinerary

5AM Wake up call/Breakfast
6AM Depart from the hotel to Ivana Port

Registration at the Tourism Office
Start of Tour

San Vicente Ferrer Church
Morong Beach and Mayahaw Natural Arch
Brgy Savidug Stone House
Savidug Idjang Natural Fortress
Sto. Tomas Chapel
Chamantad - Tinyan Viewpoint
Chavayan Vernacular Houses
Sta Rosa De Lima Chapel
Sabtang Weavers Association

11:30AM Picnic Lunch
1:30PM Travel back to Ivana Port
Back to hotel

Watch the Sabtang Island Tour video

We started the year 2019 in Batanes, we woke up early and we were ready by 5AM but the restaurant was still closed so we just waited outside. It was the first day of the year so puyat pa mga staff sa New Year’s Eve; 5:30AM na nag-open yung restaurant and 5:40AM na naserved yung breakfast, we just ate fast because we need to leave by 6AM.

Wherever you stay, the hotel, hostel or guesthouse adjust their schedule too so don’t worry because they will serve breakfast before your Sabtang Island Tour. Just don’t forget to inform them. We arrived in Ivana Port after 30 minutes, we just registered and waited for the boarding time. Finally, I saw the boat of Batanes “Faluwa”, so ito yung boat nila na walang katig or outriggers. #onlyinBatanes


At 7AM, we started to board and they gave us lifevest. This is it! Time to face my fears, I was really praying that our boat ride will be smooth. Our tour guide instructed us to sit in the middle which we did so we won’t get wet and avoid seasickness. Just in case you want to vomit, don’t worry because there are plastic bags inside the Faluwa.


We’re so happy when we docked at Sabtang Island after crossing the strong currents of the Pacific Ocean and West Philippine sea in 30 minutes. Upon arrival, you need to register at the Tourism Board, don’t forget to bring the flyers that were given to you when you paid the Environmental fee, they will look for that. I was expecting that we will have a tricycle tour in Sabtang but I was wrong, I was glad that we will ride a Crosswind.

The Sabtang roads are so narrow, minsan one way lang yung daanan pero dahil konti lang naman ang sasakyan, no traffic and nakakapag-adjust naman sila lahit nagkakasalubong minsan sa daan. The road also reminds me of our Sagada trip.

Brgy Savidug Stone House and St. Tomas Aquinas Chapel

Our first stop is Brgy. Savidug Stone House, we started our walking tour in the traditional village and we saw the famous Ivatan homes and St. Tomas Aquinas Chapel. There are stone houses on the North and South Batan Tour but Sabtang Island has more stone houses and they really tried their best to preserve these houses.

The houses are made of stone walls and cogon roofs. The cogon roof varies too, there are four sloped (maytuab), two sloped (Sinadumparan), and a combination of wood and cogon (jinjin) and according to our guide, the cogon roof really lasts for a long time.



You will enjoy your walking tour because it is your chance to have a glimpse of the simple life of Ivatan. Though Savidug is known as a traditional village, you will notice that some parts of the barangay have modern houses.

Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint

The next stop is Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint, I’ve seen this viewpoint in pictures and in movies but nothing beats the personal experience. It left me speechless when I saw the Chamantad-Tinyan view, it is indeed picturesque.

My two boys sa kabilang bundok

  

The wind was strong so walking on the hill was difficult for me. Kung nahirapan na ko sa Vayang Rolling Hills, mas mahirap pa maglakad dito sa lakas ng hangin. So there is a spot there where I just sit na lang and my two boys continued their walking tour without me. Hindi ko na kaya maglakad pa sa kabilang bundok so I just enjoyed the view where I can see the Pacific Ocean and mountains. Among the tourist spots that we visited on Sabtang Island, this is my favorite.

Chavayan Vernacular Houses 

Then we moved to Brgy. Chavayan where you can see other types of stone houses. Sabtang Weavers Association is located in Chavayan where you can buy or rent a vakul. Pay P20 if you want to rent the vakul (headgear) and kanayi (vest) for picture taking.

We also saw the house where Coco Martin and Toni Gonzaga stayed during their shoot for “You’re My Boss” movie.


You can also see the Sta Rosa de Lima Chapel. The chapel was built in 1951 and mass is every Saturday. Our last stop in Brgy. Chavayan is Chavayan Beach, then we went to our next destination.


On our way to Morong Beach, we passed the Sleeping Beauty Mountain and Idjang Fortress.



Morong Beach and Mayahaw Arch

I’m familiar with Morong Beach in Bataan and I have no idea that there is Morong Beach or Nakabuang beach in Sabtang Batanes too. This beach is much better compared to the other beach that we’ve seen in Batanes.



You can also see the Nakabuang Arch or Mayahaw Arch, the popular natural rock formation on the beach. This is our last stop so we spent most of our time here waiting for our lunch at Pananayan Canteen & Catering Services. We had chicken tinola, fried pork, fish fillet, vegetables, rice and bukayo for dessert.

San Vicente Ferrer Church and Sabtang Lighthouse 




Past 11AM and we were already back at Sabtang Port, we were so early for our boat ride so we went to San Vicente Ferrer Church, which is the national Historical landmark in Sabtang Island. It was built in 1765. You can also see the Sabtang Lighthouse from afar.

Surviving Faluwa Ride 

On our way to Sabtang Island, I was praying na sana okay lang alon para hindi kami magsuka. We docked safely naman and we enjoyed our tour. But after our tour, it started to rain and the waves were getting higher and stronger. I was thinking, tuloy kaya biyahe? Mag-overnight ba kami sa Sabtang?

Pero tuloy biyahe, we boarded the boat kahit takot. If Batan to Sabtang Boat ride was okay, going back to Batan is a different story. I was really scared. Riding faluwa with big waves is no joke. Rollercoaster ba ito? My son even said, mommy the boat is jumping. Ilang beses din kaming mga tourists napasigaw as we braved the waves. Maski yung gamit naglaglagan at nagmove from left to right. Nabasa na mga passengers sa unahan because of the waves. I was praying, “Lord, please calm the sea, ayaw ko lumutang sa West Philippine Sea”.

It was the longest 40 minutes of my life and I’m so grateful that we survived the Faluwa boat ride. Masuka-suka kami pero at least buhay. I did not imagine that I will start 2019 like this, they say Sabtang is a heavenly place but Faluwa boat is one hell of a ride. “Life is an adventure, take risks”

Dinner at Amboy’s Hometel 

We were supposed to eat at Cafe Du Tukon in Fundacion Pacita but because of what happened, we just ate dinner at Amboy’s Hometel. It was January 1, so our tour guide was not sure if there are open restaurants in Basco Town. This is just walking distance from Bernardo’s Hotel and we had an early dinner at 5:30PM. We enjoyed our Sinigang na Hipon and Grilled Liempo.

Read: Where to Eat in Batanes  

Sabtang Island Tour Package 

Our Sabtang Island Tour is part of the Tour Package at Bernardo’s Hotel, we paid P7200 per person for our 3 Days Batanes Tour, it is a private tour with a driver, tour guide, entrance fees, boat ride, and food. If you want to save you can read my How to Save Money for your Batanes Trip post. 

You can also save money by booking your tour at Klook, they have different packages according to your needs. The child’s rate is also available.

3 Days North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island Tour P5,500
2 Days North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island Tour P4,800
Sabtang Island Day Tour from Batan Island P2500

Read: Pasalubong from Batanes 

Let’s continue my Batanes series. Batanes is one of my dream destinations in the Philippines but few days before our trip, I was not excited and I don’t even want to go because it’s been raining cats and dogs since the holiday season started. I was worried that there may be a flight delay, flight cancellation or we will not enjoy our trip because of the rainy weather.

On the way to the Clark International Airport, I was praying and hoping that everything will fall into place. So I felt at ease when the plane landed at Basco Airport Terminal Building, at last, bucket list checked. We paid the tourism fee and checked-in at Bernardo’s Hotel, the staff informed us that our North Batan Island Tour will start at 12NN.

Read: Bernardo’s Hotel Review


We ate our breakfast and rested for few hours so we have the energy for our first-day tour. Since we availed Bernardo’s Hotel Tour Package, we don’t have any problem with our transportation and food. There are so many places that you can visit in North Batan but for our tour package, we visited 8 tourist spots. Watch the video here.

Mt. Carmel Church (Tukon Church)
PAGASA Tukon Radar Station
Fundacion Pacita
Basco Idjang Viewing Point
Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
Valugan Boulder Beach
Cathedral of Santo Domingo de Guzman
Vayang Rolling Hills
Naidi Lighthouse

Our van driver and tour guide fetched us and we went straight to Pension Ivatan Hometel Restaurant for our lunch.

Read: Where to Eat in Batanes

Mt. Carmel Church

Then we started our tour, the first stop is Mt. Carmel Church or Tukon Chapel. This chapel is located in Chanarian Basco, Batanes, a small church made of rocks just like the Ivatan Stone Houses. A local resident donated a piece of land so those who live in Chanarian has a place of worship. With the help of generous people from Metro Manila, the church was officially opened on May 3, 2008.



Mt. Carmel Church is located on top of a hill so you can see Mt. Iraya, boulder beach, Basco Town Proper, and even the airport. I’ve seen some of the photos of Tukon Chapel and I find it so beautiful so there is no doubt that this became a wedding church destination. Unfortunately, even it is made of rocks, the chapel was destroyed by the typhoon.


PAGASA Tukon Radar Station 

Next stop in PAGASA Tukon Radar Station, this is the northernmost station of PAGASA in the Philippines. You can see Mt. Carmel Church and Fundacion Pacita from this site and it also gives you 360 degrees view of the Batan Island. The place is between Mt. Matarem and Mt. Iraya.


Same fate of Mt. Carmel church, the PAGASA Station was destroyed by the typhoon Ferdie and I’m not sure when it will be repaired since we all know that PAGASA equipment is not cheap.

Fundacion Pacita

The third stop is Fundacion Pacita, if the budget is not an issue then stay at Fundacion Pacita. This is the popular accommodation in Basco Batanes because of the location. This hotel offers the best view of the mountain, sea, and sky. And because of that, this hotel is not cheap too but if you want a luxury staycation, then stay at Fundacion Pacita.


We don’t have a budget for that but we are still lucky to have a glimpse of Fundacion Pacita because it is part of our North Batan tour. We are only allowed to visit the garden and restaurant. Too bad, we were not able to eat at Cafe Du Tukon.

Fundacion Pacita was used to be the home studio of Pacita Abad. She was born in Basco, Batanes. An Ivatan and an internationally renowned contemporary painter. Fundacion Pacita is her legacy to her family and Ivatan people. Her brother, Butch Abad changed and renovated her home studio to a Boutique Hotel.

Basco Idjang Viewing Point 



I have no idea that Spanish, American and even Japanese invaders went to Batanes, pati pala Batanes naisipan nila sakupin. Ivatans built idjangs on elevated area to protect themselves. And Basco Idjang is one of their fortresses.

Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel 

Don’t forget to bring your Eco Tourism Fee Tickets wherever you go because they will check that from time to time. When we went to Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel, there is a booth there where they check our ticket.


Anyway, this Japanese Tunnel is a five-door tunnel that is located in the hills of Tukon. It was constructed during the Japanese occupation, it has bunker and water reservoir. Since we have a kid in tow, we did not explore the Japanese Tunnel. It was really dark so better bring your own flashlight, we just used our phone flashlight inside.

Chanpan Beach or Valugan Boulder Beach 

Chanpan Beach or Valugan Boulder Beach is a sacred fishing port of those who live in Barangay San Joaquin. They followed their traditional fishing season which is called Paypatawen. It is from March to May only. The boulders are living evidence of the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Iraya in 325 B.C.


The waves are strong here so it is not good for swimming. The waves of Pacific Ocean and West Philippines Sea smoothens the boulders and gravels. My son enjoyed playing with the stone. He was making a tower of stones.

Cathedral of Santo Domingo de Guzman 



Cathedral of Santo Domingo de Guzman is also known as Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, this is the first parish church in Batanes that was built in early 18th century.

Basco Rolling Hills or Vayang Rolling Hills 

Among the places of North Batan Tour, Vayang Rolling Hills is my favorite spot. Even I’m afraid of heights and strong winds, I still enjoy the extraordinary beauty of rolling hills. I wish my photos can do justice but nothing beats seeing this site up close and personal.


Basco Rolling Hills is just ordinary pastureland of Diptan farmers but for us, this is an amazing view of endless rolling hills. The site gives you a combination of seascapes and landscapes. From afar, you can already see the Naidi Lighthouse and you can also view the major municipalities all at once. Yes, you can see Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat Island.

Naidi Lighthouse 

Our last stop is Basco Lighthouse or Naidi Lighthouse, this is the popular landmark in Basco. It was constructed in March 2003 with 66 feet in height to serve as a navigational facility for local fishermen. The site is an overlooking of Basco town on the east and Basco Bay on the west. This is also a good spot for sunset viewing, but we did not wait for the sunset anymore since we wanted to rest already. It is nice to end the year 2018 in Batanes.


We started our North Batan Tour at 12NN and we were back at the hotel before 4PM. Some say you need at least 5 hours for North Batan Tour pero ang bilis lang namin, maybe because we had a private tour so wala nang hintayan sa iba.

We paid P7200/per person for our 3 Days Batanes Tour Package (Private Tour). If you want to save for your Batanes trip, check my post here.

Read: Pasalubong from Batanes
Day 2: Sabtang Island Tour in Batanes