Navigating the Beautiful North Batan is the second of the Because Beautiful Batanes series.
I freshen up immediately after the exhausting DIY trip to the Naidi Hills. All of what I’ve eaten in Batanes Octagon Bed And Dine were burned up. Hungry but worried not be late, I just took a quick munch-for-lunch 2 baked goods I brought from Manila. Yeah, it’s a technique done by best backpackers – to pack biscuits, and instant breakfast goods assuming that everything elsewhere is expensive.
Our tour in North Batan was scheduled to start around 1PM and I was the one to be fetched first. I finally got to see where the other guests were staying while we’re picking them up. Some opted to stay at the popular Batanes Sea Side Lodge, a couple at a relatively more expensive homestay, and a gang of 4 at Novita House. The barkada that stayed in the house got the sweetest deal since the cost’s split.
We arrived at our first destination fifteen minutes later. It is a chapel that will provoke your thoughts to get married on the spot right there and then.
Tukon Chapel
But only if I have that someone with me. The chapel is standing in a hill with a perfect view of Mt. Iraya in the background and the panoramic view of Pacific Ocean. No wonder why prominent couples had chosen Tukon Chapel for their wedding ceremonies. Tukon means “hill”.
The Marlboro Country, to be featured in South Batan tour post next, can be seen afar from where I stand.
DOST-PAGASA Weather Center
We were further taken up to Tukon. We were dropped to a radar tower location of DOST-PAGASA, the nation’s ever-reliable bureau that deals with unpredictable weather nowadays. It is interesting to note that climate in Batanes is quite different with the rest of the Philippine Islands. The number of typhoons that weathers the province is also incomparable with that of Luzon. So having a weather station here in Batanes is crucial.
But before we got our chance to reach the tower, one wouldn’t miss the astonishing 360 degree view of Batanes. It was so beautiful.
Most of the members of the group forgot our agenda on that location – to learn more about the weather station. You can’t blame them actually to resort in taking pictures instead.
Fundacion Pacita
Overheard: This beautifully situated lodge is expensive. Truth: It is.
Resting atop rolling hills, the lodge and restaurant are surrounded by masterpieces of both well-known and up-and-coming artists. This is once a home studio of internationally-acclaimed artist Pacita Abad. Abad is the ruling political dynasty in Batanes at present. With this kind of charm that will greet you whenever you feel to start a masterpiece, any artist will be really inspired to create equally beautiful outcomes. We’re not allowed to go to the visitors’ residences. However, we can still visit the famous art gallery, restaurant (but we didn’t order) and the garden.
Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel
Who would have thought that even in Batanes, Japanese had settled in. This tunnel served as an hide-out for the Japanese soldiers after the end of their occupation in the country.
Valugan Boulder Beach
While there is no fine white sand in this beach, Valugan Boulder Beach offers a unique stretch of boulders and smaller roundish stones which possibly came from the nearest volcano, Mt. Iraya. Valugan means “east” in the native language, Ivatan, of Batanes. Valugan Boulder Beach is facing the humbling Pacific Ocean. The long stretch of Valugan Boulder Beach can also be appreciated and be seen below from the top of Rolling Hills. When we arrived at the beach, some locals are performing rock balancing. Well, because boulders. Because rocks.
St. Dominic Church
So we’re heading back to Basco. Just few steps from the provincial capitol of Batanes is St. Dominic Church. Batanes is yet another Catholic province. The Dominican Order has delivered the Word of God here and settled. I knew the logo the I moment I saw it because our elementary school is also run by Dominicans. The canteen within the compound is open and serves merienda. We filled our stomach before we went to our last destination.
I also had a chance to talk with a solo traveler in our group. She disclosed how much she spent in the Batanes travel package. It’s PhP 22,000 all-in. With all modesty and courtesy, I told her that I approximated my cost of the entire trip would only summed up to less than PhP 9,000. Of course, she’s staying in Batanes Sea Side Lodge with full-board meals and air-conditioned private room.
Rolling Hills
Oh God. A couple more of gasps. Just Oh God. This is the highlight of the North Batan trip for me.
That rocky beach is the Valugan Boulder Beach we’ve visited earlier. It’s pretty sight too from the Rolling Hills.
And the hills are alive! The cows roam freely. The sea breeze are strong but comforting. One of the moments where greens and blues blend together perfectly. If Valugan Boulder Beach rocks, this hill rolls! Rock and roll. Haha. Witty. I remember Heidi, that kid, yes that anak from the kabundukan. I can feel how blessed she was in that cartoon by nature.
I wished I had arranged a different transportation back to Basco. I really wanted to stay in Rolling Hills until the night to see the stars. To take pictures of the sky landscape. To star gaze. For Night photography. For Trailing star lights. Ugh. Only if I had DSLR and tripod that time. I’ll be definitely back in Batanes soon.
Naidi Hills
But I spoke too soon, our last destination is Naidi Hills, which I had already visited earlier that morning. But man, Batanes has a flaky weather really. Naidi Hills was presented this time elegantly with a lot of sunshine. I leave three more pictures of Naidi Hills and the Lighthouse.
To be continued…
This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 15th, 2014 at 8:24 pm
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Tags: Basco, Batanes, Bunker, Campbell-Stokes, Dipnaysupuan, Dominican Order, DOST-PAGASA, Fundacion Pacita, Ivatan, Japanese Tunnel, lighthouse, Mt. Iraya, Naidi Hills, North Batan, Pacita Abad, rock balancing, Rolling Hills, St. Dominic Church, sunshine recorder, Tukon Chapel, Valugan, Valugan Boulder Beach, Weather Center
Posted in: Journeying Jonas' Journal
