Stunning Images of Sabtang Island is the last of the Because Beautiful Batanes series.

We started our journey in San Jose de Ivana seaport. We were instructed last night to be on the dot so we would be at the Sabtang Island earlier than the other travel groups. The number of trips going to Sabtang Island is limited on Sundays. I can tell that the Ivatans are seriously faithful with their religion because no boats go whenever the Mass is being held. Fortunately for our group, we made it on the list of passengers aboard for the last trip before the Mass. The Coast Guard is strict in implementing the capacity of the boat. So those who were out of the shortlist, including the family of Ms. Sharon, one of our College of Engineering librarians, had to wait for more than an hour before they could go to Sabtang Island.

Crossing the sea between South Batan and Sabtang Island was an experience for the first timers. Unlike the usual tourist boats that I’ve ridden at before, the water vessel does not have ‘katig’ or the outrigger of the boat. We need to cross an open sea where West Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean meets. It’s pretty tough ride.

Batanes waters are deep blue and bubbly white. The waves are the most dangerous kind that I’ve witnessed. What lessen my worries during the transit is the look from the faces of the locals. They’re not bothered at all! Because according to them, everything that time was still normal. Even though most of everyone else was either praying the rosary (seriously!) or vomiting.

Savidug

Remember that coffee television commercial ad featuring Batanes? Those iconic houses of Batanes are standing strong in Sabtang Island. The first village where the stone houses are prominent is the Savidug. The other village is Chavayan. While the latter is already on the works to be a UNESCO World Heritage, the former still depicts the old Batanes with beautiful stone houses that withstand several typhoons. It is also in this village where known Filipino educators and scholars were born and raised.

Ivatans always smile. Genuine kind. From kids to adults to the respected oldies.

Kids playing with their pets

Can we take you home?

An open house for all

A Dominican order chapel in the Savidug village

Our tour guide slash photographer

Baked limestone under the sand. What bonds and paints the stones of the house.

Idjang, a fortress in Savidug and old settlement of the Ivatans

Chamantad Viewpoint

After fifteen minutes from a quick stop in Idjang, we arrived in yet another breathtaking landscape in Batanes, the Chamanted Viewpoint. It is one of the most photographed sights in Batanes.

We took a longer stop over here in Chamantad. Because there’s a small store that sells buko juice and Batanes tea leaves. Because large playground. Because wuthering heights.

With my arms wide open for you, Batanes

At the farther background is a land formation called Susong Dalaga

Traditional wear of Ivatans. Different set for male and for female. Only the latter wears vakul, a traditional headdress

Chavayan

We visited another village of old stone houses. It is called Chavayan. This has been nominated to be UNESCO World Heritage Site as I’ve mentioned earlier. Chavayan is surrounded by a beach and a mountain. So between the two villages, I recommend to stay in one of the stone houses in Chavayan because of these features.

I guess the kid came straight from a good sleep. When he recognized he was being photographed, he shared his pose.

Again, the Ivatans living here have their share of smiles too. They’re always ready. They are so generous of happiness. And they won’t ask how they look like in our photos or how I will tag them in Facebook.

Beautifully-crafted stone house in Chavayan

Remember Susong Dalaga in Chamantad? It is a hill with the shape of lady’s breast. Our tour guide then asked us to go to a church in Chavayan. Check the slideshow. I thought he was going to show a ritual or something solemn. But instead he showed a prominent rock formation in the mountain. It resembles an outstanding male organ. He then connected the two characters. They were boyfriend and girlfriend once upon a time.

Kaya ko kayo pinagdasal eh dahil makasalanan itong lugar na ito.

We ended our trip to Chavayan village on that note.

Nakabuang Beach

And before we set our feet in the sands of Nakabuang Beach, lunch first at a cottage near the beach! It was a feast of seafood and barbeque. Why are there so many good things in Batanes? And we’re using leaves as plates.

Organic plate

Batanes has a nice beach with white sands too. It is a good refresher for the visitors after a long journey around Sabtang Island.

A little bird looking for food

Aside from the natural arch, one can find this little cave for shade in the long stretch of white beach

We went back to the Tourism Office in Sabtang Island. We waited for the first boat trip back to Batan.

The entry and exit landmark of Sabtang Island near the seaport to remind us that we’re about to end our 3-day trip in Batanes.

Do you see the lady sleeping in Sabtang Island? That sleeping beauty is a reminiscent of the cannibal island in Life of Pi though. Creepy.

Casa Napoli

After buying souvenir shirts, magnets and bags in Basco, we headed to the famous pizza parlor in Batanes which has been featured in TV magazine and travel shows already.

Pension Ivatan

Later that night, our group decided to have one last meal together at Pension Ivatan. It is a hometel and restaurant just across the Basco Airport. We decided to take down three Ivatan platters in our dinner. Because lobsters. Because Venus. Because meatballs. Because last night in Batanes.

A platter of Ivatan cuisine

Basco Airport

Fourth and the last day. Our departure from Basco. We were advised to be at the airport earlier than the usual check-in. Because in Basco Airport, they don’t have x-ray scanning machines or similar automatic metal detectors. Inspection is manual. I found it cute though rather than annoying. We can say that if South Batan has the Honesty Cafe and Store, Basco has the Honesty Airport too!

foggy airport

Our departure is just in time for the fog to disappear. Seen in the photo above is the type of plane used to transport visitors to Itbayat Island. The other option is to take 8-hour rough boat ride from Batan to Itbayat. And when the boarding time came, separation anxiety hit.

Batanes is definitely worth the time and money. Some wouldn’t mind to get stranded for awhile here. I love Batanes. It’s my number 1 destination in the Philippines… yet. You get to see the sea, the mountains, the culture and the people. Often times, visitors think that they’re in different country upon seeing the glorious Batanes. We should start reminding ourselves too that Philippines offers the best. We just have to explore and to appreciate the islands of our country more.