Batanes is a group of Island located North of Luzon and nearby South of Taiwan. An archipelago province in the Philippines situated in the Cagayan Valley Region. The capital is Basco located in the Island of Batan.
According to our tourist guide, who is a native of Batanes their verbal language are a combination of Ivatan and Chinese because most of their ancestral originated from Taiwan. The natives are called The Ivatans and they share prehistoric cultural with the Babuyan on Babuyan Island and the Tao people of Orchid Island, Taiwan.
Batan Island is the central Island of Batanes, also known as northernmost group of islands and an archipelagic province of the Philippines. Batan Island is divided into two regions; the Northern Batan and the Southern Batan.
DAY 3: SOUTHERN BATAN, BATANES
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Chawa Viewdeck
The 3rd day tour, our first stop was to check out the viewdeck of the Southern Batan Coastal cliff. It was such a beauty, the summer breeze from the ocean and the morning glare of the sunlight makes you feel good. A wonderful sight to take a glimpse of the sun, breath the cold fresh air and exhale the negative energy. You can take a sit for a while on the bench and relax.
2. Mahatao Pier
Our 2nd stop was the Pier, the seawater is color green and very clean. This is where they kept their ship and boats when tropical typhoon approaches. It’s nice to look at the sight since it’s covered around by mountain ranges and what a peaceful place to look around with less tourist. You can even take a dip in the water since its clear and dirty free from the ocean stream.
3. Visit Mahatao Church
San Carlos Borromeo Church known as Mahatao Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Mahatao, Batan Island, Batanes, Philippines. The church’s titular is Saint Charles Borromeo whose feast is celebrated every July 4. Its beauty and excellent state of preservation made it a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines on July 31, 2001.
The church has been nominated as a UNESCO site by ways of preservation the church cultural and natural heritage on structure and foundation. In addition, this is the only church that utilizes bamboo made ceiling roof. It would confirm that the church is using Philippines natural resources that can be found in our environment such as plants specifically bamboo woods.
4. Mahatao OLD Light House
Mahatao old lighthouse was made during the Spanish period. It is a small tower designed to emit light from a lamp and to serve as a navigational aid for fishermen and passengers’ boat at sea. The 2 mini lighthouse location is just beside the Church of Mahatao and painted in white.
The Lighthouses in Batanes is made to mark the dangerous coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs, and safe entries to harbors, and can assist in aerial navigation.
5. Marlboro Country.
Marlboro Country is the most exquisite landscape sighting in all of Batanes Islands. It’s an overview of mountain ranges and hills while you are on top. This is a perfect shot for travelers who loves landscapes and countryside. By looking at the wide range of hills you will recall the advertisement of Marlboro Cigarettes were the cowboys ride horses with the countryside scenery. This is the reason why the place is called Marlboro Country.
You can take videos running on the top of the hills and have fun with friends. This is a wonderful place to unwind and feel the breeze of air from the ocean while sitting on the grass for a moment. A peaceful and a beautiful place to indulge mother nature by some of our senses. You can even shout out and jump as high as you can, just enjoying the serene place.
6. Honesty Store
Why it’s called Honesty Coffee Shop? for the reason that this is the only store that sells food and souvenir items without a human being assigned as cashier or even a lookout. A self-service shop, the customer chooses an item to buy, list down the number of items and the name of the items and place your payment at their box.
7. Visit Old House (called the Dakays)
The old house is a historic landmark for the reason that it had survived more than a decades from destruction of strong tropical typhoon and earthquakes. The house is recognized as the DAKAYS home because of its distinctive kind of structural designed although the similarity is just material used for stone houses and cogon grass.
Inside the house you will find a photo frame of the elderly woman, who is known to be the house owner. You can look around and observe the house structure, divisions, and the materials use. You can even take photos of their traditional costume and headdress.
ALSO CLICK OTHER LINK RELATED TO BATANES:
DAY 1: NORTHERN BATAN, BATANES:
https://maysenses.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/fascinating-northern-batan-batanes/
DAY 2: SABTANG ISLAND:
https://maysenses.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/unexplored-batanes-trails/
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR TRIP.
- Email directly for inquiry & reservation: Ma’am Jehana @ BSLR Reservation<reservation.bslr@gmail.com>
- Visit Website: http://www.batanesseasidelodge.com/new/
- Our 3 day tour was good enough to visit the best sites of Batanes.
- They have a good team to communicate with you.
The Real Tourist 