BEAUTIFUL Batanes

It was our last day in Batanes and true enough, there was a drastic change in weather.  The first two days were sunny yet the air was cold but the last remaining days were rainy and really cold.  We were set to go to Chawa Viewdeck, Mahatao town, Marlboro Country and hike to the Fountain of Youth.

First stop, the jagged landscape of Chawa Viewdeck.  The water was crashing against the rock formation and you can smell the salty air. It was a bit steep going down but the view made our jaws drop in awe. Wind was blowing through our hair and the entire place was just breathtaking.  I was tempted to go all the way down the rock formation but it was too dangerous because of the big waves.

Three of us enjoying the majestic view of Batanes

Mang Rogers and Tita, our really good tourist guides (they were one of the first tourist guides in Batanes) brought us to the Fountain of Youth.  The clouds were starting to gather and they didn't want us to get drench while trekking through the wilderness. We had to go there first before rain pours from the sky.  

On the way, they told us stories on how stones were left by tribes back then, which were either used for protection or shelter.  While we were hiking, we passed by a local family under a tree, sitting all together waiting for their food to cook.  It was camote, ube, tomatoes and other local food.  We were invited to eat with them.  We decided to stop by again after we went to the Fountain of Youth at the end of the trail.

   

We made our way to the location, without knowing what we will see exactly. All we know was that there was a water formation nearby wherein the water was said to have the power to heal illnesses.  When we arrived, the view was exhilarating.  It was apt to its name indeed.  You have to go down the rocks to see the small waterfall that leads to a stream then to the white sand of beach. It's untouched and serene.

 

 

White sand beach near the Fountain of Youth

Our group was with someone who just recently went through a chemo because she has cancer.  She was able to walk all the way there despite her illness. It was inspiring for all of us.  A small bamboo hut stood beside the stream of water. We sat, ate and talked--all our worries set aside.  

I decided to go swim to the beach and experience the beauty of the island.  The water was really clean and you can see all the corals beneath and fishes swimming around.  The white sand was full of pebbles and shells with the backdrop of cloudy skies.

Afterwards, my cousin and I headed up to the stream of water from the fountain and rinse ourselves from saltwater.  They said you can actually drink the water there.  One of our friends even got some pako and told us to eat it raw.  We did! It tasted like saltwater. They said it's healthy to eat it raw or cook it with vegetables.

 

Fountain of Youth, Batanes locals believe the water heals illnesses or diseases

After an hour or so, we headed back because the sky was starting to darken more and more.  We ate lunch at Hiro's Cafe in Basco.  The cloudy skies and cold, windy weather certainly didn't dampen our spirits from going to the famous Marlboro country, locally called as the Racuh A Payaman.  It was one of the landscapes that took my breath away.  I'm most definitely not exaggerating.  To see, is to believe!

Imagine green pastures under the cloudy skies and the vast ocean from a distance.  Downhill were wild horses running around while on the other side were cows bathing themselves in the mud.  That was quite unforgettable.  It's the thrill in your bones and the rush of blood from experiencing once of a lifetime moments in your life.

 

Malboro country was full of animals running around

 

You simply must do a couple of good (if not great) jumpshots here.  We did despite the rain and the wet grass.

   
 Jump shot: My cousin and I tried to perfect it but well you be the judge

I noticed that the flowers in Batanes were beautiful and lush.  There were Santans, Hydrangeas, Yellow Bells among other flowers everywhere. 

 

We also visited the American military base but all that's left were ruins. The view deck gave us a good view of it and Tita told us that there was an old Filipino movie shot in the same exact location.

American settlement: ruins of their military house or camp. 

I really made sure we stopped by another famous establishment in Batanes, Honesty Coffee Shop! I bought coffee and a shirt.  I put the money in a box on the counter. There were mugs and teaspoons so all you got to do was pour it in with hot water from the thermos on the counter and enjoy. Definitely self-service because there was no cashier or waiter catering to you at all. It's between you and your conscience indeed!  Try to open a restaurant or coffee shop like this in Manila. I'm pretty doubtful it will succeed.

  

How honest are you? Honesty Coffee Shop in Batanes

We visited the oldest grandmother living in one of the oldest stone houses in Batanes on our way back to Basco.  She was asleep but she woke up upon hearing our voices and footsteps. Nonetheless, she was very nice and warm.  I love her stone house.  Although, it was a bit sad not to see anyone else with her at the time we saw her.  Our tour guide, Tita, said she was sick and her husband passed away a few years back.  I hope I got this information right.

Smiling pretty for the camera: the oldest Ivatan woman in Batanes

 

At the garden of her stone house

It was our last stop and we headed back to our hotel.  The sun was peeking through the rain clouds and it felt so good to experience a great trip in Batanes.  There was certainly no place like it--not even New Zealand. The landscape may be almost the same but the culture and people are different.

 

The sun peeking through the rain clouds at sunset.

The next day, we packed our bags and head back to the Basco Airport Terminal.  We didn't forget to take pictures and visit the souvenir shop.  Mang Rogers and Tita were also there to bid us goodbye. We told them we'll see them again when we go back to Itbayat island in Batanes.  We'll wait for the small airport in Basco, Batanes to finish and ride a small plane.  Currently, you have to ride a four to five hour boat ride going there.  

 

Batanes Basco Airport Terminal 

 

Lobsters from Mang Rogers: Really delicious and fresh

 

Was that Carlo Celdran with us at the airport?

Sky Pasada from Ilocos Norte: cheaper way to go to Batanes compared to bigger airlines

Photographs by: Rem Lucio

Comments

[HodgePodge girl]

Hotels in Boracay, that's true! There's one place there I still have to visit--Itbayat. I'm looking forward to exploring that island. We're waiting for the airport to finish there. It's about 4 hours away if by boat. :)

[Hotels In Boracay]

From what i've read and watch especially in the living asia channel... Batanes is wonderful place, like you have said its not been exploited... I wish i will have time this year to come to Batanes.. Thanks for the amazing photos

[HodgePodge girl]

Abenk Thanks for checking out my blog. I'm currently on a blog hiatus. Check it out on 2011 for travels, food, events articles soon! :) Happy Holidays!

[abenk]

it's nice blog..... i like it..
pleased to meet your blog...
please VISIT ME...OK...thank u very much

[HodgePodge Girl]

Hi CDO Hotels! You should go to Batanes this February. It's really amazing and it's not commercialized compared to Boracay or Palawan. Enjoy! I, on the other hand, wants to see CDO. I'll get the chance next year sa July. :)

[Cagayan de Oro hotels]

Wow.. a trip to Batanes sure is memorable! Hope I can visit there soon.