Breathtaking Batanes: Marveling at the Spellbinding Charm of South Batan

While walking around the city proper with my travel buddy Em (@emsmithcb) to buy some stuff from a nearby store for our second day tour, we passed by a souvenir shop owned by BISUMI Tour & Services. One of the printed custom T-shirt displayed outside the shop caught my eye as the quote written on it goes like this: “THAT SINGLE STEP IN BATANES IS A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT”.

Indeed, it is a great accomplishment to be able to visit Batanes knowing the challenges of getting a cheap flight, the tight travel budget and the unpredictability of the weather condition. But with determination and careful planning, your dream trip will surely be realized in no time. Up until now, I still couldn’t believe that I finally made it to Batanes, the Island of No Return. It is monikered as such because once you marvel at Batanes’ spellbinding charm, you’ll fall in love with her. But the moment you leave, she’ll break your heart. Nevertheless, it’s a heart-warming experience where you’ll feel love, pain and patience all in one emotionally rewarding destination.

DAY 2: BATAN SOUTH TOUR

After a half-day sightseeing tour in North Batan, it’s now time to explore the other side of the island. Visiting Batanes will not be complete without visiting South Batan, which comprises of Mahatao, Uyugan and Ivana. And so, without further ado, be visually charmed with some of the spellbinding spots to see during the Batan South Tour.

Chawa View Deck

Before reaching Mahatao at the south west side of Batan, we first stopped by at a view deck along the zigzagging course of Hanib Road to watch the sunrise kiss the towering and rugged highlands and cliffs of Batanes. The cemented view deck offers nothing short of a breathtaking sight of the seascape below.

We took a mandatory photo ops with Manong Jomar, BISUMI’s all-in-one driver, tour guide and photographer. There are benches available where you can relax and concrete stairs leading down to the cliff where you can take countless photos of the deep blue sea. Be careful of some loose rocks and splashes though.

The road going to the south looks like there’s a concrete valley-like pathway in between the foot of two lush mountains. The scenery is really out of this world.

Up above, the winding national highway where Chawa View Deck is tucked seems like a meandering snake ready to lure you to fall in love with Batanes.

Mahatao Shelter Port

The boulders surrounding the shelter port situated in Mahatao serves as a refuge and protection for motorized boats of the local fishermen against a typhoon or strong waves.

San Carlos Borromeo Parish

This white-painted church is the center of attraction in Mahatao proper. The town’s plaza, cemetery, municipal hall, old beateria school, old lightpost and old Spanish bridge are also situated nearby.

Tayid Lighthouse

You’ll know you’re in your next destination when you pass by a green row of grasses called Batanes hedgerows that serves as a natural cliff fence or windbreakers. It is locally known as liveng, a tall vegetation spread over the verdant hills of Mahatao.

Commonly known as Mahatao Lighthouse, this iconic landmark of Batanes is nestled up in a green hill commanding a powerful allure that seems to magnet visitors equipped with lots of extra camera/phone photo storage. They’re going to need it for all the images they’ll take of this fantastical landscape.

This familiar tourist attraction is really the eyecandy of South Batan tour.  Even if you’re already up in the  Marlboro Country or below Diura Village, Tayid Lighthouse stands tall and proud.

This quaint spot right here is perfect for your next profile picture. Thank me later. =)

Marlboro Country

The next stop is a place where you can hail “The hills are alive!“. Locally known as Racuh A Payaman, Marlboro Country is named after an advertisement campaign of Marlboro, an American cigarette brand, featuring a picturesque wild verdant terrain.

I really love this spot as it offers serenity at its best. From this vantage point, Valugan Boulder beach under the shadows of Mt. Iraya’s beauty never ceases to amaze me. You can even see Diura Fishing Village and “The Pinnacle” just below Marlboro Country but it is not included in South Batan Tour on Day 2 (rather on Day 4 afternoon).

Refer to our Diura Village experience here: DIURA FISHING VILLAGE AND SPRING OF YOUTH TOUR

While Vayang Rolling Hills is the ruler of North Batan, Marlboro Country is the throne-bearer of South Batan. You can run free as the wind blows through your hair or OOTD like there’s no tomorrow.

Marlboro Country boasts a 360-degrees natural foilage that will surely take your breath away. This is not a zoo, but you’ll encounter livestock grazing freely in this verdure pasture day in and day out.

Imnajbu Viaduct

Imnajbu, derived from the Ivatan word meaning settlement to the lowland, is actually the smallest barangay in Batanes. The cliff road leading to Imnajbu is adorned with viaduct and it is kinda Instagram worthy too.

San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel (Imnajbu Church)

Considered the birthplace of Christianity in Batanes as it is in the village of Imnajbu the first holy mass on Ivatan soil was celebrated and first baptism was administered.

Batanes National Area Museum and Satellite Office

While heading back to barangay Itbud from barangay Imnajbu, this facility is difficult to miss. It’s really interesting to see a National Museum up in the Northernmost part of the Philippines. It was not yet opened to public when we visited Batanes National Area Museum and Satellite Office. But could be another reason to go back, yeah?

Madangay Hills & Alapad Rock Formation

In Batanes, you’ll encounter countless road signages in yellow background and bold black font that spells “BLOW UR HORN”. But don’t be confused with the real star in this spot – Alapad Rock Formation.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a wooden signboard “Welcome to Madangay”. You can go down and visit the Madangay Hills to take some photos of the nearby rock formations. It is also the location of the movie “Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit” where you can perform “I-Dawn-Zulueta-Mo-Ako” moments.

Can you spot the local fisherman? It gives you an idea of how gigantic the rock formations are. Please be reminded though that guests are not allowed to go down that far or swim in the area.

If you’ve been to Samar, you can see the similarity of the rock formations here in Batanes as they are all gloriously sculpted by the natural process of weathering and erosion. Don’t miss in taking your next selfie with the Alapad Rock Formation in the backdrop.

That bird’s eye view of the coastline and jagged highlands is just lit!

While you stopped by at Alapad Pass Hills and Rock Formation to marvel at its spellbinding charm, there’s more to it when you continue to drive through. Yes, the cliffside road is a must-see attraction of itself. 

Itbud Chapel

Itbud Chapel is one of the stops during your South Batan Tour. Even if you’re not that religious, you’ll get to appreciate how the locals demonstrate their faith to the Divine Spiritual Being. 

Ruins of Songsong

Songsong ruins is a ghost barangay after a tsunami hit the village many years ago. The remains of the village still exudes a quaint spectacle making it a unique attraction for locals and visitors alike. To date, it is one of Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes that you should see when in Batanes.

Motchong Viewpoint

Along the national highway somewhere in Uyugan lies another mini rolling hills where herds of horses are thriving and roaming freely. It is much less crowded here than Vayang Rolling Hills and Marlboro Hills but still offering unbelievably spellbinding charm of the verdant pastures and sea.

At the far end of Motchong Viewpoint is where the cliff meets the sea. Waves pounding on the rocks. Just like Alapad Rock Formation, there are also natural pools where trapped water on natural ground holes turned bluish green like a mini tidal pool.

San Antonino de Florencia (Uyugan Church)

I’ve seen a lot of photos of San Antonino Church circulating online and its previous color was pink. Yes, you’ve read that right. Someone even monikered it “Kikay” church as it is so lady-like. Go inside and you’ll know why.

Honesty Coffee Shop

Approaching this unpretentious little shop for the first time, I really couldn’t understand why it is so famous to be honest. It looked like a normal store selling pasalubong and snacks for visitors.

But when you enter the premises, the first thing you’ll notice is that there’s no one manning the store. Get what you want, list down all the purchased items in a record book and drop your payment inside a collection box right in the corner. Since there’s no vendor to collect your payment, it is a self-service transaction and don’t expect to receive any change if ever your money is higher than your total purchases. This is where the principle of honesty comes into play. Thus, the name Honesty Coffee Shop. Interesting huh?

I think everyone should learn something from this concept store. Even if no one’s watching, if you’re really honest, then by all means demonstrate your integrity by upholding such value and never ever cheat at all cost.

St. Jose de Obrero Church (San Jose de Ivana Church)

Church hopping is one of the activities you’re gonna undertake when in Batanes. If you’ve observed it by now, it’s like you’re doing a Visita Iglesia around Batan Island — from the two famous churches in North Batan (Basco Cathedral & Mt. Carmel Church in Tukon) to the some of the unique and worth visiting churches in South Batan featured above. The last church that’s part of Batan South tour is locally known as San Jose de Ivana Church, first established by the Dominicans as a chapel in 1787.

As much as I like the golden fascade of St. Jose de Obrero Church, it’s interior is equally instagrammable too. Don’t forget to pray for a good trip ahead.

Radiwan Point, Ivana Seaport

Just across Ivana Church lies Radiwan Point. Ivana Seaport is so clean that you can even be lured to swim in its shallow area. It is also the port where falowa (motorized boat) docks from Sabtang Island.

See separate article on our Sabtang Island Tour experience.

House of Dakay

Another highlight of South Batan Tour is the House of Dakay, the oldest single heritage stone house in Batanes. Though small, it impressively earned a title as a UNESCO Heritage Building.

Stone houses is so famous in Batanes that you’ll get to see some of it not just in T-shirts, mugs or keychains but in actual wherein you get to feel the rustic setting of this iconic edifice. Don’t worry, it is a testament that no matter how little a thing may be, its solid foundation somehow defied the odds and stood the test of time.

Tuhel Spanish Bridge

Ivana’s oldest Spanish bridge is one of the historical landmarks in Batanes. The bridge was constructed during the Spanish era during the early 1800s.

The quaint Tuhel Spanish Bridge is a living museum awaiting your presence. Don’t ever miss taking your cool “transport-me-back-in-time” moment when in Ivana, Batanes.

White Beach

A white sand cove hidden in a “Jurassic Park: The Lost World” setting, it’s not hard to tell how the White Beach got its name.

The powdery white sand beach is perfect for visitors who’d like to loaf under the sun with a tropical vibe or go for a quick dip from a tiring tour. But wait until you finally explore the destination just next to it.

One last shot before leaving White Beach. That view – so relaxing!

Homoron Blue Lagoon

Our South Batan Tour ended with the an otherworldly cerulean lagoon which many travelers didn’t know existed. It is located just right next to White Beach. The hue of the water turns turquoise when the sun hits its surface.

We enjoyed the place even more since we exclusively make use of its uncrowded glory as there is no visitor that time.

Since it is our last stop, we spent the remaining hours making great moments, swimming and diving. Excuse my underwater shot face. Haha!

We even waited until sunset to truly appreciate the magic of this place.

I must say South Batan Tour has the most jam-packed attractions during our Batanes trip and we are not complaining. With all the above photos, I therefore conclude Batanes is a picture-perfect paradise. And if you are still reading this part and you are not yet convinced to go to Batanes, then I don’t know what will.

For our half-day North Batan experience, see it here: NORTH BATAN TOUR

For 1.5 days Sabtang Island Tour, proceed here: SABTANG ISLAND

BISUMI Tour and Services

When in Batanes, you don’t have to stress out preparing what to do, where to stay or where to eat because BISUMI Tour & Services got you covered. It is highly recommended to opt for private tours of BISUMI Tour & Services, the most trust-worthy local travel agency in Batanes offering top-notch services and good value for money. BISUMI is an acronym for the 6 municipalities of Batanes (Basco, Itbayat, Sabtang, Uyugan, Mahatao and Ivana).

Selecting your transportation for your tour depends on your preference – an open (fresh-air) tricycle or closed (air-conditioned) van. As per our experience, we tried the open-type tricycle tour for the reason that it’s affordable and convenient, we can also manage our time and make special requests not usually catered in closed-tours. See rate of various tour packages as of November 2018.

For more details, you may reach BISUMI at any of the following contact details:
Facebook: @bisumitours
Instagram: @batanes_bisumi_tours
website: www.bisumitours.com

BISUMI Office Contact Numbers:
+63 919 279 5963
+63 915 803 4582
+63 998 889 8078
+63 977 850 9647

How to Get To Batanes

There are limited flights to Basco, Batanes so planning and patience is really key. If you’re from Cebu, there are no direct flights going to Basco so you have to book a flight from Cebu to Manila or Clark as these are two of the popular destinations that have flights bound for Basco. Known airlines having Basco flights are Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, SkyJet Airlines, among others.

Tour Batanes with confidence! Dios Mamajes!

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