Our first day in Batanes' not yet done because we'll be touring the South Batan Isand next . It covers the town of Mahatao, Ivana and Uyugan, south of the Island of Batan.
Here are 12 places that covers South Batan Island tour.
1. Chawa View Deck
Chawa View Deck is the first stop for the South Batan Tour. This is where we paid PHP50.00 each for the entrance fee/ environmental fee I think? This is located on the west coast of the town of Mahatao facing the West Philippine Sea.
The huge waves smashing on the towering cliffs made this place beautiful and unique. There are chairs where visitors can just sit and feel the air and hear the sound of the waves.
2. Simbahan ng Mahatao (San Carlos Borromeo Church)
This is a Roman Catholic Church located in the town of Mahatao. This church was declared as a national cultural treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines on July 31, 2001.
3. Maywang A Libro Du Vatan (Batanes Blank Book Archive)
This is located just beside Mahatao Church. This area is full of blank books where guests can write everything.
4. Mahatao Boat Shelter Port
Mahatao Boat Shelter was the biggest infrastructure project by the provincial government that time. It was built to house fishing and passenger vessels during inclement weather. This is just a boat shelter, but look at that! Is it just me? But it looks world-class!
5. Tayid Lighthouse
Another lighthouse! And this time, I am in love again! Tayid Lighthouse is built in 2000 on the coast of Mahatao facing the Pacific Ocean. Its main tower is hexagonal and is much less accessible.
Another lighthouse! And this time, I am in love again! Tayid Lighthouse is built in 2000 on the coast of Mahatao facing the Pacific Ocean. Its main tower is hexagonal and is much less accessible.
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| Gone for an adventure in Batanes! |
6. Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Hills)
When you say Batanes, you would think of this place but didn't know its name. Also known as Marlboro Country, this area I think is the most famous and most photographed spot in Batanes. True indeed, although every where you look you will see endless hills, Marlboro Hills has its unique charm. Its just so hard to take a good photo because its so windy and my hair's always all over my face.
7. Imnajbu Point: Alapad Hills & Rock Formations
8. Honesty Coffee Shop
We then made a stop at the famous Honesty Coffee Shop to have our snack. There is no one manning the store hence the name. Each items has a price on it and you have to log what you get in a log book and put your payment in a box provided. And always remember, "Honesty is the best policy."
9. San Jose De Ivana Church
Just across the coffee shop is the oldie but goodie 220-year old San Jose De Ivana Church. One of my favorite churches in Batanes. During the Spanish colonial era, this church also serves as a watch tower.
10. Port of Ivana
In front of San Jose De Ivana church if the Port of Ivana that serves as the jump-off point for local boats called Faluwa that transfers passengers and goods to Sabtang.
11. Vahay ni Dakay
The House of Dakay is the oldest surviving stone house in Batanes, a perfect example of a traditional Ivatan stone houses. Visitors are allowed to enter but you have to remove your shoes. Inside is where you can buy cheap souvenir items.
12. Old Spanish Bridge in Ivana
The bridge was constructed without any reinforcement steel and mainly with lime and stone. To hold the mortar in place, until it hardened, wild gabi leaves were used as forms or horma. It is probably the only Spanish- built bridge in the province still accessible to motor vehicles.
- Castano Historical Society, Ivana
Aaaaannd this is the end of our North and South Batan Island Tour. Places in North Batan is beautiful and the South Batan is even more beautiful. I've got nothing to say but all praises to this place. Batanes indeed is very blessed and even comparable to other countries like New Zealand. And I cannot wait to share to you places we've been to in Sabtang.
If you'll visit Batanes soon, you may contact our tour guide/ tricycle driver, Dale- 09293410941. He has his own tricycle and is one of the most recommended tour guide I saw in the internet.
