#everywherewithjoyce: August 2015

Dios Mamajes, Batanes: Sabtang Island

Just when we thought we've already seen Batanes, on the southern part is an island called Sabtang Island. The municipality is known for its lighthouse and old stone houses of the Ivatan villages of Chavayan and Savidug.

Sabtang is subdivided into 6 barangays:

Chavayan
Malakdang
Nakanmuan
Savidug
Sinakan
Sumnanga

We woke up early on our second day, and our tour guide/ driver, Kuya Dale fetch us and brought us to the port in the town of Ivana where we will ride a boat going to Sabtang Island. Sabtang is accessible via a 30-minute "faluwa" ride, the bigger traditional Ivatan boat.

We were then met by our tour guide/ driver, Kuya Michael. We rode his tricycle with cogon roof that could just fit up to 3 passengers.

So let's start last day's tour in Batanes- Sabtang Island Tour

1. Municipal Tourism Information Center

When we arrived in Sabtang, Kuya Michael first brought us to the Municipal Tourism Center to pay for the environmental fee which cost PHP200.00 each.

2. Savidug Village

Here, you'll get to walk along the village's old streets with century-old houses made of stone.

There is a store here where we tasted the best ube halaya ever. Per cup is PHP20.00 each and we had I think 2.5 cups each. We even wanted to bring home some but its on a pre-order basis.

The old beaterio in Savidug

3. St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel

Beside the Old Beaterio in Savidug is St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel

4. Chamantad Cove

Aside from the traditional stone houses, this is my most favorite place in Sabtang.Although everywhere you look are endless hills and ocean, Tinyan Viewpoint has its own charm. Make sure to wear proper footwear since this involves trekking to see this amazing view.

OHANA

5. Chavayan Village

Like Savidug, Chavayan was able to preserve the traditional Ivatan houses made of stone and cogon grass roofing. Sabtang Weaver's Association can be found here where they make "vakul", the traditional Ivatan head gear used as protection from too much sun or rain.

6. Chavayan Chapel

7. Morong Beach and Mayahaw Arch

The beach is a long stretch of white sand with small shells and is famous for Mayahaw Arch, a natural rock formation. There is a restaurant in the vicinity where we had our lunch. There is no menu but they serve I think 3-4 dishes including the lobster. We thought that the price is per dish, if we had known that its a buffet style for PHP400.00 each, we could have ordered more lobsters. :) Nevertheless, we were still full after and its the best meal we had in Batanes.

8. Sabtang Church (San Vicente Ferrer Church)

Near the port if the Sabtang Church. We went here while waiting for the other passengers going back to Batan.

The usual trip of the faluwa going back to Batan is at 12:30PM. Aaaand our amazing trip to Batanes ends here. Next day's our flight back to Manila.

I never thought that I could have an opportunity to visit this place, I even crossed this off my bucket list because of really expensive plane tickets. But hard work really pays off. I was able to visit and celebrate my birthday in my dream destination in the Philippines together with my family.