Breathtaking Batanes: Things to do in Sabtang Island - Day 2

It was our second day in Batanes and we supposed to do the South Batan tour and it was changed to Sabtang Island tour. Good thing the weather condition is good and its safe to sail a faluwa from Ivana port to Sabtang Island.

Sabtang Island, the smallest of the three inhabited islands of Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines.

A boat called faluwa are the main transportation going to the different island of Batanes. The schedule going to Sabtang Island from Ivana port is 7:00 am and back to Ivana port at 12:30 pm. 

 Going to Sabtang Island. 

The unforgettable experience going to Sabtang Island where the water vast of Pacific ocean meets the south China Sea. Kuya Mon said that they have a guest stranded for 3 days in Sabtang Island due to typhoon before our group arrival. Luckily in our 2nd day the weather condition is good and confirm that the faluwa can sail to sabtang island.

I must say that its my first time to have a seasick on riding a boat. The waves are strangely different, big, rough and scary. It was my 30 minutes longest ride I had so far, 30 minuets of praying that we get safely arrived in the other island.

Here are the things to do in Sabtang Island

1. Go to Tiñan Viewpoint and Chamantad Cove 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   Ivatan houses souvenir 
2. Wine testing of our very own berry  Arius fruits. 

   

   arius wine free taste 
3. Roaming around the Chavayan Village - ivatan old house
4. Rent a Vakul 
5. 
   
    
   
   

   

   Mga lodi, werpa at petmalu!

6. 

   Chatting with elder Ivatan
7. Photo-op in old beaterio 





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8. Visit the Morong beach 
9. Eat delicious food 

Related:

• Accommodation: Crisan Lodge/Crisan Pension House
• Breathtaking Batanes: Things to do in North Batan - Day 1
• Breathtaking Batanes: Things to do in Sabtang Isalnd - Day 2
• Breathtaking Batanes: South Batan -soon :)

Breathtaking Batanes: Things to do in North Batan - Day 1

At NAIA Terminal 2, early flight going to Basco :)

"Once a year, go some place you have never been before" - Dalai Lama

I had to admit that Batanes is my dream local destination. I ask my friends if we are really in Batanes, I am so exaggerated but  para akong lutang. (OA in its finest!)

It's was our first time to booked skyjet and to ride a small plane but I must say that even though it's a small plane, the leg room is spacious than the other budgeted airline. Skyjet has free 10kg check-in baggage, 5kg hand-carry and a complimentary snacks.

Complimentary snacks from Skyjet

Upon departure there's an Environmental fee cost Php 350.00.

Touch down Basco!

We arrived in the hotel around 7am , crisan lodge prepared our breakfast meals then after a short break we decided to start the tour at 9-ish am.

Breakfast at Crisan Lodge

The first day activity is North Batan, during our tour the weather is good - sunny but cold, the wind breeze is already amihan , Kuya JC the tour guide said that signal number 2 is just normal to them. Batanes encounter the strongest typhoon last  september 2016 with the local name Ferdie which is some of the infrustructure in the area are under renovation.

1. Basco Welcome Arch

Obligatory photo-op :)

First stop at the Welcome to Basco Arch  facing  the water vast of South China Sea/ West Philippine Sea with our driver/photographer kuya JC.

2. Tukon Chapel or Mt Carmel Church

The church was designed based on traditional Ivatan houses that made of stone and boulders. This church is popular for weddings but currently under renovation, it was destroyed during typhoon Ferdie. 

 3. Basco PAG-ASA complex (Weather Station)

This is just few walks away from Mt Carmel Church. Unfortunately, the weather station was also destroyed by the typhoon.  

4. Japanese Tunel at Dipnaysuhuan

The tunnel was made by the Japanese and with the help of  Ivatan people. Comparing this to cu chi tunnel this one  has bigger space, you can walk to it. The tunnel is still raw.

5. Valugan Boulder Beach

Instead of sand, this beach is has boulders, the boulders is came from Mt. Iraya (its a volcano) when it was explode many years ago.  The rocks swept by the waves of south china sea and pacific ocean.

6. Vayang Rolling Hills

Looks like a microsoft windows wallpaper : P The scenic view of Vayang rolling hills is a perfect combination of landscape and seascape.

6. Basco Lighthouse, Naidi Hill

One of the famous and most photograph in Batanes. Actually for me if you say Batanes I will be remembered a light house.

Mt. Iraya

7. Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Attended 6PM sunday mass after the tour.

Ivatan's are rich in land. You can not just buy a land if you are not a native Ivatan unless your spouse is also an Ivatan.  A term 'ipula' is to be called when you are not a native of Batanes and 'Ivatan" if you are a native of Batanes and also their dialect.

Other photos

Related:

• Accommodation: Crisan Lodge/Crisan Pension House
• Breathtaking Batanes: Things to do in North Batan - Day 1
• Breathtaking Batanes: Things to do in Sabtang Isalnd - Day 2
• Breathtaking Batanes: South Batan - draft :)

Breathtaking Batanes: Crisan Lodge/ Crisan Pension House

Batanes is every pinoy travel's dream destination. For its breathtaking and photogenic view. Batanes is where  South China sea meets Pacific ocean. (Interesting! right?)

Travel Period: Oct 22-25, 2017
Accommodation: Crisan Lodge / Crisan Pension house

Our accommodation was referred by a friend of friend. The owner who is Kuya Mon and his wife ate Crisan is very accommodating and also our driver/photographer/tour guide Kuya JC/Jesi is highly recommended. 

Our a/c room is good for 4 for only Php500.00 per head with breakfast inclusion. Months before the travel, I texted kuya Mon, asking if they had tour package, he didn't disappoint me  and he responded immediately and texted the details. We only find out that Crisan Lodge own an air conditioned van, open type jeep with cogon roof and a tricycle use for transportation and tour when we are there. It's up to us what to use. And because we are only 3 and stay 3 days in Batanes we choose the tricycle. Our tour package within 3 Days includes tour destination to North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island, tour guide/driver, environmental fees and lunch. Our only damage was dinner and pasalubong.

NB.
We do not know that crisan lodge has a grocery store. Prior to our flight we decided to buy or share food. To lessen our expenses my group carries canned goods, snacks, water and rice :) (lol rice because rice is life).
Yes, we bring our own water (6 liters) didn't know that dispense water is also available in the lodge.

If you want to cook dinner, the main kitchen at the first floor is available with small charge.

Do not expect wifi and data, internet signal is not yet recovered due to typhoon Ferdie last Sept 2016. But you can text and call. Enjoy your time talking with friends :)

Other pictures

Kitchen

Room 4 - our temporary room  upon arrival

Room 1 -Our room for 3 days.
The bunk bed is good for 4 but I think it can accommodate 6 persons.

Related:

• Accommodation: Crisan Lodge/Crisan Pension House
• Breathtaking Batanes: Things to do in North Batan - Day 1
• Breathtaking Batanes: Things to do in Sabtang Isalnd - Day 2
• Breathtaking Batanes: South Batan -soon :)