Batanes Solo Trip: South Batan Tricycle Tour

North Batan: Check. Sabtang Island: Check.

For days, I’ve been contemplating whether I’ll pursue a trip to Itbayat or not. The weather is perfect. I whispered and asked my wallet if I should go or not. He responded by saying I must use my common sense – I only have less than 3K, which is just enough for a South Batan Tour and some meals.

So gorabels sa South Batan!

The South Batan Tour offers more spots compared to the North Batan one. We started as early as 8:30AM. Let’s start this trip with a touristy photo:

The Chawa View Deck serves as a ‘teaser’ on what to expect on the South Batan Tour. It was a sunny morning and I felt like I’m on a mission to cover a luxury travel feature. Why? Wala lang. Lakas maka-shala ng view , eh! 😛

Typhoons are frequent vistors of Batanes. The Mahatao Boat Shelter Port serves as a hub where boats dock when the bad weather comes. You can look at this website to gain more insight into the same topic. Kuya Lito shared some information about trips to Tuguegarao and other places via boat, but I totally forgot the fare prices. I wonder if a luxury yacht will survive here. I just wonder.

Next is the Mahatao Town Proper, where the Parish of San Carlos Borromeo or simply Mahatao Church is located. It’s another chance to give thanks and pray for my safety and the people I care the most.

I saw a number of locals playing outside. For some reason, it reminded me of a scene in Siquijor again.

Our next stop is the Tayid Lighthouse, which automatically reminded me of Ireland. No, I haven’t been to Ireland (not yet!) but a good Irish friend sent me a calendar featuring the cliffs and lighthouses of Ireland. The sudden gloomy weather must have influenced my mood.

It also reminded me of New Zealand because of the lazy cows. These cows are lucky to be born and raised in Batanes.

The next stop is the Diura Fishing Village. Fishing is a main source of income among Ivatans.

I also did a bit of trekking towards the Fountain of Youth. I saw a number of holed stones. According to Kuya Lito, these are remnants of a tribe that used to reside in that area. The fact that they were able to preserve these important artifacts is impressive.

The Fountain of Youth is a man-made spring. Water comes from the Imnajbu hills. It is said that the water coming from the Fountain of Youth is miraculous. Too bad the pool was almost empty when I arrived.
I saw two female tourists (a Filipino and German) and they even invited me to join them for snacks an to swim a bit.

Emote muna ako mga teh!

The almost 30 minutes trek made me hungry, so I demanded that we eat lunch right away. We settled in Vatang Grill and Restaurant. It seems like majority of tourists taking the South Batan Tour dine in this food establishment. They serve Ivatan cuisine, but I didn’t order the usual set since I’m alone. I ordered the Chicken with Honey dish plus Pepsi.

A documentary about Itbayat and a nearby islet of Taiwan, which name I forgot. I can’t help but romantacise the possibility of a Filipina falling in love with a Taiwanese fisherman.

Anyway, let’s move on with the tour before I get stuck on afternoon ritual called Daydreaming.

Jessie J, give me your best song!

Our first stop in Ivana is an old bridge called Spanish Bridge. It is still being used up to this day.

Close to it is the oldest house in Batan. Popularly known as House of Dacay or House of Estrella. It is a favorite spot for most travel bloggers. The owner of the house Lola Ida Estrella, who is one of the most photographed resident of Batanes passed away early this year. A relative takes serves as the caretaker of the house.

I saw a number of photographs of Lola Ida including one with fellow travel bloggers. It would’ve been nice to talk to her and listen to her stories.

I passed by the Ivana Church to offer another thank you prayer. Can’t help but remember my family especially after seeing this view when I’m on my way out of the church. Heaven!

A cup of coffee is good. We dropped by the Honesty Coffee Shop. What makes this place unique? Just read this:

The next Barangay to explore is Uyungan. The locals were preparing for a celebration.

I spotted the Ruins of Song Song right while we were on the road so I asked Kuya Lito if we can drop by so I can take more photos. He mentioned that the original house was destructed by a tsunami sometime in the 1950 and the family who owned it abandoned the property.

Now I am in for yet another scenic trip to Imnajbu Point. I have to say this is one of my favorite spots in Batan Island. From the view point, you’d see the USCG LORAN STATION, which will be converted into a museum soon. The green grass, blue ocean and the rock formations is enough for one to enjoy this spectacular view.

Then I saw a goat and he gamely posed for the camera. Now I’m craving for Pinapaitan.

I dropped by the San Lorenzo Chapel and walk within the residential area. I feel like I’m in a historical movie and the weather is suddenly gloomy (again).

The highlight for this tour is the popular Marlboro Country. For some bloggers, this is the most picturesque spot in Batanes. I can’t blame them.

It was gloomy when we arrived and I spent almost an hour there daydreaming, taking pictures and chatting with locals and tourists while in the souvenir area.

Let’s go back to the daydreaming part. I pursued this trip on my own and I have to be honest that I missed my family that moment. It would’ve been fun to explore this paradise with my mom, brother and grandparents in tow. I know for a fact that my dad was with me in spirit.

The finale of my South Batan is a short stop to the Homoron White Beach or simply White Beach. Maybe next time I’ll take a dip.

^ Book Batanes Hotels now for instant confirmation!
Will I book another trip to Batanes in the near future? Definitely 🙂

BATANES SOUTH BATAN TOUR via Tricycle: I highly recommend Lito Alcantara (+639182167440/+639162291080). He takes good pictures too! I’ll update this post with the new tour package rate.

Have you been to Batanes or have plans of visiting this lovely paradise? Make sure to pursue that trip! 😀