Batanes Through the Eyes of a First-Timer

I thought it would only remain a dream until June of this year, I found myself setting my feet on the solid grounds of Batanes.

Before going to Batanes, I've always thought why "Breathtaking Batanes" appears on geo tags on Instagram. I wondered if there's such place, but there's none.

When I saw Batanes, I finally understood why it's called "Breathtaking Batanes." Its vast greenery, hills, stunning sunset views everywhere, and crashing waves from the ocean surely take one's breath away.

Through the eyes of a first-timer, Batanes is unbelievable.

Racuh A Payaman which many refer to as Marlboro Country is something I'd never forget. Once up there, there's an unexplainable pleasure you'll get that only nature can give. I've gone there twice, yet same feelings arose.

At Racuh A Payaman, you'll get a view of the Mt. Iraya, Diura Beach, Tayid Lighthouse and the Pacific Ocean.

The majestic sunset view at Racuh A Payaman also known as Marlboro Country

I also noticed, there are no huge establishments, fast-food restaurants or malls in the province. Most of the houses and buildings are small. From my research, there were lesser structures back then than now. Some structures stand in the way, blocking views, but not tall enough to block the hills and clouds like in Manila.

Traffic is nonexistent here. The primary mode of transportation in Batanes is motorcycle or tricycle. If you know how to drive a motorcycle, it's better to rent one because it's cheaper than tricycles or vans. 

Road to Alapad Rock Formation

Another iconic sign of Batanes is the lighthouse. They never run out of lighthouses. Some that I saw are the Basco Lighthouse, Sabtang Lighthouse, and Tayid Lighthouse. To me, the most beautiful is the latter.

Basco Lighthouse

Tayid Lighthouse

The Honesty Shop is also a must-visit for the tourists. It's the famous coffee shop in the province where no one mans the store. Customers can buy food and souvenirs there and put the payment on the counter. What surprised me was there's a kubo and hammocks down the shop and in front of it is a serene view of the beach.

Although Batanes is not known for palm trees and beaches, they too, have beautiful beaches to boast of. One is the Morong Beach in Sabtang where you'll also find the Nakabuang Arch. The sand there is finer than other beaches in the province.

Add also to your list the Valugan Boulder Beach. Taking it from its name, the beach is full of boulders and less sand.

I'd also have to say that Batanes is very clean. Labeled trash cans are everywhere, locals' backyards are neat. I almost bowed to Batanes government for keeping the province incredibly clean, until I saw plastic wrappers lying on the sand and one floating on Blue Lagoon. But, these are not as worse as Manila Bay's trash. 

Of course, no Batanes trip is complete without visiting the stone houses. Good thing the traditional Ivatan houses made of stones and cogon still exist. You can see more in Sabtang and only few in Basco, the province's capital.

I live in a small town dubbed as the place where everybody knows everybody. Same goes in Batanes. It's the smallest province in the Philippines after all so it's not impossible to know everyone. My relatives said, Ivatans are some of the nicest people in the country. And they're right. 

I was told to greet the elderlies even if I don't know them, to show respect. Because this was something I'm not used to do, it was awkward for me but I had to so I did. Ivatans greet everyone by honking, waving and simply smiling to one another.

Words aren't enough how happy I was visiting Batanes because even for a short period of time, I was away from the urban mess and the pressures of modern life.

Through the eyes of a first-timer, Batanes is undeniably fascinating and worthy to come back for.

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