Sabtang Island — Local services in Sabtang

Batanes is enveloped by the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea, two vast bodies of water. And naturally, the waves are intimidating. Not much of beaches but reefs. Unlike Boracay and Palawan, you don’t see much beaches, and yet, when in Batanes, even a restless soul like mine would want to just get settled and sit. The peacefulness unites you with the beauty of nature. You forget the time and space.

In one of the tourist spots there, popularly named the Dawn Zulueta hill because it was where the movie, Hihintayin kita sa Langit was shot, we just sat by the shore appreciating the Pacific Ocean slamming against the rocks, creating huge bursts of water. Like fireworks display, we were anticipating the next big wave, a bigger bang! The colors were different hues of blue, aqua blue trimmings in the waves! And when wave after wave hit land, it then retreats back into the ocean leaving froth, like steamed milk caressing the sand until it’s gone.

The beauty of Batanes is its own, and yet, but it has been compared to other beautiful places in Europe and the Mediterranean. Some would describe the Batanes landscape like Scotland, its architecture like Greece because of the blue-painted doors. The houses made from limestone also remind other tourists of Provence. I’ve not been to any of those places, but I was able to visit Austria, and when I set foot on Batanes’ Marlboro Hills, I started singing like Fraulein Maria, “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” It was such a joy.

Batanes is a small island in the Northernmost part of the Philippines, and thus it is awesome how it brings such rich experience to all those who visit. The adventure seekers can do mountain biking in the islands. A couple had their bikes with them, and they even loaded the bikes in the falowa, a local banca without outrigger, to cross over to the island Sabtang. Crossing the Pacific Ocean is an adventure in itself, especially in the part where the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea meet. It really feels like the water is about to consume our little falowa, but it’s normal...

Stayed overnight in one of the homestays listening to the waves of the sea rolling on the shore. We dropped by the Conscience store run by a priest. Then we went to the municipal hall for a courtesy visit with the mayor. They are glad for the barrier being constructed which will now keep the town hall and other facilities safer from the waters.

We were guests of Kap. Gabilo doing community scoping for our research. Very friendly and beautiful people. One cannot help but stare at their faces, even the elders had this serene and regal look in them. They are also very tall.

Rode those beautiful tricycles (they chose new ones just for us) and toured the island for half a day. Would have loved to stay the week (or for life).

No tarpaulins allowed for advertisements. All stores, businesses, and street markers have the same handcrafted signs.

Beautiful, magical, memorable place. Will definitely go back with...

One of my favorite place. And will keep on coming back here. So in our second visit we planned to stay there for overnight in the island. Simple peaceful and clean place and the locals ivatan are so friendly. And we found a new place to visit the fishermens village on the northern part of the batanes and their highest peak. We spend overnight tour package there. And we were able to visit and see the southern part of sabtang island our guide took us in the highest point of sabtang island and in the fishermans village which i cannot find on the map. Here are some of...