Up until a few years ago, I was oblivious to the fact that there was such a place called Batanes here in the Philippines. I'd like to thank this coffee commercial for introducing me to it:
Since then, Batanes was always on my mind. It seemed like the ideal getaway--perfect for pre-nup pictorials and weddings. And indeed, it is.
Admittedly, Batanes is quite heavy on the pocket. But believe you me. It's worth every penny.
 |
| One of the many sceneries to enjoy. Pictures don't do it justice. |
Here's our 5D/4N itinerary:
DAY 1
AM - Arrival, Check-in at Pacita Fundacion
PM - Batan North Tour
DAY 2
Sabtang Island Tour
6:00 AM - Travel to San Vicente Port, Travel to Sabtang by boat
- Mt. Carmel Chapel
- Radar Tukon
- Idjang Viewing
- Fundacion Pacita
- Japanese Hideout
- Boulder Beach
- Valugan
- Vayang
- Naidi Hills
- Lighthouse
- Sto. Domingo Church
DAY 2
Sabtang Island Tour
6:00 AM - Travel to San Vicente Port, Travel to Sabtang by boat
- San Vicenter Ferer Church
- Savidug Idjang (Fortress)
- Savidug Community
- Vernacular Houses, Limestone Production
- Tinyan Viewing of Pacific Ocean
- Chavayan Community Vernacular Houses
12:00 PM - Lunch
2:00 PM
- Nakabuang Beach
- Siesta (optional)
- Swimming (optional)
- Back to Sabtang Port
- (Travel back to San Vicente Port)• Back to hotel
DAY 3
Batan South Tour
9:00 AM
- Mahatao Town Tour
- Chawa Viewdeck
- Mahatao Pier
- Vernacular Houses
- San Jose Borromeo Church
- Tayid Lighthouse
- Sumhao Windmills
- Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country)
12:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM
- Imnajbu
- Old Naval Base
- Alapad
- Song Song Ruins
- Alapag Rock
- Uyugan Town Tour
- Ivana Town Tour
- San Jose de Ivana Church
- Honesty Coffee Shop
- House of Dakay (Oldest House)
DAY 4
Free Day
- Biking / ATV
DAY 5
AM - Departure to Manila
Our itinerary looks packed but it's really not. Each tour would end at around 3-4pm each day and we were left with so much free time. Although ideal for rest and relaxation, we kinda had too much of it.
Being practical, some tours could be collapsed in one day instead of two. All these places were really near each other anyway... although time spent in each place would depend also on how long you take to do your selfies. Hehe.
For those who are planning their own itinerary, include Itbayat! I hear it's worth it.
PS. Will blog about each day's activities soon.