June 2, 2013
Batan Island, Batanes
Our third day in Batanes was reserved for touring the southern part of Batan Island. First stop of the day was Mahatao view deck. We climbed down the concrete steps and found that the water below to be uninviting given the strong currents.
We then made quick stops at House of Dakay, the oldest house in Batanes...
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| House of Dakay |
...San Jose De Ivana church, built in 1814...
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| San Jose De Ivana church |
...and Honesty Coffee Shop, a one-of-a-kind store - there is no storekeeper to assist customers nor to accept payments. Visitors can help themselves to a cup of coffee (among other things) and then just leave the payment on the counter.
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| Honesty Coffee Shop |
We also made brief stops at another picturesque area (I don't think it has a name)...
...and San Lorenzo Ruiz chapel.
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| San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel |
We had our first taste of Batanes delicacies during lunch (more like a feast actually) which was already arranged for us by the tour guide. We had Amay (mashed kamote and gabi) and Chipuho, among others.
After lunch, we took a short hike downhill to the fountain of youth which was basically a man made mini pool with water coming from the mountain. The pool was not inviting at all (very crowded) and the same can be said of the beach (too stony).
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| Fountain of Youth |
We then went to Marlboro Country where we stayed an hour or two. This, for me, was the best spot in all of Batanes. The hills are just alive here - the sound of music is not necessary. The seascape is just gorgeous.
The last stop of the tour was at San Carlos Borromeo church, built in 1873.
For dinner, we had another feast. We asked the chef in the hotel to cook for us some more of Batanes' delicacies. It was a great way to end the trip.
Estimated expenses:
5000 PHP - Round trip air fare
1950 PHP - Amboy Hometel (2600 PHP/night good for 4 persons)
1250 PHP - van (2500 PHP/day)
1000 PHP - tour guide (4000 PHP for the group)
200 PHP - Environmental fee at Sabtang
150 PHP - Boat fare to Sabtang, round trip
1800 PHP - food (600 PHP/day)
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11350 PHP
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