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South Batan

Batanes, Home of the Winds

By Danica Eliana Ferino

August 31^st, 2017

Of my three posts about Batanes, this one about South Batan got delayed for so long. This was my favorite tour among the three and I wanted to make this post special. I don't know. Up until now, I still find it difficult to create content for this. The place is just absolutely breathtaking! As cliche as it sounds, words cannot describe it. Even the photos are not enough to visualize how amazing it is. I still don't know how I'll write this effectively, so I'm apologizing for this sorry excuse of a narrative on the majestic South Batan and all the wonderful memories I had on this place.

Chawa Viewdeck

The tour started at the Chawa Viewdeck. It's just a short drive from our homestay and I think you can easily reach it with a bike. From the viewdeck, you can see the West Philippine Sea. The waves constantly hit the base of the cliff on the bottom of the stairs. It's just so beautiful to watch. I would have opted to stay longer but there were already several tourists lining up the stairs at that time.

Kuya Lito had us pose for a photo on one of the zigzag roads just after the viewdeck. I think he really likes panorama. That's also his tricycle (#31).

Mahatao Boat Shelter

Just below the road, you can see the Mahatao Boat Shelter. It was constructed to protect the boats during inclement weather.

A few minutes' drive will lead to San Carlos Borromeo Church. There's a library there with blank books where guests can write anything.

Maywang A Libro Du Vatan (Batanes Blank Book Archive)

Homoron White Beach

Then there's also Homoron Blue Lagoon and White Beach. Several years back during the Spanish era, only the spaniards were allowed to take a dip at this pool. Today, anyone can go try its turqouise waters but it's not very advisable because of the strong waves.

House of Dakay

This is the oldest stone house in Batanes. Check out the details of the house - they even used corals! It is a private property but the owners still allow visitors. You have to take off your shoes before you go inside.

Honesty Coffee Shop

This little sari-sari store is always open and unmanned. Customers just take what they want and write it on a notebook on the table. Then they drop of their payments at the designated boxes.

You might think they'll lose money this way, trusting their customers too much. But I don't think so. The Ivatans' honesty is contagious. Note also that crime rate in Batanes is zero.

The Alapad Pass is one of the most iconic spots in Batanes. Part of the hill was cut to accommodate the road.

You see the "Blow UR Horn" yellow markers on the side of the road? It was built by Americans. That's why Kuya Lito believes the Americans were the first jejemons in the world. Seriously, it's disturbing. The stone's width can accommodate four-letter words. So why not spell it as "your" like a normal person?

Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country)

Endless rolling hills! There's the deep, verdant green landscapes to the left and the ocean on the right. It's really, really beautiful. You can also see the Tayid Lighthouse yonder. I could sit there for hours with the wind on my hair and this gorgeous scenery in front of me. If it weren't for the cow poops, I'd try rolling down the shallower hills too. Some hills are quite steep, by the way.

Singing on cue: "I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

Tayid Lighthouse

The last stop of our tour was Tayid Lighthouse overlooking the Pacific Ocean. While Basco Lighthouse is round, Tayid Lighthouse has edges. I was confused about them at first.