Melo Villareal
PHILTOA Batanes Familiarization Tour
Previous Post: Revisiting Batanes: PHILTOA Familiarization Tour 2014 Day 1
On our second day in Batanes, we left Amboy’s Hometel early to catch the early morning boat ride to Sabtang Island. Probably my favorite Island in the province, Sabtang, is not easy to reach. The island is clearly visible from the mainland port, but dealing with the huge waves to reach the island is a totally different story.
There are numerous things to see and do in Batanes, more than you could hope to cover in one or two weeks of a holiday visit. If you plan your trip correctly and know what’s worth spending time on, you can definitely explore the better parts of the province, and among those, your trip should definitely include Sabtang Island, along with some of its most popular spots.
Visit the Vuhus Island in Sabtang
Just a little under 2 kilometers to the west of Sabtang, you’ll find the Vuhus Island (better known as Ivuhos among the locals, in case you need to ask for information/directions). While the island is not inhabited, it’s still quite a lively place around the year as it attracts many tourists, and even the locals enjoy taking the occasional boat ride to relax there for a couple of hours.
What’s special about this island is its peculiar shape and terrain and the coral reefs surrounding it. If you’ve come to Sabtang to take memorable pictures, this should be at the top of your list of destinations.
Explore the Old Stone House Village of Chavayan
The Chavayan Village is one of the ancient sites of Sabtang preserved through time. Stepping on the village’s streets is a unique experience that makes you feel like you’ve walked through a portal to another dimension. The narrow, winding streets between the numerous authentic stone houses set a very peculiar mood, and it’s almost like you can feel the spirits of those who once built the place.
Some of the houses are still inhabited, and you may be surprised to see the locals comfortably leaving their homes unlocked as they go about their daily duties. This is a tightly knit community with deep-rooted traditions and trust in each other, and they also extend that trust to outsiders like tourists.
Lunch at Morong Beach (Nankamuan Ark)
Morong Beach is where you can find Ahaw Ark. This rock formation is mistakenly identified as Nankamuan Ark in most travel guides because a cave called Nankamuan Cave is located a few meters from the rock formation.
Book a reservation for lunch at Morong Beach while you’re here – you won’t regret it! This is one of the few places on the island that can offer you a truly authentic Ivatan culinary experience, even if they are a bit exclusive in whom they let in.
Ensure you try the lobster and coconut crabs, which are worth every penny and will leave you craving more.
Homestay Program
And if you really want to make your trip memorable, use the homestay program available near Sabtang Port and at the Chavayan Village. You should book your stay directly on the spot or book in advance via local travel agents in Basco. Electricity is still limited on the island, so charge your mobile phones, cameras, and other essential gadgets.
SkyJet Airlines brings you closer to Batanes – your dream vacation. For discounted flights and Batanes Travel and Tour Packages, visit The Philippine Travel Mart 2014 starting today till September 7, 2014 (Fri-Sun) at SMX Mall of Asia.
Also Read:
- Batanes Travel Guide: Explore Breathtaking Batanes
- Sabtang Island: Crossing the Untamed Sea
- Morong Beach in Sabtang Island, Batanes
- 10 Destinations in Batanes Featured in the Film “You’re My Boss”
