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The Magic of Batanes Isles (Part 2 of 2)

The Magic of Batanes Isles
La Isla Magazine, July 2010 Cover Story
Written by Anton Diaz
Photos by George Tapan

Read First: The Magic of Batanes Isles (Part 1 of 2)

Sabtang Island

Chamantad Viewpoint, Sabtang Island.  Photo by George Tapan.

Sabtang Island is 30-45 minutes away from Batan Island via a falowa ride. The falowa is a U-haul boat designed with no balancing beam called katig, so that it can freely dance with the waves. Between Batan and Sabtang is the channel where the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea meet. In this channel, you can see the waves flowing in different directions, and this is where most people get seasick with the falowa's rocking motion.

Once you arrive in Sabtang and see the heritage towns of Savidug and Chavayan, you will realize that bearing with the rocky falowa trip was worth it. These two areas are the remaining coastal towns composed predominantly of the stone houses Batanes is known for. The houses have walls that are made from stones bonded with lime and their roofs are made from cogon. These towns are next in line for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the Philippines.

The Magic of Batanes Isles (Part 1 of 2)

The Magic of Batanes Isles
La Isla Magazine, July 2010 Cover Story
Written by Anton Diaz
Photos by George Tapan

A country-style charm in a lush garden setting at Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge. Photo by George Tapan.

I’ve been to Batanes a number of times. I’ve witnessed how people magically fall in love with these northernmost islands of the Philippines. They fall in love not only with its beauty, but also with its cultural heritage, yummy food and the islands' proud Ivatans.  The love that is developed is very authentic (not induced by any marketing ploy) and very organic (not forced), to the point that some people want to live in this place. Even my wife who joined me in my recent trip could not stop raving about it to our friends and family.

But what makes the experience magical?

The Rustic Beauty of Batanes

I expected Batanes to be awesome because of the rave reviews of people who came from this island. It exceeded my wildest expectation. You definitely have to go to Batanes once in your lifetime. (Unfortunately, Asian Spirit flights to Batanes are already fully booked for this summer) The landscape sceneries in Lord of the Rings and the rustic beauty of the Jurassic Park flashes through your mind as you explore the Batan and Sabtang islands in Batanes. Check out these awesome Batanes scenes! ( I do hope that Master George Tapan's will be proud of his student's work - I credit him for taking my photography to a different level )

1. Rakuh a Payaman – This is my favorite place in Batan Island especially during sunrise. Locals call this the Marlboro country and this is a grazing land for the carabaos and cows in Batan Island.
   

2. Dekey a Kanayan, Alapad – One of the magnificent views in Batan Island. You can see the ruins of the LORAN station a former US navigational facility.

3. Bo Savidug, Sabtang Island – Everyone falls in love with this old community of old stone houses called vahay in Ivatan.

4. Bo. Chavayan, Sabtang Island – Bo. Savidug and Bo. Chavayan are the two old stone house communities that makes Sabtang Island a must see visit during your Batanes trip. I love playing with the Ivatan children in Bo. Chavayan.

5. Chamantad-Tinyan Sitio Views, Sabtang Island – One of the grazing land views in Sabtang Island.

Explore Batanes with George Tapan

I'm joining this Travel Photography Workshop this coming Black Saturday. I'm continuing to learn from the Pros to improve my skills so that I can really showcase the beauty of the Philippines. If you would like to join, check out www.colorstravelguide.com for details.