North Batan (Batanes)

My solo travelling escapade went 2N/3D , I know it wasn't satiable enough for a place like Batanes, but I have tried to compressed those days and maximized every single minute . There were places that I have missed to explore, if only I could have more time..

It will only proved that even though Batanes is a small island , it will contradicts the stuffs that needs to do. You will appreciate the town more if you stayed there for a week I guess, and live like locals.

Actually , I bet , not anyone can admire the beauty of Batanes. If you were the type of person who appreciate noise and nightlife, then don't go to Batanes! Huwag makisabay agad agad, basa basa muna , hehehe

I cannot share my itinerary but you can approach me and I tell you right away. Mahina ako sa details e .. LOL. I can only share pictures , and will tell my story :)

MARFEL LODGE . My nest in Batanes. Highly recommended for Backpackers. Very homey. They have their version of Honesty Store inside , pede den magluto!

Glimpse of my room. It's a fan room worth 700-800/night. Ive heard, they also offer aircon rooms on other location, just tell Ate Marfel upon inquiry. Mababaet sila, very accomodating. Just type MARFEL LODGE on facebook and check their amenities.

Siya si Mira. Businesswoman and traveler at the same time. She's the 2nd stranger that I've met, 'yung una si Lovely, I met her at the airport. Pareho ko sila ka-Facebook :)

STOPOVER. My view while biking

You'will see a lot of these signs while touring in Batanes. This became their trademark also.

...and this! :)

I saw these kids walking under the sun and just a thought of taking a shot of them.

After a few hours pedaling my rented bike. I saw this another sign...uuLan!

My first destination after checking in. Right after arrival and leaving my bags on the lodge, I've rented a bike and went on biking around the town proper.

You will never notice this easily , I've thought the place was a huge gallery of artworks. Apparently, it's just like a house-size museum for Ivatan artists .

Well, I just hope local government will take some consideration on allotting budget for their local artist. Its been actually considered as a tourist spot however, it doesn't look like unless you are into arts and notice this while biking .

Since I am on Batanes, yo should consider the weather too so it wont spoil your planned activity for that day. It rained while biking so I decided to go back and just rest , eat and have a cup of coffee. Rain lasted for about 3hours.

I remember it was almost 4pm when the rain stopped. So I just decided to rent a trycycle and bring my bike since I'm running out of time biking from the town proper to Boulder beach, then my planned of having a sunset on Naidi Hills / Rolling hills.

I enjoyed the sound created every time the waves hits the huge rocks. The waves wasn't big that time , it was really serene and almost sunset. Masarap magmunimuni kase ako lang talaga ang tao . Actually, I was thinking of cancelling my Naidi hills sunset activity and spend it on this beach but Manong trycycle driver recommended that viewing sunset is perfect on the hills .

If you are into biking , I think, you can spent the entire day biking around Northern Batan, except Fundacion Pacita. Ive told myself that I can explore Northern Batan thru biking , pero bumalik ako , diko kinaya ang daan. Buti na lang may trycycle to the rescue! hehehe.

Seeing this makes me wanna sing ♪♫ the hills are alive with the sounds of musiiiiic..with songs they have sung for a thousand years ♫♪

I wasn't able to get a perfect shot of this Lighthouse on Naidi hills due to a wedding ceremony and reception scheduled for that day. So my perfect sunset idea was already spoiled pero nag enjoy naman kame ni Mira manuod ng kasal. hehe. She texted me that she wanted to joined on going to Naidi hills. Pitsur, Pitsur lang!

Isn't Forever ? Maghihiwalay din kayo! *bitter* hehehe

My rented Bike! Thanks Mira for this shot!

So there she was .. smile!

Wedding Entourage *sniff* *Sob*

This was my last stop, I have visited FUNDACION PACITA 3hours before my flight going back to Cavite. Actually ,this wasn't included on my list. Im still lucky 'tho, I still have few time and fortunately that Ive woke up early :)

Beautiful dawn, waiting for a perfect sunrise on a wonderful morning!This is my view from afar. Hope I could stay for more hours.. * sigh *

Artwork of Pacita Abad.

The chair itself is "maganda na" , it compliments the dawning feeling.

Mural outside

RADAR STATION

Just in front of the Radar station. Picture perfect isn't it ?! Standing here will show you the entire northern Batan according to Manong trycycle driver.

Dios Mamajes Batanes! I really got a lot of pictures to share. I just shared a few of my pictures on exploring Northern Batan. Next stop... Southern Batan>

Solo Travelling

Batanes is my dream destination here in Philippines. So upon knowing that Sky Jet Air got a seat sale last 2013 , there was no second thought , I've asked a colleague to do me a favor on buying me 2 way-ticket at Travel Expo.

As we all know, during these days, majority is capable to travel, it became part of our life. A privilege and an option. Since it was a travel treat for myself , I have also decided to travel solo, since I haven't done it when I was single and very seldom I see an individual travel solo. (curiosity strikes)

RACUH A PAYAMAN "marlboro country" in SOUTHERN BATAN Island

This might be a late post but the experienced I've had is still vivid and had this urge of discussing, just want to reminisce about solitude.

So, here are my thoughts / opinion on solo travelling . It is based on my experience, it might have its pros or cons. Neither, it still an experience worth remembering! *smile*

1. Independence. You can go anywhere and anytime you want. There is this freedom when it comes on decision making.

2. You will enjoy a different kind of silence. It's spiritual for me . Tranquility. Solitude. Reflection. Indeed, its somewhat divine!

3. However, boredom strikes when you're in the hotel. It's should be time of talking to friends or special someone about the whole day event , how it went out, and talking it over a cup of coffee or beer. Eto yung ... tawanan dapat! Kulitan bago matulog! Tamang trip lang at sentimyento sa buhay. Bonding moment ika nga!

4. Got a problem 'tho on who will gonna take a few camera shots of me . BUT since MONOPOD was in demand during that time. I bought one and, problem solved. IT'S SELFIE TIME!!Selfie pa more!!!Hahaha

5. You may also talk to a stranger and befriending them.

6. Security. Yes, of course, you will not go to a place if you know you are not safe ,right? For as long as you know how to read. Do your research. I also did. I've read a LOT of travel blog so I will know which is the safest place to go to.

Yaru Nu Artes- Ivatan (captured using my monopod)

At least , I am proud to say that I did it once in my life and Im looking for a second try. It may not be nowadays , because I already have my priorities. Maybe, someday and I know it will be fun! : )