SABTANG ISLAND (Batanes)

Unfortunately, I only had 2 day trip for this Majestic Town of Batanes, so i had to maximize everything! I took a tour on South Batan on my 2nd day after visiting Sabtang Island. My original plan is to do a "top load" ride on a jeepney ,however, I failed to catch the first trip , they weren't there @7am , or maybe they're late! Instead, I texted the TODA's mobile number and arrange my destination. hehe. No more Top Load experience.

I was told that I should be there on the Ivana Port @7am, but still the first trip wasn't there. Late sila pramis and the weather is not good during morning so I took a trycycle ride to Ivana.

My first selfie for that day. I really admire the effect of the dawn , I wasn't even used a flash from my camera.

IVANA PORT

One of the Oldest church in Batanes since 1700's

I arrived before 7am so I was there, talking to locals and visiting Ivana church and Honesty store. The latter is only few meters away from the port. So while waiting , you can go there and check some goodies and Batanes products.

While Kuya Bangkero was also waiting for their passengers from Fundacion Pacita, he taught me on putting Malunggay leaves on instant noodles , for a healthy breakfast. :)

One of my fear is to rode on a boat without "katig" , and now im facing it alone. Achieve na achieve!! hhehehe .So what to do during a 20 minute boat ride to Sabtang? A nonstop selfie with my monopod! (Actually I was the one who only own a monopod on that Faluwa boat and I noticed that they kept on looking at me. Hehe.) They didn't even know that I was trying to divert my attention from big waves. ( Mga Dukha! galing Fundacion Pacita . walang monopod?!! ) LOL Actually, para sa mga maharlika, mukha ata akong jologs! LOL

At the Sabtang port area , you will be able to see another lighthouse at the right side of the island . Upon going there and arriving at the port, rain drizzles so I have thought that I may not be able to enjoy touring around and may not be able to see what I have anticipated. There are still road constructions, tourists are roaming around looking for their guide.

I have stayed there in a few minutes and waited for kuya rudy ( my tour guide ) ,apparently while waiting , since weather here in Batanes is indeed unpredictable, the rain unexpectedly stopped and hail to the sun for it shines! So I am happy again!:)

I supposed to be alone on the trycycle I have rode on, but there was a retired bank teller who was also travelling alone asking kuya rudy to allow him to join on our tour. (So this time, am not alone. We just divide the expenses and I think that's the only advantage of touring with others.)

While on the road, we passed on this field where we found this tree . They called it "guyagoy or guyaboy", its from a family of Palm trees but according to kuya Rudy , this is endemic in batanes. He let us get some of its fruits and eat those while on the road .

Wearing "VAKUL" , Ivatans' traditional clothing.

Going to Chavayan Village, a remote and old village in Sabtang Island. Actually going there gives me creeps as if im on a different world or civilization. hehehe *cricket sound*

Seeing these kids looking at my camera pacified my creepy imagination over this little barrio. I've requested them to sit and took a few shots as a simple keepsake.

Actually, we're the first batch of tourist arrived on this village. We get there at close to noontime so...there was silence everywhere! I am only hearing birds chirping and rustling leaves. Everything is nature! Anywhere I looked .. I can see nature! I can see peace and calmness.So spiritual. I just really wanted to sit there and hear the nature. Meditate.

However, I only have few hours to feel this village and take pictures. And I was here to capture authentic beautiful stone houses. Capturing every window color and style!

Simplicity

Given a chance to see a local on actual weaving of their traditional head dress "vakul"

Seeing local Ivatan walking along the roadside , made me realized the civilization they've been into and been used to do. I've wanted to ask her if she want to ride with us, but it looks like she will prefer walking than riding on a trycycle. It's a long and tiring walk 'tho!

Morong Beach located in Sabtang Island is one of the recommended and usual place for beach bummer, I guess. The water is shallow, when I get there. The sand wasn't powdery but the coarse sand adds beauty on the beach side.

I walked barefooted 'tho and I've enjoyed it . It was noontime too, and didn't have my extra clothing so I just waded on the shore and washed my face. How can I resist these waves calling me at noontime ha?! "Kung pwede nga lang maghubad agad agad at maglublob. haha"

Seeing those cows above, was amazing! Haha

The 2 islands on my background are not included on the Philippine map but included on the Batanes Group of Islands. The two islands according to Kuya Rudy was already private but some tourist were able to camp and spent overnight. It wasn't a residential area and majority of living creature that was there are cows and goats. Cute!

My Sabtang Tour was ended here and then I had my lunch to Kuya Rudy's humble abode, seeing his wife and kids. Anyway I still have another tour in Southern Batan , so I have to go back right away.