Holidaymakers travel for two good reasons – to explore the outside world, and to marvel at the magnificent gifts of nature not seen every day. Going on holidays take two different forms as well – one is more concerned with keeping abreast with the current commercial trends, and the other one, is to take into an adventure that is not available where one comes from.
Tourists who have chosen to spend their holidays in Batanes ought to achieve three of the four reasons : exploring the outside world, marvelling at the magnificent gifts of nature, and lastly, take into an adventure that is not available from the place of origin. The lacking piece is – the absence of commercial activities that some might give more preference. Batanes is happily contented with what nature has given them – no malls, no clubs, no food chains. Everything related to mass tourism is not found in this beautiful island group in the Philippines.
Batanes island group, located in the northernmost part of the Philippines, is the smallest province in terms of population and land area. It has a unique and distinct landscape of steep cliffs, deep canyons, rolling hills and boulder-lined shores. Its subtropical climate, ancient cultures, windswept traditional stone houses are natural wonders that had Batanes nominated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO Paris, noting how the traditions are still preserved to this day.
Tourists will be greeted up in the air with a breathtaking view of the scenic landscape of lush patchwork of greens bordered by tall hedgerows of grass, reeds, piled stones and trees that serve as protection from the fierce and strong winds and typhoons which frequent the province more than any other place in the country. See the Mahatao Hedgerows and you’ll get the picturesque image. Bordered by Pacific Ocean to the east and South China Sea to the west will already give you the kind of landscape and seascape you can expect to see when you arrive in Batanes.
Though literally small in land area, Batanes has loads of sights and adventure to offer. The rugged coastlines, steep cliffs and windswept hills which characterize the area’s topography are perfect for the many adventurous recreational activities one can do while they are exploring the area. Taming the winds and waves in this storm-frequented island will prove to be a challenge. The island’s formidability was built around these fierce winds and waves.
The place is also home to stretches of white and cream-colored sandy beaches in their still-preserved pristine condition. A notable beachfront is the Nakabuang Beach in Sabtang Island with is stone/rock arch formation which provides for a good picnic site. Blue Lagoon in Mahatao is a challenge with its strong waves splashing against the massive rocks and boulders spread over the area. Duvek Bay in Sumnanga is a good diving site with the best coral conditions and rich marine life. Another diving site may be found in Siayan Island which is surrounded by spectacular white beaches and rich coral and marine life underneath.
For the adventurous mountaineers, Batanes’ natural landscape of mountains and hills can be arduous to challenge its natural terrain. Mt Iraya, the highest peak in Batan Island provides a good climb for the mountaineers.
Some culture and history-rich sights are also found in Batanes like the Ruins of Sungsung, apparently a village swept and wiped out in a tidal wave in 1954; the House of Dakay which survived the 1918 earthquake and which is a UNESCO World Heritage Building House, which is the only remaining oldest existing stone house in Batanes; the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel which served as the hiding place for the Japanese during World War II, among many others.
One can get to see all these places of interest and enjoy the company of the native Ivatans who to this day have preserved their rich culture and tradition, unmindful of the trimmings of modern day living. One has to be prepared to immerse in the native’s own interpretation of happy and contented life which is very far from what you and I have in mind. Batanes is for those who love to marvel at the wonderful creations on earth and not contribute to its destruction. The Ivatans are protective of their place and so must everybody fortunate enough to see this truly wonderful work of nature.
