Another year has come for us to celebrate my dearest wife's birthday and what better way to do it far north!
We took off from Manila around 7am and arrived in Basco, Batanes an hour after. This was actually baby Basti's first airplane ride!
 |
| Groufie |
 |
| The arrival |
We stayed in Batanes Seaside Lodge & Restaurant for three (3) nights and we found out that the cast and staff of the movie "Batanes" were also accommodated here. Freakin awesome!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batanes:_Sa_Dulo_Ng_Walang_Hanggan
 |
| Batanes Seaside Lodge & Resto Lobby |
 |
| Us having our first BF in Batanes |
We relaxed and settled down the whole morning upon arrival since we wanted to start slowly because of the kids. We had lunch in a restaurant a few steps from our hotel (Batanes Octagon Bed and Dine) and there our journey begins!
 |
| Octagon Bed & Dine |
 |
| View from the restaurant |
Day 1: April 10
We started the tour from Mt. Carmel Chapel then Radar Station then Sabidug Idjang then Fundacion Pacita then Japanese Hideout then Boulder beach then Sto Domingo Church then Vayang Hills then Naidi Hills then Lighthouse... TALK ABOUT NON-STOP ACTION!
 |
| Mt. Carmel Chapel |
 |
| Radar Station |
 |
| Sabidug Idjang (fortress) |
 |
| Japanese Hideout |
 |
| Boulder Beach |
 |
| Sto. Domingo Church |
 |
| Vayang Rolling Hills |
 |
| Holy Cow |
 |
| Naidi Hills & Lighthouse |
 |
| atop the lighthouse overlooking the Ocean... |
Our day ends with a cozy "Lutong bahay" experience in a restaurant beside a house which until today I'm still trying to recall its name. Anyway, the food was served wrap in leaves which brings back memories of my childhood days...
 |
| Let's eat! |
Day 2: April 11
Our next itinerary is within the island of Sabtang and here it is people...
 |
| Sabtang Port |
 |
| Nakabuang Beach |
 |
| Chavayan Vernacular Houses |
 |
| St. Thomas Chapel |
 |
| Limestone Kiln |
 |
| Tinyan View of Pacific Ocean |
We had lunch beside the beach and since the weather was so hot that day, we took a plunge!
 |
| Lunch @ Sabtang Island |
 |
| The famous coconut crab |
 |
| Who can resist this pristine beach |
We then went back to our hotel after the tour and enjoyed the sunset view on top of the building...
 |
| Sunset view atop the hotel |
Our final stop for the day is dinner @ Pension Ivatan Restaurant.
 |
| Pension Ivatan Resto |
Day 3: April 12
Even on the third day we still have a long list of places to visit! Talk about efficient recreation...
Our first stop is Mahatao viewdeck and we didn't just enjoyed the view over the deck but we went down the stairs to have a closer look. WARNING!!! not recommended for weak legs...
 |
| Mahatao viewdeck |
 |
| below Mahatao viewdeck |
Next were Diosdado Macapagal Boat Shelter Port, Tayid Lighthouse
 |
| Diosdado Macapagal Boat Shelter Port |
 |
| Tayid Lighthouse |
Within San Carlos Borromeo Church houses a library of blank books. Yes, you heard me right, it's a blank book! I'm hoping one day I can still visit this place and find that book which has the secret code...
 |
| San Carlos Borromeo Church |
 |
| Library of Blank Books |
Next were the Oldest Stone House, Honesty Store, Song song Ruins
 |
| Oldest Stone House |
 |
| Honesty Store |
 |
| Pay just right (no change) |
 |
| Song song ruins |
Our next destination was quite amusing. Why? It's not everyday you see a lying body that looks dead beside the road. When we asked our guide if the guy was still alive he replied "he's just drunk!". That's laid back lifestyle in your face.
 |
| Imnajbu-itbud (where we found the drunkin master) |
Then to San Lorenzo Ruiz Church and then we had lunch at Marlboro Country
 |
| San Lorenzo Ruiz |
 |
| Say a little prayer for you... |
 |
| Marlboro Country |
 |
| Lunchtime |
We are very fortunate to complete the tour within a minimum amount of time which gave us the opportunity to roam around the place a little bit more. We were told that the airport only operates in the morning and opens to public in the afternoon. What to do? Roll!!!
 |
| Biking @ the airport |
We had our last dinner in Amboy Hometel and our kids were really exhausted.
 |
| Amboy Hometel |
Day 4: April 13
It's Eve's birthday and we were getting ready for our flight back to Manila. Truly, Batanes made its mark in our memory banks and we will be forever thankful on the beauty of nature that every people should enjoy and protect.
 |
| Ella & Cousin Therese |
Adios Batanes! See you when we see you again...
 |
| Batanes Airport |
By the way, here are some photos that might help you decide if you want to visit this wonderful place.
