BATANES - AT THE END OF FOREVER (PART 1 - EXPLORING BASCO)

This year has been the most memorable summer season I had as I was able to visit the northernmost tip of the Philippines and the country’s smallest province – BATANES. The original plan was to be there on May 9-13, 2011, but due to typhoon Bebeng our flight last May 9, 2011 was cancelled. It’s quite disappointing since my constant traveling partner Aleckz would like to celebrate his 30th birthday in Batanes, and we also had our personal plans and other stuff that we need to celebrate as well, however dealing with a typhoon is non-negotiable so the well-planned trip was cancelled. (sad) 

Our flight was moved on May 14, 2011 – Saturday, thank God for the beautiful weather. As always my traveling experience won’t be as much as exciting without my constant traveling partner Aleckz. This time all systems went well aside from the fact that our flight was delayed for almost an hour due to traffic in NAIA runway. Our direct flight from Manila to Basco via SEAIR was full of excitement, as we are so excited to soil are feet to the mystic and enchanting land of the Ivatans.


After an hour and thirty minutes, finally we landed to Basco Airport Terminal.





Basco is the capital town of the province. At the airport we were fetched by the driver of Hiro’s Travel and Tours and dropped as off at the Hiro’s Café which is located at Abad St., Basco Batanes. Batanes Seaside Lodge and Restaurant by the way served as our home during our 4 nights 5 days stay in Batanes.





At 2PM after our lunch at Hiro’s Café we started our day 1 itinerary which is the Basco Proper Tour.

Ang Simbahan ng Basco

Ang Simbahan ng Basco or The Basco Cathedral was built in 1783. The church also went several major reconstructions as this was also considered as the oldest church in Batanes. Ang Simbahan ng Basco is truly one of the town's national landmarks.

Valugan Boulder Beach


Valugan means East in Ivatan Language. Valugan Beach is deposited by large boulders. What I like here is the stillness of the sound waves, which creates magic in your ears. A natural sound of nature that will surely bring wonders to the ears of a nature lover individual like me.

Japanese Tunnel



I am always doubtful every time I enter a tunnel or a cave, because of my fear to pitch black and snakes, and as expected entering the tunnel was really pitch black; thanks to Manong Tourist Guide as he lighted our way as we explore the tunnel, we just took the shortest way, I think we just stopped in one or two chambers and we decided to get past and go on to our next destination. By the way, this tunnel is part of our history as this served as the Japanese hideout during the WW2.

Basco PAGASA Station (Radar Tukon)





We also went to Batanes PAGASA station – it is the province’s weather station. Our tourist guide recommended climbing at the top of the radar in order for us to enjoy the view of Basco. I just observed that the metal railings attached to the wall are quite old and very rusty, so you need to be extra careful upon climbing the radar. At the top, you will enjoy the vista of the whole Basco. Obviously, you will feel the strong wind blowing at the top which will make you feel a bit colder.

Tukon Chapel





At first I thought it was the Cocoon Chapel – medyo nabingi lang. I forgot that we are at the Tukon Hills, so the chapel was named after its location. It was a very beautiful chapel, so plain and simple but yet it was so charming because of its unique architectural style which is similar to the Ivatan stone houses. You can see beautiful flowers growing all over its façade. This was a project of the Abad Family; they dedicated this chapel to their religious parents.

Vayang Rolling Hills







One of the best things that describe Batanes is the richness of its perfect landscapes. Vayang Rolling Hills is one of its manifestations. This site I could say is a perfect place for nature loving people who want to feel the ultimate presence of tranquility and harmony. On the top of the hill we saw a large span of green fields and while looking at this picture perfect scenery we can’t help the unexplainable feeling of happiness that there is such a beautiful place like this, joined together by the presence of the strong winds of Basco – giving us an understanding that no words can describe how beautiful this paradise is.

Naidi Lighthouse







Naidi Ligthouse is just one of the three stunning lighthouses in Batanes. It is a 6-story building situated at Naidi Hills in Barangay San Antonio. At the top, is the viewing deck wherein you can view the whole Batan Island including Mount Iraya. Inside is a spiral stairs that you need to take to get into the top at the viewing deck. The scenery in the lighthouse is quite romantic; I can imagine that this is a perfect location for pre-nuptial photos and videos.

Casa Napoli





Casa Napoli is the only pizzeria in Basco located along Abad Street. The place actually has a very cool, romantic, and relaxing ambience. We ordered their best-selling pizza, the Casa Napoli’s Supreme Pizza – it was really a bang it tasted great! Their home made hot sauce was the hottest of all hot sauce I’ve tasted. Even Aleckz, can get enough of it If you will visit Batanes, do not miss Casa Napoli!

**Others - Streets of Basco**







My next blog will feature Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan. Enjoy reading guys!