Itbayat Batanes ~ The Coral Reef Island

We left Mother in Basco Batanes since most of the activities in Itbayat are hardcore activities. (Hardcore!) As I've mentioned these already included the jump from the faluwa to Chinapoliran Port. Anyway, it would just take a night for us to stay in Itbayat. Will see you Mother soon!

The town of Itbayat reminded me of the town of Paoay in Ilocos, my parents' homeland. Going home to Ilocos when I was a kid enriched my childhood memories and here I am in Itabayat, I felt like I am a child again. 

We stayed in Cano's Lodge. We met Nanay Cano a retired teacher. She provided us with what we need during our stay. Including our meals and because she was a former teacher, before the tour, there will be a mini - teaching session with Itbayat's map at the background. 

Don't worry there's no exam at the end of the session just a lesson to learn at the end of the day.

Cano's Lodge 

Itbayat, Batanes 3905

09193004787

09215673409

The Itbayat town is not a busy town. I asked Kuya Jojo if he could accompany us to the Mayor's Office. I remember I was supposed to visit the Mayor of El Nido, Palawan but a lot of people coming in and out of her office. I was glad that we had a courtesy call with Mayor Reuel Ibanes. He invited us for the town fiesta unfortunately, we have to be back to Basco by that time. I wonder how they celebrate their fiesta.

Thank you Mayor Reuel Ibanes! We will be back in Itbayat!

Nanay Cano and Kuya Jojo accompanied us to Itbayat National Agricultural High School to visit their museum. 

The promising artists of Itbayat.

The New PAGASA Weather Station is now located in town.   

This is my meter - Sunshine Meter.Very Kewl!

Vernacular Houses of Itbayat

Most of the houses in Itbayat are made of corals simply because the island is a coral reef. The roofs are still made of cogon grass. 

Although this house is not made of corals, I am still facinated with it's color. 

If you prefer to fly going to Itbayat this is the only airport serving this island. Flights are very limited aside from that, since the weather in Batanes is unpredictable, consider cancellation and delay of flights. 

Because there is no traffic congestion. Take the opportunity for your jump shot in this runway. Only in Itbayat, Batanes. 

The Old PAGASA Weather Station was way too far from the town proper. They transferred to Mayan. 

The cultural experience can best experience by going to different barangays and sitios. We went to Raele one of the barangays in Itbayat.  We were allowed to take photos of their kitchen. We realized that the kitchen is a separate house from the actual house and the bathroom. 

The Kitchen House.

Garlic Hanging 

Corncobs and Kernel Corns

Cogon Grass

We also went to Sitio Yawran, where we met Nanay Felomena and her family. She is a puyuy weaver. She also gave us papaya and we brought it back home to Basco.

Carabao Cart

Itbayat is best known for Torongan Cave. A must visit to this island may include trekking and spelunking (which is my favorite) it was tiring but everything is all worthy.  Torongan Cave is believed to be the dwellings of their ancestors. 

I can show you all photos of  this hole in Torongan but sitting while looking at the sea from outside is far different experience. This hole is really gigantic. The view from above is overwhelming. 

Burial Ground

Kavaywan Lake is near the airport of Itbayat. One of Apo's abundance. Very clean and appealing. 

The highest peak of Itbayat is the Mt. Karoboban. Here, we stayed during sunset. 

The four islands North and Taiwan can be seen from here during Summer. 

Here's what I got for you.  

Our Guide

Kuya Jojo is a trained tour guide of Itbayat. He's a current Kagawad of their Barangay. We had a lot of conversations and I was really glad to listen to his insight about Itbayat's tourism. We we're even planning for our next trip in Itbayat. Hopefully he will not be busy by then. We're looking forward to tour the 4 other islands of Itbayat North. Hopefully. Let's Cross Fingers. 

Kuya Jojo

Itbayat Tour Guide

09206603801