We're Just Getting Started: North Batan Tour

On our first day we tour North Batan. We already have the list of places we want to go and Ate Fe helped us rent a tricycle. Each traveler has it's own type. Something that Sheena, Mother and I have in common. We prefer the DIY.  It's nice to be in a large group but we want to move at our own pace.  We want to feel the wind. We want to see how vivid the grass color of Batanes. We want to capture each moment. If you're with us in a van you will hate us - Believe Me! We could not count how many stop overs and how long we stayed in one place and to tell you honestly we're loud  - we lol! And to all the drivers who accompanied us - Thank you for your patience. We really appreciate it! 

For all of you who would like to choose the DIY you need to know the places you want to go to. Do the research.  Of course you may ask questions but do not rely too much to your kuya driver yes they can provide you information but it is not their main responsibility.  You may also opt for a license tour guide. They can give you all the details and accurate information of the place and entertain you as well. (This is not just about Batanes. This is one thing you need to bear in mind when you travel anywhere.)  

And so we met Larry, whom we called as Leo #11, the one who drive us for the North Batan Tour.

I showed Leo our list and he told me that we could tour North Batan within 3 hours. The pictures are in random order. 

I asked Leo if we could go to the church first. 

Located in the town proper. We went to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. 

This is what the view looks like when you tour via tryke. 

Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hills

I was thinking that going to the lighthouse would take couple of minutes or hours of trekking. (I just could not forget how we trek going to Cape Engano in Palaui.) This lighthouse caught me by surprise. It's easy to go to this place and it is very beautiful. This lighthouse compliment the beauty of Basco. I could not wait to see the lighthouse in Sabtang. 

Naidi Hills

Naidi Hills view from top

Fundacion Pacita

One of the many places that I am looking forward to see is the Fundacion Pacita. Located in Tukon. It is considered as the home of the Abads, famous for their passion for the arts and also a well known family in Batanes. The main site is where you will see the gallery of Pacita Abad, This is where some of her works can be found. 

Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge is one of the hotels in Batanes. 

http://www.fundacionpacita.ph/ 

Pacita Abad

Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel

Shelther of the Filipinos during the Japanese Era. 

Enjoy the view.

The many Rolling Hills of Basco.

PAGASA Weather Station

When we went there it was closed and not yet operating and we could only take pictures from the gate.  

Tukon Church

Among all the churches this is my favorite. It is a project of Rep. Butch Abad inspired by his parents who wished to have a church near their home. It's interior is painted by the scholars of the Pacita Abad Center for the Arts. Exterior is copied from the stone houses of Ivatans. Because of it's aesthetic charm- I fell in love with this church. It's a small church located atop of the hills of Tukon. Another thing that I like about Tukon Church is it's location - very solemn.

We met an old Ivatan woman who carried this basket. This basket is called Yuvuk. Wear it like a backpack but the strap is on your head. 

Vayang Rolling Hills

Batanes is known for it's green green grass of home land. (Should I sing now?) Take the opportunity to take many pictures because this is the only place in the Philippines that you can see this kind of rolling hills. The reason why Batanes is called the New Zealand of PH. 

While we were walking I appreciate it's beauty. It's as if God painted Batanes with green. 

God's paintings in detail. Zoom In.

Farmers walking with their pet. (pet?) 

Valugan Boulders Beach

They say that the best time to go to Valugan Beach is during sunrise. If you were not able to, sitting on one of the boulder rocks is enough while listening to the waves of the ocean or enjoying it's view.  

Keep the Environment Clean!

Leo or Larry Tricycle Number 11

09302392006