BREATHTAKING BATANES!

"National Road"

A dream destination for the past 2 decades. I have been dreaming of going to Batanes since I watched that local movie that was entirely shot here. I remember telling myself: "I will go there." Talk about claiming it!

Everything conspired for me to finally step on this breathtaking place.

And it did not disappoint. I spent 4 whole days exploring the 2 beautiful islands. Photo shoot workshop with Mandy Navasero, swimming, trekking, spelunking and meeting new friends.

This year's (2010) Holy Week was spent appreciating how beautiful the Lord's creation truly is.
 

Thanks Mandy for sharing Batanes with us, and sharing your knowledge of photography.

Basco has a total population of only 16,000+. A place with zero crime rate, I wish I can live here forever.

This is where I finally had a fill of Batanes' famous coconut crab for dinner. So yummy!

Day 1

Dinaysupuan Japanese Tunnel

There are several Japanese tunnels scattered around Batanes. We went to one that is 250meters long that leads to 5 different exits. 

The trek down and up the claustrophobic tunnel is something I would not do again, at all.  But it is a good experience for first-timers.

Naidi or Basco Lighthouse

The first lighthouse in Batanes, it is located on Naidi Hills. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Batanes rolling hills and the South China Sea.

Naidi (Basco) Lighthouse

Tukon Chapel

A relatively new chapel, this is a project of the Abad family. Constructed on a hill, it has a commanding view of Batan Island and the South China Sea.

The church has charming stained glass windows and a ceiling mural of Saints. A beautiful place for an intimate wedding.

Tukon Church

Fundacion Pacita

Probably the best place to stay in the whole of Batanes, for now. A bit away from town, it gives you a commanding view of Batan's hedgegrows, rolling hills and the sea. You feel like you are on top of the world and you own those land as far as your eyes can see.

Cozy, wonderfully artsy.

"This Batanes resort was once the home studio of internationally-acclaimed artist Pacita Abad. It was lovingly refurbished by her brother, former DepEd Secretary Butch Abad, who envisioned the nature lodge to provide peaceful accommodations amid a lush garden. Every room was designed to resemble a gallery, with the walls adorned by masterpieces of both well-known and up-and-coming artists." (from Fundacion Pacita's website)

Fundacion Pacita

PAG-ASA Base

Tukon is where the northernmost weather station is located. Also the reason why Batanes is always used as reference during typhoons.

The place has a commanding view of the hedgegrows and Mt. Iraya. It also has a 360degree view of Batan Island. Windy, but the view is so calming here.

PAG-ASA Station as seen from that "sundial"

View from Tukon Hill/PAG-ASA Base

Captivating view of the South China Sea

Hedgegrows of Batan Island

Valugan Boulder Beach

For sure a haven for landscape photographers, this beach is littered with boulders where one can have a handful as foreground. A great place to catch the sunrise. 

The boulders are andesite rocks spewed by Mt. Iraya and has since been polished by the bashing of the waves. 

Enjoy making suk thap here, or just listen to the sound of the wind and crashing waves from the Pacific Ocean, making a unique symphony every day.

Boulders Beach