Kage's posts with tag: batanes
 | Category: | Books | | Genre: | Outdoors & Nature | | Author: | Published by the Fukien Times |
This is an intro to the article I did for the Philippines Yearbook 2008 whose theme for the year is Travel and Adventure. Filled with informative activities throughout this awesome archipelago, supported by excellent photography from some of the country's best, the book as a whole is an excellent addition to any bookshelf. It makes a great gift as well.
BATANES: Bring your own adventure
Text: Kage Gozun
Photos: Erik Liongoren
Photo in blog: Kage Gozun
The ten islands that make up the province of Batanes are at the northernmost tip of the Philippines. Geographically, Batanes is closer to Taiwan than it is to the northernmost tip of Luzon. The distance also explains the difference in ethnicity of the locals of Batanes, known collectively as Ivatan. Unlike most of the country whose people claim similar ethnic backgrounds to the Malays, Ivatans are closer to the Tao people of Orchid Island, Taiwan.
Nearly half of the province is made up of hills and mountains. Lush greenery tapers off to give way to stretches of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. This topography coupled with its constant rainfall and strong winds has created a destination that is truly one-of-a-kind in the country.
Off shore, the China Sea hugs one side of the Batanes islands while the Pacific borders the other. There is a point where both oceans meet, creating a strong current that makes sea voyages in this area particularly dangerous.
This is a land where nearly every angle is a photo-op and the scenery is unlike any other Philippine destination. It is part Ireland, part Hawaii but essentially all Ivatan. The long stretches of time with near constant wind have created a people who have learned to live with the elements of nature. Ivatan houses, created originally from thick stone blocks, cogon roofing and limestone, are still used on the island of Sabtang. The islands are living museums – testaments to the rich culture and history of a province that for many decades was left to develop on its own.
Of the ten islands, only three are inhabited. The capital of the province is Basco, located on Batan island. Sabtang is a short boat ride away. The last of the inhabited islands is Itbayat.
One of the most notable facts about Batanes is their claim to a zero crime rate. Violent crime is unheard of on the islands and even petty theft is a rare occurrence. Visitors who misplace or lose personal items are told to visit the local radion station in Batan so that an island-wide bulletin can be aired. Locals who have found items are also likely to drop them off at the station. To underscore this claim, while we were visiting the town of San Vicente , Sabtang I noticed a sign posted in front of the municipal hall. It said, quite clearly, "Lost and Found: Money."
For the rest of this... you'll have to buy the book. Support your local travel writers and photographers!
| | I hardly ever took the point-and-shoot out for this trip. Strange. Anyway, here are some of snapshots. The giant 2.5 kilo lobster is in there somewhere. Oh, and the dolphins we spotted while we crossed from Sabtang back to Basco. Joy. |
| | After being neglected, the Little Red Palawenyo Tabo travels all the way to the fathest tip of the country... Batanes. |
| | Batan is the main island municipality of Batanes. We stayed at Shanedel's Resort, just down the hill from the airstrip and overlooking Basco Bay. It's a very central location - you can walk to the canteens, the tricycle stand and the Smart high-speed internet shop (let's face it, this girl needed her online fix after two days of nothing but scenery and editing photos). To get around, you can either hire a trike, rent a bike or wait for a jeepney.
For the surfers, there are potential spots here! I wont say where ... finding them is part of the adventure ;) There are clues all over the galleries though.
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| | I continue to have no words for the four days we spent in one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. Take the English countryside, add a Palawan coastline, throw in a culture completely all its own and you sort of have Batanes. But it doesn't stop there. Most of the island's charm is experienced in the hour-to-hour interaction with its people and environment. Oh and lobsters everywhere... lobsters you can dip in the fat of coconut crabs. Mmmmm....
Photos are from Sabtang Island, an island municipality across Basco Island. Fota, ang ganda doon. Parang 360 degree photo op. I totally planning to go back for another visit. There are more beaches to explore, mountains to trek (actually, leisurely climb), lobsters to eat and potential waves to surf (yes, spots with potential... mostly right-handers breaking over a combination of reef and solid rock).
Whaddayouknow, I did have something to say after all. ;)
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I've always wanted to say those words and not be lying... and now I can! I am actually in what my friend Drew calls "my favorite place that I've never been to." I'm traveling with Erik Liongoren, friend and kick-ass photographer, and his asisstant Jong for a project. We arrived Sunday morning and have been making our way through Basco (the main municipality) and Sabtang which is another island municipality.
There is definitely a tranquil, almost sleepy, air here. People are in bed right after dinner and are up with the sun. No bars, no discos. It's a great change of pace although I wont lie... I am very happy I have my laptop and a stack of dvds with me.
For the surf rats out there -- yes, there are waves!!! Mostly right-handers. But no, I havent been able to surf yet. Mainly because we've been working and also cos it's been really low tide, even at high tide. I think that's due to the moon being en route pa lang to fullness. The re are a few spots I've seen that look really rideable if the wave was bigger or the tide was higher. Then again, what do I know? Maybe a higher tide will change the shape of the wave? In any case, I am definitely sure on this one spot we saw yesterday.
We have one more full day here and then back to Manila on Thursday. So who knows? Maybe tomorrow I will get my chance to paddle out and catch a few waves. Or maybe I wont and I'll come back to Manila without even taking my board out of its bag. Whatever the case, I'm sure I'll be blogging about it.
Anyhoo, to the people that I miss, wish you were here with me. Sobrang fun siguro nun! To the people that have been here -- I am sooo glad I got the chance to finally experience what you guys did. To the people planning a trip naman, you should. Just dont forget to bring a laptop and some dvds. ;)
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