Batanes: Everybody’s Next Dream Destination

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Travelling could be an expensive hobby especially for people who didn’t grow up with a silver spoon, just like me. It entails one to consider the costs of travelling to distant places to explore what each place has to offer. Although there are airlines offering promo fares nowadays, the cost of terminal fees, lodging, land transportation and food should all be taken into consideration. And if you are not on the more adventurous type who can’t stand travelling on a budget with just a backpack, it may take you several “years” before you are able to save up for your dream travel destination if you are someone who’s getting an average paycheck.

I, for one, have long wanted to travel the world after I’ve read novels and watched foreign movies. There’s Braveheart, the Leapin’ Leprechauns and more. These are some of the films I’ve seen in the past which made me want to go to countries like Scotland and Ireland along with other countries. But this may only be a dream since I may never be able to visit these countries without spending a fortune.

But then I discovered 2 years ago that I do not have to spend a fortune to visit those countries. In fact, I do not have to travel out of the country! All of this was made possible when a friend introduced me to Batanes. Yes! I truly believe that Batanes is the ultimate answer to my longing to visit other countries. Although one country is entirely different from the other, I am convinced that a visit to Batanes will definitely take your breath away as you imagine being in a totally different place while still being in your own homeland.

Let me show you why…

Boulder Beach in the Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
photo credit: wikipedia

Boulder Beach, Batanes
photo credit: PhilippineBeaches.org

If you want to see the Boulder Beach in the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand, you only have to fly to Batanes and check out Valugan Beach where you can see those large boulders in this side of the province. They say that Valugan Beach is also best viewed during sunrise. I’d definitely jump in the waters if I’d be here.

hills of Scotland
photo credit: danny.oz.au

Naidi Hills, Basco, Batanes
photo credit: Farl

Except for those grazing cows, you would think that this is from the same province of Batanes, right? Actually, the photo on top is one of the hills of Scotland while the one below is what you will see when you visit the Naidli Hills in Batanes. Such greenery!

A little stone house beside jerpoint Abbey in Thomastown, Kilkenny, IE
photo credit: John Duggan

Oldest house in Ivatan, Batanes
photo credit: wikipedia

Batanes is famous for their stone houses which protects their homes from typhoons that often visit the province.  On top, you will see 2 stone houses which looked rather similar, except for those roofs. One is a stone house from Ireland and the other one is the Old Dakay house, the oldest stone house in Batanes. I wonder how it would feel to live inside one of those stone houses.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse in California
photo credit: The Wandering Angel

Lighthouse, Sabtang, Batanes
photo credit: Danilo Nuestro

There are 3 lighthouses in Batanes which were built to protect fishermen and travellers as they traverse the sometimes treacherous sea in this area. The view of a lighthouse on top of a cliff is something I would want to witness. There’s something about them that makes me want to see one. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse in California can be compared to the lighthouse in Sabtang as they are both keeping their guard in watching over anyone that happens to pass by their territory.

Guaymi Man of Peru in Grass Skirt Playing Panpipes
photo credit: Peter Guttman

old woman with a vakul
photo credit: Joel M. Escala

Although they may differ in design and functionality, both the Guaymi Men of Peru (or is it Panama?) and the Ivatans of Batanes uses a similar headgear which protects them from the monstrous rains in their respective regions. In Batanes, this headgear is called a “vakul” which is worn to cover each Ivatan’s head and body from the rain. I’d definitely try one on when I get my hands on one 😀

Lobsters from Maine
photo credit: Taste of Maine

Fresh steamed lobster at Batanes Resort
photo credit: Geri

I’m thankful I’m not allergic to seafoods. In fact, I’m on a seafood diet. When I see food, I eat food. hahaha. They say that the best lobsters can be found in Maine, USA. I haven’t really tasted one before since I know they are way out of my budget. But I guess I still have hope in getting the chance to eat one whenever I get the chance to go Batanes as they say that the lobsters here are really really cheap. That means I don’t have to go to Maine too just to taste the best lobsters in the world. From the picture on top alone, those cracked open lobsters looked yummier than those being served in Maine.  😀

Going on a trip to Batanes will not only help me save a fortune on travelling to different countries but it will also pave way for being transported to countries like Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, USA, Peru and more, visiting their famous landmarks and experiencing different weather seasons. Where else in the Philippines can you experience that? Only in Batanes!

Because of this, I would rather travel to Batanes and experience all the splendor and beauty this island up north can offer any taveller. It’s like your one-stop travel destination. Almost everything is in Batanes! Zero crime rate, vast topography, warm and friendly people, great tasting food. What more can you ask for?

These are the reasons why I want to go to Batanes, as I truly believe that this is the next ultimate dream travel destination in the Philippines.

58 COMMENTS

  1. This is a good post already, I’m sure if you win this contest you will come up with better and interesting stories, good luck Doi!

    • hi flip, kakagutom talaga mga lobsters na yan noh? kahit never pa ako nakatikim ng lobster, picture palang gutom nako!

      i’ve read that aside from SEAIR there’s 3 other airlines that flies to Batanes: Chemtrad Aviation and Batanes Airlines via Tuguegarao and also SkyPasada??? via Laoag and Tuguegarao. But i think SEAIR has the biggest aircraft among those 3 and most convenient since it flies out to Batanes from Manila 😀 not too sure if there’s a ferry going to batanes though 😉

    • yeah, goodluck to us all. I really hope SEAIR will grant us our wishes and let us experience winter in Batanes! 🙂

  2. well done doi & goodluck. have you seen in yahoo news that Philippines is 1/12 travel destination in 2011? however, i wish that the picture that was posted is the one from yours…more interesting and attractive 😉

    • hi tita, yeah, heard of it. that’s really gonna boost the tourism industry in our country 🙂

      as for the photos, i’m really hoping i’d get the chance to go to Batanes to be able to experience the beauty of the place first hand and also capture wonderful shots there too.

      ingat lagi!

  3. Batanes is also my dream destination. waaah. thanks for this post, my urge to go there was intensified even more. I commend you for the photo comparison (scotland vs. batanes), pretty neat there! haha. galing.

    • thank you peppy! yah, Batanes is the ultimate dream destination talaga. I hope I visit the place one of these days. I want to live there even for a month or two and experience how it is to live a simple life in such a beautiful place! 🙂

  4. Thanks for considering our province BATANES!

    Satisfaction Exceeds Expectation…
    Explore, Experience and Enjoy Batanes!

  5. This is indeed one of my next dream destinations. My friend and I planned to go here actually this December but we decided to go first in Hong Kong.

    We will definitely go to Batanes next summer. That way, we can be pretty certain that the weather will be good. I really wanted to see the rolling hills and one of a kind house structures in Batanes. We really hope we can go here next summer.

    Btw, speaking of Batanes. Those who plan to go to Batanes some time next summer, SE Air is currently having promo fares from Manila to Basco.

  6. Philippines is home to many appealing beaches which display the true natural beauty this mesmerizing Asian holiday destination is home to. The beach lovers form around the world come here by flights to Manila or they reach Cebu, another spectacular city in the Philippines.

  7. This made me long for Batanes more! I especially like the laid back life they have there (as told by some friends). And indeed you don’t need to go out of the country to witness these kinds of scenery. Sometimes it’s necessary to look inside because it’s always there, instead of looking out.

    Nice entry! I didn’t know they offer lobsters there!

    • hehehe. thanks byron! i wanna live in batanes for a month or 2 just to experience what it’s like living in there. i just hope they have wifi 😆

  8. another great post, Doi!

    Batanes is really a gem for Filipinos! 🙂

    (any post about the cheapest way to go to batanes?)

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