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…
photo credit: wikipedia
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.
photo credit: danny.oz.au
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!
photo credit: John Duggan
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.
photo credit: The Wandering Angel
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.
photo credit: Peter Guttman
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 
photo credit: Taste of Maine
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. :D
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.
