Breathtaking Batanes: Discovering Tropical Secrets in Sabtang Island
There’s something familiar about Sabtang Island of Batanes. Perhaps it’s the mountain-backed coves reminiscent of Game of Thrones setting — or the windswept heritage stonehouses topped with cogon roofs — or the distinct Ivatan culture that reminds you of a more laidback way of life.
Among the islands of Batanes province that I’ve been to, Sabtang Island brings an energy all its own. Rock formation and cliffside attractions, rolling hills and meandering highways, century-old lighthouses and heritage stone villages, secret lagoons and exotic beaches, this island paradise has a ton to offer. And with a mix of traditional and new, it’s not hard to see why this gem draws thousands of visitors each year.
It’s no secret, Sabtang Island is one of the three major island destinations when visiting the far-flung paradise called Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines. While North Batan (Day 1) and South Batan (Day 2) are both divine destinations, Sabtang Island (Day 3 & 4) is my fave. Here’s why.
DAY 3 & 4: SABTANG ISLAND TOUR
Getting to Sabtang Island from Batan Island is half the adventure. I mean, the exhilarating faluwa (boat) ride – the sea journey itself – it’s unforgettable! Our trip to Sabtang was already pre-arranged by BISUMI Tour & Services so I didn’t really know what’s in store for us in Sabtang Island. And to our delightful discovery, Sabtang Island is full of tropical secrets and surprises.
Here are some eye candies in the island of Sabtang.
Savidug Village
The first order of business for Sabtang Tour is usually visiting Savidug Village. It is a heritage site where old stonehouses with cogon roofs are prevalent in the area. Tourists take a mandatory photo of themselves wearing Ivatan’s traditional costume or accessories with the rustic stonehouses in its backdrop.
Ivatans (inhabitants of Batanes) are known to wear this traditional and functional eco-creation that serves us a protective gear from nature’s elements. For men, they utilize talugong (Ivatan name of salakot) that is normally paired with kanayi (vest) and pasiking (big basket) while vakul (headdress) and alat (small basket) are made for women.
Not far from the town lies the remaining structure of a beateria (convent) of Savidug village. You’ve probably seen this familiar spot somewhere. Yes, it’s because this is one of the places used as a shooting location by Yeng Constantino’s music video entitled “Ikaw”. You will surely feel romantic vibes here.
From being in love to being religious real quick. Fronting a basketball court within a thriving community, St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel is located just beside the famed beateria. It is painted in white with simple facade (in stark comparison with the complex architectural details of some churches in North Batan and South Batan) .
Chamantad Tinyan Viewpoint
Honestly, when we get to our next stop, I didn’t know then that it is called Chamantad Tinyan Viewpoint. As stated earlier, I didn’t bother researching on the places to visit around Sabtang Island because I just want the place to surprise me. Well, well, well, what do you know?
For centuries, the rich, the famous and the intrepid travelers have been lured to the breathtaking mountain ranges and greeneries in this island. Be sure to take a peek at this captivating scenery.
Every angle of Chamantad-Tinyan viewpoint is so instagrammable. You can run freely in its verdant uphill landscape while basking under the sun with a hint of warm summer air.
As beautiful as it is way up here… Just look at what’s waiting below.
As much as you’d like to marvel at the green foliage of the inclining hills, the views of the deep blue sea and sky are equally captivating. Isn’t it satisfying to watch and listen to the waves of the cerulean waters as they hit the rocky cliffs? If you’re reading this, it’s all you need right now!
Aysin Beach
From Chamantad-Tinyan viewpoint, a rad beach destination awaits. The road leading there is something you shouldn’t miss – a winding cliffside pathway exuding both beauty and thrill.
Tucked in what seems like a tropical paradise is Aysin Beach. It is a long stretch of white sand that is naturally gorgeous on its own. As it marks the boundary of Chavayan Village, you’ll know you’re in your next stop when you see this rectangular blocks of railings.
Chavayan Village
It’s no secret, Chavayan village is the farthest destination in your itinerary when you’re availing of half-day Sabtang Island Tour. Chayavan is a fishing village that is full of promise and hope, thriving at the foot of a mountain in the southeastern part of Sabtang Island where serenity and history meet.
While roaming around the quaint village full of heritage stonehouses covered mostly with cogon roofs, I thought of spending a week or two in this village to unplug from the digital world and live a simple life without social media connection. That would be a lit #VacationGoal!
Interestingly, the iconic traditional headgears are mostly made in Chavayan Village. You’ll encounter old local women enthusiastically weaving these old-fashioned yet functional accessories. Say “HI” to them for me!
SEE ALSO: Diura Fishing Village and Spring of Youth Tour
Sumnanga Village (Little Hongkong)
What makes Sumnanga Village different from the rest of Sabtang Island’s villages is that it is set in a tight knit cliffside community where houses are built next to each other, thus forming an overcrowded block just like the run-down tenements of Hongkong. No wonder it is dubbed as “Little Hongkong“.
Bike is one of the mode of transportation in Batanes. You’ll encounter lots of local biking around the island day and night. Don’t miss trying this activity when in Sabtang.
Duvek Bay
From Sumnanga village, you will get a glimpse of the neighboring uninhabited islands – Vuhus and Adekey. Keep exploring the area until you finally reach Duvek Bay. It’s one of the best secrets of Sabtang Island, awaiting to be discovered. Duvek Bay looks like a dreamy tropical movie setting reminiscent of Jurassic Park – out of this world!
Duvek Bay boasts a scenic spectacle with shallow water ornamented with small to medium rocks cove-wide. Do you see a Lion or a Sea Horse? This rock formation sitting in the middle of Duvek bay is so-called Lion Rock as it resembles a lion up-close. If you decide to go in the southwestern part of Sabtang Island, take a selfie with this cool landmark.
Morong Beach/ Ahaw Arch
Morong Beach is located in Nakamuan (although it is popularly known as Nakabuang). It is the most renowned beach in Sabtang Island because of its long stretch of white powdery sand and iconic natural arch formation.
For those undertaking Sabtang Island half-day tour, Morong Beach is the last itinerary before going back to the port. Since we stayed overnight, we have more time to chill, unplug from the world and be one with nature. An afternoon strolling along the white sand beach at the northern most part of the Philippines, what more could you ask for?
My travel buddy (@emsmithcb) were lucky that day because we enjoyed exploring Morong Beach exclusively. You can run barefoot in its soft sugary sand or thread your wayfaring soles in the cold waters – having fun in Morong Beach is totally an understatement.
The naturally formed arch formation called Mahayaw Arch (or Ahaw Arch) is a popular spot in Sabtang Island, so picturesque that it is considered one of the favorite cinematic settings in prenuptial photoshoots.
Sabtang Church
San Vicente Ferrer Church is erected in Sabtang’s centro, near the port of Sabtang. Next to it is the convent, painted with the same hues as the church. It was Sunday when we visited Sabtang so we were lucky to attend the regular mass held in Sabtang Church. See other beautiful religious edifices in North Batan and South Batan as you hop from church to church.
Sabtang Lighthouse
Sabtang Lighthouse is the only farola in Sabtang Island but the third one in Batanes province. Unlike Basco Lighthouse in North Batan and Mahatao Lighthouse in South Batan, Sabtang Lighthouse has an allure of its own. Set in a rugged cliff shaped by the unapologetic hammering of the waves, Sabtang Lighthouse boasts an exquisite landscape and seascape intertwined to produce an epic postcard-perfect finish.
Erected in a privately-owned lawn, Sabtang Lighthouse is located in barangay Malakdang. It is near Sabtang Port so you can easily get a glimpse of this beauty when your faluwa (boat) reaches the seaport, even at a distance.
You can also climb up the lighthouse for free and have a panoramic 360 degrees view of the deep blue sea, the thriving community, the stunning cliffs and the towering mountain ranges in all four directions.
Secret Lagoon
Up above the lighthouse viewpoint, you can actually see a small cove that’s pretty normal at first glance. Exuding a mysterious vibe, it felt like we were lured to go down via designated pathway and explore its tropical mystery.
“Secret Lagoon” is not normally visited by tourist due to limited tour duration or the false impression of property restriction because of its private ownership. Since we still have sufficient time before leaving Sabtang Island, my instinct is telling me to roam around the secluded area and embrace whatever is in store for us therein.
This hidden spot lies behind the shadows of the majestic sentinel that is Farola de Sabtang. Just like the saying “Curiosity kills a cat”, we went down there anyway and our discovery lead us to a delightful surprise. (And oh, no cat was killed in the process. Pun intended). You can actually have a picnic, swim by the area and enjoy a coveted private relaxation.
A honeycombed coastline of hidden coves, sea caves, and emerald water lapping at golden sands? “Mysteriously irresistible” pretty much sums it up.
ACCOMMODATION
Sabtang Island Tour can be done either half-day or overnight. If you choose to take the half-day tour, you need to take the boat going back to Batan Island by 1PM. However, if you want to maximize your Sabtang Island Tour, then staying overnight would be the best option as you will have more time to enjoy each spot without much limitation.
We were asked by our tour guide whether we wanted to stay at a modern accommodation or the traditional one. Without hesitation, we opted the latter. We stayed at one of the heritage houses in Sabtang centro to experience living like a local. It is simple yet full of inexplicable wonder, making it totally one for the books.
While Sabtang Lighthouse is a tourist attraction, the facility next to it serves as an accommodation. That blue-roof house is actually for rent to guests looking for a place to stay. It’s called Faberes-Rasayan Nu Ivatan Hometel.
You may opt for a homestay in one of Chavayan village’s traditional stonehouses and experience a basic yet impressive accommodation ever.
BISUMI Tour and Services
Earning the trust and confidence of every tourist traveling to Batanes by offering top-notch and customizable services and good value for money, no doubt BISUMI Tour and Services is considered the best local travel agency in Batanes. To reiterate, BISUMI is an acronym for the 6 municipalities of Batanes (Basco, Itbayat, Sabtang, Uyugan, Mahatao and Ivana).
Depending on your preference, BISUMI Tours offers a transportation suitable for your convenience – either an open (fresh-air) tricycle or closed (air-conditioned) van. As per our experience, we rented the tricycle with cogon roof for the reason that it’s affordable and we can also manage our time and make special requests not usually catered in closed-tours. See rate of various tour packages as of November 2018.
Book your Batanes Tour with BISUMI Tours
For more details, you may reach BISUMI Tour at any of the following contact details:
Facebook:@bisumitours
Instagram: @batanes_bisumi_tours
website:www.bisumitours.com
BISUMI Office Contact Numbers:
+63 919 279 5963
+63 915 803 4582
+63 998 889 8078
+63 977 850 9647
I consider myself blessed that I was given a rare opportunity to witness such breathtaking sceneries in my lifetime. Albeit short, it was a well-spent vacation. It’s really about determination, conscientious planning and God’s grace that we were able to realize successful exploration of our dream destination.
Through these Batanes blog series, I am sharing my personal experience, our curated photos and travel tips in the hope of satiating your wanderlust and inspiring you to visit one of the prettiest corners of the world, the Philippines’ last frontier – BATANES.
