Breathtaking Batanes: Diura Fishing Village and Spring of Youth Tour

I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t mind sharing travel mementos of my Batanes trip. I wouldn’t mind writing several articles about how breathtakingly beautiful Batanes is. I wouldn’t mind telling personal stories about my life-changing Batanes experience. I wouldn’t mind, simply because it is Batanes.

If you haven’t figured things by now, Batanes is a province that is composed of a chain of islands sitting pretty in the northernmost corner of the Philippines. Dubbed as “every traveler’s dream destination”, Batanes ranks the highest in the list of places to visit in the Philippines. Basing on its popularity despite its given challenges, Batanes is no doubt the most coveted local destination by most travelers – both chill and intrepid travelers alike.

This is the epilogue of my “Breathtaking Batanes” blog series. If you missed the first three installments, here’s a quick rundown for your reference:

DAY 1: BATAN NORTH TOUR (HALF-DAY)
DAY 2: BATAN SOUTH TOUR (WHOLE DAY)
DAY 3 & 4: SABTANG ISLAND TOUR (OVERNIGHT)

DAY 4: DIURA FISHING VILLAGE & SPRING OF YOUTH TOUR (HALF-DAY)

The fourth and final day of our Batanes trip was actually a side trip. It was pre-arranged by the no. 1 local tour agency in Batanes – BISUMI Tour and Services so we just had to sit back, relax and enjoy the majestic views! We just came from an overnight stay at Sabtang Island and the exploration continued. The trip going back to Ivana, Batan Island is scheduled at 1 o’clock in the afternoon so we ate our lunch especially delivered to our homestay in Sabtang. For an hour, we again endured the rough yet fulfilling faluwa ride along the channels of Batanes’ interisland waterways. It’s definitely part of the adventure, I must say!

Our driver in both North Batan and South Batan tours, Jomar, was already waiting for us in Ivana Port. Right after the boat docked, we are fetched by Manong Jomar and went off to our next destination without wasting a single moment. The itinerary of our fourth-day tour is actually located in Mahatao, South Batan. We’ve already been to South Batan on the second day but due to the accessibility of location and physical activities involved, there’s a separate tour package for two equally stunning tourist spots – Diura Fishing Village and Spring of Youth.

Diura Fishing Village

Diura Fishing Village is an idyllic village tucked in a small cove east of Mahatao. This village is most alive during summer where the official fishing season for arayu (dorado) is officially on. Prized dorado hanging out to be dried under the sun would then be abundant and a norm in the area.

The western part of the Madi beach is covered with morning glory that creeps through the sands leading to the shores. From that standpoint, you’ll get a glimpse of Mt. Irayat behind an iconic boulder with a triangular shape called “The Pinnacle”.

There’s a small yet modern-looking lighthouse built at the foothills of Mahatao. It is kind of rusty as you can visibly observe from your naked eye, but it is fully functional nonetheless. It adds a little spice to the quaint seascape of Madi Bay.

During our trip, there were no tatayas sighted in area. Tatayas are local Ivatan boat used for fishing without an outrigger. It is commonly displayed along Madi Bay during the months of April to June during the official fishing season. But we were glad to see two little children, probably brothers, scavenging on a pile of garbage that are washed ashore. I wonder where the mataw (fishermen) fathers were during this time. Who knows?

You can actually see Mahatao Lighthouse up in the hills nearby. The exquisite landscape, the fusion of man-made and natural attractions, the charming weather and environment – all make up one great postcard-perfect photo.

There’s so much beauty surrounding Diura Fishing Village that I’d like to discover more but due to limited time, I had to do away with that idea at least at the time being. Will definitely be back soon and perhaps try something new like staying at its homestay and watching the beautiful sunrise at Madi Bay.

Spring of Youth (Rakuh-A-Idi Spring)

Back on Day 2 while we were still roaming around the verdant hills of Marlboro Country, our tour guide told us that the Spring of Youth (a.k.a. Fountain of Youth or locally known as Rakuh-A-Idi Spring) is located just below from where we were standing. Of course, we couldn’t appreciate what he said at that very moment simply because we haven’t seen it yet.

Going to Spring of Youth is a little bit of an expedition. The journey will definitely test your endurance. There’s no shortcut so you need to walk more or less 2 kilometers from the jump-off point (which is the Diura Fishing Village) going to the Spring of Youth. It will take about 30 minutes of both uphill and downhill hike along a paved pathway and stairways made out of stones.

Along the way, you’ll encounter an unnamed waterfall that will captivate your senses. There is no basin wherein you can take a plunge though. Continue your walk by following the trail delineated by rope fence. The higher the trail goes, you could see the vastness of Diura Village’s cove. And it’s beautiful!

After a more or less half-hour hike, you’ll know that you’ve finally reach your destination as you’ll be greeted by the sound of a gushing water coming from a natural spring nearby. A little grotto of Mama Mary can be sighted near the mouth of the spring so don’t forget to pay a little spiritual deed.

There is designated cottage wherein you can rest and put your belongings just before you go to battle again. Yes, your knowledge in the art of war will be useful here. Just a reminder though, Youth of Spring is increasingly becoming a popular side trip destination from the Sabtang Island Tour so expect more visitors to flock the area. Be ready for a war!

The pool itself is relatively big, can accommodate thirty people at a time and jam-packed when it’s late in the afternoon. Nevertheless, Spring of Youth is a go-to destination when you want to cool down and soothe your aching body from a taxing journey. Go ahead and dip in the pool overflowing of fresh cold spring.

The pool itself is man-made, ornamented with smooth pebble stones that add a exciting finish to the already enticing allure of the natural spring water. Whether you’re with your friends, family or even solo, you’ll surely fall in love with the place.

The activities in Spring of Youth involve more than just swimming in the pool, you may head to the beach and explore the unfamiliar spot. It’s kind of interestingly odd that the beach is full of boulders scattered around the coast just like fallen meteorites. All in all, there’s nothing stopping you to be creative in your photoshoot.

On the farthest corner of the beach going north, the sands are actually more visibly stunning without the messy presence of big rocks. You can actually loaf in the area or swim like there’s no tomorrow.

Don’t leave Spring of Youth without an obligatory shot of the infinity pool with Mt. Iraya in the backdrop.

With the conclusion of our half-day trip in Diura Fishing Village and Spring of Youth, I felt like there’s more things to do and places to see in Batanes, probably on a different season (like summer) and different location (this time Itbayat Island) and make more awesome moments happen in one of the prettiest corners of the world, Batanes.

BISUMI Tour and Services

What I love about BISUMI Tour and Services is that they can personalize an itinerary for you. You can even request to have it bundled with accommodation, airport transfer and other customized tour alternatives.

For as low as Php 800.00 per person, you can visit Diura Fishing Village and Spring of Youth. As for the tour transfer, you may opt for an open-type transportation (tricycle with cogon roof) for 1-3 persons while an airconditioned van is best for groups of 4 persons and up. Set lunch and entrance are already included.

Book your Batanes trip with confidence by contacting BISUMI Tours at any of the following communication channels:
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

Dios Mamajes!

Tags: Batanes, BISUMI Tour & Services, Breathtaking Batanes, Diura Fishing Village Tour, South Batan, Spring of Youth Tour