You have plenty of time to spare in Batanes? Here’s a list of what you can do around town, after all, as Coco Martin said in one of his movies, “Ang Batanes, hindi ginu-google, ine-experience.”:
1. Visit downtown Basco.
Immerse yourself with the llifestyle of the locals. You’ll be surprised to know that the Ivatans are cheerful and hospitable people. They would greet and bid you to have a good day and would ask if you are in need of any assistance, just because.
Market at Abad St. Cor. Ditas St.
On tight budget? Try Beehan!
2. Got extra cash? Do the art of doing nothing at Fundacion Pacita, particularly the Cafe de Tukon.
3. Take a hike at Rakuh-a-Idi Spring, otherwise known as the Fountain of Youth.
From Basco Town Proper, it will take about 30 minutes via trike for one to go to the place and another good 20-minute hike to go to the spring itself. Wearing comfortable shoes (or slippers) must be considered should you wish to go on with this adventure.
Here’s a quick peek on the road on the way to the spring. Motorized vehicles are not allowed to enter the premises, so there’s no other way to reach the spring but walk.
I swear, the tiresome hike will be worth it just to see this:
4. Got more time? Take a quick dip at the beach!
Just be extra careful as swimming at the beach is not encouraged because of the strong waves and current. There are no lifeguard in the area, so swim at your own risk. I spent quite a long time at this very spot just watching the washing of the waves to which I found kind of therapeutic, really.
5. Visit a local coffee shop.
Phil’s Brew- a must-visit coffee shop at downtown Basco. Have the Tres Leches and pair it with brewed coffee for the win.
6. Tired of walking? Rent a bike and tour around Basco Town Proper.
Here’s my sweet ride going around town, braving the strong winds and occasional rains. Rented this baby out for Php 300 for the whole day. I just couldn’t remember the name of the shop where I rented it.
7. Drop by the Sto. Domingo Cathedral in Basco.
8. Explore (more) local coffee shops!
Must-try cassava cake at Ned’s Gateau.
9. Visit old friends.
It’s really heartwarming to see familiar people in an unfamiliar place. I made sure to include my itinerary to pay a visit the parents of a very good friend of mine since grades school. Since Basco is really a small town, almost everybody knows everyone just by mentioning the family name! Boy, was I glad to see and have spent time with them!
10. Meet new friends.
During this trip, I made a few friends to which up to now, I have contact with. I even met a couple who are planning to have their wedding in Batanes sometime in April 2018. In fact, they were generous enough to include me in their “venue-hunting” and “cake supplier hunting” for their upcoming wedding. All the best, Arch. Sherwin and Ms. Rachel!
Batanes might already be off my travel bucketlist but will definitely be one of those places I would always go back to. It’s a place where one should go to if one is in search of simplicity, peace and healing.
In closing, I would like to quote the words of Toni G: