Batanes - Sabtang Island Adventure!

Batanes – Day 2

The chilling air conditioning system of our room awaken me way before my alarm starts. It was Day 2 of our Batanes trip. I hurriedly went to the shower and prepare myself for another journey – Sabtang Island; one of the three inhabited islands of Batanes along with Itbayat.

Map of Sabtang Island (courtesy of Municipal Tourism Information Center)

We arrived at Ivana Port before seven in the morning. After registering our names on the coastguard passengers list, we hopped at the second boat that will bring us to Sabtang Island. The sea was a little calmer than expected (luckily!). In less than 30 minutes, we arrived at Port of Sabtang where our next ride awaits.

Registration at Port of Ivana

We checked in at the Municipal Tourism Information Center, tried sipping ‘tubho’’ (Batanes’ native tea) and off we go on our Sabtang Island adventure!

the plant used to make 'tubho'

Day 2 Itinerary – Nakabuang Beach, Nakanmuan Community Tour, Vernacular houses, a quick mini lunch at town’s fiesta, Lunch by the beach, Tinyan Viewing of Pacific Ocean and Chavayan Community Tour.

Around 8:30 in the morning when we arrived at one of the most visited places in Sabtang - the Nakabuang Beach! Aside from its pristine cream-colored sand; one of the major attractions of this beach is the Mayahao Arch.

Mayahao Arch at Nakabuang Beach

And what better way to view it is at the top of the bouldering arch. I didn’t mind the sharp stones making a little scratch on my left foot because the view was breathtaking as I imagined it would be. The cool wind of the ocean matched with the blazing sun is tanning me to the hilt but I loved it nevertheless. After 15 minutes of admiring the view, I decided to go down and take another round of ‘groupies’, ‘selfies’ and the famous jump shots! The kid in me is starting to take control once again, forgive me. J

view from the top was just awesome!

Before we lost track of time, we continue our journey to Nakanmuan Community and visit some vernacular houses. I personally like the cemented bridge of Nakanmuan and the little grotto on the left side right after passing the bridge. The community was silent as if it was not inhabited. Surprisingly, there’s a little store selling refreshments and other stuff. In front of the store was a line of dried dorado’s adorning the ocean view and the nearby Ivuhos Island. It’s inviting me for some photo opts and who am I to refuse that?

local at Nakanmuan community

the cemented bridge of Nakanmuan

dorados lined up

the grotto by the bridge

We carry on with our walk encircling the small community passing through beautifully built vernacular houses one after another. The view on the other side offers the imposing ‘kakawahan’ (cliff) which is part of the Duvek Cove according to our guide. The mountaineer in me giggled at the very sight of it and I just jumped! (a subtle excuse for another jump shot!) Good thing the guide was quick enough to capture that ‘Kodak’ moment.

jump!

Our driver informed us along the way that Nakanmuan was celebrating their fiesta that day. With a little persistence from the group and a connection to back us up (our driver is also a barangay official, by the way), we were humbly accepted by Nakanmuan’s Barangay Chairman; Mr. Roderick Cultura and his wife. Our ‘pushiness’ paid off as we were treated to a sumptuous meal. There’s turmeric rice, ‘lunis’ (Batanes’ version of adobo), menudo, macaroni salad and 2 other dishes plus a refreshing coke! Actually, it’s not the meal that we’re after (really!) but the experience of having attended a local town fiesta which is unusual to us.

'Lunis', Batanes' version of adobo

the gang with Brgy. Captain Roderick Cultura

 By 12:30 in the afternoon, we feasted by the beach and got acquainted with ‘tatus’ which is popularly known as coconut crab. The tatus meat was surprisingly sweet (probably because of its main diet, the coconut). The entire lunch was well-spent with laughter, Dollar (the beach dog) and good food, of course. The coconut there was just full of juice! A great change from our usual “soda” party.

'Tatus' - coconut crab

It was past 2 in the afternoon when we arrived to one of my most favourite part of the tour, Tinyan viewing of the Pacific Ocean. The cool wind of the Pacific Ocean was just overwhelming. The place was surrounded with three coves, if my memory served me right. I was lost with the beauty surrounding me. It was calming and powerful at the same time. The sudden rain from the fields of Tinyan did not dampen our spirits while we rested on the small hut showcasing native baskets and vests used by the locals of Batanes. After a couple more minutes, the rain stopped....and the ‘kid party’ continues. I was literally jumping in excitement when I reached the other side of Tinyan. The coves below are just worthy of a good swim. Too bad, the weather was not sunny enough to allow us to dip in. Not to mention, the ascent to the cove was just too steep to some of my friends. There’ll be next time....

the perfect hang-out - Tinyan viewing!

our guide and my friend, Karen wearing the local costume

Twenty minutes right after we left Tinyan, we arrived on the last leg of our Sabtang tour; the community of Chavayan. The place was serene, just like the rest of the communities we’ve visited. The people are soft-spoken. The elders are courteously greeting us back, the kids are waving and smiling back at us and the boys are busy playing basketball. What really captured my attention, aside from the simple chapel of Sta. Rosa de Lima were the sharp-edged ridges of the mountains at the rightmost part of the island. It was captivating!

groupie at Chavayan

houses at Chavayan

Sta. Rosa de Lima Chapel at Chavayan 

that beautiful sharp ridges....wow!!!

There was this one vernacular house right beside the beach; which according to our guide was built specifically for tourists. More like a tourist spot where you could take your customary photo opt by the beach, if I may add. The waves are tempting us for some good plunge but I backed out. I was too cold from the winds of Tinyan. Another next time for me.....

groupie at the vernacular house by the beach

We arrived back by 6:30 and had our dinner by the beach. After taking our quickest dinner ever (the cold was not so tolerable anymore....brrrrr!!!!), we headed back to the Municipal Tourism Information Center where we’ll be spending the rest of the night. A worthy note for those planning to stay at Sabtang Island, the electricity supply operates from 6AM-12MN only.

dinner by the beach

To be continued....

Till then!