Posted by Guest blogger: Mark Kenneth Veneracion–
1.) Good Food
Tasty meals and turmeric rice. Lots of it. Most tour packages are inclusive of free lunch. I was served with traditional Ivatan meals which all came with turmeric rice. I don’t know about the abundance of this crop in the island but they seem to love it so much that they put it in everything: rice, coffee, tea. Name it.
2.) Scenic Views
You might have seen it on the internet but pictures don’t do it justice. It’s breathfuckingtaking! See some of my shots below.
3.) Crazy Boat Ride
Batanes is also known for Faluwa, a traditional boat without any outriggers that is made for strong waves. It is big enough to fit 60 persons, some scooters and a tricycle. Yes, a tricycle! You’ll ride this boat going to Sabtang Island. If you often get seasick like me, bring some Bonamin. It’s gonna be a rough ride!
4.) Digital Detox
Cellsites in Batanes were damaged when Typhoon Ferdie made a landfall on the island last September 2016. According to the locals, while their network connectivity was weak beforehand, it totally got lost after the typhoon. During my visit last March, I’m only able to browse the internet every 3 AM, with speed that takes about 10 minutes to upload a picture (yes, free FB data feels). But in this world of Fibr and 100 MBPS internet speed, it’s good to have a change of pace, right?
5.) Unexpected Friendships
Travel agencies will put you in a “join tour” if you are travelling solo or in small groups. Mingle. Make friends. I was lucky enough to meet a group that clicked right from the start, we were already laughing 5 minutes after the van picked us up. Yes, close kami agad.
For booking inquiries, you may contact BISUMI Tours.
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/bisumitours/
Website: http://www.bisumitours.com
Follow me on Instagram: @mrkmyword
Beautiful, especially those housees made of stones. It reminds me on Montenegro.
Thank you, hope to see more of your comments on our other recent blogs.. keep safe 🙂
Wow, stunning pictures!
Thank you, hope to see more of your comments on our other recent blogs.. keep safe 🙂
Beautiful island, and as I have been told- Batanes and Babuyan comprise a whole other Philippines.
Thank you, hope to see more of your comments on our other recent blogs.. keep safe 🙂
Lovely pictures. You captured the island well.
Thank you, hope to see more of your comments on our other recent blogs.. keep safe 🙂
I’m a bit embarrassed to admit I’ve never heard of this area, and was surprised to see how beautiful it is! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos with us. 🙂
Thank you, hope to see more of your comments on our other recent blogs.. keep safe 🙂
I have been to the Philipines but not in this area. I hope to come back to see this, too.
Glad you wrote about some less known areas.
yes… this is somehow called the New Zealand of the Philippines! Thank you, hope to see more of your comments on our other recent blogs.. keep safe 🙂
I would love to visit Korea, I mean, I drive a Kia car and ride a Hyosung motorbike, both Korean, but I wont go anywhere that my dog can’t go. Even my sister in Tasmania won’t allow dogs inside the house, so I won’t go there.
It looks beautiful, and makes me want to travel even more. Well, maybe one day.
Thank you, hope to see more of your comments on our other recent blogs.. keep safe 🙂
The world is a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing this slice of it with your excellent photos.
Thank you, hope to see more of your comments on our other recent blogs.. keep safe 🙂