6 Things to Discover at Batanes

Mauyen Port at Itbayat Batanes

If you’re looking for an article which will lay-down a detailed itinerary of scenic spots or a guide that will give leads to local bistros, then you should stop reading here. This write-up features the provinces’ charming culture. 

The story goes like this…I stayed in Batanes for three weeks, not too long to feel homesick and not too short to immerse myself with the life of the Ivatans. I must say it was a fulfilling visit. Every encounter is a discovery of their humble lives molded by struggles of isolation and simplicity.

So here is a list of the things you’ll surely get inclined with about Batanes: 

1. Only wear your brightest SMILES: Batanes is a land wherein offering 

smiles to every people you come across on the street has already been a norm. I myself also experienced this contagious phenomenon. While roaming around the area, passers-by and motorcycle riders will stop and offer their widest grins to me. I must say, it feels awfully awkward exchanging beams to strangers, but the gesture gave me a sense of vibrancy. So on your next trip to Batanes, don’t forget to wear those smiles to compliment your OOTDs. 

2. What to do in Batanes? BE HONEST: They say that honesty is the best policy but for Batanes, honesty is the only policy. 

Yes, there is this famous Honesty Store Café located in one small municipality in Batan Island but that is just a little representation of a long-established culture of the community. People of Batanes encourages and promotes HONESTY. The three hotels I stayed here did not give us any door keys. Perhaps, the hotels are self-assured that their properties are secured from looting. 

There are also “honesty” stores around the area wherein you can get any item you wish as long as you will leave the payment. 

Yass!!! Ivatans deserve a high-five for being honest! 

3. Be an eco-warrior like Batanes: More than the lush greeneries 

sprawling on the hills of the island, Ivatans live green as well. Cleanliness of the vicinity is noticeable. Garbage are segregated through designated trash bins. There is also this ordinance that strictly prohibits backyard fires. And BTW there is already a law about this that everyone should adhere to. Please research about the Solid Waste Management Act.

Be and fight for nature, be like Batanes.

4. Be amazed by the flourishing art community: Walking in the narrow 

alleys of Batanes is like having a tour inside a museum which houses a collection of artistic masterpieces that elaborately recounts the story 

of its people. You will be amazed how a humble “lugawan” welcomes each client with a colorful mural.

Also, you have the chance to score some of the local artists’ art pieces through some of the caféS and souvenir shops around the area. Here’s one from Creative Hub Shop situated along the National Road at Basco. 

Definitely, having walks on the hilly roads of Batanes will be an entertaining and learning experience.

5. Support and love local products: From that classic souvenir items of keychains and fridge magnets to fashionable stuff of earrings and purses, you’ll surely be enamored by Itbayat’s handicraft products.

More than the intricately made dainty weaved items, I bowed down about the support of the local government for the community’s livelihood. Each weaver’s creation is submitted to the “barangay” and being remunerated. Items are then transported to Basco and being sold as souvenir items for tourists. 

Now you know the drill. Be sure to have that extra space on your luggage and make sure to SUPPORT and LOVE these LOCAL products.

6.Experience serenity! Reflection, relaxation, or recreation, name it and you can have these three in Batanes.

Despite the province being hit by a lot of typhoons annually, Batanes is also blessed with picturesque places that allows one to commune with nature. Indeed, every spot is worthy of your social media feed but being in these places is healthy for once soul and mind as well. I myself experienced that much needed tranquility that is way too impossible to have in the metro.

Being in awestruck by the still blue waters while the cold breeze is touching my skin and my hair is dancing with the wind felt serene.

Possibly, if I stayed for more days, I could include a hundred more in my list. Truly, there is more to the province than its breathtaking views. Dios Mamajes (Thank you) Batanes for making me feel home during my stay. I will, definitely, be back in your beautiful island.