Ironwulf En Route
Sightseeing at Valugan Bay
When you’re in Batanes, always expect the unexpected. This small region is governed by the weather and the people’s strong belief. So whatever plans you’ve layout here, prepare to change it, as every turn on its winding roads, every change in the wind’s direction and the changes in the tide of the sea holds a few surprises. This we learned in extreme ways during our stay in the region.
Mt. Irayat watches over the whole island of Batan
Batanes is one of the most elusive places to visit in the country. Booking a flight would require you 2-3 months of advance reservations since only one airline serve flights in the area. Despite the current steep price tag (4500 PHP one way via Asian Spirit as of this writing), flights are always fully booked especially during peak seasons of Decemebr to May. Even if you managed to get hold of a ticket, frequency is in the hands of the weather, if the storm-stricken region will allow you passage through the sky. Travel by the sea is out of question unless you dare to take on the waves spanning up to 3 stories high on seas where the Pacific Ocean and the China Seas meets. The distance taunts you like a Siren’s Song from Ulysses’s myths. Yet those who are fortunate enough to step on its islands will be rewarded with sweeping landscapes, experience with its rich culture and mingle with one of the most kindest people in the world.
It was one memorable week at Batanes, the so called “Home of the Winds”. The place, as my travel buddy, Marco, would describe as a “Raw Beauty”. And it is a beautiful place, but what’s more important are the people living on the islands. Never have I found a place with people still so kind and gentle, helpful and accomodating, each having a story to tell on their own.
Each of it’s main Islands; Batan, Itbayat and Sabtang, have their characteristics of their own. Right now after organizing my things I would be writing my article. Just reviewing my notes on some events like, being stranded in an airport, waves going more than 5feet high where the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea meets, Our boat tumbling again on departure that made us stranded again on an island, feasting on different Dibang (flying fish) dishes, breathtaking sceneries, kind people, free fish, cheap tours, people stories, sunsets and rich culture.
There are still a lot to go back to in Batanes, but going there is not just expensive but also not an easy task as transportation is an uncertainty. Where people’s lives are dictated by the 4 seasons, the seas and their beliefs. Sigh. If only I could live there.
Tomorrow, it’s back to the reality of urban life. But still the raw beauty of Batanes and its people is still in my mind.
