Time-warped Batanes: a glimpse of the Philippines of old

If you're still thinking of a place to go to this summer, the time-warped Batanes group of islands offers a unique eco-cultural experience, allowing visitors to glimpse the Philippines of old.

 

Many people have Batanes on their list of must-see places, but keep putting it off because it's quite expensive to get to the northernmost tip of the country. People think that if they're going to spend that much, they might as well go out of the country.

 

But with a recently launched promo, flying to Batanes is more affordable and convenient. Travelers may avail of cheaper plane tickets from the Batanes Cultural Travel Agency (BCTA), which aims to make the islands one of the prime destinations in the Philippines.

 

Starting March 15, the BCTA offers one-way tickets for as low as P6,200, which is more than ten percent lower than the usual airfare of at least P8,000. According to the BCTA, passengers can also get to Batan in one hour and ten minutes, in the comfort of a 94-seater jet. The special flight is chartered using a British-made aircraft BAE-146, and the BCTA assures travelers that the aircraft has successfully undergone a test run to Batanes.

 

With 11 islands and a population of just 15,000, Batanes is an ideal travel destination for people who seek a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The weather isn't always sunny, and you should be prepared for power interruptions. But the place is undeniably charming, and Batanes' breathtaking landscapes and seascapes have earned it a nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The islands have been described as one of the most beautiful corners of the world, and while there's plenty to do outdoors, Batanes also has several indoor spots that are worth a visit.    

While much of the islands remain untouched, Spanish influence is very much evident in the inhabited islands of Batanes. The centuries-old churches built by the Dominicans and limestone houses still stand, even after years of strong typhoons. 

 

Notable churches include the San Jose Obrero Church in Ivana, Sabtang; San Carlos Borromeo Church in Mahatao (1873); Sto. Domingo Cathedral in Basco (the oldest built in early 18th century); and, Sta. Maria Immaculada (1845) in Itbayat.  

 

Also worth visiting are the churches of Itbud and Chavayan, famous for being the only thatched-roof church in Batanes today.

 

Old Spanish bridges in Mahatao and Ivana, as well as the iconic vernacular houses made out of limestone, stones, corals and a thatched roof, are scattered in the three inhabited islands of Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat. These structures were built using the limestone technology introduced by the Spaniards when they arrived in the province at the turn of the 18th century. The sights are so beautiful that you'll find yourself wondering if the place is real.   

 

Everywhere in Batanes is picture-perfect, with some corners seemingly cut out of the movie scenes of “The Lord of The Rings”. 

 

Villages are nestled between tall, lush mountains, with cliffs on one side and a sweeping view of the sea on the other. Traditional stone houses stand along quiet, narrow streets of Savidug and Chavayan in Sabtang island. Walking through the villages is like being transported to another world where time stands still. 

 

As for accommodations, everyone is friendly and visitors will have no difficulty getting directions for where to stay. 

 

Of course, no trip will be complete without tasting the local cuisine. Uvud, Venus and Tatus are must-try dishes, but Batanes also has surprises like the pizza at Casa Napoli. Apart from the amazing scenery, the flavors will make you fall in love with the place. –KG, GMA News

 

BCTA flights (Manila-Basco-Manila) are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays starting on March 15.  For reservations call (02) 635-4810 / 546-1197 / 998-4303 / 475-5267 / 475-5260 / 0917-8112282 / 0999-8894106 / 0908-2309419 / 0922-8213717.