Average Pink

24 October 2011

Fountain of Youth

Third day was rest day. Our only destination was in Mahatao to see what they call Racuaydi Nakavajayan aka Fountain of Youth. We drove from the hotel to the Diura Fishing Village and from there trekked to the fountain.

The trek was about an hour, not really tiring. There was also a great view of the sea on the way.

According to our tour guide, the first inhabitants of Batan island lived in the uplands near the now called Diura fishing village. On our way to the fountain, we saw several of stones where early Ivatans anchor their house.

When we arrived, the fountain was being renovated. The locals were fixing the falls probably to facilitate better water flow. But it was okay because there was an infinity-type pool overseeing the sea.

We first swam in the sea but found it too rocky so we settled for the pool. The water was so clean and crisp cold. Swimming in here is a must not miss so make sure you bring extra clothes if the place is included in your itinerary.

We spent the rest of the day in the hotel sleeping.

17 October 2011

Sabtang Island

First part: Dios Mamajes

Day 2.

We had to be up as early as 4:30 in the morning on day two of our Batanes trip coz we travelled from Batan Island to Sabtang Island via boat they call Faluwa.

Notice the water? It's really blue in real life.

Sabtang is just around three miles from Batan but faluwas leave early to avoid big waves. The two islands are separated by the Pacific Ocean and with a boat the size of faluwas, waves can be big and violent. Capsized boats travelling from and to these islands are not unheard of here.

Our Jack Sparrow

His Gibbs.

Weather was great when we left but an hour or so it started to rain and waves started to get big. I was scared as hell coz I dunno how to swim. To make it worse, they had to put some plastic cover of some sort similar to that in jeepneys so we won't get wet from the rain and waves. With an obstructed view and humid and suffocating air, I got seasick. Lols.

Nearing the shore the first thing that will grab your attention is of course the light house. Too bad tourists are not allowed to come near the Sabtang Lighthouse as the land where it is erected is a private land.

Sabtang lighthouse.

Unlike Batan where many of the houses are already modern, most houses in Sabtang are still stone houses.

Less talk more pictures now.

We visited Chavayan, the southermost barangay of the island. Our van had to be towed though coz driving in the muddy road is too much for it. There are lotsa road development and renovation going on in the island. Good for tourism and trade and the economy in general.

If Batan has the oldest stone house in Batanes, Sabtang has the oldest person alive.

With the 104-year old Lolo Marcelo.

Another breathtaking view. According to our tour guide, installment of zip line is on plan.

I wasn't able to much take pictures of the food we ate as I was too consumed on the eating. Lols. But the food they served were really delicious, uvud being my favorite. Native Ivatan food were so delicious that for a few days all the food I ate in Manila when we returned tasted either crappy or mediocre. Haha.