MAVID BATANES

The cow, Eric, Kim and myself up at Chamantad-Tinian Viewpoint

April 27-30, 2011

Batan and Sabtang Islands, Batanes

The thing I have with travel blogging the Philippines is that I sometimes run out of the right adjectives to describe each place I’ve been to. And now I’m faced with the same dilemma. How will I describe Batanes? Breathtaking, magnificent, panoramic, rustic. All these words suit this place just well. But for this blog, I will borrow the Ivatan word Mavid, which means beautiful... Mavid Batanes.

Batanes Itinerary

Scenic Vayang Ranch 

Planning a trip to Batanes? Here's our itinerary! I’ve included here our contacts, travel budget and places we’ve seen and visited during our four days and three nights stay there. Hope this helps, somehow. :)

ITINERARY

For first time travelers, I would suggest getting help of a tour guide. Going around there on your own can be a little difficult since most places are really far and can be time consuming. Here's how we've spent our days in Batanes.

Not Quite in Batanes Yet, Almost

Falowa Ride. Honesty Coffee Shop. Vakul. Rolling Hills. Lighthouses. Batanes.

These are some of the phrases/words I've been googling and wiki-ing for the past weeks.

According to Wiki, the province of Batanes, composed of 10 islands, sits at the topmost part of the Philippine archipelago. About one and a half hours plane ride from Manila. This place has been highly regarded as a prime tourist destination because of its magnificent rolling hills (some saying it can be compared to the ones in New Zealand), famous stone houses that have stood the test of rough and unforgiving weather conditions in the past years, the Ivatans resilience and kindness, and of course, the lighthouses that have become silent witnesses to the rage of the seas and the fury of the skies.

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2011

Feb 13, 2011

How this balloon got to it's mushroom shape in less than an hour, I was there to witness.

Puerto Princesa Adventures

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River 

March 20-22, 2011

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

I was feeling grumpy days before our trip. I wasn’t my usual jumpy and excited self. But then, the idea that I’d finally stop wondering what it feels to be inside the Underground River gave me some comforting thoughts. I. Must. See. It.

Kidd and Cha inside Ugong Rock

Palawan (photo story)

"Seeing Double"
Malcapuya Island , Coron, Palawan

Beach, Books, Ben Afflecks, Boracay!

Devoid of many expectations, I packed my bags for Boracay without doing my usual pre-travel duties such as drafting an itinerary and researching the what-to-see-and-where-to-go-there stuff.  I was ready for anything. I cared less whether it’s a great place or not. I will be there to relax, to escape the city, to chill.

My pre-Boracay thoughts were that this place reeks with sun-kissed tourists, loud party-goers, over the top expensive hang outs, hardworking locals asking for massage services, a pocketful of sunshine, and yes, white sand beaches.