Sabtang Island
The falowa is a U-haul boat designed with no balancing beam called
katig, so that it can freely dance with
the waves. Between Bataan and Sabtang is the channel where the Pacific Ocean and
the South China Sea meet. you can see the waves flowing in
different directions, and this is where most people get seasick with the
falowa's rocking motion.
Once you arrive in Sabtang and see the heritage towns of
Savidug and Chavayan, you will realize that bearing with the rocky falowa trip
was worth it. These two areas are the remaining coastal towns composed
predominantly of the stone houses Batanes is known for. The houses have walls
that are made from stones bonded with lime and their roofs are made from cogon.
These towns are next in line for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in
the Philippines.
In between the towns of Savidug and Chavayan is the
Chamantad, which can literally take your breath away. Some people
remark that the grassland, mountain and seascape view remind them of Ireland.
Most just appreciate the view in silence – in awe of the grandeur of Nature’s
beauty and God’s creation.
You can end your day trip to Sabtang with an authentic
Ivatan fresh seafood lunch along the beach. A simple serving of the fresh catch
of the day, together with either lobsters or coconut crabs, will make the meal
quite memorable. The beach is now more famous because of the natural arc
formation found there the movie, After lunch, some people lie down for siesta along
the beach or take a dip in the waters for a while. I
To get there from Batan, you can ride a bigger falowa . If you sit on the roof of the falowa, you
will literally
Most Ivatans are fisherfolk by occupation. One of the
popular ways they fish is they tie a long fish line in the falowa and then put
the hook with fake bait into the sea. Consider it an extra treat if you see an
actual fish caught using this method during your boat ride. If successful, the
entire crew would clean the fish later on and eat it sashimi- or kilawin-style with chili vinegar. J
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The Proud Ivatans
The core essence of the magic of Batanes is the first-hand
encounter with the Ivatans. They are proud of their culture and heritage –
never arrogant and never apologetic about who they are. They lead simple and
happy lives, and they are always willing to help and go out of their way to
assist you. The true spirit of Bayanihan
– where people help each other out (ex. for building houses or preparing for a
special occasion) – is still alive in their communities. They celebrate life to
the fullest and they generously share this positive energy with the people they
meet.
Through the years, Batanes has been able to successfully
preserve its magical beauty. Now,
it's just waiting for you to discover it.
