sabtang island

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.