Sabtang is the smallest of the three inhabited island municipality in Batanes. Thirty minutes away from Batan, it can be reached via a Faluwa, a type of boat which is its only public transportation, it is docked at Ivana Port that leaves at 6:30H and comes back around 14:00H every day. It was day two of my Batanes journey and I was looking forward to what I was about to set my eyes on.
Sabtang Port
The port is the gateway to Sabtang Island; anything that cannot be sourced naturally in the island needs to be boarded on the Faluwa. It is not just people who get on the boat but produce, animals, construction materials and vehicles too.
San Vicente Ferrer Church (Sabtang Church)
Another Roman Catholic Century-Old Church in Batanes located in the island of Sabtang near the port. It was originally built in 1785 as a small chapel. In 2008, the church was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Sabtang Lighthouse
The third of the Lighthouses in Batanes, this one can only be seen from afar. Our guide said that the land is privately owned and does not allow tourists in the area. Nevertheless, its magnificence can still be appreciated from Sabtang Port.
Morong Beach – Natural Arch Formation
Batanes also has its share of white beaches. One of the most famous of all is Morong Beach because of the arched-rock naturally formed on its shore. The sand is a bit unrefined but its waves are more forgiving that makes swimming much possible.
Savidug Village
This is one of the villages in Sabtang (in Batanes in general) that was able to preserve their heritage. All of the stone houses have been built with thick walls made up of lime and rocks with thatched cogon roofs.
Chavayan Village
Same as Savidug Village, the houses in Chavayan Village are built with the same materials. Some of it was built more than a hundred years ago. The design was of Spanish influence when they came in the 1800’s. You can also find the Vacul (traditional Ivatan headdress) weavers in the village.
Chamantad – Tinyan View Point
It is the Marlboro Country of Sabtang Island with rolling hills covered in green grass, cliffs where you can see the intense waves smashing on its foot. When I looked at the horizon I see the immensity of the open sea and behind me was a huge rocky mountain.
It is possible to stay overnight in the island, you can arrange it with your tour operator. FYI, there are no air-con rooms available in Sabtang and the electricity is cut off by midnight.
Although the tour was just for half a day, it turned out to be more than what I have expected. It didn’t fall short in making my eyes twinkle and my jaw drop with its resplendent vistas. Do not be deceived by the island’s small dimensions because it was without a shadow of a doubt packed with its own illustrious wonders.
BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER.
RESPECT THE PLACES THAT YOU WILL VISIT.
LEAVE NO TRACE.
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How about you? Have you been to Batanes? Did you go explore Sabtang Island? How was your experience? We would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts.
Ang ganda talaga ng Batanes. ♥ Sana makapunta din ako diyan ♥
Totoo. Sobrang nakaka relax. Kayang – kaya mo rin yan, soon.
Ah, Batanes! One of the most scenic places in the Philippines! We would love to visit here, but coming from Cebu, this might take quite a bit of saving. Hehehe!
The stone houses are interesting although not surprising considering that Batanes is constantly buffeted by strong storms and winds.
That’s true, it was like every part of it was postcard perfect.
I love the architecture in your shots – love the old colonial style. And the sky in your lighthouse photo is great! Were there many visitors – aside from the locals on the boat?
It was July of last year when I went there and it was considered as lean season but there are still a few groups of tourists on the same boat with us.
It looks beautiful!
Looks wonderful. Wishing you joy this festive season. 🙂
It is indeed! Thanks Jo. You have a wonderful season too. 🙂
Amazing blog….
Thank you heileeandrewhei for appreciating my work.
Cool. ✌️️
Thank you for the compliment.