DiscoverIvana
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Ivana.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Ivana
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Ivana
- When visiting the holidays to Ivana, Batanes, you will be able to look at a small municipality that seems to be a living museum of stone houses and sandy cliffs, which narrate the story of generations who lived through the storm of the sea and the winds of the island.
- The small churches, narrow streets and busy fishing huts of the town make up a picture of Ivatan life that is seldom encountered elsewhere in the Philippines.
- The tourists who arrive to visit this exotic location will find that the rugged nature of the island is only rivaled by the hospitality of the locals who receive visitors with a smile and a desire to share their traditions.
- The scenery on the area is a landscape of limestone terrace, seaweed farms, wind ravaged cliffs that created sentinels above the turquoise waters, and provides a never-ending source of photography.
- Since the infrastructure is small, visitors get a feel of the pace and rhythm of the place working on their feet or through motorcycle thus having a hands-on feel of the town.
- To put it briefly, visiting Ivana is a chance to experience the true flavor of Ivatan culture, breathtaking views and an opportunity to get off the track and experience the world that seems to be ancient and simultaneously lively.
- Capital (of the province): Basco
- International airport: No international airport in Ivana
- Nearest commonly used: Basco Airport
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Ivatan, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- Testimonial of centuries of artisanship in the construction of buildings, the Ivatans stone houses, with their thatched roofs and meticulously-hewn stone walls, can be seen as a legacy of building ingenuity.
- Among the sights of visiting Ivana, Batanes is the view of the sea and the sky where there is a wide and endless expanse at the coast cliffs.
- The small but full of life historic San Jose de Ivana Church remains a silent worship hall where people or locals still flock to hold prayers and community meetings.
- The fishing village of Ivana Wharf with all its little wooden boats will show the day-to-day life of fishermen who have lived there since the first days when their fathers got to the shore.
- The narrow, twisting streets, paved with stone and thatch, show the day to day activities of the Ivatan families which have maintained their tradition over centuries, both in weaving and cooking.
- The community spirit is high here, as the neighbors tell tales and eat together in a manner that no visitor is left out and not respected.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- March to May is dry season and the seas are calm, skies clear and all are ready to explore the outdoors of the island without fearing some sudden storms.
- Cold seasons in the months of December to February are ideal when there is a dramatic view of the seas which is perfect when capturing the raw beauty of the island but fishermen of the sea may not be able to work on the boat due to rough seas.
- Due to the hazard of typhoons and rains, the rainy season between June and October is risky hence should be avoided because most of the boat trips are cancelled.
- Before going out, travelers need to consult the weather conditions and schedules of the available boats, particularly when traveling to isolated coves or climbing cliffs.
- The erratic winds in the island imply that there will be no outdoor activity in which one will not need a strong jacket and a sense of adventure even during dry seasons.
- Lastly, the festivals and societal events on the island are more likely to occur during the dry season when citizens can freely and safely move around.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
San Jose de Ivana Church
- One of the sights that simply cannot be visited on holidays to Ivana, Batanes is the old church at San Jose de Ivana, which was a silent sanctuary of an old church but a stronghold of Catholicism.
- The interior features plain wooden altars and stained-glass windows which narrate about faith and endurance that have propelled the community throughout the generations.
- The stone base of the church depicts the strength of the Ivatahs who constructed buildings that have withstood numerous storms.
- Tourists have an opportunity to witness the prayers in town, hear the chanting and experience the devout mood which fills the atmosphere.
- The neighboring plaza has a little garden wherein the locals tend herbs and the silence of the area makes it an ideal place to meditate.
- The architecture of the church and its serene atmosphere offers an exclusive perspective into the religious life of the island even in case you are not a religious person.
Ivatan Stone Houses
- As you stroll through the streets of town, you will observe that there are stone houses, which, having been passed down through the generations of fathers and sons, are well-maintained with all the thatching being done by hand.
- The stone walls will be made of limestone which is quarried in the area to create a natural wall which shields the homes against the strong winds in the island.
- The artistry of the Ivatahs is indicated in the intricate carvings as well as decorative designs on the doorways made by use of simple tools to create permanent beauty.
- The houses are so organized, that they overlook the sea and the inhabitants are able to experience breezes and the waves sound without being affected by the bad weather.
- The family heirlooms are usually found in the interior of the homes, demonstrating that the Ivatahs appreciate memory and tradition and combine them with the everyday life.
- You as a tourist in the place are able to sit on the porch, viewing the sunset, and imagining all the life that has taken place on these walls over the centuries.
Ivana Wharf / Fishing Village
- The wharf where the community life is based is a small fishing village, and here the life of the community, fishing is flowing, and locals are preparing their catch to be used in the meals of this day.
- The scene in the morning, as pretty little boats sailed on the water, fishermen dragging their nets, and children skipping on the stones, was very animated and quiet at the same time.
- In front of the building, the plain wooden pier of the wharf gives the visitor a platform on which to study methods of fishing which have been perfected over centuries.
- Local fishermen have stories of how the sea changes and the silent traditions they have before going out and it gives us a clue of how they live day in day out.
- It is also at the waterfront where families celebrate picnics and they share fresh seafoods and enjoy the saline air.
- The trip to the wharf will enable the tourists to have a glimpse of Ivatan life that is simple and closely related to the land and sea.
Coastal Cliffs
- The dramatic cliffs of the island emerge abruptly out of the blue sea, and provide an amazing view that varies with the light of day and night.
- These rocks offer a perfect scenery to take photographs and especially individuals love to take pictures of the interaction of waves and rocks.
- The dramatic trails of the cliffs occasionally meander through concealed coves and little rocky outcroppings and beckon brave adventurers.
- The wind blows through the crevices at the top of the cliffs and the gulls revolve around you bringing a feeling of awe.
- The cliffs are also good to sit, breathe the salty air, and meditate about the serene beauty of the island.
- As the sun is setting, the cliffs turn to orange and pink, which is in a way an ideal time when the travelers are supposed to stop and enjoy the natural artistry of the island.
Reason 05
Discover More
Nakabuang Cove
- To take a restful respite on the holidays to Ivana, Batanes you may visit Nakabuang Cove, a secluded area where the sea is calmly winding in circles around flat rocks.
- Short swims in the clear waters of the cove are an easy and warm welcome and the cliffs that surround it offer shelter in the form of a quiet rest.
- Little boats in the anchorage of the cove give a hint about the ancient system of fishing still practiced by the Ivatan families.
- Its serena setting makes it a fantastic place to meditate or even sketch or even listen to the wind.
- Tourists should also have the option of bringing a picnic meal and enjoying fresh seafood and local fishermen landing their harvests.
- The solitude of the cove maintains its calmness, and it is an escape of people who want to be out of the main road.
Rolling Hills and Countryside
- Gentle rolling hills surrounding Ivana cut through the entire island, whereby the terraced fields are filled with sweet potatoes and taro in a patchwork of colors.
- When you walk in these hills, you are able to hear the sound of the leaves rustling and the chatter of birds in the distance which form a symphony of nature.
- The rural areas are filled with small farms in which the locals cultivate their produce by use of the traditional methods by which they have preserved the food and the culture.
- During the hiking journey, you will come across animals like goats that can freely roam giving the landscape the pastoral beauty.
- The hills also act as a kind of natural buffer against severe winds and form micro-climates which favor different flora.
- Tourists tend to walk out of the mountains with a renewed sense of the fragile nature of harmony between nature and human management of the island.
The Old Crafts and Society
- To observe the weaving, local cooking, and fishing activities in Ivana, it is necessary to respect and be able to listen because these are the basic elements of Ivatan identity.
- Weaving activities in the community make gorgeous mats and blankets featuring exquisite designs which have been passed through generations.
- Families prepare such dishes as the island bounty in the communal kitchens, such as tinaktak and pinikpikan.
- The scenes of fishermen drawing in their nets at dawn provide an idea of the rhythms and rituals which hold the economy of the island together.
- The community is strong based on the fact that neighbors assist each other when planting, holding festivals or when repairing the homes.
- Through the practices, the travelers get a better insight into how culture, work, and everyday life are connected on the island.
Nearby Trails
- There are easy walking trails that go through agricultural fields and cliffs and provide a natural trail to be used by people who love taking a nature walk that is not identified.
- When you are walking through these paths, you would witness spectacular scenery, and some might include sea views, or even a rustic farmhouse in the midst of hills.
- The paths tend to follow through small shrines or stone markers that have a cultural meaning and trigger pensive stops.
- The trails are not labeled as such, but most tourists can pass the route, however, it is recommended to have a map or some instructions of a local guide.
- It is an experience that reminds her that she is the island is moving in the right direction as the beauty of the nature and humanity meet.
- Waltzing through these paths, one can observe how the landscape of the island is varied by season, as it turns into the green fields of the land in the summer and snow-covered mountains in the winter.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Ivatahs have many community festivals the small barangay festivals and the great town festivals and these are always accompanied with music and dancing with vibrations that reverberate with the ancestral measures.
- The traditions of the island are grounded in the reverence of the elders as they are considered by the islanders as the depository of knowledge and tradition.
- The dressing is also very conservative in Ivana, where women wear plain blouses and skirts and men might wear weaved fabrics that are reminiscent of their culture.
- The community unity can be observed through the manner in which neighbors share in fishing excursions, harvests and during stone house repair whereby they are always ready to assist one another.
- The Catholic religion still plays a major role in the lives and churches are the center of prayer, community discourse and festivals.
- The weaving, pottery and preparation of traditional bread are some of the cultural practices that are taught orally and through a hand-on lesson, which has maintained authenticity.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- The Ivatan cuisine is primarily built on the fresh seafood, where the fish, shellfish, and seaweed are collected on a daily basis and included in simple and rustic meals.
- The Island also boasts of the root crops such as sweet potato and taro which grow in the island special soil and serve as nutritious food to both the local and visiting populations.
- The Ivatan breads that are traditionally prepared with locally available flour are served at all meals and they provide a unique flavor that goes well with fresh fish.
- Local restaurants are small, usually family-owned, and offer home-cooked foods based on the local agrichannel wealth.
- Due to the poor infrastructure, tourists should bring cash since there is not many ATM and credit card facilities all around the island.
- The shared meal is a free offer to experience the islands flavors as people get to know those who farm and prepare them.
Fun
- Photography fans are able to make photos of the classic stone houses, the dramatic cliffs and the sweeping coast of the island, a visual narrative to tell as in no other Philippine destination.
- Minimal duration fluctuations, or moderate hikes, around the farmland and the hills enable the visitors to feel the biodiversity of the island and the routine of the citizens.
- A visit to fishing villages gives one an insight into the rhythm of the community as people present their boats, their nets, and how they used to carry out fishing in the past.
- The art of local weaving or pottery is a form of interaction that allows getting to know the culture of the island and encourages local artists.
- A silent contemplation of calm environment, e.g. at the cliff tops, isolated coves, may provide a therapeutic break in the hectic pace of contemporary life.
- In the adventurous, a mere motorcycle tour of the town gives the individual a different view of the landscapes and the hidden treasures of the island in a special way.
Fashion
- During the colder months warm clothing is necessary since the wind might make one feel chilled even in the daytime along the cliffs.
- Shoes that are durable and comfortable must be used because rocky trails and uneven village pathways demand that one have a strong footing to prevent slips or injuries.
- The cultural requirements of the island when it comes to modest dressing in churches or during a community gathering is respectful.
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen can protect you against the fierce tropical sun, especially when you are out during the midday.
- The insect repellent should be used, because the humid climate of the island may require the work of the mosquitoes and the other insects.
- What you need is always to have enough water in the form of bottles, because the tap water cannot be consumed and the facilities the island has are scarce, meaning that you will have to think ahead to keep yourself hydrated.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The steep seashores are home to the seabirds that fly in and out of cliffs and the sea and make it a livelier bird-watching ground.
- Small livestock like goats is supported by gentle hills and farmlands where they are allowed to roam freely to complement the pastoral landscape.
- The island is also rough and uncivilized, and this means it is a perfect place to visit, and especially the photographers who wish to capture natural and pure scenery.
- Cliffs are also prone to slipping down following rain and footwear and caution are recommended during exploration of these dramatic rock faces.
- The island has many micro-climates with rare plant species, which attracts botanists to study them.
- The absence of urbanization means that wild animals are not much disturbed and the natural equilibrium of the ecosystem is kept.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The holidays to Ivana town fiesta that happens on May 1 to celebrate Saint Joseph is a simple but full of spirit celebration with a religious march, communal meals, and community songs.
- Fiestas in the barangay are very small events in which members of families and friends engage in traditional dances, folk music, and sharing of local delicacies.
- The Holy Week is characterized by serious processions and celebrations, which can be attributed to the strong catholic roots that are interwoven into all the spheres of the community life.
- Informal activities like fishing or harvest events provide an informal perspective of the social structure that holds the people of the island together.
- The close connection between nature, livelihood, and culture are more likely to arise due to seasonal festivals which are usually associated with the agricultural cycles.
- The events during the holidays to Ivana, Batanes give the lesson of living history, where each song, dance, and ritual is a story of the power of perseverance and belief.