DiscoverMahatao
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Mahatao.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Mahatao
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Mahatao
- Holidays to Mahatao, Batanes, it is best done when the sea is placid, and the sky a clear blue, as the quiet village, on the coast of Batan Island, makes the old stone houses and the far clang of fishing boats the only audible stimulation to the life.
- The initial sight that the travellers will see is the historic Mahatao Lighthouse, which is erected on the rocky bluff that overlooks the infinite Pacific, a symbol of the island long maritime history and a good photo-opportunity to the sea lovers.
- Wandering along the tiny lanes of the village, the guest discovers houses of stone-walled houses, centuries old, with a low roof and an austere and rustic architecture that preserves the cool sea breezes in-doors and keeps the sun out-doors, evidences of Ivatan ingenuity.
- The cliffs and reef edges around the town offer a dramatic scene with the sunrise and sunset, and since it is not flooded with tourists as nearby Basco or Sabtang, the town remains sparse with limited people, and the environment is calm, offering a great chance to reflect on oneself and take some contemplative photographs.
- Local fishermen continue to put out their boats in the early mornings and the rhythmic creaking of the oars, the smell of salt and the smell of the freshly turned soil combine with the smell of the earth that is quite difficult to experience in the more populated tourist destinations.
- Planning a visit, one should keep in mind that the infrastructure of Mahatao is not excessive, accommodations are simple, and there is not much lighting on the streets, and this simplicity has been just contributing to the venue an air that many tourists may find overwhelmingly touching and oddly reassuring.
- Capital (of the province): Basco
- International airport: No international airport in Mahatao
- 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
- Holidays to Mahatao Lighthouse is a squat yet strong structure constructed during the Spanish reign, which provides an expansive view of the ocean, cliffs and in some cases barely visible silhouettes of the passing vessels, and thus is a must-visit to any historic landmark lover.
- Booking with world pinoy flights it gives you relaxation of travel, as it is easy to travel in Manila and other major cities, the travel duration to the nearest island airport takes only a few hours, so you can spend more time in exploring and less time in travelling.
- Wonderfully low-sloping and thick-walled stone houses of the village are constructed to repel serious winds and heavy rains, and they provide the unusual insight into the enterprising character of the Ivatan community.
- A trip to the wharf in the area shows what goes on in the life of fishermen, who bring back their haul, and the beat of the expire, a living portrait of a culture that has been existing by the sea since times immemorial.
- To the lovers of quiet, the cliffs of Mahatao offer dramatic pictures of nature, much loveliest at dawn and in the evening, when the sky leaves the sea a colour of orange and pink.
- Lastly, there is no commercial development here and this means that the setting is relatively untouched, which offers one a serene atmosphere to reflect and meditate or just to stop and inhale the sea salt air.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- In the dry seasons between March and May, the water is calm and a trip to the surrounding islands by boat can be counted on and it allows the tourists to have more time to walk along the beach and to discover some of the deserted streets without the fear of unexpected squalls.
- Holidays to Mahatao winter is crisp, particularly between December and February but the clear sky and lower tourist numbers make it a tranquil season that is known by many to provide an idyllic environment in which they can take thoughtful walks.
- During the rainy season that spans between June and October, travelling plans may be affected by the typhoon activity as most schedules of boats are cancelled, and sand dunes can be slippery hence people are advised to have a loose schedule when going out.
- It is prudent to keep an eye on the local weather and boat schedules on a day-to-day basis because even minor changes in the wind patterns or rains can change the optimal route, or even safety of a journey to the island.
- When it comes to enjoying the festive celebrations, the local town fiesta in May is the best because the local people gather to celebrate their patron saint, and the streets are loaded with music, dancing, and food serving as a rich source of cultural experience.
- The most ideal season will of course depend on whether the traveller is interested in beach, in their cultural experience, or just a peaceful getaway out of the city life.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Mahatao Lighthouse
- The lighthouse which is on a rocky outcrop is a proud relic of the Spanish colonial era with their red dome being a common sight to any sailor or tourist.
- To make the panoramic view of the endless Pacific, the visitors are able to climb the narrow and stone stairwell to the observation platform and feel that they are entering another world.
- The house of the keeper of the lighthouse, which has been inhabited by the local people up to date, provides an insight into the ways people have been living with the sea in harmony over the centuries.
- The lighthouse in the evenings flashes over the waves, and makes a magnificent play of light, which echoes the eternal rhythm of the sea.
- The cliffs around it are filled with native birds, and their music will form a sound backdrop to the silence of the early morning hikes.
- There is a brief stroll along the cliff face which also opens into concealed coves where locals occasionally moor their small ships to get a moment of restful repose.
San Carlos Borromeo Church
- This is a small church, designed in the normal Ivatan construction style, which is the spiritual centre of this community as people of all ages gather here to pray and have festivals.
- It has plain stone walls, low roof, and a small bell tower which represent a design combining utility with the aesthetic which inspires its serene reflection environment.
- Sundays the local choir sings in native language and the voice of the choir is echoing in the rock making the spiritual experience touching.
- The simple candles and few religious icons placed on the altar welcomes the visitors to stop and reflect on their individual journeys.
- There is a small native plant garden at the back of the church, where visitors can sit and read or even just smell the fresh earth.
- Given that one is interested in the history of the island, the records of the church are filled with the accounts of early missionaries and the development of the community over the years.
Mahatao Wharf / Fishing Village
- The wharf is a living reminder of the island fishing history whereby fishermen set out their boats early morning in a time-honoured generation-old ritual.
- The fishermen as they haul their catch of fish, shellfish, and seaweed is a real-life experience of the day-to-day rhythm of the community.
- The wooden boats whose colour is frequently diverse and decorated with uncomplicated carvings peep into the turquoise waters and mirror the colourful game of the sky.
- The absence of tourist facilities is compensated with friendly faces of the locals which make it a hospitable place in which every tourist feels at home.
- In addition to the wharf, there are small stalls offering fresh produce and dried fish which are easy yet good tasting dishes of local flavours.
- A stroll on the wharf in a sunset will be a lovely sight of the horizon on which the sun slowly sets in the sea, and leaves the clouds tinged with gold.
Coastal Cliffs & Rocks
- Mahatao is located on steep and rugged cliffs, which provide a breathtaking view of both sunrise and sunset shots that several travellers adore.
- The climbers of these natural towers who prefer solitude can have a panoramic view of the Pacific in the top of these towers, a refreshing mind-bending experience which seems to be almost heavenly.
- The sea underneath usually remains calm in the daytime, but the wind will make the waves dance into a froth particularly in early mornings and this makes nature lovers have a dynamic view.
- Seabirds often nest in the cliffs and give the landscape a gratifying sound accompaniment.
- On wet days, visitors must exercise caution since the rocks might be deteriorated and thus with the right footwear the adventure will be safe and worthwhile.
- Even mere, unguided investigation of these cliffs may result in secret caves and secluded places where the sea kisses the stone in an unbroken embrace.
Reason 05
Discover More
Ivatan Stone Houses
- It has stone houses whose roofs are low and sloping and have thick walls, a testimony to the ingenuity of the Ivatan.
- Their inside furnishings are meagre, sometimes with a hearth at the centre and a few crudely-built pieces of furniture, in keeping with a style of living that has neither luxury nor frugality.
- It is possible to walk in these villages and feel the sound of the footsteps of the previous generation, hearing them walk in the rhythm of the family routine and everyday duties.
- These houses have most of their walls painted with natural colours that have weak earthly tone and merge with the other landscape features.
- The bamboo or thatch covered roofs protect the families against the fierce wind and the stone walls trap the cool air indoors making the place of residence very comfortable.
- A visit to these houses is a prime chance to know the construction methods that were used centuries ago and made these houses so strong.
Nakabuang Cove
- Nakabuang Cove is a remote beach with a crystal clear water intertwined with fine, white sand producing a clean getaway to the more popular tourist destinations.
- The cove is enclosed by rugged cliffs and due to the absence of infrastructures built by tourists, the cove has retained its uncivilised beauty and it is a paradise to nature lovers.
- There is no resort and all you can hear is the wind and the waves, this offers a serene background to do meditation or mindful considerations.
- A swim in the cool, turquoise sea is a cool stretch after the heat and the rivers are very tame such that even a novice sailor and an experienced one can swim without any worry.
- There are also cliffs that are perched around them and they accommodate a range of seabirds also visible flitting through one rock to another and give vibrancy to the otherwise peaceful setting.
- To those who are adventurous, a hiking trip down the cliffs may result in hidden rock formations and concealed places overlooking which excellently reward the boldness of heart.
Mahatao Hills
- The fact that the hills are gentle in nature, making them rise quietly along the coast, gives an easy, low-intensity trekking experience, which can be enjoyed by everyone and especially those who want to enjoy the slow pace.
- The trails are not marked, though the natural scenery allows discovering your way easily, and rocky tracks drive through the spots of the native plants.
- The travellers can get a panoramic views of the coastline and the islands way off the shoreline, an ideal place of taking pictures of the sunset or just experience the beautiful scene.
- There are small piles of rock houses that man the hills, and so providing the hikers with an overview of how the people in the island live and how they cope with the surroundings.
- The waving land is a mild activity that at the same time one can breathe the fresh sea air and make the walk refreshing and restorative.
- On the path, the tourists can meet the local animals, like small goats or curious birds, which can bring some surprise to the usual walk.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Ivatans have a very close-knit community and families usually tend to reside in close knits which share resources and work.
- Stone houses The houses, which are low to the ground, made of blocks found locally, demonstrate the wisdom of the traditional people to make them adjust to severe winds and heavy rains.
- Catholicism is still the principal religion and small churches serve as a community centre where festivals and prayers are celebrated in a small place.
- Although small, fiestas are full of sincere music, dancing and collective meals, and they still keep being a significant component of the social structure.
- The people of the island are engaged in fishing, farming, and weaving, which have been maintained and propagated orally within and through practical learning of one generation to another.
- Nature is respected, and it is embedded in life, and individuals tend to leave the sea and surrounding land untouched thinking that it is good to live in harmony with nature because it brings prosperity.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Fresh seafood is the major component of the local cuisine and fish, shellfish, and seaweeds are usually made in a simple way to bring out the natural flavours.
- Staple foods such as taro and sweet potatoes are prepared by cooking and they are cooked in styles that demonstrate the soft, soil-like flavour of the island.
- Ivatan breads, like pan de huba, are prepared with domestic flour and are usually served with breakfast and dinner.
- Numerous cooking is done at home, and the families share their meals, which indicates a communal style of cooking and eating.
- Modern restaurants are few, however, there are small stalls where some snacks are made of fresh ingredients, and a traveller can have a snack on the move.
- Cash is needed to carry out transactions because there are few ATM machines and digital payments are not much in the more farflung areas of the village.
Fun
- People who are fond of photography will be able to shoot spectacular cliffs, the legendary lighthouse and the picturesque house of literally stone, which is the aesthetic of the island.
- It has short walks along the hills or cliffs enabling the visitor to enjoy the rugged beauty yet within decent walking capacities.
- Visiting fishermen at work is one way to understand how it was done traditionally and also is a personal experience to the life of the island.
- A trip to the fishing village and observation of day-to-day activities is a rare look at a culture that has managed to live in harmony with the sea.
- Beach picnics with uncontaminated views are a calming experience after the busy life at the travel and an opportunity to just relax.
- To those who want adventure, a relaxing hike to summit of the hills or a short boat ride to the nearby coves will be a lasting experience of a virgin nature.
Fashion
- Dress in layers, because the wind is likely to change rapidly, particularly in the cliff area and when it is colder in winter.
- Walking on rocky walks, cliffs and the uneven village streets should be done on durable shoes with good grip.
- Humble dressing is appropriate when attending churches or cultural places and in this case, the travelling individuals will fit in the local culture.
- Sunscreen and caps keep the skin safe in tropical sun even in cold weather days as well as reflect the bright light on the island.
- It is also a good idea to carry a lot of water and light food because the variety of food choices in the area is low, and most restaurants are busy at specific times.
- It is also recommended to carry a small amount of money and a heavy wallet because most things are done in cash and there are few ATMs.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The mountainous terrain has steep cliffs, concealed coves and a range of marine life sustaining an ecosystem of assorted fish and invertebrates.
- Endemic sea birds including the small herons and egrets, wander in the waters giving a sound accompaniment to wildlife enthusiasts.
- The hills are inhabited by tolerant goats and sometimes inquisitive birds, and this is a little wildlife that is both delightful and surprising.
- The marine environment in the island is undeveloped, so the raw environment is perfect in snorkelling, swimming, and silent reflection.
- The beauty of the natural landscape makes one think and take time to look at the nature without interruptions.
- When holidays to Mahatao exploring, one should also be sensitive to the slippery rocks and powerful currents particularly in rainy or windy seasons.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The holidays to Mahatao fiesta of the patron saint which takes place in May presents a procession, community meals, and dancing, which provides a glimpse into local religion and celebration.
- Small fiestas in barangays are small parties that are used to display tight knit ties and common practises of the community in most cases with home cooked delicacies.
- Holy Week is celebrated in a very serious way, with processions, prayers and contemplation which is very Catholic to the island.
- Community meetings around fishing or harvests are more of an informal event that allows people to meet locals and understand their jobs.
- These are normally characterised by innocent music, localised dancing and shared food, which open the heart of the visitors.
- The cultural immersion of those people who travel to the mentioned place is advised to monitor local calendars since the dates of the festivals may be different and provide a distinctive experience, strongly connected to the heritage of the island.