DiscoverSabtang
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Sabtang.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Sabtang
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Sabtang
- The initial encounter of holidays to Sabtang, Batanes occurs the second you step on the island and get to experience the fresh sea breeze, as well as the distant cry of sea-birds, as they remind you that you are in a land of natural beauty and not the power of modern society.
- The narrow, cobblestone streets of the island lead through the groups of stone houses which have survived the severe wind and typhoons and every stone in the island is mute witness to the generations of Ivatan ingenuity and strength.
- The sweeping cliffs in the early morning light are on a cliff that drops right into the turquoise pacific forming dramatic silhouettes against the sky that is a delight to the photographers and also to the locals it is a way of life.
- Wandering through the secluded villages you will find that it is weather, sea and cooking, weaving and storey telling that creates the beat of the community and keeps their culture alive.
- You will not see bright neon lights or night markets which will leave your nights with the gentle light of fireflies and the sky that is full of stars, an ideal scenery with which to reflect on your holidays to Sabtang, Batanes.
- Lastly, the sole bus you are going to be is a boat and the risk of cancellations implies that you will be forced to be flexible, an aspect that would make your journey even more unforgettable.
- Capital (of the province): Basco
- International airport: No international airport in Sabtang
- 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 Sabtang, Batanes are characterised by the stone-built villages in which each of the doorways, windows, and chimneys has a tale, and the architecture is an expression of the Ivatan in conformity to the severe coastal conditions.
- The powdery beaches along the coast are undeveloped and invite you to walk on bare feet along the cool sand and have the waves wash your feet.
- The waves of hills behind the villages will offer you an aerial view of the Pacific and the ambiance of unobstructedness is only enhanced by the crude and uncivilised nature of the scene.
- The daily routine of the Ivatan, taking baskets of rice, weaving colourful mats, and holding minor parties all give you the true cultural experience that you will hardly get elsewhere in the tourist world.
- It is not crowded and the ambience is such that one can have a leisurely time and the silence is desirable such that the photographer can achieve photographed moments without the disturbance of the mass of tourists.
- The general mood is that of peace and genuine nature, where every word said, every movement, and every vision are conveyed of a culture that is centuries old and has not been altered.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The dry season between March and May holidays to Sabtang, Batanes provides clear skies and calm seas, which make boat rides safe and dependable, and visitors can visit the attractions on the island and enjoy the sight-seeing without much risk of an inconvenience.
- Cold winds and increased seas during the winter in the months of December to February are likely to cause cancellations, and the visitor must be ready to expect such occurrences, as well as include more time on the travel arrangements.
- Typhoons can create serious inconveniences during rainy season (June to October), and most boat schedules are cancelled; the road users should have flexible road schedules and keep in touch with weather forecasts.
- The mornings are also generally calmer in the season no matter what the time of year it is, since the day may not be fully up and running, offering more time to take a walk and capture photographs.
- the golden hours are at sunset and sunrise and give good lighting, whether it is sunny or not, but avoid the heat of the day during a trip that takes place in the hot months.
- It is during the last week of April, when the community gets together to celebrate the San Vicente Ferrer Fiesta, that the greatest time to enjoy the cultural festivals is to be experienced.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Chavayan Village
- Chavayan Village is a living museum with the stone houses designed in the traditional configuration that conserves the ancestral way of life and community cooperation of the Ivatans.
- The small and meckling streets are covered with stone walls, which had withstood the test of centuries of wind, rain, even earthquakes, a feat that is marvellous because of the skill of the Ivatan people.
- They are able to walk around the village at their own will, but it is important to be considerate of the privacy of the locals and only take pictures when given a chance bearing in mind cultural sensitivities.
- the village lights gleam in the evenings, and illuminate the stone fronts with a warm light and the entire place seems to be a silent, living post-card.
- There are also small local markets in the village where local traders deal in handcrafted products and this gives the travellers an opportunity to buy their real souvenirs at the point of their origin.
- A walk around Chavayan Village is a silent yet strong expression of how a group can survive in an isolated and difficult location preserving their culture.
Morong Beach & Nakabuang Arch
- Morong Beach has very long white sand which is more than hundreds of metres long, and there is no commercialization of the beach so at present it is clean and not highly impacted by tourism.
- Nakabuang Arch is a natural stone arch that is created by the unremitting waves to form a dramatic backdrop which is not only majestic, but photogenic especially at the time of sunrise.
- The waters around the beach are perfect to go swimming in, but one should always be aware of the situation on the beach because even the slightest changes may influence safety.
- In the vicinity, there are low-cost, no frills cottages that provide an experience of a rustic stay, where big resorts do not intrude on the experience of the traveller and his or her closeness to nature.
- It is an ideal location to birdwatchers because seabirds and other marine animals are regular visitors to the shores and this is a close nature experience.
- Due to its pristine nature, the beach will invite the visitor to adhere to the principles of leave no trace as the environment will not be altered in the future generation.
Savidug Stone Houses
- In the village of Savidug, neat rows of stone buildings demonstrate the Ivatan architectural unity with the environment and their exploitation of the local resources.
- The stone walls mostly painted with natural colours, fuse well with the rest of the hills forming a feeling of unity between the built environment and nature.
- The narrow streets are good to take pictures, when the sun falls upon the rock, so that every wall is seen in terms of its nature and form.
- The people of Savidug tend to be willing to tell visitors more about their lineages, providing the tourist with a better insight into the history of the island.
- This is a village to listen to the wind whispering through the stone, to sit and remember the relationship between human beings and the surrounding.
- It is possible to enjoy quiet and contemplative time in Savidug, which is a contrast to the more laid back nature of the other islands, exhibiting the beauty and simplicity of the countryside.
Sabtang Lighthouse
- The lighthouse is a light on a cliff that commands extensive views of the Pacific which are incomparable and worth the effort of the climb.
- It has a functional and simple construction created to lead ships safely; the architectural style of Dockside is closer to the maritime design of the early 20th century.
- The approach is easy and it only takes a short walk on a path, which curves up the cliff and the traveller must have strong shoes to traverse the rough stones.
- The rest of the world is silent, and the waves breaking on the rock play a calming melody to be able to think over the last moment.
- The lighthouse is not a place that everyone can enter, however, the sight of its silhouette in the sky in the sunset would be an excellent experience to take pictures of.
- Small creeks which lead to the sea are also found near the lighthouse and this has made the place to have a peaceful atmosphere that is ideal in taking a walk or even taking pictures that reflect the junction point of the earth and the sea.
Reason 05
Discover More
Tinyan Viewpoint / Chamantad-Tinyan
- Tinyan Viewpoint is a panoramic view of the greatest dramatic cliffs and rolling hills of Sabtang with the horizon stretching up to the horizon.
- The walk to the viewpoint is a short yet winding route which makes the visitors confront with uneven grounds although the payoff is awe in the sheer size of the landscape.
- It is a particularly beautiful place in sunrise, when the early light falls upon the cliffs and makes them a mellow gold and the sea a rich sapphire.
- It may be bad weather, the wind can be cold and the tracks may be slurred, this is why it is necessary to have proper shoes and a jacket.
- The perspective is one of the popular places among the photographers who want to have the dramatic shots of cliffs, sea, and sky which will illustrate the wild beauty of the island.
- The silence of the view even during the early mornings gives some moments of meditation and an opportunity to enjoy the untouched Sabtang.
The Sabtang Weaving Communities
- The weaving communities in the island are small family owned workshops where the craftsmen and women make vakul, traditional headgear and other complex fabrics.
- One gets to see how weaving is done, each twill, each knot is done with great care, which is representative of the Ivatan hand.
- The craftsmen are usually friendly to the visiting tourists, and they will be asked to understand how the patterns came about and what was symbolised in the weave.
- Buying a piece of woven cloth helps the local economy and saves a craft which would have otherwise been destroyed by modernization.
- The classes tend to be found in very basic and rustic places, which gives the travellers an opportunity to learn the authenticity of the homes of artisans.
- Weaving is one of the arts that are associated with the identity of the island, and learning the storeys about the patterns makes the process of appreciating the piece of work completed so much easier.
Idjang Fort Ruins
- The Idjang Fort ruins depict the existence of a very ancient defence system, which used to shield the Ivatan against the seafarer marauders as well as invaders.
- Stone walls which still stand have been worn down by the weather with moss and the sea washing their faces making the site a living archaeological record.
- In the ruins, which are scattered around, it is possible to see the tactical significance of the fort, which was located on a hill, overlooking the sea, in times of war.
- The ruins do not have many signs and no tours, but they can be explored by people, allowing them to use their imagination and to consider the historical perseverance of the local population.
- The location has mild weather, so it is not a bad place to visit in a hot season since the heavy winds might make the climbing a difficult task, but the sight of the surrounding landscape will be rewarding.
- It is also one of the best places to have quiet moments, the travellers will be able to admire the past and to enjoy the beauty of nature that is surrounding them.
Local Beaches & Coves
- So many of the coves are exposed to the sea and have dozens of hidden coves on the shore of Sabtang, which is not visited extensively by tourists, which means that it provides an element of adventure and exploration.
- These beaches will be most easily reached on foot or by boat, and commercial facilities are lacking, so you can have the sea in its unadulterated form.
- These coves are surrounded by rocks forming natural pools that are ideal to take a cool dip in but the visitors should first cheque the currents in the area.
- Lack of tourist infrastructure will give every beach a unique location that has its own character, and nature will have close interaction.
- These coves are all large and good places to see marine life including fish, sea turtles and colourful coral which all contributes to the ecological tapestry of the island.
- The silence of such beaches makes the people leave no sign that will mean the clean surrounding is left to be enjoyed by the younger generations.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Ivatan heritage is deeply connected to the language which is centuries-old and is still used by locals who warmly greet visitors with a friendly smile and local names.
- Stone houses, their thick walls, and their low roofs keep families out of the cruel winds and every stone has a storey that generations have shared with each other.
- The vigorous Catholicism in the community is reflected in the small yet significant fiestas that the community has whereby religious piety is manifested in music, dance and the collective dinners.
- Vakul worn by women and talugong worn by men are traditional clothes worn by people during the festivals and working days, and illustrate the combination of culture and utilisation.
- Nature is a principal value; much of the Ivatan culture is ritual based in respect of the sea, wind and the land that are said to support their lifestyle.
- This sense of collective spirit manifests itself in the daily lives through neighbourly assistance in activities such as weaving or constructing, which strengthens a feeling of collective responsibility.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Local food is dependent on fresh foods, e.g. Uvud balls prepared with banana pith and spiced with spices and fried to golden crisp.
- Seafood and fresh fish are common in the cuisine, but the quantity of the product is subject to changes according to tidal conditions and the weather, so every food experience is something unique.
- Root crops such as sweet potatoes, taro and cassava are stapled ingredients and give nourishing and calming meals after an expedition.
- Local bread, which is commonly baked in stone ovens, is smoky in taste and it goes well with fish meals and sweets which are served in the island.
- Villagers usually trade or give homemade snacks like dried fish, or fermented soybean and make the visitor feel like a community member, adventurous.
- Due to the scarcity of modern facilities, passengers are advised to carry their own food and water to complement local ones and to keep them hydrated during their explorations.
Fun
- The amazing scenery of Sabtang (the spectacular sea, the stunning cliffs and the old stone houses) can be photographed and leave a visual journal of the pristine beauty of the place.
- The experience of learning the Ivatan culture by the locals could be an eye-opening one because the information about ancestral wisdom and survival is narrated with a lot of patience.
- Nature hikes up the hills and the coastal trails enable the visitors to explore the diverse landscape of the island, rocky cliffs, and fertile valleys.
- You can swim in specific locations though you should always pay attention to the warning signs and should be aware of powerful currents that can be hazardous.
- Beach picnics or viewpoint give one the ideal environment to relax and reflect on without the urban noise.
- Paying local craftsmen a visit may result in the purchase of hand-woven or handmade vakul, which can be used to remember your visit to Sabtang.
Fashion
- Dressing up in layers is very necessary because the weather can change fast to a hot and humid or then be cold and windy (particularly during windy months).
- A jacket or windbreaker should be durable and is recommended whenever a person goes out in the island.
- Solid grip walking shoes can be used to control irregular stones and rocky trails that cause falls and injuries during hikes.
- Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.) will be essential, since the sun on the island is so clear that it may provide very strong UV rays throughout the day.
- Cell phone may not be strong in isolated places; when you have a paper map or offline GPS, you are guaranteed to be on track as you go.
- As Sabtang has no ATMs, it is important to have plenty of cash and the only way of payment is using cash.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Sabtang contains a variety of wildlife that lives in the rocky cliffs, undulating hills, and open beaches due to the waters being crystal clear.
- There has not yet been the commercialization of safari operations resulting in nature being in its purest form to provide the visitors with a more authentic and pure experience.
- The open nature of the islands gives it many chances to look at the stars, and the night sky to observe it in all its natural splendour.
- Fishermen boats of the locals frequently come back with new harvests which depict how the community exists in harmony and sustainable relationship with the sea and its resources.
- Hiking along the small, tarmac roads or off-road tracks, the travellers are introduced to a wide variety of flora, including tough shrubs to the wildflowers with the ability to adjust to the climate of the island.
- The serene atmosphere of Sabtang welcomes the visitors to the interaction with nature on personal level providing the opportunity to become one with the earth in the most natural manner.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- San Vicente Ferrer Fiesta is the major celebration of the island, which occurs during the end of April and everybody gathers to engage in processions, feasts and cultural performances as a sign of their strong faith.
- Barangay Fiestas occur on the village level, which involves the sharing of food, traditional games, and bonding community members which reflect the social aspect of the Ivatan people.
- Holy Week is a serious holiday since locals attend processions and reflections that emphasise their spiritual dedication.
- Ivatan small cultural events are usually informal events in which dancing, music, and storey telling are used to reflect the rich heritage and traditions of the island.
- These holidays to Sabtang, Batanes festivals give tourists the rare experience of experiencing local culture and seeing the cohesiveness and strength of the community.
- Visiting these events will enable tourists to get to know the other close part of the Sabtang culture, which is way beyond the usual tourism sites.