Discovering Itbayat
THE IMMACULATE Conception Church is a pillar of faith among Ivatans
ITBAYAT, one of Batanes’ three main islands (the other two are Basco and Sabtang), is known for its coral reefs. The best time to visit it is between April and June.
From Basco, you can take a 10-minute flight to Itbayat on an eight-seater plane, or you can take a three-and-a-half-hour trip by interisland motorboats. The Itbayat National Agricultural High School offers Internet services after school hours, and electricity is available from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight. There are five canteens that serve meals, snacks and mineral water.
When I’m on the island, I stay at retired teacher Tinang Cano’s place. We should bring jackets for our February trip. The island’s best tourist attractions are Mount Karoboban and Torongan Cave.
Another exciting destination is the Socsargen Photo Safari, which covers General Santos, Lake Sebu and Sarangani, notable for their exotic fruits and fresh seafoods. For the Jan. 16-19 trip, you can immerse yourself in the indigenous T’boli culture in Lake Sebu, or take the highest zipline in Southeast Asia that crosses five of the lake’s seven majestic falls!
Join our Amazing Batanes Photo Safari from February to April 2015. Visit https://batanesphotosafari.blogspot.com, or call 0916 746-3883.
