
DESTINATION
Batanes
History
Centuries before the Spanish colonization, the ancestors of today's Ivatans lived in protected settlements called Idjangs, which were usually in defensive positions on top of steep hills. The word "Idjang" was derived from the Ivatan word "Idi" or "Idian" which means home or hometown. The Ivatan tribes are farmers, fishermen, and boat-makers. In 1685 Dominican missionaries arrived and attempted to Christianize the Ivatans but the efforts were abandoned with the death of two resident missionaries. In 1718, missionaries made another attempt to bring the people of Batanes under the Cross. Missions directed from the island of Calayan in the Babuyan Group of Islands were sent to Batanes to urge the residents to resettle in Babuyan.
Transportation
The primary mode of commuting inland is tricycle. In Batan Island, the tricycle transport is systematically controlled by Batanes Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (BATODA), passengers have to call or text to use their service, BATODA’s contact number is +639297038404. Transportation between towns in Batan Island are serviced by jeepneys that connect Basco to Mahatao, Ivana and Uyugan albeit the trips are limited.Most tourists tour the island of Batan by renting private vans that costs P2,000 to P3,000 per day (inclusive of driver and/or tour guide), this is best for group of at least eight people to lower the cost.
Weather
Batanes has a tropical climate. The average yearly temperature is 26.0 °C (78.8 °F), and the average monthly temperature ranges from 22.0 °C (71.6 °F) in January to 28.5 °C (83.3 °F) in July, similar to that of Southern Taiwan. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year; the rainiest month is August while the driest month is April. November to February are the coldest months. There is a misconception that Batanes is constantly battered by typhoons. Batanes is mentioned frequently in connection with typhoons, because it holds the northernmost weather station in the Philippines.
People & Culture
The people of Batanes or the Ivatans, whose ancestors are descended of Austronesians that migrated to the islands 4000 years ago during the Neolithic period. The dominant language in Batanes is also called Ivatan, Ivatan is considered to be one of the Austronesian languages. Because of its isolation from the rest of the country, the traditional culture of the area has likewise remained intact. Batanes, a heritage site not only for the Philippines but for the rest of the world.
Food
When in the islands, you will notice that most of the Batanes food or dishes are served in a big green leaf. This becomes even more evident if you come visit during a fiesta event.Those leaves are called vunung or breadfruit leaves (or kabaya in Filipino). Traditionally, meals are served in this leaf for easy wrapping — not to mention that it’s environmentally-friendly too! As for utensils, we customarily use our hands. It may seem difficult at first, but as a local, this is like the best and most homey way to eat Batanes food.