My Idyllic Landscape

Instead of showing you the usual flowers and plants, i would like to share with you occasional landscapes from my travels. This time it is Batanes, the northernmost islands of the Philippines, between the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean. This is composed of a few islands but only 3 (Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat) are inhabited. It is actually nearer to Taiwan at 190km than the northernmost tip of mainland Luzon, which is 860km. These islands are mostly coral reefs elevated above the water through time and aggravated by volcanic eruptions.

Fresh seafoods are plenty in Batanes, especially lobsters and some species of crabs. It is also famous for stone houses with very thick walls to withstand strong typhoos visiting the islands. The Ivatans (people of Batanes) are real kind and accomodating, and they are known for having zero crime rate. Batanes is reached by SEAir flights from Manila.
                                                                                                  

The "Marlboro Hills" a grassland for cattle, carabaos, horses and goats

Nakabuang Arch in Sabtang island

Nakabuang Beach in Sabtang Island

Mt Iraya, an active volcano but erupted a century ago

one of the many lovely coves in Sabtang island

Valugan Beach in Batan Island (the main island)

The Dakay House, oldest in Batan island, a UNESCO Heritage, the owner still lives there

Fundacion Pacita, a hotel-museum, owned by the Abad Family. Other buildings are not in photo