I am no longer sure if we set out for Day 4 in Batanes early in the morning or mid-morning. Point to point itinerary, time tables – memories of these are hazy but not the places, not the feelings.
It was a day when unapologetic crazy wind captures attention with its beautiful fierceness. There I was standing in a place where everything is so exquisite and everywhere I look inspires awe with its magnificence. It was one of those moments you try hard not to weep as all your senses hungers to take in everything all at once but you can’t, you simply can’t.
Panoramic views of the rolling hills and gentle slopes and the mesmerizing blue sea and waves crashing to shore, it really is beautiful in Vayang Rolling Hills of Batan Island, Batanes.
A day in the hills of Vayang!
Vayang Rollings Hills is the point where you can see both the East and West side of Batan Island. This is a one of the tourist spots and main feature included in the “North Tour Package” of Batanes. This is located a few kilometers away from the Basco Lighthouse in the Naidi Hills, another favorite picturesque place in the island.
You can just imagine how it will be at night with clear skies and the moon and stars shines their brightness. Could you see the Milky Way from the Vayang hills? That I don’t know but maybe one could. =)
On the way to the hills, we requested Eugene to pull-over so we could snap pictures. The scenery was overwhelming sending the photo freaks (i.e. Kenneth and I) to unimaginable delights. Poor Titus nearing end of his patience as he watched us stay rooted on the spot taking pics after pics, tries to cajole us into going back to the road so we can move on ‘rolling hills naman pala pupuntahan natin eh’
What can we say hehehe
*So we hopped-on back to our ride lest a world war erupts heheh.
When we arrived at the designated destination, Eugene our driver and tour guide spotted a lone man looking at the blue sea. He was the only soul apart from the four of us on that day in the rolling hills. Eugene approached him and along we came, curious as to why he was there. It turns out he was looking out for signs of the banca and his two sons who took to the sea early that morn. He was in Vayang Hills as it’s a good vantage point with a clear, unhampered view of the sea.
Weather in Batanes can be unpredictable, sun shining one moment and few moments after dark clouds can be seen hovering. So look-out points are drilled into them at a young age so they can watch out for friends and families who are still out in the open sea in case of weather disturbances.
What piqued my interest is that the locals know when the wind shifts directions. They know which kind of wind currently blows through their islands. We learn bits and pieces about habagat and amihan, concepts we usually only hear from Kuya Kim but to the Ivatans they are part of life and they know these weather patterns by heart especially among the fisherfolks.
So there we were listening to a father talked through his worries. From time to time he scans the horizon patiently, at times agitatedly.
Waves were getting bigger, the clouds beginning to darken; he was getting worried as all fathers will be at that situation. I don’t know how long we stood with him, it was certainly awhile. To his relief and ours too, he spotted the banca of his sons going back to shore. ‘There they are!’ exclaims the dad. I had to squint my eyes trying to scan the horizon for the boat. I could not see it without my eye glasses but our two guys Eugene and Titus confirmed what the father saw. Visibly relieved, he bid us goodbye and a good day and he went on his way home assured that his sons have rowed to safety.
Visiting Vayang of Hills, Sky and Sea!
I don’t know of the exact statistics, but it surely looks like that animals like cows and goats outnumbered the human population in Batanes. Most of these animals can be seen freely grazing in the hills and slopes of the island. On the way to the famous hills of Vayang, we saw lots of them. We even saw a farm with a drinking station for the animals, this was near the rain catcher.
Yes there were many cows in Batanes! 🙂
Kamuntikan suwagin si Titus ng isa hahha
Eugene urged us to walk to the edge of the rolling hills and we obliged, excited to see “the end”, dulo ng isla ng Batan.
There is something poignant, wonderful when you reach the end, the edge of an island. I bet a poet could do more justice about what I am trying to convey as words right now escapes me. This is one good thing about having a travel blog, you write your story, you relive the moments in your heart, and in your mind.
Sisters 🙂
Batanes could be a perfect prenup /engagement session destination!
Disclaimer: Nope this is not a prenup hehe
It is also a place for amazing shots like this of Kenneth, that neverland girl (check her blog too! – The Road To Neverland )
Hot Wheels car figured in our Batanes photo sessions 😀
That’s Eugene, our driver and tourist guide, looking at what Titus’ doing. I highly recommend him for your Batanes tour, check out the post with our actual Batanes Itinerary with detailed fees and expenses for Eugene’s number and contact details.
We spent an hour or more in Vayang Rolling Hills, doing nothing but taking pictures, smiling our biggest smile that this beautiful place could exist and we were there. To say that we were happy is an understatement; it’s one of my travel memories I know I won’t ever forget. Not ever.
Please if there is one place you travel to in the Philipines, make it Batanes. Culture, traditions, welcoming locals, amazing sites and adventure awaits, that YOU will want to come back, again, and again, and again…
Until I visit you again Vayang Rolling Hills!
Thank you Batanes! You are a dream come true!
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