I've been dying to fly to Batanes since 2011 and was lucky enough to finally go there in 2015.

It was better than I imagined and that trip is still one of the best ones I've had.
No words can describe the feeling of happiness and contentment I felt when I was there. Literally everyone was nice! The plane ticket was a bit expensive because we're from Iloilo, thus, needed a total of two flights to get to Batanes but the tour packages and accommodations were reasonably priced.

The couple who accommodated us were extremely hospitable and I'm not even exaggerating! They made sure we had everything we needed and went the extra mile by transferring us to a much better room with no extra charge! They fed us every day (breakfast + dinner) for free! My heart still warms at the remembrance of them, bless their good old hearts.

If you're world-weary and longing to rest your soul, go to Batanes. If you're pretty happy but still want to go there, I strongly encourage you! Go to Batanes as soon as the pandemic is over.

I never thought a place that isn't actually home, would make me feel like I belonged there, as much as Batanes did.

-S

This story is written partly based on some of my memories of the places we went to but... gimme a break, it's been five years, so I had to double-check with the following sources:

🔗a. https://www.thepoortraveler.net/

🔗b. https://iamaileen.com/batanes-food-top-best-what-where-eat-ivatan-cuisine-dishes-philippines/

🔗c. https://www.gamintraveler.com/2019/01/31/batanes-food/

🔗Book Cover Sources🔗

Designed by: thisgirlsummer

🔗Images🔗

a.  Max Ilienerwise at Unsplash

c. SJ Baren at Unsplash

🔗Fonts🔗

a. adobe devanagari

b. hello Jellita

c. champagne and limousines