However, it is the first-hand experience of being there and being able to touch and breathe its magnificence which creates converts. With its ingenious stone houses and magically carpet-like grass, Batanes is the perfect backdrop for dreams and memories.

Its islands are jewels of the North which can make anyone proud that such beauty belongs to our country. Its capital Basco and its neighboring island Sabtang are perfect venues for adventurers and those who wish to experience enchantment.

Batanes is one of the places that a Filipino must visit in his or her lifetime. For three days and two nights of spellbinding experience, here are some suggested activities to maximize your stay. Choose your pace; just make sure you catch the boat which crosses towards the two paradise islands.

Batanes lies at the northernmost tip of the Philippines, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. Home to the famous Ivatans who are nationally acclaimed as the "True Insulars," it is composed of three major islands, namely Batan--which contains the capital town of Basco--Sabtang, and Itbayat.

Batanes is approximately 860 kilometers from Manila. Basco, the capital town, is about 280 kilometers north of Aparri and about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan. Compared to the rest of the country Batanes’ weather is rather pleasant. Batanes is blessed with a cooler climate. Due to its terrain, it is a major livestock producer with cattle as its main stock.

Day 1: Basco proper tour

• Arrive at Basco Airport, register as a tourist.

• Proceed to your chosen lodging for check-in (at the end of this article is a listing of Batanes lodging possibilities).

• Freshen up at your room, rest, take a stroll on the beach.

• 1:00 pm- Start of the tour.

• Ride to the north of Basco at the departure of Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Land, overlooking the Rocky Beach of Chapdian, facing the northern islands towards Taipei.

• View the pasturelands of the Ivatan folks.

• View the ridges at the boundaries with similarities to the pasturelands of Holland.

• Proceed to the lighthouse with a breathtaking view of its surroundings.

• Proceed to Chanpan Fishing Village in Valugan, facing the Pacific Ocean.

• Watch the fishermen catch dorados fish the primitive way.

• 5:00 pm- Back to the lodge to rest.

• Free time to buy souvenirs and stroll around the island.

Day 2: Sabtang Island tour

For the Sabtang Island tour, it is advisable to wear slippers, shorts, long sleeves, and hats, and to apply sunblock. Visitors may experience rough seas while crossing towards Sabtang, so it is advisable to take your seasick pills ahead of time.

• 5:00 am- Breakfast.

• 5:30 am- Ride to Ivana Port with a packed lunch.

• 6:00 am- Cross the sea towards Sabtang island in a banca. It is inevitable for you to get wet during the exciting boat ride.

• Arrive at Sabtang port.

• Ride around the four towns of Sabtang and be treated to an enchanting view.

• Proceed to Barrio Savidug and Idjang, where local wine making takes place and where people took refuge when attacked by other clans in the old times.

• View the Bundok Susong Dalaga (Sleeping Beauty) in Sumnanga, where Duvek Bay is found. It is also known as "Little Hong Kong," where you can see the breathtaking cove and be enveloped by its refreshing air and beauty.

• Visit the beautiful Chavayan, which is known for its cobblestone pavements, steps, and century-old vernacular houses. This place was also recommended by UNESCO for preservation and protection.

• 2:00 pm- Catch the ferry going back to Batan main island and cross the sea once more.

• Ride to Tukon and enjoy a 360-degree view of Basco with the West China Sea and East Pacific Ocean.

• Pass by the wind turbine at Mahatao.

• Visit Diura, a fishing village.

• Proceed to the crystal cave.

• Visit the place commonly known as Batanes’s version of Marlboro Country.

• Visit an old house called Dakays, which was built in 1887.

Day 3: Return to Manila

• Have an early breakfast.

• Spend time to savor your last hours in Batanes by taking last-minute photos as mementos.

• Check out of the lodge and proceed to the airport.

Batanes has a variety of choices in terms of accomodations. For as low as P100 per person, a comfortable room is readily available. Batanes Resort, Batanes Seaside Lodge and Restaurant, Ivatan Lodge, Shanedel’s Inn, and Café Pension Ivatan are some of the quality hotels in Batanes. Visit http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/hotels_batanes.html for more information.