Discover the best top things to do in Mahatao, Philippines including Marlboro Hills, Chanarian View Deck, Spanish Lamp Post, Mahatao Tayid Lighthouse, San Carlos Borromeo Church, Diura Fishing Village.
5.0 based on 91 reviews
My November 2019 visit to the archipelagic province of Batanes in the Philippines’ northernmost tip further deepened the beautiful impressions etched during my first visit to the country’s top end wonder nearly two decades ago. Such mental imprints included the Batanes house, the Arius tree, the vakul and kanayi headgears, yuvuk and other local baskets, the local garlic, the exhilarating drive along the coastal road that zips through the postcard-perfect rolling ‘Marlboro hills’ with the breathtaking green grass-topped grazing lands where horses, cows and goats freely roam on one side of the road and the endless blue waters of the Philippine Sea on the other, and the hardy and genteel Ivatans. Let me offer some snippets about each of these. The Batanes house fascinates me no end as it definitely is an admirable architectural and structural feat courtesy of the Ivatan people. It has proven to withstand the test of time, the harshness of the elements especially the strong typhoons that frequent the place. Its twin attributes of simplicity and durability coupled by its thoughtful use of local materials and indigenous house construction techniques, were capitalized to build multi-functional and highly durable dwelling spaces quite unique to this laidback vacation haven. The sturdy Arius tree, referred to locally as the Batanes pine, is endemic to the province and dots most of the local landscapes. Its branches thickly dotted in all directions with flat baby-finger-like leaves of varying shades of green and forming a pattern resembling bottle cleaners is definitely an interesting natural beauty to behold. The vakul (for women) and kanayi (for men) headgears, as well as the yuvuc (a farm-produce harvesting basket) and other basketworks, are a product of the functional ingenuity and creativity of the people of Batanes. The local garlic, though smaller than imported garlic, is definitely richer in flavor giving extra savory taste to the Ivatan dishes I sampled at the HiroJoy Cuisine exquisitely prepared by no less than its owner Ms. Lidia Roberto. The quick drive along the awesome grazing hills make you feel transported for a moment to a spectacular place outside the Philippines where the hills come to life and the time gets warped. The infinite sea simply leaves you breathless as you face head on its boundless majesty with its serene waves gifting you with an unexplainable calmness of spirit and soul. The hardworking, honest and long-suffering Ivatans are in themselves a wonder. I would always have a soft-spot in my heart for these people as I continue to cherish their native brand of hospitality and friendship. By Lorenzo F. Templonuevo
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Been there last month, but the beautiful landscape still fresh in my mind! This is my favourite Lighthouse amongst the lighthouses in Batanes. It nestled on the top of the hill with the serenity of the surroundings, calmness of the see, the lush greenery of hills and the view of Mt Iraya from afar. I stay sit and stare this place the whole day.
5.0 based on 2 reviews
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