In Batanes, 3 Attractions in Sabtang You Should Not Miss

See something beyond white sand beaches in Sabtang Island, Batanes, Philippines. Stay in a Batanes resort accommodation if only for a few days to fully enjoy the serene sights and sounds of this windswept island.

A Bit About Sabtang Island
Sabtang is one of the 3 largest islands in Batanes province. It is divided into 6 barangays and has less inhabitants than the island of Batan. The center of the island features mountains and canyons, while its coast is mostly flat with stretches of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines.

Traveling To Sabtang
From a seaside lodging in Batan Island, such as Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge, it usually takes 45 minutes to get to Sabtang. The journey is mostly spent in a faluwa, a kind of boat that doesn't have outriggers. Since your party is traveling by sea, the time it actually takes to get to the island is dependent on the weather: a calm sunny day can result in a ride smooth as silk, while rolling waves may extend your travel time for more than an hour.

Once you've landed safely on San Vicente Port, you and your party can make your way to these structures tested by time and strong winds:

• Stone Houses – Visit the island's barangays to see wonderfully preserved stone houses. These single-story structures were designed to stand against harsh winds. Traditionally, Ivatan houses were made mainly of cogon grass. However, during the Spanish occupation, large scale lime production was introduced to the province, which in turn paved way for the popularity of stone houses with cogon roofs.
• Beaches – There are 2 beaches that may be of interest to you during your Sabtang Island tour. The first, Lime Beach, serves as the island's source of lime for stone houses and other stone structures. The other beach, Nakabuang, enchants travelers with its light taupe- to white-colored sand. Among the most prominent features of the beach is a large stone arc.
• San Vicente Ferrer Church – Set right beside the port, San Vicente Ferrer Church is among the first sights to welcome you to Sabtang. The church is patterned after the one in Basco, the provincial capital, and was built in 1844 by Dominican missionaries. Its facade takes after the espadana-style and is colored entirely in white.

If you're traveling alone, it's a good idea to check if there are tours that coincide with your stay so you can save money on transportation and guide fees. Your Batanes accommodation should be able to provide you with this information.