Batanes and Cagayan: Tourism beyond the ordinary

Driven by a steady increase in tourist arrivals, the country’s thriving tourism sector has spurred the growth of various industry mainstays—bars, casinos, and what have you. Most (if not all) tourism-driven communities have generated quite a fortune as a result of increased commercial activity in their havens.

But the same may not necessarily hold true for some. While more commercialized destinations such as the globally-popular Boracay is filled to the brim with hotels, resorts, and nightspots, two low-profile destinations are silently coming on their own, preferring tourism’s less-travelled path.

Batanes: A culture of warmth and tranquility
Batanes relies on a very special characteristic, according to Philippine Tour Operators Association (PhilTOA) chief, Cesar Cruz. “The allure of Batanes has always been its culture of coziness. The moment we build grand hotels and resorts, the moment clubs disturb the peace at night—that’s the time Batanes loses its uniqueness,” he says.  “Our members from Batanes don’t want to be just another crowded island, which is why they prefer to keep things simple, peaceful, and community-based.”

Heading to the northernmost isles of the archipelago, one would immediately feel the distinct vibe that Batanes exudes. For starters, tourists landing at the Basco Airport are in for a welcome treat very much unlike the usual airport chaos found elsewhere. Upon arrival, you immediately get the impression that Batanes is a different place from the rest of the country; the quaint airport terminal is refreshingly neat and quiet, similar to what one would find going into Basco town and its surrounding areas.

Perhaps more than anything else, Batanes is visually known for its rolling hills and the iconic stone houses that dot its landscape. Being relatively isolated through the centuries, the local Ivatan population has kept their ancient culture impressively intact through these dwellings, the most popular of which is the House of Dakay. Located at San Jose de Ivana, this UNESCO World Heritage building is said to have survived a strong earthquake that leveled the entire town.
If you wish to see a place that was not as to have survived the onslaught of the earth’s tectonic forces, all you have to do is visit the ruins of Sung-Sung in the town of Uyugan.

Though culturally distinct, Batanes definitely carries the indelible Spanish influence present throughout the country. Like most colonial-era settlements, every town is built around a Catholic church—the oldest of which is Sto. Domingo Cathedral in Basco. Sta. Maria Immaculada in Itbayat is probably the most distinct, being the only church that still has the iconic thatched roof associated with the Ivatans. Spanish architecture is also evident in the old Spanish bridges on Mahatao and Ivana, and in the numerous lighthouses that dot the coastline.

For those who are into more engaging stuff, Mt. Iraya offers the rugged adventurer a host of mountain trails, where one would chance upon exotic flora and fauna. Sabtang Island has secluded beaches, while Duvek Bay and Siayan Island have dive spots with coral reefs in terrific condition.

And of course, a trip to Batanes would not be complete without dropping by the famous Honesty Coffee Shop in Ivana. The place is pretty much like any typical carinderia, albeit one simple quirk—there is no one at the cash register. The owners rely on “honesty system,” leaving customers to pick whatever they fancy, just expecting them to leave their payment in the cash box. It’s this kind of culture that permeates throughout Batanes, making this soon-to-be UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the coziest corners in the country.

Cagayan: A heaven for thrill-seeking travelers
For tourists looking for a more casual northern adventure, there’s Cagayan in the northeastern corner of the country. Situated right in mainland Luzon, Cagayan has access to hotels, resorts, and other modern amenities not present in Batanes. And with the Cagayan Special Economic Zone, tourists have the option to enjoy casinos, theme parks, and an 18-hole golf course during the entire duration of their stay.

But apart from the usual gaming and amusement fare, Cagayan also possesses attractions comparable to those of Batanes.

Like its northern neighbor, Cagayan is rich with areas of historical significance. Inaugurated in 1973, the Cagayan Provincial Museum & Historical Research Center houses an extensive collection of artifacts, antiques, heirloom pieces, and fossils of animals that once roamed the valley. The province is also dotted with Spanish-era churches, the oldest of which dates back to 1604.

Dubbed the Ecotourism Centre of Region 2, the province of Cagayan also offers a range of eco-activities, owing largely to its vast natural wonders. Water activities are popular, with Palaui Island providing an excellent place for fishing and snorkeling. Kayaking is also available, especially with the calm waters of Pinacanauan River. If one is feeling a little more adventurous though, then the Callao cave is a must-visit.

A seven-chambered cave with massive limestone formations, the famous Callao Cave is one of Cagayan’s most popular draws. Its most distinguishing feature is the man-made chapel made in one of the chambers that had natural skylights. Other caves include Jackpot Cave, Abbenditan Cave, and San Carlos Cave, which offer more daring challenges for the advanced spelunker.

“Batanes and Cagayan are just tips of the iceberg,” Cruz notes. “All over the country, there are potential destinations for those looking for vacations without the usual crowd. Right now, we are studying the viability of these little-known places.”

The PhilTOA chief revealed that the group is aiming to unveil these new locations during the 23rd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), the biggest annual tourism expo in the country. The event, to be held at SMC Convention Center from August 10-12, is expected to feature a more expanded roster of travel tours that are all set to boost the country’s campaign for sustainable domestic and inbound tourism.

  
* Based on the Tripadvisor.com Travelers’ Choice 2011 http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop10-g2

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Inc. is an organization of tour operators and allied members actively involved in the advocacy of responsible tourism. Founded on 12 June 1986, non-stock and non-profit organization. The membership includes travel agencies, hotel, resorts, transportation companies, handicraft stores, and other tourism-oriented establishments and association.