I once walked the entire island in two days. That was when there was no transportation except for a pick-up truck that took our backpacks to Sumnanga, halfway around the island and where we spent the night. Ten years later, I spent the night in the School of Fisheries in Centro and still call it rugged. Fast forward to now, and all it took was half a day to visit all the famous sights.

(via this…)

The only way there is still by falowa (a boat without an outrigger, used by the Ivatans to ferry around the islands)

but it can now sit 70 (some even more), making Sabtang more accessible. And so the island is packed with daytime visitors (like us… sigh).

Various developments noted and yes, the old rugged Sabtang may have been lost forever, but it still manages to exude its very own charm…

The fairly new light house (it was in the middle of construction when I was last there some ten years ago) standing tall as you approach the island.

The beautiful coastline as you approach Savidug

Typical stone houses with cogon (grass) roof.

The mountain backdrop adding to its charm.

Houses in Chavayan

The ruins in Savidug

Scenes of everyday life in the island

Chamantad Viewpoint

Morong Beach

The famous Mahayao Arch in Morong Beach

Last but not the least, lunch at the beach before heading back to the main island of Batanes.