We keep talking about vacationing in Adams—but we knew better. We purchased the property beside the Chen’s with retirement in mind. It had a beautiful view of the river and a perfect spot to build a vacation/retirement home.
But somewhere along the way, that home (using repurposed wood from old houses) turned into three cottages that we turned into a bed and breakfast intended for the more discerning travelers, and we’ve, in fact, managed to lure some city folks to come visit. Adams is about 2 hours from Laoag and a 45-minute (thereabouts) drive up bumpy roads (for now).
For nearly three years now, the cottages beside Ilyn’s Homey Place, which we named Abaniko (from the shape of the lot), has been home to more than a few travelers visiting Adams. Our rooms are simple but has all the basic comforts such as clean, crisp linens and towels, screens (to keep the bugs out), cold and hot showers, and a lovely balcony that can ease your stresses away. Me and my book in the balcony makes me a happy camper
Ilyn of Ilyn’s Homey Place is Ilyn Chen, an energetic woman with big round eyes and a warm smile. She met her husband while working in Taiwan. The couple came for a visit and Chunyi fell in love with Adams, Ilyn’s hometown. They eventually settled there and opened their home to visitors, mostly backpackers and locals from neighboring towns. We met them because everytime we go up, we stay with them. We have become friends and like Chunyi, we fell in love with Ilyn’s town.
Chunyi, on the other hand, loves his fish. He has tilapia and koi ponds around the properties.
He also likes to cook and dishes out fantastic food. He said that every meal he creates are those he misses (from Taiwan) or merely loves.
Chinese Pork Adobo
It wasn’t easy convincing him to cook for our guests, but he eventually relented, and his meals have become part of the highlight of our guests.
Ulang in Sate Sauce
It has its ups and downs, our little B&B—typhoons, collapsing bridges, floods, landslides… you name it. But small wins like discovering Chunyi’s culinary passion, happy guests, good feedbacks, lush garden, beautiful blooms, improved road conditions, all make up for the obstacles.
It’s an open invitation, folks. It’s glorious here. Come on up while the weather is still lovely and crisp.
Once an important trading hub, the British East India Company established spice farms throughout the island. The export of these spices helped cover the administrative cost of Penang in its early years.
Though still pretty much under the radar, this sleepy town is fast becoming a foodie and adventure destination. On our way to Penang, we stopped by Ipoh in Perak to see what some travel enthusiasts are raving about. We arrived on a Sunday and lo and behold, half of Ipoh was indeed asleep. Shops and quite a few restaurants were closed.
Concubine Lane in between the two structures as seen from the balcony of Han Chin Pet Soo.
A replica of what the living could have been.
(via this…)
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.
we arrived at the outdoor seating at the top of the hill, overlooking the sprawling vineyard of the estate and Inle Lake shimmering in the distance – a view that could almost pass as Spain, France or Italy.
Because we’ve had lunch already, we got desserts to go with the wine.
Ko Htwe enjoying the garden with us.
Local snacks, which include ingredients to make 
Nothing spells more quintessential Burmese than 
my adventure odyssey 