Wakay Tours, the premiere booking and travel agency in
the province of Batanes recently made a history in the tourism industry of this
northernmost island in the Philippines, by hosting the first ever cruise ship
to land and visit this beautiful province of Region II.
Caledonian Sky cruise ship made its historic voyage to
Basco last March 17, 2017 along with 70 mostly American tourists, the stop over
that lasted for almost 8 hours is the last leg of the Philippine tour for the
said cruise before heading to Taiwan.
Wakay (Ivatan term for Sweet Potato) spearhead the
arrival of tourist from Basco Pier going to their first destination, the giant Basco
Lighthouse that serve as the good destination to see the magnificent view of
Batanes from up above the hills. It is located in Naidi Hill, a former
resettlement area that also house a old battery office that was bomb during
Japanese invasion time.
The fast and moving tour is also assisted by eight
dynamic and professional national tour guides from Tour Guide Federation of the
Philippines headed by its President Albert Gadia, they help and motivate Ivatan
guides that lead different tour van of guest, from Caledonian Sky.
After Basco Lighthouse the tour directly go to Japanese
Tunnel also located in one of Basco beautiful mountains, this tunnel was purely
made by Ivatans as commission by Japanese invaders way back then. They proceed to Diora fishing village, where
Ivatans traditional fishing is showcase. As part of customs, when fishing
season start by March, a ritual of sacrificing a boar is taking place to have a
blessing for bountiful harvest at the sea. They usually aim for Dolphin Fish or
Dorado as called by them. Flying Fish or Dibang is the one they use as bait to
catch the precious Dorado. Prior to that they also use fresh water shrimp to
catch Dibang then it will be used to catch the said target fish.
A short program takes place at Ivana to welcome this
special tourist, they were greeted by the locals and cultural presentation of
dances and songs is also presented.
The last leg of the tour happens in Sabtang, a nearby
island town that can be reach 30 minutes from Ivana, this is where the living
museum of Batanes is located where old and authentic Ivatan houses made from
stones are still standing along with their beliefs and culture. Another special
program is also held organize by the local Government of Sabtang to welcome
this once in a lifetime guests.
This first cruise ship travel in Batanes by Caledonian
Sky is indeed a success, they prove that being the most typhoon visited place
in the country, and the most expensive to visit locally is still a worth of
your hard earn money to spend with, the beautiful sceneries and its warm people
called Ivatans are the best experience you will treasure forever.
Caledonian Sky visit is also made possible with Zegrahm
Expeditions and Sharp Travel Service.
Batanes this 2017 is expected to host more Cruise ship arrival since it
is a new destination to be offer in cruise ship tour packages.
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