Lagen Island Resort, El Nido

El Nido Island is a little gem; unknown to many but visited by few. I am blessed to be one of those who have stepped their feet on this haven in the Philippines.

Where We Stayed:

We spent our weekend in Lagen Island Resort, nestled between a lush forest and a tranquil lagoon. It serves as the sanctuary not just for the people but for various kinds of birds and mammals as well.

The warmth and hospitality of the staff made our stay an extraordinary and memorable one.

The Water Cottage located by the lagoon faces a clear and crystal blue waters, perfect for de-stressing from the busy city life. The rooms are very well-ventilated, truly suited for an island resort.

The pool, with tall coconut trees standing surrounding the area, is an eye-candy.

The resort's chef grilled us some tasty, fresh fishes, making our lunch one of the best.

Island Activities:

Aside from diving and snorkeling, we also visited the famous Big and Small Lagoon, an altar and a cave within the island.

We also got to see the Pacalsada’s Balete Tree. It’s famous for an old tale in which three young men serenaded the tree and two women in white appeared from the trunk. The women told the men they have such a wonderful voice and invited them to sing with the women inside the tree. Out of fear, the men ran off and said to be speechless for a month.

The balete tree was said to chime in sounds of different kinds, including ships passing, airplanes flying and bombs exploding which lead people to think about the World War II.

Not only that, we were able to paddle board under a very fine weather, too. We're so lucky to experience this paradise under the bearable heat of the sun, knowing Philippines in this time of year has a rainy season.

Our island hopping experience turned out to be very special because of the beautiful hymn of the ocean's waves.

Highlight of the Trip:

What I like most about my weekend escapade was the  early morning sunrise cruise.

From our resort, we sailed to another island and stayed there to witness the beauty of the sun coming out, alive and bright. Watching this magnificent view beside my beautiful wife and with a cup of coffee on hand was the time I thought to myself, what a terrific life I have.

Waking up as early as 4:30 AM was really hard but totally worth it.

Until next time, I’m your friendly global traveler, Johnny, encouraging you to step back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful gift our nature has to offer.

Batanes Islands, Philippines

 

The Batanes Group of Islands is located in the northernmost part of the Philippines. It is the smallest province of the country with Basco, as its capital city.

 

The islands’ backdrop comprises of hills, mountains, and vast views of South China Sea and Pacific Ocean. Although it is not the most accessible destination in the Philippines, Batanes is considered as one of the most beautiful and picturesque places to visit in the world.  The best time to travel to Batanes is during its summer season, mid-March to June.

The native people in Batanes are called Ivatans. They live in a house made of stones that can endure strong typhoons. 

Ivatans are known for wearing Vakul, a traditional headdress that is worn to protect them from the heat of the sun and keep them dry when it rains. It is made from abaca fiber of the Philippine Date Palm or Voyavoy leaves.

Unlike most parts of the country, Batanes is gifted with a pleasant and cool weather. It enjoys four seasons climate with temperature that sinks as low as 7 degrees Celsius during winter.

The island promises scenic, panoramic views of mountains, hills, and lighthouses. An array of stunning places is there to feast your eyes.

Batanes is home to various century-old churches that portray the rich history of Batanes.  Among these churches is the Sto. Domingo Cathedral – the first Catholic Church built in the island during the Spanish colonization. It dates back around the early part of 18th century.

Another remarkable place of worship in the island is the Tukon Chapel – a unique little chapel made of stones. It sits beautifully atop foothill.

 

One should not miss visiting the Vayang Rolling Hills as it is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in Batanes. The Vayang Rolling Hills is brilliant for having a magnificent backdrop of grass, blue sky, and the fascinating view of the South China Sea. 

If you want to experience a unique beach getaway, head to the Valugan boulder beach. The place is covered with countless of boulders, creating a fascinating landscape. With its jagged terrain, this beach destination bids you an unforgettable adventure! Just before you leave the place, don't forget to take a nice photo while sitting on rocks amid the rolling sea waves.

The Rapang Cliff is a natural park in Batanes that is home to natural cliffs and rocky hills. Amidst its spectacular scenery, this place also showcases various natural wonders such as bonsai arius trees and a natural stone bell that lies naturally on the ground, producing sounds of a bell when you strike it with another stone.

One more gem that’s there to see is the famous Basco Lighthouse – a 6-storey building nestled on a hill with scenic views of the open sea. It’s viewing deck lets you see the whole of Batan Island. 

And after a day full of wonderful explorations and adventures, it's always best to end the day with a relaxing view of the sunset.

Exploring Batanes does not end here. The island offers countless of attractions to see, activities to try, culture to immerse in, and cuisines you'd love to taste. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to this amazing island and know what you're missing out!

HOW TO GET THERE:

from Manila, one (1) hour and forty minutes via air travel


Till next time, I'm your friendly global traveler, Johnny, signing out!