BATANES OF THE WEST ❤

Bataan is my hometown and the place where I grew up but this is my very first time to explore the beauty of it.

My three younger sisters (one of them is @jairizontalavera) and I went to visit our cousins in Mariveles Bataan and they promised us a tour in their so-called "Batanes of the West". They always talk about it whenever we have a family reunion.

To go to Mariveles:

If you are from any place in Bataan, Manila or, Olongapo, you just ride a Genesis bus going to Mariveles.
Upon arriving at the bus terminal the next thing you need to do is to hire a tricycle that will drive you anywhere you want to go (Brgy. Sisiman, Boat Rentals, Transient houses, Cottages).
The fare is only 10 PHP per person. Riding a jeepney is not really much needed because it's just a small town.

SO LET'S BEGIN OUR JOURNEY TO THE PARADISE! ❤

Day 1

We took a one-hour bus ride from Dinalupihan to Mariveles and we arrived around 3 o'clock in the afternoon. We talked about how life has been because we didn't see each other for almost a year. Haha. After a gladsome conversation, we ate lunch in their house. Afterwards, we proceeded to our long awaited tour.

We took a tricycle from their house to Brgy. Sisiman and the driver pulled over at exactly Sisiman Bay. We were so excited to see this hidden gem of Bataan.

First, we went to see the Sisiman Bay. Different rock formations and pebbles spread around a clear blue beach.

As the sun glamorously emits its warmth and radiance it never hindered us from ranging over the sceneries of the bay.

A rock mountain caught my eyes as it stands beside the beach. This 700ft high is called the San Miguel Peak.

There are large rocks scattered around the site. According to the residents, they are debris made by the Japanese invaders who blasted the site to hide their treasure.

We wanted to take a better look on the summit but rock to rock hopping and climbing is too much for us. I am 5'11 but I am afraid of heights. Haha. But I will be wearing the armor of fortitude and fearlessness to be able to climb the summit of the hill we are going after this.

We also saw the Sisiman Lighthouse which is a perfect view together with the beach and sky.

It stands tall as if it is the guard of the ocean and the guide of the sailors travelling.

We roamed around the Laki Beach, took some photos of the peak and the lighthouse before we headed to another adventure!

The sun shining through the bay keeps the surroundings warm and keeps your spirit of adventure burning.

Then, we hiked a hill near the lighthouse which there is a grotto on the summit and a cross.

According to the locals, this was where the Filipino soldiers had their quiet time. Praying and resting after a day of war.

This is the moment that every step I'm taking, I'm praying. Haha. Praying that I could finish my steps onto the top and enjoy the view on the summit. Without vomiting. Hahaha.

AND I REALLY DID IT!!!! I AM SO PROUD OF MYSELF

At the top, a spectacular view awaits those who endured at least 200 steps – among which can be seen are the houses, buildings and factories in Mariveles, the island of Corregidor, the vastness of the sea and Mount Mariveles.

I felt like as I am the King of the World when we reached the summit. All mine. Everything I am seeing belongs to me. 👑 That's what my feelings and reflexes wanted to scream out upon reaching the summit.

We stayed there until the sun descended. We watched until the sun can't reach our eyes and hide behind the mountains.

We want to capture the beauty of the bay and those amazing hues and silhouettes. We did a little photoshoot as a remembrance :)

Blue sky turning into orange and finally dark.

@jairizontalavera wanted the sun to be her wings. I don't really get it why she want that but it turned out be a great photo. Credits to me!

And then she returned the favor. Haha. Thanks sissy

When the darkness filled the sky, we went home, dine with the family and sleep to gain energy for tomorrow.

I want you to meet the very hospitable family that took good care of us. Steamed chicken for dinner is the besttttt! ❤

We decided to sleep in one room so we didn't consume so much space. We are used in sleeping together since we are little. Maybe that's why we are so close until now.

Before sleeping, I realized that Bataan had so much history. And Filipinos really fought hard to save our country so don't take it for granted. You need to know your country and don't just live in it. Even the nature, the beauty of it brings you peace so don't let anything take away that peace. Do everything to maintain that beauty.

After we got tired of talking, we finally went so sleep.

Day 2

When the morning came, we can't wait to reach our next destination. We ate our breakfast and headed onto our adventure. We didn't took a bath because we will go swimming on one of the islands. Haha. Thinking of saving water.

OUR NEXT ADVENTURE!!

THE FIVE FINGERS COVE!!

The booth for boat rental was just a 15-minute walk from our cousin's house. they have a friend who graciously lend us a boat FOR FREE!!! He also volunteered to be our driver. WOW. THE BATAEÑOS ARE SO KINDDDDD!!!
We saved so much money because the fee for the boat is 2,000 up to 5,000 pesos. We just gave him snacks and a pack of cigarette for his service. Haha. The boat has no roof though but never mind the heat! It was freeeeeeeee!!!

So we rode a boat to reach the different islands. Scary at first but I really enjoyed it especially when waves kept our boat swinging. I even sat at the bow of the boat.

I am the captain of this ship!

I'm the first human being to go to the beach with a hood. Hahaha. No to UV RAYS!

And I discovered that the water is not just clear. IT'S CRYSTAL CLEAR!

You can see the rocks underneath and those fishes swimming around it.

WE FIRST REACHED THE PULONG KAWAYAN COVE!

A huge adobe wall is one of the best sites to see here.

I never got a chance to climb the wall because I served as their photographer. Kuya duties. 😂

My sisters climbed it to have a better view of the sea and it is indeed astonishing.

Rock formation in the vast body of water made me wonder. Simply amazing.

It also consists of huge rock formations scattered around the beach. And when I say "huge", huge enough to be called as an island.

The sun never bothered me anyway. :) I didn't really care anymore as long as I enjoyed the moment. Haha.

After that, we went to Nagbintana Arch also known as Little finger.

It is a huge rock formation lying in shallow water. It is called Nagbintana arch since there is a small window-like tunnel in the middle of this rock formation.

This tunnel can serve as a great background for a photoshooooot!!! 😂 And we didn't waste our chance to take our pictures and let Nagbintana Arch to be our photobomber.

Seems like I'm about to flyyyyy. Wait for my superhero landing. 😂

Just a korean girl. Hahaha.

Few meters away from the Nagbintana Arch, we saw a multi-layered rock formation perfect for an Instagram post. 😂

This is called Pia Wurtzbach Rock because it looks like the crown of the Miss Universe.

See the resemblance? Haha. Well, I can see it. :)

This island also has a very spectacular view of different shades of blue sea.

Clear to Dark. All blue is in there.

We stopped in this island to swim and feel the water.
We don't know how to swim so we needed a life vest to survive. Haha.

I HAD FUN EVEN MY LIFE IS AT RISK. HAHA

I'm so shocked thinking it was only 6 feet but when I looked below, it felt like I'm on top of a three storey building. NO JOKE. But I enjoyed looking at it.

THE PEACE THAT IT BRINGS TO YOUR MIND AND SOUL.

After swimming, I cherished every view and can't help myself but to take pictures of this wonderful nature.

LAND, WATER, AIR, SKY, SUN, CLOUDS. Seeing all of it in one place. Such an amazing experience.

After a tiring but worth it day, we went home, shared laughter and stories. We slept with a smile on our face feeling we're still floating in the sea under a clear blue sky.

I HOPE AFTER READING THIS POST, EVERYONE WILL FIND BATAAN AS AN INTERESTING TOURIST DESTINATION :)

We have so much to offer than our history and culture :)

THANK YOU FOR READING AND I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!

Till next time! ❤