Oh I’m so wanting ahead to this. After days of mountain climbing round Batanes, and not too long ago a few each day hikes in Itbayat I used to be craving for a spot quiet to relaxation and recharge. I’m excited to spend an evening in Diura, an idyll fishing village in a quiet cove, east of Mahatao. I had been to Diura Fishing Village a number of occasions however haven’t tried spending an evening. I wished to take dawn pictures on the bay so being there can be advantageous. Our boat for Basco from Itbayat ought to have left already 2 hours in the past. However I needed to wait for two cows and a couple of pigs on the boat. The sudden malfunction on the crane to hoist the cows added to the agonizing wait. I assume its just a bit extra time to endure for that a lot awaited repose.
Diura Fishing Village
Disembarking at Basco port, I instantly headed to Monica’s Canteen and Catering alongside Amboy St. I’m fairly acquainted with Monica since she  used to work in a lodging in Basco I frequent. She has a spot in Diura the place I keep in mind bringing a few of our Backpack Images members earlier than. Now she had put up her personal personal enterprise and from the seems of it, its booming. She invited me to remain at their new place on the Diura Fishing Village. She stated they’re nonetheless fixing it up however hadn’t time to handle. I stated positive, I don’t thoughts. I simply needing a mattress, a roof in my head and a spot to do a number of days value of laundry.
Aldrin of Monica’s was form sufficient to drive me to Diura driving his tricycle with open side-car. It was cool even below the mid-day solar. Street situations actually have improved in Batanes. Virtually all roads are paved now. We entered the acquainted Diura Fishing Village. A lighthouse now stands there, a small digital one not the grand picturesque stone and concrete lighthouse.
I keep in mind Monica’s previous cottage on the higher avenue stage of Diura the place individuals would sometimes don conventional Ivatan garbs for pictorial. Monica’s new place is 2 homes up larger simply being the small chapel of the village. Aldrin shortly made up the place, changing the mattress sheets, sweeping the ground and securing the home windows. I may see that typically they themselves go right here in addition to a few of their toiletries and even condiments are right here. Aldrin tells me they do go loosen up right here typically. And after opening up the home windows, who couldn’t loosen up right here? Framed is Mt Irayat, Madi Bay and the homes under. I heated water, ready myself espresso and sat by the window and unfastened myself watching the afternoon go by.
Madi Bay Dawn
The home windows had been left open whereas I slept. I may see the small village illuminated by the complete moon. It was breezy and funky that I slept comfortably till my alarm sounded round 3:30AM. Days are longer this time of June. By 4:00AM I may already see colours forming within the sky. I bought my gear prepared and began to stroll in the direction of the shore. I didn’t must hurry. What a comfort. I see the lighthouse signaling mild throughout the bay. I discovered myself a great place, anticipating the place the solar would rice.
I may hear the pebble rumble close to the shore because the waves pull again at sea. Slowly the sunshine was at play and the clouds appears prancing away from the horizon. I feel it was one of the best mild and climate situation I had shot on this place. As early as 5:00 AM I may already see Mataws (fishermen) attending to their Tatayas (small Batanes boats with out outriggers). It’s previous their official fishing season for Arayu (mahi-mahi or dorado) from April to Might however some fishermen nonetheless fish for different kinds like dibang (flying fish).
To the Spring of Youth
Returned to my lodging and ready myself noodles, with bread and occasional for breakfast. It was nonetheless early however I wished to stroll across the village. It nonetheless is similar with Diura Fishing Village I do know besides that now some homes has been was lodging/homestay cottages. There’s one other catering enterprise except for Monica’s. Homes nonetheless have loads of dorado hanging out to dry for the reason that fishing season not too long ago ended. I stroll previous a number of college students heading to highschool. There’s a small grade faculty right here close to the pigpens. It doesn’t scent although. In all probability due to the ocean breeze.
The highway to Raku-a-idi Spring or popularly often known as Spring of Youth (typically known as Fountain of Youth) is properly paved with half of the best way already cemented. I feel motorbikes and even tricycles can attain the stone stairs resulting in the spring a few kilometer stroll from the village. I loved the stroll nonetheless as the upper the path goes, I may see the vastness of Diura’s cove.
Age-old Beliefs
What fascinated me extra as I’m going down the stone steps the place the quite a few columnar stones with exactly reduce holes. I’ve seen these at idjang notably in Savidug however right here, they’re scattered on the fringes resulting in the spring. These columnar stones are indicators of early settlement. What they’re there for continues to be being discovered. Are they used as instruments or as spiritual symbols? Who is aware of however it might even be the basis for the mataw’s perception within the Diura Fishing Village. The kapayvanuvanua ritual to begin the arayu fishing season to guard the fishermen and the magical aqua-colored beads known as mutin.
The Spring of Youth is at a spot they name Riacoyde. It’s not as naked as I final visited the place. Cottages, bamboo benches, restrooms and a man-made pool is now there. The pool doesn’t have water although so I made do bathing on the small basin on the place the spring flows. Folks right here imagine that the water has therapeutic properties. Probably not positive if that was true. I did had a refreshing time there by my lonesome having fun with its clear cool waters. Oh it was a good suggestion to remain in a single day right here in Diura. I really feel revitalized.
Important Information
Diura Fishing Village is 3km from the city of Mahatao. From Basco, BATODA tricycles (0929.703.8404) can take you there for Php 200 a method. There aren’t any tricycles in Diura however close by tricycles from Mahatao (MATODA 0930.373.2854) can fetch passengers and produce them to Basco for Php 200 as properly.
For in a single day keep in Diura, you may attempt Monica’s Cottage. Contact 0908.505.4765 or 0999.553.1738. There are meals catering companies in Diura however could be costly. Higher deliver your personal meals. There’s a lone retailer close to the doorway of the village.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications similar to Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to varied organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Youngsters and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality pictures for his or her advertising and marketing supplies.
