Sabtang Island is about 30 minutes away from Ivana Port. Most tourists arrived at the port at around 7:00 in the morning. Locals said that there is an earlier boat to Sabtang at 6:00AM. 7:00AM are usually booked by the tour operators for their guests.
Sabtang comprises of 6 barangays or villages. But for a half day tour of the island, only the 4 neighboring villages can be rounded. Boat leave Sabtang for Ivana at noon time (depends on the tide). Lunch are prepared on the seaside in an open air shade. Have yourself a treat of coconut crab sold by the locals. Coconut crab garnering is a way of livelihood of the community in Sabtang.
The Malakdang Lighthouse aka Sabtang Lighthouse was under renovation and off limits to tourists, but I am persistent to see it, so I asked the guide to bring us nearer to see the lighthouse even from a fair distance.
Next stop is the famed Stone Arch of Sabtang and the Morong Beach. Here, I took my shirt off and bathed in the beach for like 5 minutes before having my shot at the arch to somehow lessen the people having their time of selfies and groupies with the arch. The beach is so inviting!
The sky is clear and the scenery of the Chamantad-Tinyan viewpoint is admirable, another paradise for picture addicts like me.
I am covered in sweat, and out of extra shirt, I refreshed myself by sipping a fresh coconut juice for P20.00 from the vendors at the nipa hut stalls in the area, And I bought another shirt to replace my wet top. Also, I ate "lugaw" with egg for P12.00.
Next stop is Chavayan Village, a living museum of olden structures and cultures. The place is famed for its antiquated stone houses from over 100 years ago. I visited the home of the late Marcelo Hostallero, the then recognized oldest Ivatan (not in the picture).
Also from Chavayan Village in Sabtang, this place of worship is a memorable one.
To really experience what Sabtang Island has to offer, one has to stay overnight.
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