Racuh-a-Idi Spring of Youth

Sitio Diura is a fishing village in Mahatao. But this trip is not in the common itinerary of South Batan Tour. Curiosity landed us there- to the legend of the Spring of Youth.  

The story goes like this: "Once there was a mother with 2 sick children, she brought them to different healers and still couldn't cure them. The children's situation are getting severe that the mom is hopeless of any cure. While they were on a strange place, an enchanted voice told the mother to let her children be soaked and drink water from the nearby stream. And she followed what the mysterious voice said. Just like where everything is possible, the children are back on their feet in a day. News scattered in various directions. Amazed by the healing property of the spring water, the community call it "Spring of Youth".

Today, the spring was enclosed in a manmade basin. The view of Mt. Iraya and the Pacific Ocean, enjoined by the trees sheltering the area added tranquility to the setting. Racuh-a-Idi (Racuaydi) spring is said to be visited by people believing in its healing potential..

Disclaimer: The story of Racuh-a-Idi Spring of Youth was based on what I understand from the story of our Guide. However, the story derived from the known tour operator in Batanes as we talked, is more elaborate. According to Ryan, the legend of the Spring of youth came from the old folks of Mahatao. Thank You Ryan Lara Cardona for the additional pieces of information, the story is now at the back of my head! Again, Thank you!

Sabtang, Batanes

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.