About
Hi, I'm Mara — and I can't stop coming back to Batanes
I'm a Manila-based writer and photographer who fell hard for the northernmost islands of the Philippines. Exploring Batanes is my notebook of trips, mistakes, and small discoveries.
Why I built this blog
My first trip to Batanes was a mess of wrong assumptions. I packed for a beach holiday and arrived to cool wind, dramatic skies, and a pace of life that asked me to slow down. I had no real plan, paid too much for things I could have done myself, and still ended up having the trip of my life.
When I got home I couldn't find honest, detailed guides written by someone who'd actually lingered there. So I started writing my own — clear itineraries, real costs, and the kind of quiet places that don't make it onto a one-day tour.
Today this blog is part travel guide, part love letter. Whether you're planning your first visit or just dreaming from your desk, I hope it helps you see Batanes the way it deserves to be seen.
How I write
Honest by default
Real prices, real travel times, and the things that didn't go to plan — no sugar-coating.
Slow travel
I'd rather stay three nights in one village than tick off ten spots in a day. The islands reward patience.
Local first
Homestays, family-run eateries, and community guides — the people of Batanes make every trip.
Have a question about Batanes?
I answer every message personally. Tell me your dates and what you're hoping to see.
Send a message