Batanes has always been compared to Ireland when it comes to its cliffs. Though I myself haven’t been there, I know a couple of friends who has been there and had told me that the Cliffs of Batanes does remind them of Ireland. When in tour in Batanes, one of the favorite stops along the road is the Chanarian Viewdeck where you can have a closer inspection of the cliffs.
Chanarian Viewdeck is just a short drive south west of Basco before you enter the town of Mahatao. Just between the zigzagging road of Hanib and Mahatao. You wont miss the cemented view deck and benches on your right coming from Basco.
There are cemented stairs going down the cliffs. A lot has been damaged though so it is best to be careful when going down as some of the rocks and cemented steps are loose.
Be ready for some splashes when you reached the base. Waves pounding on the rocks can be surprisingly strong at times. There are also natural pools there where trapped water on natural ground holes turned bluish green. But what more than just to marvel at those magnificent cliffs here in Chanarian, Batanes.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.