The Immaculate Stone Houses of Batanes

I visited the northernmost province of the Philippines, Batanes with its picturesque views and serene landscape. The iconic stone houses, locally known as Ivatan houses, caught my attention and piqued my curiosity. The houses are made of limestone and cogon grass, designed to withstand the frequent typhoons and earthquakes. The Ivatans' way of building houses is a testament to their craftsmanship and resourcefulness. Besides, I was fascinated by the fact that these houses could withstand time and calamities. The Ivatan’s indigenous culture and traditions have been recognised as unique by UNESCO. The traditional cuisine too was a notch above. I particularly enjoyed the coconut crabs cooked with turmeric and ginger.