Discover Kalinga’s hidden treasures from the mesmerizing Tinglayan Rice Terraces to the cultural immersion in Buscalan Village, this province offers diverse experiences. Hike Mount Binuluan, relax by Pasil River, or enjoy family fun at Ag-agama Water Park. Don’t miss the panoramic views of Sleeping Beauty Mountain and the untouched beauty of Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park. Adventure into Buaya Caves or unwind at Palan-ah Falls.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Philippines, Kalinga is a great destination for exploration and relaxation. Here are 10 must-see tourist spots that you should add to your Kalinga itinerary!
1. Tinglayan Rice Terraces
The Tinglayan Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Kalinga, Philippines. These ancient rice terraces are carved into the mountainsides and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The rice terraces were built by the Ifugao people over 2,000 years ago. They are a marvel of engineering and agriculture, and they are still used today to grow rice.
The Tinglayan Rice Terraces are best seen during the planting or harvesting seasons when the terraces are filled with water or rice. However, they are beautiful to see at any time of year. Visitors to the Tinglayan Rice Terraces can go for a hike through the terraces, visit a local village, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
For directions, click here.
2. Buscalan Village
Buscalan Village is a remote village in the municipality of Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines. It is known as the home of the Butbut tribe and is the last remaining village in the Philippines where traditional hand-tap tattooing is still practiced. The village is located in a mountainous area and can only be reached by a four- to six-hour hike from the nearest town. Once you arrive in Buscalan, you will be greeted by the friendly villagers who are always happy to welcome visitors.
There are a few homestays in Buscalan where visitors can stay. The homestays are basic but clean and comfortable. Visitors can also choose to camp in the village. One of the main things to do in Buscalan is to get a traditional Kalinga tattoo from Apo Whang-Od Oggay, the oldest known traditional tattoo artist in the Philippines. Apo Whang-Od is a living legend and her tattoos are highly sought-after by people from all over the world.
Aside from getting a tattoo, there are other things to enjoy in Buscalan. You can sit down and talk to the locals about their culture and traditions. You can also go for a hike in the surrounding mountains or visit the nearby waterfalls. Buscalan Village is a unique and special place. It is a place where you can experience traditional Kalinga culture and way of life. If you are looking for a truly authentic and unforgettable travel experience, then Buscalan Village is the place for you.
For directions, click here.
3. Kalinga Capitol Tourism Complex
The Kalinga Capitol Tourism Complex is a sprawling park located in the capital city of Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines. It is a popular tourist destination that features a variety of attractions, including a museum, a botanical garden, a zoo, and a children’s playground.
The museum at the Kalinga Capitol Tourism Complex houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Kalinga. The botanical garden features a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a butterfly sanctuary. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including monkeys, snakes, and birds. The children’s playground is a great place for kids to run around and play.
Aside from these attractions, the Kalinga Capitol Tourism Complex also features a number of other amenities, such as a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a picnic area. The complex is also a great place to simply relax and enjoy the outdoors. The Kalinga Capitol Tourism Complex is a great place to visit for people of all ages. It is a place where you can learn about Kalinga culture, see a variety of animals and plants, and have a fun and relaxing day.
For directions, click here.
4. Mount Binuluan
Mount Binuluan is a dormant volcano in the Kalinga province of the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. It is one of the highest peaks in the province, with a summit elevation of 2,329 meters (7,641 feet). Mount Binuluan is also known as Ambalatungan, which is its indigenous name in the Kalinga language.
Mount Binuluan is a popular destination for hiking and camping. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside along the way. The summit of Mount Binuluan offers panoramic views of the Cordillera Mountains, the Cagayan Valley, and the Ilocos region.
Mount Binuluan is also a sacred place for the indigenous Kalinga people. The mountain is believed to be home to spirits and deities. The Kalinga people often visit Mount Binuluan to pray and perform rituals. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding hike, or if you are interested in learning about the Kalinga culture, then Mount Binuluan is the perfect destination for you.
For directions, click here.
5. Pasil River
The Pasil River is a beautiful river that flows through the province of Kalinga, Philippines. It is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. The river is also home to a variety of aquatic life, including fish, shrimp, and crabs.
The Pasil River originates in the Cordillera Mountains and flows through several villages in Kalinga before emptying into the Cagayan River. The river is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Visitors to the Pasil River can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
Swimming: The Pasil River is a great place to swim, especially on a hot day. The water is clear and cool, and the riverbed is sandy and smooth.
Boating: Visitors can rent boats from local villagers and take a ride down the river. This is a great way to see the river and the surrounding countryside from a different perspective.
Fishing: The Pasil River is a great place to fish for a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and catfish. Visitors can fish from the shore or from a boat.
Picnicking: The Pasil River is a great place to have a picnic with friends or family. There are several spots along the river where visitors can set up a blanket and enjoy a meal.
For directions, click here.
6. Ag-agama Water Park
Ag-agama Water Park is a water park located in the town of Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines. It is a popular tourist destination that features a variety of water slides, pools, and other attractions. The water park is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Ag-agama Water Park is a great place to cool off on a hot day and have some fun with friends and family. The water park has a variety of water slides for all ages, including a wave pool, a lazy river, and a speed slide. There are also several pools for swimming and wading.
In addition to the water slides and pools, Ag-agama Water Park also has a number of other attractions, such as a zipline, a playground, and a picnic area. The park also has a restaurant and a souvenir shop. Ag-agama Water Park is a great place to visit for people of all ages. It is a place where you can cool off, have some fun, and relax.
7. Sleeping Beauty Mountain
Sleeping Beauty Mountain, also known as Mount Patukan, is a mountain ridge in the province of Kalinga, Philippines. It is called as such because the silhouette of the northern ridge resembles a sleeping woman.
Sleeping Beauty Mountain is a popular destination for hiking and photography. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside along the way. The summit of Sleeping Beauty Mountain offers panoramic views of the Cordillera Mountains, the Cagayan Valley, and the Ilocos region.
The mountain is also a sacred place for the indigenous Kalinga people. The Kalinga people believe that Sleeping Beauty Mountain is home to spirits and deities. They often visit the mountain to pray and perform rituals. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding hike, or if you are interested in learning about the Kalinga culture, then Sleeping Beauty Mountain is the perfect destination for you.
For directions, click here.
8. Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park
Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the municipality of Balbalan, Kalinga in the Cordillera Administrative Region. It is dubbed as the “green heart of the Cordillera” and was declared a national park in 1972 by virtue of Republic Act No. 6463.
The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including some that are endemic to the Philippines. The park’s forests are home to a variety of trees, including pine, oak, and dipterocarp trees. The park is also home to a variety of animals, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Some of the activities that visitors can enjoy in Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park include hiking, camping, birdwatching, and fishing. The park also has a number of waterfalls and swimming holes, which are popular destinations for visitors.
Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park is a beautiful and unique place. It is a place where visitors can experience the natural beauty of the Philippines, learn about the local culture, and relax and enjoy the outdoors.
For directions, click here.
9. Buaya Caves
Buaya Caves are a series of limestone caves located in the town of Balbalan, Kalinga, Philippines. The caves feature impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as a number of underground waterfalls. The caves are named after the Buaya River, which flows nearby. The river is believed to be home to a crocodile god by the indigenous Kalinga people.
Buaya Caves are a popular destination for spelunking and cave exploration. The caves are also a popular destination for birdwatching, as they are home to a variety of bats and other birds. To visit Buaya Caves, visitors must obtain a permit from the local tourism office. The caves are only accessible by guided tour.
For directions, click here.
10. Palan-ah Falls
Palan-ah Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the town of Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines. It is also known as Tulgao Falls, as it is located in the village of Tulgao. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Palan-ah Falls is a popular destination for swimming, picnicking, and photography. The waterfall is also a sacred place for the indigenous Kalinga people. The Kalinga people believe that Palan-ah Falls is home to spirits and deities.
To get to Palan-ah Falls, visitors must take a jeepney from the town of Tabuk to the village of Tulgao. The jeepney ride takes about an hour. Once in Tulgao, visitors must hike for about an hour to reach the waterfall.
The hike to Palan-ah Falls is challenging but rewarding. The trail is steep and slippery in some places, but it is worth it to reach the waterfall. The waterfall is about 30 meters high and the water is crystal clear. Palan-ah Falls is a beautiful and unique place. It is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Kalinga and learn about the local culture.
In conclusion
Kalinga is an amazing place to explore, offering a variety of attractions and activities for all ages. From the Kalinga Capitol Tourism Complex to Mount Binuluan, Pasil River, Ag-agama Water Park, Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park, Buaya Caves and Palan-ahFalls, Kalinga has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or an opportunity to learn about the local culture, Kalinga is sure to have something that will suit your needs. So why not take a trip to Kalinga and explore all it has to offer? You won’t be disappointed!
