Located on the northeast tip of Luzon Island, the province of Cagayan is a paradise for nature lovers and historical past buffs. Cagayan was initially one of many earliest provinces established within the Spanish colonial interval masking the entire northeastern a part of the island of Luzon, so you may anticipate it to be wealthy in each heritage and pure points of interest.
Whereas the capital metropolis of Tuguegarao has saved up the tempo with different fashionable regional hubs, a lot of the province’s points of interest within the different 28 municipalities stay uncooked and rugged. Vacationers are suggested to take it gradual and benefit from the journey whereas in search of out secret spots for spelunking, trekking, climbing, browsing, and extra.
The province’s new tagline “Limitless Enjoyable in Cagayan” displays not solely the varied points of interest but in addition the heat of its folks. Since Cagayan nonetheless stays off the vacationer radar in comparison with among the nation’s different seaside and island locations, guests can anticipate a heat welcome, a lot fanfare, and real invites from locals to return even when they haven’t even left.
Touring by land on public transportation from Manila to Cagayan is an extended journey, with bus journeys and drives lasting wherever from 12 to fifteen hours. The lengthy stretch of nationwide highways beckon to bikers, motorbike lovers, and adventurous street trippers. For enterprise and leisure vacationers who don’t wish to endure the lengthy journey time, home flights make journeys far more handy and hassle-free.
Philippine Air Traces (PAL), the nation’s flag service, flies from Manila to Tuguegarao every day with mid-morning schedules making Cagayan and neighboring provinces within the mainland Cagayan Valley Area (together with Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino) in addition to elements of the Cordillera area (Kalinga and Apayao) extra accessible to these coming from Metro Manila and past. Ebook flights by way of www.philippineairlines.com/.
- PR 2014 – Manila to Tuguegarao – 8:45 am – 9:50 am every day
- PR 2015 – Tuguegarao to Manila – 10:35 am – 11:35 am every day
Callao Cave
Point out Cagayan and pictures of Callao Cave instantly come to thoughts. The seven-chamber present cave is probably the most well-known pure vacationer spot and was not too long ago acknowledged as an necessary cultural property of the Philippines. Positioned throughout the Peñablanca Protected Panorama and Seascape, Callao Cave is accessible by climbing 184 concrete steps.
Of the seven chambers, the primary cathedral-like cavern has been became a chapel by the locals. A pure crevice from the cave’s ceiling illuminates the in any other case darkish cave. The very best time to go to is round noontime to see a direct stream of sunshine shining down on the altar from above. Plenty are held right here and the pure chapel has additionally served as a novel wedding ceremony venue for just a few adventurous {couples}.
Pinacanauan River Cruise
From the identical jump-off as Callao Cave, guests can cruise down the Pinacanauan River, one of many clearest and cleanest river techniques within the nation. Benefit from the view of caves, rock formations, limestones, and plush environment as your boat makes its method downstream.
Actions within the space embody kayaking, mountain climbing, and back-to-basics tenting. When you’re fortunate, you may catch the every day circadian flight of bats from the Bat Cave that usually happens at nightfall.
Sierra Cave
When you’re within the temper for an excessive journey (and have time to spare), you too can spend just a few hours exploring Sierra Cave, additionally accessible from the identical jump-off level as Callao Cave. In contrast to the dry and open chambers of Callao, be ready to crouch and crawl via slim caverns on this winding cave system. This exercise will not be for the claustrophobic, but it surely does make for a unique form of journey, particularly for repeat guests.
Baggao Bluewater Falls and Cave System & Lipit Canyon
Enterprise deep into the city of Baggao and also you’ll be rewarded with one of the crucial majestic blue lagoons and cascading waterfall techniques within the nation. It’s straightforward to lose observe of time right here as you’ll wish to cease to take photographs at each enchanting nook, marvel on the cascades, and bounce into the cool waters.
Take the river path that passes via a number of small waterfalls and huge swimming pools excellent for swimming. From there, you may traverse again via a forest path, taking a detour to Lipit Canyon, a slim stream fenced off by towering rock formations. Guests are required to put on life vests for security and might solely enter with assistance from native guides. Put together to unplug as properly, as there’s no cell phone sign within the space. With the quiet stretches of nation roads, grime trails, and pure surroundings, Baggao affords an ideal spot for bikepacking adventures, with this as a foremost spotlight for R & R.
Pussian Forest Lake
Pussian Forest Lake or Pussian SWIP (Small Water Impounding Challenge) is a peaceable spot within the city of Alcala the place locals often go for picnics and easy nature breaks.
Riders and cyclists will take pleasure in capturing the breeze right here after lengthy rides. Cottages can be found for hire for about P100 pesos for 4 hours. Guests may discover the encompassing space on wood rafts for a minimal price of P50 pesos per individual.
Palaui Island
The Palaui Island Protected Panorama and Seascape off the northeastern extremity of Luzon Island gained worldwide fame because the filming location for 2 seasons of the long-running actuality present Survivor again in 2013.
Take your decide from the details across the space to go to, together with Cape Engaño, Engaño Cove, Anguib Seaside, and Crocodile Island. Those that wish to keep in a single day and trek to different spots can base in Punta Verde, a nature village with a tenting web site and homestay choices.
Cape Engaño
With a reputation meaning engaging, Cape Engaño Cove is a must-visit particularly for first-timers. Hike up a concrete path to the Cape Engaño Lighthouse, one of many 4 lighthouses constructed through the Spanish colonial interval and accomplished in 1892.
Positioned 92 meters above sea stage, this lighthouse supplies a 360-degree view of Babuyan Island and Dos Hermanas Island (Two Sisters) on the North, the Pacific Ocean on the West, and Engaño Cove on the East.
Crocodile Island
On the way in which again, you too can go by Crocodile Island, so named due to its form. Swim within the clear waters close to the shore or hike up the rock formation to get good views of the coast. Half-day journeys are advisable for island-hopping excursions in order that boats can keep away from battling robust waves to achieve the totally different factors of curiosity.
Cagayan Museum
Artwork and historical past buffs will wish to pay a go to to the Cagayan Museum, proper throughout Rizal Park in Tuguegarao Metropolis. The well-curated museum showcases a wealthy assortment of artifacts, antiques, ethnography, commerce wares, and liturgical works in addition to fossils of animals endemic to the area that at the moment are extinct.
Church buildings and heritage websites
The Cagayan Valley Area is house to main heritage church buildings, which showcase Filipino heritage within the Spanish colonial period from the sixteenth till the nineteenth century. These church buildings are high attracts for non secular vacationers from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces particularly throughout Holy Week.
Our Woman of Piat, dubbed because the Pilgrimage Middle of the North, is house to the 407-year-old Black Virgin Mary. First dropped at the nation from Macau in 1604, the picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary enshrined in Piat because the city’s patroness is taken into account one of the crucial commemorated Marian pictures.
The Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral or Tuguegarao Cathedral, an 18th-century Baroque church initially constructed by Dominican friars and one of many largest church buildings in Cagayan Valley, can also be a high vacationer landmark for pilgrimage excursions.
The St. Philomene Church or Alcala Church, a placing crimson brick church that dates again to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, is alleged to be the widest church within the nation.
Very close to the Alcala Church, you may go to the Dolores Ponce Heritage Home, an ancestral home initially inbuilt 1908. The home was mentioned to be occupied by the Japanese Imperial Military throughout World Struggle II and served as a hospital for wounded troopers. At the moment, it’s a dwelling museum that showcases furnishings, non secular artifacts, and different vintage collections.
The Santo Domingo De Guzman Parish Church, with its placing crimson brick facade, is the one remaining Spanish colonial-era church in Lal-lo.
The Tocolana Ruins are all that stay of the Tocolana Church initially constructed through the seventeenth century, after many years of earthquakes, floods, and shelling throughout WWII. Whereas the church advanced has not been restored, the positioning of the ruins has been maintained with well-kept lawns and flower gardens that guests can take pleasure in for picnics and picture ops.
Pancit Batil Patung
Some of the iconic dishes in Cagayan, pancit batil patung is a noodle dish produced from miki noodles, topped with a crushed (batil) egg drop soup and topped (patong) with a poached egg. The staple dish is served in humble eateries across the province, with every panciteria giving its spin on toppings from sautéed carabeef, bean sprouts, greens and chicharon. Head to Tabing Tulay Panciteria to get a view of the Buntun Bridge whereas having fun with heaping plates of this noodle dish value. Their solo servings begin at P100 per plate.
Pawa
Pawa is a pleasant candy delicacy fabricated from glutinous rice, floor peanuts, and muscovado sugar. It’s generally bought exterior the church in Piat. Pair this deal with with a cup of scorching chocolate or espresso for a light-weight snack after visiting the close by church.
Patupat
Patupat are bite-sized items of sweetened glutinous rice, coconut milk, sugar and salt wrapped in a balisungsong (cone form) of a younger banana leaf. Like different forms of kakanin (rice delicacies), that is additionally finest loved with a scorching chocolate drink or slices of ripe mango.
Tupig
A candy rice cake produced from glutinous rice flour combined with brown sugar, or muscovado, and gentle strands of younger coconut meat (macapuno).
Milk Sweet
Smooth and chewy treats produced from pure carabao milk, a specialty in Alcala. Varied sweet makers from Tuguegarao Metropolis, together with Teaño Alcala, Dairy East, Alcala Sweets, and Segovia’s Best, specialize on this candy deal with.
Chicha-rabao
Carabao chicharon are puffy, crisp, and ethereal cracklings produced from carabao pores and skin as an alternative of pork pores and skin or fats. This memento merchandise is available in common, garlic, and spicy flavors, finest dipped in vinegar and paired with beer as bar chow.
Cornick/Corn Crunchies
Crunchy toasted corn kernels seasoned with salt and different flavors. Packs of those make good memento gadgets, as they don’t expire simply and may be discovered extensively in native markets and memento retailers.
Crabs and seafood specialties
Buguey is a small coastal city identified for its unique fishery merchandise, notably high-quality crabs which has earned it the moniker of “Crab Capital of the North.”
The Crab Lodge inside El Presidente Seaside Resort in Buguey has upgraded its services, with a contemporary restaurant serving seafood specialties like steamed crab, crab in coconut milk, and even a complete lechon full of crabs inside, for particular events and huge teams. Malaga (rabbitfish) is one other specialty right here.
TRIVIA: Buguey hosts three festivals celebrating the city’s wealthy culinary heritage and nature’s bounty.
- July: Guraman and Malaga Pageant – pays homage to Buguey’s fishing heritage and marine sources
- October: Mud Crab Pageant – champions the city’s prized mud crab
- April: Lechon Pageant – celebrates the Filipino favourite of lechon or roast pig
Las Palmas
If you would like a homey base in Tuguegarao Metropolis, think about Las Palmas de San Jose Leisure Membership. This resort was previously a home transformed right into a resort. Las Palmas affords snug rooms, a small swimming pool, poolside eating, and breakfast of native fare.
Test room charges and e-book stays at Las Palmas Cagayan right here.
Blue Coast Seaside Lodge
When you’re in search of a peaceable getaway within the city of Santa Ana, Blue Coast Seaside Lodge is a brand new premier beachfront retreat on the town. Blue Coast affords fashionable beach-inspired rooms, a swimming pool, and an in-house bar and restaurant.
The well-designed resort is positioned close to the shores of Nangaramoan and Pozo Robo Seaside, making it a perfect alternative for many who wish to benefit from the seaside away from all of it. It’s a greater base for these planning to go on Palaui island-hopping journeys, as Santa Ana is roughly a 2 to 3-hour drive from Tuguegarao Metropolis.
Test room charges and e-book stays at Blue Coast Seaside Lodge Cagayan right here.
Thanks to everybody from the Cagayan Tourism and the native LGUs we visited for the nice and cozy hospitality and exhibiting us the fantastic thing about your private home province. For inquiries and extra particulars on totally different locations, go to Cagayan Tourism’s web site: www.visitcagayan.ph/
#Cagayan #CagayanProvince #CagayanTourism #EndlessFunCagayan
Particular due to Philippine Air Traces (PAL) for the snug and hassle-free journey getting there and again.
Disclosure: This journey was made doable by Philippine Air Traces (PAL) and Cagayan Tourism.
