Cagayan, situated
on the northern tip of Luzon, typically gives visitors second thoughts due to
the 12-hour or longer land journey from Manila. Doubt no more, wanderers; there
are daily direct flights from Manila to Tuguegarao, the province's capital city,
and the plethora of attractions — natural, cultural, and cultural landmarks —
make a long-distance trip to Cagayan well worthwhile for those who choose to
drive.
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| View from the Cape Engaño lighthouse |
To further convince
you of either hopping on a plane to Tuguegarao or taking that half-day road
trip, here are some destinations in Cagayan you may want to visit in the near
future and a few must-things to do.
Take a Dip at this Blue Lagoon in Baggao
The Blue Lagoon, as the locals baptized it to describe its azure-colored streaming waters, used to be the north's undiscovered gem, but that is no longer the case, much to the delight of travelers.
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| The waters of Blue Lagoon invites you to take a dip |
The Blue Waterfalls, Cave, and Lagoon, located in the
forested area of Baggao, Cagayan, is presently managed as a sustainable tourism
destination by its local community. Hikers are led by resident guides trained
by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (TPB) to a series of spectacular nature places,
including waterfalls, caverns, and natural pools that lead to a blue lagoon
straight out of the famous Brooke Shields film.
Set out on a Scenic Trek to Cape Engaño Lighthouse at
Palaui Island
If a land trip to Tuguegarao takes at least 12 hours, try adding 2-3 more hours going to Sta. Ana, Cagayan, and another 45 minutes of boat ride to Palaui Island. What arduous traveling you might say but wait till you get a glimpse of what awaits you on top of the hill where the Spanish-era lighthouse Cape Engaño stands.
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| A sure inclusion in every list of most beautiful lighthouse views |
A
breathtaking panorama of the island's lush vegetation, jagged cliffs battered
by Pacific Ocean waves, and stunning turquoise ocean water. Let's just say that
traveling to Palaui Island is well worth it because it will undoubtedly provide
you with amazing core memories.
Chasing Waterfalls and Volcanic Crater at Mt. Cagua
Visit
Gonzaga for a double dose of natural wonders. A 3-4-hour climb at a brisk pace
will lead you to Mount Cagua's caldera, a really unique natural feature
highlighted by a boiling crater lake releasing sulfuric fumes. Wear a face mask
to prevent inhalation, but also open your eyes to this incredible spectacle.
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| A remarkable sight after a 3-4 hour hike |
An hour-long hike
from Mount Cagua's volcanic crater takes you over rugged boulders and into the
towering Cagua Falls, where you may take a relaxing plunge.
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| Cagua Waterfalls |
Explore the Chambers of Callao Cave
Callao Cave is easily accessible from Tuguegarao and by foot from the jump-off point, with an established track leading inside. A sequence of stalactite and stalagmite rock formations will astound you until you reach the main chamber, dubbed "the chapel," because it is a modest church built by the locals. Above the rock altar, a mystical ray of light emerges from the main chamber's aperture.
Witness the Circadian Flight of Bats in Pinacanauan River
Visitors to Callao Cave may enjoy a kayak journey along the serene waters of the Pinacanauan River, which is not far from the entrance to the cave.
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| Bats flying out of their cave. |
Your scenic river cruise
will become even more memorable when your guide takes you to an area beneath a
massive wall with a large circling hole. Wait until a few moments after dark to
see the circadian flight of bats, when tens of thousands of bats emerge from
the hole and into the evening skies.
Experience Beltfishing in Sta. Ana
Part of the "Nature and Adventure" tourism circuit penciled by the Department of Tourism Region 2, this experiential activity involves visitors teaming up with a seasoned fisherman to set out more than 20 nautical miles off the coast of Brgy. Diora-Zinungan in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
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| Kuya Wilfredo, a beltfisherman, shows us how its done |
Your mission, should you wish to
accept it, is to catch a load of beltfish, also known as "espada,"
utilizing the fishing boat's one-of-a-kind "kariti," a local version
of a hydraulic pulley. This is where the angler ties three thin wires with bait
before weighing down on the water to entice the beltfish to bite.
Enjoy a fun (and slippery) Hike to Buwacag Falls
The common warning “slippery when wet” can't be any truer when following the trail to this waterfalls. The slick path is just a reminder of how off-the-beaten path Buwacag Fall is. Buwacag's many cascades, nestled among verdant woodland on the Sierra Madre's slopes, provide an ideal environment for a nature retreat.
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| Yes mam, sir, I'm going to take a swim here |
Just be careful stepping on those dodgy
rocks, and we're sure you'll have a fantastic time in this emerging outdoor
destination in Sta Ana, Cagayan.
Anguib Beach
Many people refer to it to as the "Boracay of the North". However, Anguib Beach should be known by its own name, not in comparison to other beaches. It distinguishes itself with its unique blend of elements.
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| Chillin by the beach |
Nearby, there is a mangrove forest to
explore, hills to walk, and a long stretch of pristine white sand beach to
stroll on. Other destinations that can be combined with Anguib Beach are
Crocodile Island and Mapurao Beach.
Meet the Potters of
Iguig
In the town of Iguig, the One Town, One Product (OTOP) pottery creations take shape. Here, you can observe the men and women who have continued this backyard industry passed down from generations, create pottery items from slabs of clay.
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| The perfect souvenir stop |
Looking for a
souvenir item? then the town of Iguig is the perfect pit stop for you to shop
for some pottery items of various shapes and designs.
Take a Soulful
Visita Iglesia
Complete a Visita Iglesia especially if you’re coming to Cagayan during Holy Week by visiting these churches located in the different towns of the province.
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| St. Philomene Church in Alcala |
There's the St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral in Tuguegarao, Basilica Minore de Nuestra Senora in Piat, San Antonio de Galicia Church in Iguig, St. Philomene Church in Alcala, San Jacinto de Polonia Church in Camalaniugan, and Sto. Domingo de Guzman Church in Nueva Segovia.
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| The Saint Peter the Apostle Metropolitan Cathedral |
On top of gentle hillsides overlooking the
powerful Cagayan River in Iguig is home to the Cavalry Hills, a site with
fourteen life-size sculptures of the Stations of the Cross.
Hit your Daily
Steps Quota by Going on a Walking Tour of Tuguegarao
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| Rizal Monument in Tuguegarao |
In between hunts of
the best pancit batil patong stalls, you can set out on a walking tour of
Tuguegarao by visiting these places of interests: the 18th-century The Saint
Peter the Apostle Metropolitan Cathedral, Cagayan Museum and Historical
Research Center, the Buntun Bridge — one of the country's longest bridges,
Rizal Park Monument, San Jacinto Church, and the 1907 founded St. Paul
University just to name a few.
Oh, and Don’t
Forget to Order Pancit Batil Patong
It’s an unwritten rule among tourists in Cagayan to never leave the province without trying the popular local specialty, Pancit Batil Patong. Better come hungry before ordering the Pancit Batil Patong because it is one heavy and satisfying dish. Its name was derived from the word "patil" which means "to whisk or beat" and "patong" referring to putting a topping on the dish such as a poached egg, sautéed vegetables, and minced beef.
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| Pancit Batil Patong |
Famous Pancit Batil Patong places are Tabing Tulay Panciteria,
Jomar's Special Pancit Batil Patong, Ed's Panciteria, Win-Mae Panciteria and
the pancit stalls at the night market in Tuguegarao.
How to get to
Tuguegarao, Cagayan
Both Cebu Pacific
Air and Philippine Airlines have daily Manila - Tuguegarao flights. For
commuting via land, bus companies such as Baliwag Transit, GV Florida Bus,
Victory Liner and Delta Bus serves Manila, Cubao, Pasay, Kamias and Caloocan
routes to Tuguegarao City.
This article first appeared on Spot.ph
