Situated on the northeast tip of Luzon Island, the province of Cagayan is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs. Cagayan was originally one of the earliest provinces established in the Spanish colonial period covering the whole northeastern part of the island of Luzon, so you can expect it to be rich in both heritage and natural attractions.

While the capital city of Tuguegarao has kept up the pace with other modern regional hubs, much of the province’s attractions in the other 28 municipalities remain raw and rugged. Tourists are advised to take it slow and enjoy the journey while seeking out secret spots for spelunking, trekking, hiking, surfing, and more.

The province’s new tagline “Endless Fun in Cagayan” reflects not only the diverse attractions but also the warmth of its people. Since Cagayan still remains off the tourist radar compared to some of the country’s other beach and island destinations, visitors can expect a warm welcome, much fanfare, and genuine invitations from locals to return even if they haven’t even left.

How to get to Cagayan 

Traveling by land on public transportation from Manila to Cagayan is a long journey, with bus trips and drives lasting anywhere from 12 to 15 hours. The long stretch of national highways beckon to bikers, motorcycle enthusiasts, and adventurous road trippers. For business and leisure travelers who don’t want to endure the long travel time, domestic flights make trips much more convenient and hassle-free.

Philippine Air Lines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier, flies from Manila to Tuguegarao daily with mid-morning schedules making Cagayan and neighboring provinces in the mainland Cagayan Valley Region (including Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino) as well as parts of the Cordillera region (Kalinga and Apayao) more accessible to those coming from Metro Manila and beyond. Book flights via www.philippineairlines.com/.

• PR 2014 – Manila to Tuguegarao – 8:45 am – 9:50 am daily
• PR 2015 – Tuguegarao to Manila – 10:35 am – 11:35 am daily

Things to do / Where to go in Cagayan

Callao Cave

Mention Cagayan and images of Callao Cave immediately come to mind. The seven-chamber show cave is the most well-known natural tourist spot and was recently recognized as an important cultural property of the Philippines. Located within the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape, Callao Cave is accessible by climbing 184 concrete steps.

Of the seven chambers, the first cathedral-like cavern has been turned into a chapel by the locals. A natural crevice from the cave’s ceiling illuminates the otherwise dark cave. The best time to visit is around noontime to see a direct stream of light shining down on the altar from above. Masses are held here and the natural chapel has also served as a unique wedding venue for a few adventurous couples.

Pinacanauan River Cruise

From the same jump-off as Callao Cave, visitors can cruise down the Pinacanauan River, one of the clearest and cleanest river systems in the country. Enjoy the view of caves, rock formations, limestones, and lush surroundings as your boat makes its way downstream.

Activities in the area include kayaking, rock climbing, and back-to-basics camping. If you’re lucky, you can catch the daily circadian flight of bats from the Bat Cave that normally occurs at dusk.

Sierra Cave

If you’re in the mood for an extreme adventure (and have time to spare), you can also spend a few hours exploring Sierra Cave, also accessible from the same jump-off point as Callao Cave. Unlike the dry and open chambers of Callao, be prepared to crouch and crawl through narrow caverns in this winding cave system. This activity is not for the claustrophobic, but it does make for a different kind of adventure, especially for repeat visitors.

Baggao Bluewater Falls and Cave System & Lipit Canyon

Venture deep into the town of Baggao and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most majestic blue lagoons and cascading waterfall systems in the country. It’s easy to lose track of time here as you’ll want to stop to take photos at every enchanting corner, marvel at the cascades, and jump into the cool waters.

Take the river trail that passes through several small waterfalls and large pools ideal for swimming. From there, you can traverse back through a forest trail, taking a detour to Lipit Canyon, a narrow stream fenced off by towering rock formations. Visitors are required to wear life vests for safety and can only enter with the aid of local guides. Prepare to unplug as well, as there’s no mobile phone signal in the area. With the quiet stretches of country roads, dirt trails, and natural scenery, Baggao offers a great spot for bikepacking adventures, with this as a main highlight for R & R.

Pussian Forest Lake

Pussian Forest Lake or Pussian SWIP (Small Water Impounding Project) is a peaceful spot in the town of Alcala where locals usually go for picnics and simple nature breaks.

Riders and cyclists will enjoy shooting the breeze here after long rides. Cottages are available for rent for about P100 pesos for 4 hours. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area on wooden rafts for a minimal fee of P50 pesos per person. 

Palaui Island

The Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape off the northeastern extremity of Luzon Island gained international fame as the filming location for two seasons of the long-running reality show Survivor back in 2013.

Take your pick from the main points around the area to visit, including Cape Engaño, Engaño Cove, Anguib Beach, and Crocodile Island. Those who would like to stay overnight and trek to other spots can base in Punta Verde, a nature village with a camping site and homestay options.

Cape Engaño

With a name that means enticing, Cape Engaño Cove is a must-visit especially for first-timers. Hike up a concrete trail to the Cape Engaño Lighthouse, one of the four lighthouses built during the Spanish colonial period and completed in 1892.

Located 92 meters above sea level, this lighthouse provides 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 back, you can also pass by Crocodile Island, so named because of its shape. Swim in the clear waters near the shore or hike up the rock formation to get good views of the coast. Half-day trips are recommended for island-hopping tours so that boats can avoid battling strong waves to reach the different points of interest. 

Cagayan Museum

Art and history buffs will want to pay a visit to the Cagayan Museum, right across Rizal Park in Tuguegarao City. The well-curated museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts, antiques, ethnography, trade wares, and liturgical works as well as fossils of animals endemic to the region that are now extinct.

Churches and heritage sites

The Cagayan Valley Region is home to major heritage churches, which showcase Filipino heritage in the Spanish colonial era from the sixteenth until the nineteenth century. These churches are top draws for religious tourists from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces especially during Holy Week. 

Our Lady of Piat, dubbed as the Pilgrimage Center of the North, is home to the 407-year-old Black Virgin Mary. First brought to the country from Macau in 1604, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary enshrined in Piat as the town’s patroness is considered one of the most venerated Marian images. 

The Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral or Tuguegarao Cathedral, an 18th-century Baroque church originally built by Dominican friars and one of the largest churches in Cagayan Valley, is also a top tourist landmark for pilgrimage tours. 

The St. Philomene Church or Alcala Church, a striking red brick church that dates back to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, is said to be the widest church in the country.

Very near the Alcala Church, you can visit the Dolores Ponce Heritage House, an ancestral house originally built in 1908. The house was said to be occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II and served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Today, it’s a living museum that showcases furniture, religious artifacts, and other antique collections.

The Santo Domingo De Guzman Parish Church, with its striking red brick facade, is the only remaining Spanish colonial-era church in Lal-lo.

The Tocolana Ruins are all that remain of the Tocolana Church originally built during the 17th century, after decades of earthquakes, floods, and shelling during WWII. While the church complex has not been restored, the site of the ruins has been maintained with well-kept lawns and flower gardens that visitors can enjoy for picnics and photo ops.

What to eat in Cagayan

Pancit Batil Patung 

One of the most iconic dishes in Cagayan, pancit batil patung is a noodle dish made from miki noodles, topped with a beaten (batil) egg drop soup and topped (patong) with a poached egg. The staple dish is served in humble eateries around the province, with each panciteria giving its spin on toppings from sautéed carabeef, bean sprouts, vegetables and chicharon. Head to Tabing Tulay Panciteria to get a view of the Buntun Bridge while enjoying heaping plates of this noodle dish worth. Their solo servings start at P100 per plate.

Pawa

Pawa is a delightful sweet delicacy made of glutinous rice, ground peanuts, and muscovado sugar. It’s commonly sold outside the church in Piat. Pair this treat with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a light snack after visiting the nearby church.

Patupat

Patupat are bite-sized pieces of sweetened glutinous rice, coconut milk, sugar and salt wrapped in a balisungsong (cone shape) of a young banana leaf. Like other varieties of kakanin (rice delicacies), this is also best enjoyed with a hot chocolate drink or slices of ripe mango.

Tupig

A sweet rice cake made from glutinous rice flour mixed with brown sugar, or muscovado, and soft strands of young coconut meat (macapuno).

Milk Candy

Soft and chewy treats made from pure carabao milk, a specialty in Alcala. Various candy makers from Tuguegarao City, including Teaño Alcala, Dairy East, Alcala Sweets, and Segovia’s Finest, specialize in this sweet treat.

Chicha-rabao

Carabao chicharon are puffy, crisp, and airy cracklings made from carabao skin instead of pork skin or fat. This souvenir item comes in regular, garlic, and spicy flavors, best dipped in vinegar and paired with beer as bar chow.

Cornick/Corn Crunchies

Crunchy toasted corn kernels seasoned with salt and other flavors. Packs of these make good souvenir items, as they don’t expire easily and can be found widely in local markets and souvenir shops.

Crabs and seafood specialties

Buguey is a small coastal town known for its exotic fishery products, particularly high-quality crabs which has earned it the moniker of “Crab Capital of the North.”

The Crab Hotel within El Presidente Beach Resort in Buguey has upgraded its facilities, with a modern restaurant serving seafood specialties like steamed crab, crab in coconut milk, and even a whole lechon stuffed with crabs inside, for special occasions and large groups. Malaga (rabbitfish) is another specialty here.

TRIVIA: Buguey hosts three festivals celebrating the town’s rich culinary heritage and nature’s bounty.

• July: Guraman and Malaga Festival – pays homage to Buguey’s fishing heritage and marine resources
• October: Mud Crab Festival – champions the town’s prized mud crab
• April: Lechon Festival – celebrates the Filipino favorite of lechon or roast pig 

Where to stay in Cagayan

Las Palmas

If you want a homey base in Tuguegarao City, consider Las Palmas de San Jose Leisure Club. This resort was formerly a house converted into a hotel. Las Palmas offers comfortable rooms, a small swimming pool, poolside dining, and breakfast of local fare.

Check room rates and book stays at Las Palmas Cagayan here.

Blue Coast Beach Hotel

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway in the town of Santa Ana, Blue Coast Beach Hotel is a new premier beachfront retreat in town. Blue Coast offers modern beach-inspired rooms, a swimming pool, and an in-house bar and restaurant.

The well-designed hotel is located near the shores of Nangaramoan and Pozo Robo Beach, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the beach away from it all. It’s a better base for those planning to go on Palaui island-hopping trips, as Santa Ana is roughly a 2 to 3-hour drive from Tuguegarao City.

Check room rates and book stays at Blue Coast Beach Hotel Cagayan here.

Thank you to everyone from the Cagayan Tourism and the local LGUs we visited for the warm hospitality and showing us the beauty of your home province. For inquiries and more details on different destinations, visit Cagayan Tourism’s website: www.visitcagayan.ph/

#Cagayan #CagayanProvince #CagayanTourism #EndlessFunCagayan

Special thanks to Philippine Air Lines (PAL) for the comfortable and hassle-free trip getting there and back.

Disclosure: This trip was made possible by Philippine Air Lines (PAL) and Cagayan Tourism.