Unleash your adventurous spirit and explore the awe-inspiring wonders of Apayao, a picturesque province nestled in the heart of the Philippines. Indulge in the stunning panoramas of nature as you traverse the verdant forests, and immerse yourself in the exhilarating rush of witnessing magnificent waterfalls. Apayao is a treasure trove of hidden gems that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more. Discover the best tourist spots in Apayao and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
ABOUT APAYAO
The province of Apayao is located near the northernmost point of the Luzon peninsula. Cagayan province is to the east, Ilocos Norte to the west, Kalinga to the south, and Abra to the west. The land area of the province is 392,790 hectares or around 21% of the land area of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
The province is almost equally mountainous (Upper Apayao) and flat (Lower Apayao) with scattered areas of valleys and plateaus.
The people of Apayao are from many different ethnic backgrounds, including the Isneg, Kalinga, and Tingguian, and they have a rich cultural history as a whole. These groups have distinctive dialects, cultures, and customs that are still observed and valued today.
The word Apayao means fast-flowing river or navigable river about the Apayao River within the Province.
LIST OF THE BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN APAYAO
- Agamata National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
- Allabang Cave
- Apayao Tourism & Sports Complex
- Bacut Lake
- Bayugao Falls
- Cadaratan Falls
- Carmella Falls
- Dupag Rock Formation
- Gololan Falls
- Hutungan Hidden Paradise
- Lussok Crystal Cave
- Manacota Underground River
- Mataguisi Church Ruins
- Maton Underground River
- Maxibab Falls
- Mt. Kilang
With its challenging terrain, picturesque views, and abundant wildlife, Mount Kilang has become a popular hiking and mountaineering destination. Forests dominate the mountain, which is home to a variety of wildlife species including wild boars, and monkeys. The mountain provides timber, rattan, and other non-timber forest products from its jungles, as well as other natural resources to the nearby villages. - Mt. Solo
- Mt. Macalino
- Nalvo Cave
- Purag River
- Rice Field in Buneg
- Tacang Swip
LOCATION OF APAYAO
Apayao is located deep within the Cordillera Mountains of Northern Luzon. These mountain range form a natural boundary between the Ilocos Region in the west and the Cagayan Valley in the east.
MUNICIPALITIES IN APAYAO
- Calanasan
- Conner
- Flora
- Kabugao
- Luna
- Pudtol
- Santa Marcela
FESTIVALS IN APAYAO
- Fruit Harvest Festival
September to October
The festival is typically held in the month of September to October and is a celebration of the bountiful harvest of fruits in the province. The Fruit Harvest Festival is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the rich agricultural history and culture of Apayao. Also, it offers the chance to meet with the hospitable natives who grow some of the freshest and most delectable fruits in the Philippines.
- Say-Am Festival
February 14
Among the festival’s main attractions are the Isnag Indigenous Games, Sports, Street Dancing, and the Search for Miss Dayag ti Apayao, which honors the Beautiful and Intelligent Ladies of Apayao. Another is the Agro-Tourism and Commerce Fair, which highlights the various products and natural beauty of Apayao.
BEST TIME TO VISIT APAYAO
The best time to visit Apayao is during the Say-Am Festival, which is Apayao’s biggest festival and takes place every February.
HOW TO GET TO APAYAO
There are different ways to get to Apayao, depending on your starting point and mode of transportation. Here are some options:
- BY AIR
The Tuguegarao Airport in the province of Cagayan is the closest airport to Apayao. From there, you can take a bus or van to Apayao. - BY LAND
If you’re coming from Manila or other areas of Luzon, you can take a bus to Tuguegarao City in the province of Cagayan, which is the closest significant city to Apayao. You can travel to Apayao from there by bus or van. - BY CAR
The most common route is via the Maharlika Highway, which connects Manila to Tuguegarao City. From Tuguegarao City, you can take the Apayao-Ilocos Norte Road to get to Apayao.