Mountain Province (Travel Guide): How to Get See

By Daniel Maches On February 15, 2019 1 Comment

Tadian in Mountain Province remains lesser known when it comes to tourism. Unknown to many,
however, Tadian hosts fascinating tourist spots. From cascading waterfalls, scenic mountains views,
healing springs, serene lakes to mystic caves, Tadian deserves a spot in the growing ecotourism world.

As a backgrounder, the term “Tadian” is derived from the Ilocano word, “Tadi,” which is a horn-like
growth at the hind of a matured cock. Accordingly, cockfighting was a popular game in Tadian during the
olden days. Thus, Tadian could mean “a place for arming cocks with a tadi.”

How to Get to Tadian, Mountain Province

Mt Mogao of Tadian, Mountain Province

A partial view of the landscapes of Tadian and some of its barangays.

There is no direct transportation bound from Manila to Tadian. Baguio City and Bontoc are the primary
jump-off points. That means, you need to get to these areas before you can access trips to Tadian.

Baguio to Tadian. You have two options. First, ride the Rising Sun Bus stationed at Slaughter House
Compound, lower Magsaysay. There is only one trip and this leaves at 10:30 am. The second option is to
take A Trans Bus. This is stationed at Dangwa Station, back of Center Mall. It has four trips which depart
at 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm respectively. All buses proceed straight to Poblacion, Tadian.
Poblacion is the municipal center.

Bontoc to Tadian. There are regular van departures from Bontoc to Tadian. These are stationed beside
Walter Clapp Centrum, Lower Loc-ong. Time of departures starts from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. A van leaves
as soon as it is filled to capacity.

Behold the falls of Tadian, Mountain Province

Tadian is home to several hidden waterfalls. These are dispersed on different barangays.
The most locally-known of these is Ub- high and has a wide and very deep pool. It also offers an
enlivening effect. The local communities protect these falls since they provide water for both their
domestic and irrigation needs. To date, this is one of the most popular tourist spots in Tadian.

Ub-ubanan Falls. One of the tourist spots of Tadian, Mountain Province.

Ub-ubanan Falls.

Pey-asan Falls/

In addition, the grand Poy-asan Twin Falls is nestled at barangay Bana-ao. It measures more than 100
meters high. Another similarly towering cascade is Kaliwliwan Falls, which is just some 30 minutes of hike
from the locally-famed Gawaan Lake. It has three small pools located along the stretch of the multi-tier
falls. Its waters are also cold and crystal-clear, providing relief after the arduous trek of getting here.

By the way, Gawaan lake is just one of the several lakes found within the municipality. It offers activities
such as picnic, boating, and fishing. Among the marine species found here are clams, crabs, tilapia, and
eels. It is located at barangay Bana-ao, a one-hour drive away from Poblacion. This is now one of the
rising tourist spots in Tadian.

Gawaan Lake.

Kaliwliwan Falls. One of the tourist spots of Tadian, Mountain Province.

Upper cascade of Kaliwliwan Falls.

What Else to See in Tadian?

Mt. Mog-ao, a distinct mountain, presents an opportunity for a thrilling mountaineering experience in
the municipality. This is also the most popular tourist spot in Tadian. It is a small mountain, however, it
soars majestically amidst the rolling plains of Tadian. While atop, one can catch a breathtaking view of
the Sunny Side, central barangays, adjacent Bauko, including the municipalities of Cervantes and Quirino
in Ilocos Sur province. The mighty Abra River can also be seen here. When at barangay Pandayan, Mt.
Mog-ao is viewed as the “Sleeping Lady.”
Mt Mog-ao with Lake Gawaan on the foreground. One of the tourist spots of Tadian, Mountain Province.

Mt Mog-ao with Lake Gawaan on the foreground.

If you are looking for a mystical encounter in Tadian, then visiting the Enchanted Eels would be a fitting
choice. These sacred creatures are located at barangays Cagubatan and Lenga. According to the locals,
the eels have been in their dwelling places for more than a century. They only come out for viewing with
the use of a whistle or bait. The locals take care of the eels since they are believed to be connected to
the spirit world.

Bangcagan Healing Water is another destination in Tadian leased with mystery. It is located at barangay
Kayan East, some 15-minutes’ drive away from Poblacion. The crystal-clear waters emanate from a
spring. Locals claim that these waters can cleanse skin diseases. From the barangay proper, it only takes
some 20 minutes of downhill hike to get here.

The Burial Caves of barangays Banaao and Am-am are also interesting sights to see especially if you are a
historical and cultural lover. These burial caves portray how the I-Tadian buried their dead during the
olden days. Certainly, you will be hearing a lot of myths, legends, and folklores surrounding these once
you visit them.

Where to Stay in Tadian, Mountain Province?

The following are the main amenities for tourists/travelers as listed in the municipal tourism brochure of
Tadian. You may contact the given numbers for information related to rates, number of rooms, etc.

Name of Establishment Owner/Manager Contact Number Location

Camjo Inn Ms. Freda Piditen 09496961918 Poblacion, Tadian

Parish Hall Guest House Mr. Ervin San Jose 09092539233 Poblacion, Tadian

Banaao Homestay Ms. Lalaine Balangoy 09289506379 Bana-ao, Tadian

Layog Country Farm Ms Flordelina Layog 09392118676 Kayan West, Tadian

There are also existing resorts in Tadian. These are: Egan Gem Garden Resort (Poblacion); Nabaneng
Resort (Lubon); and Cabunagan Resort (Cabunagan). In addition, the locally-known eateries of Tadian are
Uyod’s Eatery, Filomena’s Central Point, Roadside, and Sagi’s (a snack house in Poblacion).
Tips and Reminders:

Always coordinate and register at the Municipal Tourism Office of Tadian when planning to visit. This
way, they can help arrange for your itineraries and prepare tour guides accordingly. For more
information, contact Ms Lybner G. Micklay, Tourism Officer, through her no: 09215483356. You may also
email the local government units at lgutadian@yahoo.com. Further, you may relay your message
through their official fb page at, LGU-Tadian.

Respect local culture and community protocols. In other words, refrain from utterances or acts which
may be offensive to the locals. Among these include wearing of mini-shorts, or public display of affection
(PDA). Further, refrain from vices such as smoking or drinking liquor.

Never litter. As much as possible, take back your waste/garbage from where you bought them. Let us
help in keeping the tourist spots in Tadian clean and green.

Buy supplies from local stores and enterprises so you can help boost local economy. This will also provide
you the opportunity to taste the traditional products of the I-Tadian.

Don’t hesitate to mingle with the locals. Most of the times, they are interested to interact but they are
simply shy. So, better do the first talk or move and build rapport with them.

Expect untamed trails on some tourist spots in Tadian since they are still undergoing improvements.

Don’t forget to enjoy and learn from the people.

For your information needs:

If you need further information that may help in setting up your itinerary to the tourist spots in Tadian,
Mountain Province, simply ask them on the comment section below. You can also message us on our
facebook page namely, Daniel’s Eco-Travels. I will be more than glad and willing to answer