CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE

REGION (CAR)

 is a land-locked region consists of

the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, 
Mountain Province and Apayao. Baguio City is the
regional center. 
HOW TO GET TO APAYAO, CORDILLERA?

The fastest way to get to Apayao is to book a flight to Laoag City in

Ilocos Norte or Tuguegarao City in Cagayan Valley. Fare is around
P2,000 per person. Both airports have vans and Jeepney bound for
Luna, Apayao, which is 3 to 4 hours away. A more affordable way is to
take a bus to Apayao through any of the bus lines. Fare from Manila to
Apayao is around P700 per person while the travel time can take up to
12 hours, depending on the traffic.
APAYAO

is a landlocked province in the Philippines in
the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital
town is Kabugao. The province borders Cagayan to the north
and east, Abra and Ilocos Norte to the west, and Kalinga to
the south. Prior to 1995, Kalinga and Apayao comprised a
single province named Kalinga-Apayao, which
was partitioned to better service the needs of individual
ethnic groups.
KABUGAO
is covered in dense woodland forests with virgin stands
along its perimeter. At the southern perimeters of the town,
several streams and brooks tumble down the mountain
slopes. Given the abundance of nature in town, it’s no secret
then that Kabugao is home to several wildlife, such as deer,
wild pig, wild chickens, monkeys, squirrels and different
kinds of birds.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
IN
APAYAO
 APAYAO RIVER

this river features a number of waterfalls and other features as

it runs through the center of Apayao. It flows from an
extensive watershed in the western slopes of the province, flows
past the town of Kabugao and runs into the Pacific Ocean.
Together with the Abulog River in Cagayan province, the river
forms the Apayao-Abulog River Basin, the 9th largest river
system in the country.
LUSSOK CRYSTAL CAVE

it is a site with a three (3) cave that holds various

stalagmite formations. The tour starts with a brief 200-
meter boat ride on the enchanting azure waters. Upon
entering the cave, glimmering limestone formations loom
over the pitch black river.
BAYUGAO FALLS
this falls has 3-deck natural pools rising about twelve (12)
meters from each other.  It’s 4 kilometres away from
Poblacion The waterfalls from the top pool cascade to the next in
fluid succession. These natural pools provide clean, cool mountain
spring water for everyone to enjoy swimming.
DUPAG ROCK FORMATION

Dupag Rock Formation is a cluster of jagged limestone.

The boulders measure around 7 to 8 feet high. Due to the
rough and sharp texture of the boulders, visitors/tourists must
wear proper footwear and protective gear. The highest peak is
known as Father Rock. It provides an entrancing view of the
surrounding fields, valleys, forests, and rivers.
Calanasan Philippine Eagle Sanctuary 
The vast lowland forests of Calanasan host the iconic
Philippine-Monkey Eating eagle, a critically-endangered
species. Apayao provides a home for the continuing
survival of the species. So far, there are around 25 eagles
documented in the area. Calanasan’s forests also host a
rich diversity of other flora and fauna species including
the Northern Luzon cloud rat. Giant Rafflesia flowers
can also be spotted.
MT. KILANG
Mt. Kilang rises to more than 1, 656 meters above sea
level (MASL). This makes it one of the highest peaks of
Northern Apayao. It can be viewed from the boundary of
both Apayao and Ilocos Norte. The best time to view its
majesty is from 4 am to 5 am.
FESTIVALS
IN
APAYAO
APAYAO DAY
this is an annual fiesta held every February 14th. It
consists of cultural activities presenting pageants and
sports.
SAY-AM-TALIP TADOC FESTIVAL

it is a celebration featuring Apayao’s ethnic songs,

dances, and rituals.
Fruit Harvest Festival

Celebrated in September and October in Kirikitan,

Conner Apayao.  It is the harvest season of rambutan,
lanzones, durian, oranges and pomelo.
GASTRONOMY OF APAYAO
BINUNGOR

 It is a mix of string beans, squash, bitter gourd, eggplant,

young jackfruit, kidney beans & bamboo shoots all medium boiled
in coconut milk. But the star ingredients of “binungor” are
“tenggang-daga” or jelly fungus & “ot-an”, a succulent river
shellfish. It is usually served as an appetizer with a dash of red
SINURSUR
This dish traditionally uses “kiwat” or catfish with
“ungal” or banana stalk along with “ot-an” shellfish. It is
customarily prepped only with chili, garlic & onions
cooked on a low flame inside a bamboo tube. But
modern-day “sinursur” uses other seasonings to appeal to
the complex tastes of the new generation.
PINAKTAN

is a classic example of a simple Isneg dish that uses

the humble “siway” or taro. It is quite similar to Bicol’s
“laing” only made savoury by the copious use of
“sagket” or shrimp paste.
SINILIAN or PINALATAN

Chicken meat is one of the most common meats consumed by

the Cordilleran's,  It’s a “killing-me-softly” kind of food where the
chicken is beaten by a stick to allow the blood to coagulate. It
came with pomelo leaves that added fragrance & red chili for that
slight kick in the palate.
SINANDILA
is the “palitaw” in other parts of the Philippines. But
theirs is longer, thicker & shaped like a tongue. Instead
of grated coconut toppings, their version comes with
“latik” or coco caramel & crushed nuts.
AGURONG
black river mollusc with elongated spiral shell
cooked with coconut milk and lowland
vegetables.
SININGGUB
an appetizer of stir-fried red chili pepper,
mixed with a few sliced lemon leave.
DUCK PINIKPIKAN

Instead of using native chicken, just like their neighboring

Kaling province, Apayao’s find better taste with native ducks
which according to some home-grown cooks are tastier and
give stronger soupy taste. Best paired with sinursur, pinaltit,
and sagket.
PREPARED BY:

Niña Mae Moises

Shedy D. Galorport