Home to the iconic tattoo artist Apo Whang-od, Kalinga is a haven of underrated destinations. From towering mountains, cloud forests, and untamed rivers to rich cultural heritage, the province shelters wonders worth exploring and experiencing. Here are some of the best Kalinga tourist spots you should visit!
Kalinga is both a land of legend and mystery. It depicts stories of struggles, unity, and peace. For centuries, the valiant I-Kalinga defended their land and water from corporate aggression. Their victory against the famous Chico River dam echoes hope and inspiration among indigenous peoples (IPs) worldwide.
But there is more to Kalinga. It is also a land of untold beauty and bounty. Its hidden wonders echo in the wonderful songs and dances of its people. Today, mystic-seekers, hikers or mountaineers, adventurers, cultural advocates, and nature lovers are frequenting Kalinga more and more.
Explore the Tourist Spots in Kalinga!
1. Kadamayan Falls
Kadamayan Falls is a remote tourist spot in Kalinga. Its waters emanate from the dense mossy forests of Mt. Binuluan. It cascades for more than 30 meters on a very deep pool.
Swimming in the pool can be quite dangerous due to its strong and churning current.
Summer then would be the best time to visit. Verdant vegetation of shrubs, mosses, and grasses surround its base.
To get here, one needs to hike for at least an hour or more from the road. You’ll climb over steep trails and jump across boulders before finally catching sight of the falls.
- Location/Jump-Off: Lubuagan & Pasil, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 1-2 hours
- Guide Fee: Donation
2. Sulfur Hills
The surreal Sulfur Hills lie on the lower slopes of Mt. Binuluan. To get here, you need to trek on hunter’s trails for hours. You will be passing across pine and mossy forests.
Expect the thrills and challenges frequently encountered when on forested terrains. But the bizarre sight of these sulfur hills would make up for the difficulty in getting here.
- Location/Jump-Off: Pasil, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
3. Mount Binuluan
Mt Binuluan towers over the municipalities of Tinglayan, Pasil, and Lubuagan. It stands prominently for more than 2,329 MASL. Beautiful and dense mossy forests cover its upper slopes.
According to the locals, the mountain erupted a few times during the past century. An interesting feature of Mt. Binuluan is the presence of fumarole fields, solfataras, and hot springs on its slopes.
Trekking to the mountain presents a real challenge since trails are not yet fully established. Only a few locals and hunters were able to reach its summit and catch sight of its captivating views.
Mt. Binuluan also hosts diverse flora and fauna species such as deer and wild pigs. To date, Mt. Binuluan is one of the least-known tourist spots in Kalinga.
- Location/Jump-off: Pasil and Tinglayan, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 2-3 days
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
4. Tumuyoc Falls
Tumuyoc Falls measures around 30 feet high and cascades to a wide and very deep pool. Its waters are icy-cold and crystal clear.
To get here, one needs to hike for hours from the nearest community. But then again, nature’s surprises will greet you all along.
The pristine waters also host endemic marine species such as small fishes, eels, and crabs. These are part of the common foods of the locals, cooked in indigenous ways.
- Location/Jump-Off: Pasil, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
5. Laroy Falls
Laroy Falls is considered the highest fall in Kalinga province. It is composed of at least 8 different cascades, plunging towards the Pasil River.
They are best viewed along the road during the rainy months. Its waters emanate from pristine mossy forests upstream.
- Location/Jump-Off: Pasil, Kalinga
- Trekking time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
6. Buaya Caves
Buaya caves feature various stalactite and stalagmite rock formations. There are beautiful chambers inside, reminiscent of a cathedral’s domes and spires.
To get deeper inside the cave, expect to rappel, climb on rocks, and wade across pools. Yes, there’s a small brook inside. There are also waterfalls.
In some parts of the cave, you would feel like you are in the golden chamber. The caves are interconnected with each other and form a chain covering the whole mountain slope.
Surely, these could be the next big hit after Sagada. However proper management practices need to be developed and strictly implemented.
- Location/Jump-Off: Balbalan, Kalinga
7. Lubo Rice Terraces
From the road, these terraces look like circular cascades. They surround the village of Lubo. The Tanudan River passes alongside these terraces.
On a personal note, these are among the most picturesque tourist spots in Kalinga.
Towering mountains provide a dramatic background for these terraces. They also supply abundant water supply all year round. Aside from the terraces, the hospitality of the people would leave you feeling blissful.
- Location/Jump-Off: Tanudan, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: Minutes away from the Village
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
8. Mt. Mating-oy (Sleeping Beauty Mountain)
Also known as the Sleeping Beauty Mountain of Kalinga, Mt. Mating-oy depicts the shape of a lady lying on its back. Legend says that the mountain is the remnant of a woman who waited for her husband to return but in vain.
Dense forests cover the mountains. These feed abundant creeks and brooks as well as cascading waterfalls. To date, Mt. Mating-oy is one of the least explored tourist spots in Kalinga province.
- Location/Jump-off: Tinglayan, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours to 2 days
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
9. Palang-ah Falls
Palang-ah Falls lies adjacent to a ravine in Tulgao, Tinglayan. It is named as such because it resembles the shape of a chair. “Palang-ah” is a local term for chair.
Palang-ah Falls measures around 40 feet high and has carved a very deep pool. When the sun strikes, the falls project a view of a rainbow. The waters here are icy-cold and crystal-clear, enough to soothe and harden muscles.
Just a few meters from the falls is a hot spring. So here, you can experience a mix of a cold and hot bath.
- Location/Jump-Off: Brgy Tulgao, Tinglayan, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Guide Fee: Php 200 per person
- Entrance Fee: None
10. Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park
The park represents the ecological bounty of Kalinga province and even the whole country. Mossy forests cover most of the park along with patches of pine and montane forests.
So far, 89 species of birds, 23 species of mammals, 13 species of amphibians, 13 species of reptiles, and 25 species of earthworms have been documented in the area.
The park also provides a haven for the critically endangered Rafflesia. Exploring this park would lead you into a rustic and thrilling adventure. Who knows? You might catch sight of the aforesaid wildlife species. Indeed, this will rise as one of the top tourist spots in Kalinga.
- Location/Jump-Off: Balbalan, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 2-3 days
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
11. Fangfangao Lake
Fangfangao Lake sits on an elevation of around 1,800 to 2000 meters above sea level. It teems with Japanese eels. It was named after a local plant called Charao which abounds in the area.
The lake can be reached via a four-hour hike along the Tabia River. The trek may be long but the trail offers rewarding scenes of the mountains plus the occasional sights of blooming orchids.
- Location/Jump-Off: Pasil, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
12. Saltan River
Saltan River comes from the vast mossy forests of Balbalan. During good sunny conditions, the waters exude an emerald appearance, making it inviting for a swim.
Cavernous boulders and rocks surround the river. These provide a perfect spot for diving or jumping.
The river teems with endemic aquatic species such as fishes and eels. More often than not, they are being served to visitors the traditional way.
Because of its pristine condition, Saltan River is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Kalinga especially among the locals.
- Location/Jump-Off: Balbalan, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 20-30 minutes
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
13. Awichon Cultural Village
Awichon Cultural Village showcases native huts and structures, giving a semblance of a typical Kalinga village before modernization. It was built by one of the country’s National Living Treasure for Performing Arts, Mr. Alonzo Saclag. Here, visitors can experience Kalinga culture while enjoying the mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains and the occasional sea of clouds.
Visitors can also rent one of the native huts to experience rustic living. From time to time, they can witness traditional dances and music being performed around a bonfire.
- Location/Jump-Off: Brgy. Upper Uma, Lubuagan, Kalinga
14. Pasil Natural Dam
Pasil Natural Dam lies just below the community of barangay Dangtalan, specifically, sitio Puapo. A massive slope erosion formed this dam-like basin of water. It offers a good spot for boating and picnic during the summer months.
Swimming, however, is discouraged due to possible water contamination because of small-scale mining operations upstream. When one follows the river downstream, there is the towering and multi-tier Laroy Falls.
- Location/Jump-Off: Pasil, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 20-30 minutes
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
15. Elephant Hill
Elephant Hill is the site of an archaeological digging where remains of ancient elephants, crocodiles, and rhinoceros were discovered. Ancient man-made tools were also unearthed from this spot.
In fact, the fossils discovered here show that the first inhabitants of the country are more ancient than previously thought.
Elephant Hill is one of the emerging tourist spots in Kalinga.
- Location/Jump-Off: Rizal, Kalinga
16. Sungang Viewpoint
Sungang Viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the mountains and villages of Tinglayan, Tanudan, Tabuk, and Lubuagan. The rice terraces of Tulgao and Dananao including the famous Sleeping Beauty can also be viewed here.
- Location/Jump-Off: Tinglayan, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: Minutes away from the Community
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
17. Dulag Historical Marker
Dulag Historical Marker was unveiled on April 23, 2017, commemorating the heroic struggle of Macliing Dulag, a tribal elder who pitied the communities of Bontoc and Kalinga against the mega-dam projects of the Marcos regime.
The marker sits on a site overlooking the winding Chico River and the low-lying Bugnay community. It is just along a national highway.
- Location/Jump-Off: Brgy Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga
18. Buscalan Rice Terraces
Visiting Whang-Od would come with the chance to witness the spectacular Buscalan Rice Terraces. Carved by hand and stones during ancient times, these man-made landscapes testify to the hard work and unity of the natives.
- Location/Jump-Off: Tinglayan, Kalinga
19. Matabor Falls
Getting here requires hours of strenuous hike from the nearest barangay. Expect to trail on dense forests and rappel on ravines before finally catching sight of this majestic beauty.
Leeches are a constant menace, especially during the rainy months. The trail may be long and challenging but it affords one with fascinating views of the forest.
The main falls of Banga-banga cascade on the face of an exposed cliff. It measures around 50 meters high.
- Location/Jump-Off: Tanudan, Kalinga
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Entrance Fee: None
20. Guinaang Village
Guinaang Village is one of the historical tourist spots in Kalinga. During the Philippine-American War, it served as Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s retreat haven. His stay, however, did not last long. The Americans continued to pursue him until he was finally caught somewhere in Isabela.
Besides being historical, the village offers a rustic life in the hinterlands. The people here are kind and hospitable. Plus, it rewards one with fascinating views of rice terraces and mountains.
- Location/Jump-Off: Pasil, Kalinga
- Entrance Fee: None
For more Info on Kalinga Tourist Spots
If you need further information that may help in setting up your itinerary to Kalinga tourist spots, do contact the Provincial Tourism Office of Kalinga through:
- Contact Number: 0921 975 1753
- Email: tourism_kalinga@yahoo.com
Wow! Thanks for your efforts to show some places in Kalinga.
On item #12 labeled Uguid Subterranean River, the description is accurate; however, the photo is of the Saltan River at Balbalasang.
thank you po for that information:) really appreciate it sir Edward…are uguid river and saltan river different? if yes, perhaps, you may send me a photo of the uguid river? thank you very much po:)
Magkaiba po.
I have not a readily available photo of the Uguid underground river, but here is a description of it in the Baguio Midland Courier.
http://baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/environment.asp?mode=%20archives/2015/august/8-30-2015/env6-Cave-in-Balbalan-is-RPs-8th-deepest-cave.txt
Thank you so much for promoting our hometown..There are a lot of scenic destinations which haven’t yet reached by tourists due to the difficulties on the trails but hopefully will be given attention by local gov’t too.
welcome po:)
They Pasl natural dam is within the area barangay dangtalan specifically Sitio Puapo
thanks po for the information…i have updated the article with your suggestion…perhaps, you can recommend additional information i can add plus a good photo of it…thnks po:)
The pic use depicting banga-banga falls is actually matabor falls in Tanudan
thanks po nats for the info..i already integrated your suggestion in the article…i actually lacked data about the falls…maybe you can suggest additional information i may add and a good photo also..thank you very much:)
It’s not mating falks.. It’s called laroy falls.. And it’s not padcharao lake, it’s fangfangao lake
Hi. Im interested to visit Number 1 to 5. Is there in anyway I could request quote that includes fare and accommodation? I will be travelling from Tabuk, Kalinga. You may include food as well. You may send it to bucanegemmanuel53@gmail.com. Just want to check if ok to visit the 5 places in 2 to 4 days?
Informative article sir! May we ask the direction going to guinaang village ? We are planning to go there sir. More power sir! God Bless!
Hello – Interested in visiting Binasalan Falls (Pasil), Kalinga. Can you provide some directions on how to get there? Closest Barangay, jump off point etc?
Thanks for promoting our hometown. Especially yung 1 to 5. Godbless po
Fantastic places to visit in Kalinga. Such a joy to see this post. What amazing places, fully covered with nature. I will definitely be going to visit these beautiful places in the future. I love nature and I just love to explore more places like these. Thank you so much for sharing this great post. Really looking forward to another of your blog.
thank you very much po for such heartfelt remarks…your inspire me…
thank you very much po for such heartfelt remarks…you inspire me…
does anybody know if Kalinga Day, celebrated with street dancing in Tabuk, is on Pebrero 14th?
It seems difficult to find that information…
Salamat
Hi, I’m from Costa Rica, I’m a volcanologist.
I am interested in the topic of sulfur.
Do you by any chance know the temperature of those fumaroles?
have you seen molten sulfur?
Thanks a lot
Raul Mora-Amador, from Costa Rica Central America.
Hi Raul, sorry for replying. I know the question is not for me but I saw sulfur when I was a teenager, Im now 45, and touched it with my hands. I dont know the temperature but it’s not hot or cold in y palm. Hope that helps, lol.
there are molten sulfur in that place
agyamanak apo! – Tresi from Tabuk, but roots from Uma Lubuagan
I want to visit no. 1,2,4,9,12…where can i get a tour guide?