The Province of Apayao was formerly a part of Kalinga and was later on separated by the Republic Act 7878 thru the effort of the former governor of Apayao Hon. Late Governor Elias C. Bulut, Sr.. It is one of the hardly visited destination for tourists due to its access of transportaton and isolation of the province.
Branded as "Cordillera's Last Frontier of Nature's Richness", the province has a lot of attractions to offer from rivers to falls as well as caves that are trully breathtaking.
LUNA
Dubbed as the Capital of Apayao, Luna is about 2 kilometers away from the Junction.There mode of transportation in the province are tricycle and habal habal. The market is open every wednesday from 5:00 am to 11:00am. It is where the locals drop off their goods (crops, meat, chicken, fish, fruits and rice cakes) to be sold for extra income.
Speaking of rice cakes, we recommend you to try Patipat. The smalles rice cake that I've ever seen for one peso. It is similar to our traditional suman but it has a sweeter taste and can be eaten in one bite. :)
Luna Municipal Hall
Luna Municipal Hall is located at Poblacion Luna, a 10 minute ride from the Junction. We asked for brochures of tourist destinations in Apayao but unfortunately they are still working on it. The people are very accomodating and they suggested that we go to the capitol to ask for brochures.
Apayao Government Center
Before you start your tour, we recommend you to visit the Apayao Government Center located at Poblacion Luna 3 minutess away from the Municipal Hall. The people inside the tourism office are very friendly and accomodating. They even accompanied us to the office of the governor to view the big "Aliwa", a native bolo that symbolizes life of the Iyapayaos. They gave us travel brochures where you can see the different attractions, places to stay, products, and map of their province. You can buy souvenirs at "Go Negosyo" building located near the entrance of the Apayao Government Center
Bayugao Falls
This waterfall is 8km away from the poblacion with a travel time of approximately 20mins via tricycle. Its heigth is about 15ft and has 3 decks of natural pools carved by the succeeding falls. The water is clear and cool fit for visitors who wish to freshen up after a long trail going to the falls, Don't forget to bring food and drinks because there are no stores and food stands nearby.
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| Road going to the Falls |
Lussok Cave.
Its origins came from stories upon the re-discovery of this enormous cave when a local engineer from the city hall slipped inside a small hole inside the cave. This process is called “Lusot” in Tagalog and “Lussok” in their own native language. Before you reach the cave, you will pass by and cross a river few meters away from the cave site. Once you reach the destination, you will see a small house where in you have to register for safety precautions. The site requires tour guides to accompany you inside the cave but there is no standard amount of payment for tour guide fee. On our case, we gave each tour guides P200.
Marag Rock Formation
Manacota Underground River
Before you reach this simple paradise, you have to walk for 40 minutes wherein you will pass through series of small rivers connected to the cave.
This wonderful work of nature has 3 attractions to offer. First is the underground river. Second is the main cave, although we did not tried to enter the cave because you have to climb against the rocks only with the use of a rope. And third is the small falls at the end of the underground river where you can take a dip on the water after a long walk.
The boat that we used upon entering the underground river is a little bit scary because it does not have any balancing beams. But the primary reason is for the boat to be able to enter small pathways and passages in between stones and rock formations.
This was the boat that we used upon entering the underground river.
After the short and relaxing ride on the boat while enjoying the view of century old stalactites you'll finally see the picturesque beauty of this little falls and a short river connecting the falls to the underground river. Crystal clear and icy cool waters will welcome you as you take your first step down the boat. Indeed it will be a relaxing experience for travelers as you may take a dip or swim on the cool waters after a long walk going to this little paradise.
This wonderful work of nature has 3 attractions to offer. First is the underground river. Second is the main cave, although we did not tried to enter the cave because you have to climb against the rocks only with the use of a rope. And third is the small falls at the end of the underground river where you can take a dip on the water after a long walk.
The boat that we used upon entering the underground river is a little bit scary because it does not have any balancing beams. But the primary reason is for the boat to be able to enter small pathways and passages in between stones and rock formations.
This was the boat that we used upon entering the underground river.
After the short and relaxing ride on the boat while enjoying the view of century old stalactites you'll finally see the picturesque beauty of this little falls and a short river connecting the falls to the underground river. Crystal clear and icy cool waters will welcome you as you take your first step down the boat. Indeed it will be a relaxing experience for travelers as you may take a dip or swim on the cool waters after a long walk going to this little paradise.
How to get there:
From Manila, ride a bus bound to Cagayan Valley or Isabela (Rivera Trans, RCJ Lines, North Star, and Florida Bus) tell the conductor to drop you off at Junction Luna. Travel time is about 10hrs depending on traffic situations and bus stops.
From Tuguegarao, ride a shuttle van bound to Apayao. Travel time is approximately 3hrs.
Where to stay:
Accomodation
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No. of Rooms
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Contact Number
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Luna
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Star Jewel Lodge
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5
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09215603331
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Duerme’s Homestay
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2
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09163152680
|
Miguela Baria
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5
|
09087366504
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Pensionne La Vigna
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9
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09185115028
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COZI Home and Garden
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3
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09175509179
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Borromeo’s Residence
|
12
|
09199356078
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Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex
|
20
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09272417343/
09163717683
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