"Kalinga – way off the beaten track" Province of Kalinga-Apayao by GenuinelyCurious

Province of Kalinga-Apayao Travel Guide: 11 reviews and 42 photos

A Sagada alternative

Most people who go to the Cordillera mountain region of North Luzon will visit the rice terraces of Banaue and/or the peaceful mountain retreat of Sagada. If you read Lonely Planet, they say the area is rugged, inaccessible and maybe even dangerous. The rugged part is right – it takes hours to get up to the villages outside the main tourist area of Tinglayen, but in Tinglayen, the toilets flush, there is 24-hour electricity and it is possible to get all your basic necessities catered to. The villages are still ‘unspoiled’ by too many visitors, but no doubt that will change in the decade to come. Intrepid travelers might make the journey sooner, rather than later. It’s basically about 90 minutes further than Sagada and worlds away…though you might have to ride on the roof of the jeepney to get there.

Headhunters of Kalinga

Didn’t see one, as far as I know. But the chat is that there are still long-standing blood feuds and revenge killing that occurs between tribes, usually in a dispute over water rights, hunting rights or other territorial transgressions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Authentic, unspoiled
Cons:Rugged and physically challenging
In a nutshell:Great destination for adventure travelers

Last visit to Province of Kalinga-Apayao: Jun 2008
Intro Written Jun 18, 2008
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Reviews (9)

Someone the Kalinga kids didn't expect - Province of Kalinga-Apayao

Someone the Kalinga kids didn't expect Off The Beaten Path (1)

The kids of the villages shouted something like “El Cano” when I came along. I have to assume it means something like... more travel advice

Cockfighting is not a human invention - Province of Kalinga-Apayao

Cockfighting is not a human invention Local Customs (3)

We were all minding our own business, when these two birds starting going at it. The villagers paid it absolutely no... more travel advice

Hang out with the 100 year old man - Province of Kalinga-Apayao

Hang out with the 100 year old man Things to Do (5)

This guy is clearly older, and my guide says he’s 100. He smokes, and still works carving little pipes and has been a... more travel advice

Tattooed ladies of Kalinga - Province of Kalinga-Apayao

Tattooed ladies of Kalinga Things to Do (5)

The ancient tradition has mostly died out among the young, but as recently as 40-50 years ago, women who reach 16 would... more travel advice

Comments (4)

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septem Mar 28, 2009 at 2:12 AM

Wonderful pages. Juliana
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edwinic Jan 26, 2009 at 5:21 AM

one of the protagonist is a hen!
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GenuinelyCurious Jul 30, 2008 at 8:42 AM

While I was there, Sagada was actually a bit colder, but they've got one huge advantage... the hotels have hot water.
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moonlighting Jul 30, 2008 at 5:25 AM

Which is colder: Kalinga or Sagada?