Cagayan Valley: A Guide to Hiking, Beltfishing, and More

(SPOT.ph) Cagayan, located on the northern tip of Luzon, usually gives visitors second thoughts due to the required 12-hour or more land journey from Manila. Doubt no more, wanderers; because there are daily direct flights from Manila to Tuguegarao, the province's capital city, plus the abundance of attractions—natural, cultural, and historical sites—make the long land travel to Cagayan well worth it for those opting to take the road.

To further convince you to either hop on a plane to Tuguegarao or take that half-day road trip, here are some destinations in Cagayan you may want to visit in the near future.

Also read: 10 Hiking Trails Near Metro Manila for Weekend Warriors

What to Do in Cagayan Valley

Take a dip in Baggao's Blue Lagoon

Often referred to as the north's hidden gem, but not anymore, and for good reasons. The Blue Waterfalls, Cave, and Lagoon, located in the forested area of Baggao, Cagayan, is presently managed as a sustainable tourism destination by its local community. Resident guides trained by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (TPB) accompany hikers to spectacular nature places, including waterfalls, caverns, and natural pools that lead to a blue lagoon straight out of the famous Brooke Shields film.

Set out on a scenic trek to Cape Engaño Lighthouse on Palaui Island

If a land trip to Tuguegarao takes 12 hours at the least, try adding two or three more hours to Sta Ana, Cagayan, and another 45-minute boat ride to Palaui Island. What an arduous travel, you might say, but wait till you get a glance of what awaits you on top of the hill where the Spanish-era lighthouse Cape Engaño stands.

A breathtaking panorama of the island's lush flora, craggy cliffs pounded by Pacific Ocean waves, and stunning azure-colored ocean water. Let’s say that traveling to Palaui Island is all worth it, as it will surely give you a wonderful set of core memories.

Chase waterfalls and be up close to a volcanic crater in Mt. Cagua

Hit two birds with one stone by visiting this double dose of nature gems in the town of Gonzaga. A three- to four-hour hike at a brisk pace will take you to the caldera of Mt. Cagua, a unique natural phenomenon highlighted by a boiling crater lake emitting sulfuric fumes. Be sure to wear a face mask to shield you from inhaling some, but also open your eyes to this extraordinary sight. 

An hour-long trek from the volcanic crater of Mt. Cagua will have you stumbling over craggy boulders and into the towering Cagua Falls, where a soothing dip may be in order. 

Explore the chambers of Callao Cave

Easily accessible from Tuguegarao and by foot from the jump-off, entering Callao Cave doesn't require much effort, thanks to an established trail leading inside. A series of stalactite and stalagmite rock formations will instantly amaze you until you reach the main chamber, called "the chapel,"  because it is a small chapel built by the locals. Above the rock altar, one can see a magical ray of light seeping from the main chamber's opening.

Witness the circadian flight of bats in Pinacanauan River

Not too far from the entrance of Callao Cave, visitors may want to take a kayak ride through the tranquil waters of Pinacanauan River. Your scenic ride will become more unforgettable when your guide leads you to a section beneath a big wall with a large circling hole.

Wait until a few moments after sundown to observe the circadian flight of bats, when tens of thousands fly out of the hole and into the dusk skies.

Experience beltfishing in Sta. Ana

Part of the "Nature and Adventure" tourism circuit by the Department of Tourism Region 2, this experiential activity involves visitors teaming up with a seasoned fisherman to set out more than 20 nautical miles off the coast of Brgy. Diora-Zinungan in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Your mission, should you accept it, is to catch a load of beltfish, locally known as "espada," using the unique apparatus set up on the fishing boat called the "kariti,"  a local version of a hydraulic pulley. This is where the belt fisherman ties three thin cables with baits before weighing down on the water to lure the beltfish into biting.

Enjoy a fun (and slippery) hike to Buwacag Falls

The common warning “slippery when wet” can't be any more true when following the trail to Bucawag Falls. The slick path is just a reminder of how off-the-beaten-path it is. Surrounded by verdant woodland and situated at the slopes of the Sierra Madre, Buwacag's various cascades offer the perfect setting for a nature retreat.  Just be careful stepping on those dodgy rocks, and we're sure you'll have a fantastic time in this emerging outdoor destination in Sta Ana, Cagayan.

Stroll along Anguib Beach

Many people refer to it as the "Boracay of the North." However, Anguib Beach should be known by its own name and not compared to other beaches. It has unique combinations of elements that set it apart. Nearby, one can explore a mangrove forest and hike the adjacent hills, all that plus a stroll along its lengthy stretch of powdery white sand beach. Other places you can bundle with Anguib Beach are side trips to Crocodile Island and Mapurao Beach.

Meet the potters of Iguig

In the town of Iguig, the One Town, One Product (OTOP) pottery creations take shape. Here, you can observe the men and women who have continued this backyard industry for generations, creating pottery items from slabs of clay. Looking for a souvenir item? then the town of Iguig is the perfect pit stop for you to shop for some pottery items of various shapes and designs.

Take a soulful Visita Iglesia

Complete a Visita Iglesia, especially if you’re coming to Cagayan during the Holy Week, by visiting these churches located in the different towns of the province. There's the St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral in Tuguegarao, Basilica Minore de Nuestra Senora in Piat, San Antonio de Galicia Church in Iguig, St. Philomene Church in Alcala, San Jacinto de Polonia Church in Camalaniugan, and Sto. Domingo de Guzman Church in Nueva Segovia. On top of gentle hillsides overlooking the powerful Cagayan River is home to the Cavalry Hills, a site with 14 life-sized sculptures of the Stations of the Cross.

Hit your daily steps quota by going on a walking tour of Tuguegarao

In between hunts of the best pancit batil patong stalls, you can set out on a walking tour of Tuguegarao by visiting these places of interest: the 18th-century Saint Peter the Apostle Metropolitan Cathedral, Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center, the Buntun Bridge—one of the country's longest bridges, Rizal Park Monument, San Jacinto Church, and the 1907 founded St. Paul University just to name a few.

Don’t forget to order pancit batil patong

It's an unwritten rule among tourists in Cagayan to never leave the province without trying the popular local specialty, pancit batil patong. Better come hungry before ordering because it is one heavy and satisfying dish.  Its name was derived from the word "patil" which means "to whisk or beat," and "patong," referring to putting a topping on the dish such as a poached egg, sautéed vegetables, and minced beef. Famous pancit batil patong places are Tabing Tulay Panciteria, Jomar's Special Pancit Batil Patong, Ed's Panciteria, Win-Mae Panciteria, and the pancit stalls at the night market in Tuguegarao.

How to get to Tuguegarao, Cagayan

Both Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines have daily Manila - Tuguegarao flights. For commuting via land, bus companies such as Baliwag Transit, GV Florida Bus, Victory Liner, and Delta Bus serve Manila, Cubao, Pasay, Kamias, and Caloocan routes to Tuguegarao City.

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