APAYAO (LUNA) Travel Guide
What is Apayao? The province of Apayao boasts its own collection of natural wonders that are otherwise not found in the rest of the Cordilleras. Little wonder that it has been dubbed as “Cordillera’s Last Frontier for Nature Richness.” Here, underground rivers, majestic waterfalls, magnificent lakes hug a unique land that is filled with captivating caves, picture-pretty parks, and exotic wildlife.
Quick Facts Geography
Apayao is located at the northernmost tip of the Luzon mainland. The province is classified into upper and lower. Upper Apayao (Conner, Calanasan, Kabugao) has a mountainous topography characterized by towering peaks, plateaus and intermittent patches of valleys. Lower Apayao (Luna, Sta. Marcela, Pudtol, Flora) is generally flat land with rolling mountains and plateaus.
Climate
It is characterized by relatively dry and wet seasons, from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. Heaviest rain occurs during December to February while the month of May is the warmest.
Language/ Dialect
Ilocano is the dominant dialect followed by Isneg and Filipino.
Traditional Isnag Attire for Women Apayao is home to the Isnags, the ethnic group of the province. They speak the Isneg dialect and mostly live in Upper Apayao. They have a unique cultural heritage and have traditions specific to their culture.
Festivals and Events Say-Am Apayao (Apayao Day) The province’s grandest festival in celebration of its founding anniversary with a series of activities which span for half a month. It is held every 1st to the 14th of February every year. Various activities include sports competitions, panagangrad (indigenous games), streetdancing, musical and dance contests, agro-industrial trade fair, a tourism exhibit, and finally a search for the loveliest “Dayag ti Apayao”.
Panagapit ken Panagyaman Festival Celebrated in June of every year, this event is Luna’s traditional way of thanking the Lord for a bountiful harvest. Activities include a beauty pageant called “Libnos to Luna” and an agro-industrial fair.
Marag River
Manacota Cave and Underground River A 20-minute hike upstream and you’ll reach this place of wonder. This cave hides numerous chambers of crystalline and untouched stalactites and stalagmites. It also hides a 12-meter deep pool of pure, refreshing, cool water perfect for swimming and diving. Cut-off time for visiting is at 3PM Tour Guide Fee: PHP150 # of Guides needed: 3-4
Marag River Marag Valley offers many scenic views. One of these is the mighty Marag River which stretches across the valley. Walk along the Cagandungan Hanging bridge for an awesome view of the valley.
Marag Valley Memorial Shrine
Dupag Rock Formation
Marag Valley Memorial Shrine
Manacota Cave and Underground River
Marag Valley was once a wartorn village back in the 80s and 90s. This shrine was built to commemorate the brave heroes who fought against insurgents during the Marcos dictatorship.
Dupag Rock Formations This unique limestone rock topography (also known as karst) is a historical site as it served as a fortress for the locals during years of insurgency. The crevices and maze-like configuration served as shelter and safety for the people. According to the locals, it was once feared due to its enchanted nature. Cut off time for visiting is at 3PM. Tour Guide Fee: PHP150 # of Guides needed: 2-3
To Claveria Poblacion
A multi-chambered cave with amazing forms of stalactites and stalagmites. It also has an underground creek with cool, crystal clear waters which flows into a blue lagoon. This scenic location is perfect for boating, kayaking, and swimming. Beware of bats! Lussok Cave is being managed by Brgy. Dagupan where it is located. They charge a parking fee, entrance fee, guide fee, boat fee, totalling to PHP95 per person.
Bayugao Falls
Lussoc Cave
Lussok Cave
Apayao Ecotourism Complex
To Pudtol
Apayao Ecotourism and Sports Complex This complex has hosted many events including CARAA in 2013, Cordillera’s biggest sports event. It has cottages which you can rent for accommodation, and because it’s conveniently located near the tourist spots in Luna, it’s the place to be at after an adventure.
Cut-off time for visiting is at 4PM
Bayugao Falls Only 30 minutes away from the Poblacion, these falls are a must see. This refreshing sight has three decks of natural pools carved by the rushing cascades of the waterfall. The cool and crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming.
Getting There By Bus from Metro Manila Take a Florida Bus or RCJ Bus going to Junction Luna in Abulug, Cagayan. Terminals for these liners are located in Sampaloc, Manila and Cubao, Quezon City. Travel time takes around 10 hrs. via Tuguegarao and 12 hrs. via Ilocos (Fare ranges from P600-850 for both). Once at the Junction Luna terminal, take a 10-minute tricycle ride going to Poblacion, Luna. Quick Tip! Book your bus seats online to make your trip easier. http://www.gvfloridatransport.com.ph/
By Airplane Catch a PAL or Cebu Pacific flight to Tuguegarao or Laoag from Manila, which takes about an hour. From Tuguegarao City or Laoag City proper, ride a bus going to Junction Luna, Abulug, Cagayan (2 hr. ride from Tuguegarao, 3 hrs. from Laoag), and then transfer to a tricycle going to Poblacion, Luna, which only takes about 10-minutes.
By Car There’s two ways to get to Luna, one passes through Tuguegarao, the other Laoag. Each road will lead you to Junction Luna, Abulug, Cagayan which is only 10-minutes away from the Poblacion, Luna. Here are quick links to directions provided by Google Maps via Tuguegarao
via Laoag
In Luna, you can choose from homestay inns, cabins, and lodges. We recommend staying at one of the villas the Apayao Ecotourism & Sports Complex. A villa can be rented for PHP2400 per day.
Accommodations Establishment Name
No. of Rooms
Contact Information
Apayao Eco-Tourism & Sports Complex (AETSC)
20
Borromeo’s Residence COZI Home and Garden Star Jewel Lodge Village Guest House
12 3 5 10
Miguela Baria Duerme’s Homestay
5 2 9
09973972446, 09272417343 or 09163717683 09199356078 09175509479 09215603331 (02)4425428, 09295924697 09087366504 09163152680 09185115428
Pensionne La Vigna
Each villa can accommodate 5 people (up to 10 with extra bedding) Each cottage has 2 bedrooms, a living room, and a fully-equipped kitchen. One of the Villas
AETSC Villa Bedroom
Accommodations
Food and Dining Honey Mart Convenience Store Duldulao’s Carinderia Millenium Kitchenette Angkuan’s Foodhouse Cheese and Stalks Franks Burger Esmeralda Asuncion Bakery Umayam Fastfood & Catering Susan Grill & Resto RJs Eatery Evelyn Snack House & Catering Sallys Store CJs Eatery Mones Eatery Lilys Food Haus Lorraine Snack Hauz Kulas Tapsilogan
Quirino, Luna Poblacion, Luna San Isidro, Luna San Isidro, Luna San Isidro, Luna Poblacion, Luna Dagupan, Luna San Isidro Sur, Luna Poblacion, Luna Turod, Luna San Isidro Sur, Luna Sta. Lina, Luna San Isidro Sur, Luna San Isidro Sur, Luna San Jose, Luna Poblacion, Luna San Isidro Sur, Luna
Do not worry! There are plenty of food choices in Luna. For Lunch or Dinner, you can go to any establishment listed here. You can also visit Honey Mart Convenience Store located inside the Bumble V Gas Station for all your everyday needs.
Important Tip! Bring Cash! None of the establishments accept credit cards.
For more information Visit us on Facebook at Apayao Tourism Follow us on Instagram @ApayaoTourism or Contact: Ms. Rebekah Tamaken-Mamba Provincial Tourism Officer apayao.tourism@yahoo.com 0927-241-7343
Aliwa, an Isnag multi-purpose cutting tool