After prioritizing international destinations, I decided to explore the Philippines again. One of the places I ticked off my list was Apayao. The latter is a province in the north that was a pleasant surprise.
Apayao is a laid back destination that offers eco-tourism activities.
Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Apayao
Apayao's unique history is deeply rooted in the resilience of its indigenous people, primarily the Isnegs, who lived in organized communities long before colonial times. In 1608, Spanish missionaries, led by Father Jeronimo Molina, first arrived and established a foothold in Pudtol. Despite these early efforts, Spanish control remained largely limited to Lower Apayao by the late 18th century, due to frequent native uprisings.
During the American occupation in 1898, Apayao was initially attached to Cagayan. However, cultural differences and tribal practices led to its separation in 1905, with Tawit acting as its first capital before finally moving to Kabugao in 1914. In 1908, Apayao became a sub-province of the newly formed Lepanto-Bontoc Province, which was later reorganized into Mountain Province in 1920.
The modern political landscape of Apayao began taking shape on June 18, 1966, when Republic Act 4695 merged it with Kalinga to form the province of Kalinga-Apayao. Driven by a desire for self-governance and cultural preservation, Congressman Elias K. Bulut authored Republic Act 7878. Signed into law by President Fidel V. Ramos on February 14, 1995, this vital act officially established Apayao as a distinct, independent province within the modern Cordillera Administrative Region.
How to Get to Apayao
I've traveled around the Philippines over the years. There have been a few improvements in land travel, one of them is the addition of sleeper buses for some routes. Thankfully, there are now frequent buses traveling to Junction Luna, which is often the jump-off point to exploring Apayao. GV Florida offers Kamias or Sampaloc routes to Junction Luna via Laoag City in Ilocos. As of this writing, there's only one sleeper bus route and multiple deluxe seat buses. I took the 7:15pm bus because it's the only time that uses a sleeper bus. Alternatively, you can take an overnight bus or a flight to Tuguegarao City then a van ride to Junction Luna. You can book bus tickets at a GV Florida bus terminal two days before your trip at the earliest. However, you can easily book bus tickets to Tuguegarao several days in advance from Victory Liner.
Getting around Apayao
Apayao has limited transportation options. I rarely saw any public mode of transformation. However, there are tricycles that can take you to different barangays. It's better to either bring your own vehicle or hire a motorcycle taxi or tricycle for the day for convenience. I ended up paying P2,000 for two days. I hired the driver of the accommodation I stayed at which was Casa Lacuesta. The price included pick-up and drop-off at the bus station and tours for two days. You can make arrangements with Casa Lacuesta via 09361913802.
Things to Do in Apayao
Apayao isn't the typical beach destination you think of when traveling around the Philippines. It's more of a nature/adventure kind of place to visit. I spent a couple of days here which I think is enough to visit the main attractions.
Lussok Cave
Lussok Cave in Luna is arguably the most famous attraction in Apayao. It used to serve as a hideout for Japanese soldiers and local insurgents. Fast forward to today, it's now a tourist spot. You'll go on a short boat ride before entering the cave. Inside are various rock formations shaped over time. You'll need to use your imagination to "see" the shapes they take. The most famous spot for taking pictures is right at the cave's entrance. When planning your budget and itinerary for Apayao, you should definitely include Lussok Cave.
- Boat ride P200 per person. This includes entrance and environmental fee, boat and the tour guide fee.
- Boating and caving P250 per person. This includes entrance and environmental fee, boat and the tour guide fee.
- Boating and caving P300 per person. This includes entrance and environmental fee, boat and the tour guide fee. You'll do the hard section of the caving for this price.
Dupag Rock Formation
Dupag Rock Formation will give you an adrenaline rush. The jagged cliffs can give you a nasty cut if you're not careful climbing them. The guides took me through the "easy" section since I was just a beginner rock climber. However, it wasn't completely easy. You'll need to be adequately fit to enjoy this tourist spot. The views at the top were quite nice though. Your budget and itinerary for Apayao would be incomplete without Dupag.
Manacota River
The boat ride along Manacota wasn't the adventure I thought it would be, but it was a nice and pleasant trip through a short cave chamber. There were nice rock formations and a clear pool for swimming once you reach the other side.
Bayugao Falls
Bayugao Falls isn't as spectacular as some of the waterfalls I've seen in other provinces of the Philippines. However, it's a popular place to visit for locals. The water is refreshingly cool and I saw a number of people cliff diving.
Hutungan Hidden Paradise
This spot was a highlight of my trip to Apayao. I knew about Manacota, Dupag and Lussok so Hutungan was a pleasant surprise. The clear pools of the river and rock formations created a beautiful, natural backdrop. The cool waters doused were a refreshing salve to the summer heat and long ride to reach this attraction.
Where to Stay in Apayao
It's difficult to book accommodation online in Apayao. However, I did see a few good reviews about Casa Lacuesta and decided to stay there during my trip. I booked a single room for P1000 a night. The good thing a out staying here is that they also offer meals from breakfast to dinner. You'd have to order dinner early though because their staff goes home after their shift. It's a homey place with surprisingly good Wi-Fi. The room I stayed in had a hot shower and bidet. You can also hire a driver (motorbike or tricycle) to take you to Apayao's attractions for the day.
Budget for Apayao
Here's a list of my expenses during my trip:
3900 - round trip sleeper bus from GV Florida Kamias station to Junction Luna
1296 - food and drinks
1000 - 1 night Casa Lacuesta
70 - Manacota River fee
80 - Dupag Rock Formation fee
500 - guide fee for Dupag Rock Formation and Manacota River (this price is for one person, you'll save more money going as a group)
200 - Lussok Cave boating, entrance fee, and guide
40 - Bayugao Falls fee
40 - Hutungan Hidden Paradise fee
2000 - 2 days tour including pick-up and drop off at station
9126 - Total
You can save more money if you travel with a group. There's plenty of joiner tours scattered all over social media promoting their services. I ended up going on my own for a variety of reasons. I wanted a bit more comfort that's why I took the expensive sleeper bus instead of the deluxe one. If you want to reduce your costs, you can always get the cheaper bus tickets.
Itinerary for Apayao
After making your budget and itinerary for Apayao, here's what you can do in a day or so during your visit.
Day 1
Dupag Rock Formation
Manacota River
Lussok Cave
Day 2
Bayugao Falls
Hutungan Hidden Paradise
Mataguisi Spanish Church Ruins
Agappawan Nature Farm
If you only have a day in Apayao, you can just visit the main attractions such as Lussok Cave, Manacota River, and Dupag Rock Formation. There's not much to do in Apayao after going on tours, but that's part of the province's charm. You can enjoy the bucolic atmosphere and forget the frenetic pace of the city during your stay.
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