Travel Guide: Tinglayan Kalinga - Tourist Spots and Attractions, How To Get There, Things To Do, Accommodations, Itinerary and Expenses

Tinglayan, Kalinga Province is located in the northern part of Luzon. It is not a usual tourist destination in the Philippines, but it offers great sights, rich cultural experience and trekking destinations. Nestled in the Cordillera mountain range, it's landscape is surrounded by lush mountains ranges with the mighty Chico River gushing on one side. There are a lot sights to behold, things to do and activities to enjoy in Tinglayan, you could do trekking/hiking, interacting with the locals, appreciating their culture and immersing yourself with the community.

KALINGA TOURIST SPOTS: The Charm of the Sleeping Beauty

One astounding sight in Tinglayan, Kalinga that you shouldn't miss is the Sleeping Beauty Mountain. Also known as Mt. Patukan, it is a mountain ridge located between the municipalities of Tanudan and Tinglayan. It is called as such because it resembles to a sleeping woman lying on its back.

THINGS TO DO IN KALINGA: Attending the Easter Mass and a Wedding Ritual

It was Black Saturday when we visited Tinglayan in Kalinga Province. We were able to attend the anticipated Easter Sunday mass in the village of Luplupa's church. The celebration started outside the church with the burning of some woods where the paschal candle was lit. Surrounded by the locals, prayers were recited in celebration of Easter. Then we went inside the church for the mass.

THINGS TO DO IN KALINGA: Meeting the Tattooed Women of Tinglayan

Going to Tinglayan, all I wanted is to see a tattooed woman; those that I only read on text books during my school days. History tells us that these women have their tattoos as ornaments which signifies beauty and makes them more attractive to their suitors. Some have it like a necklaces and full sleeves on their arms. While for the men, it is a sign of bravery as warriors who have killed their enemies.

THINGS TO DO IN KALINGA: Exploring the Villages of LupLupa, Old Tinglayan and Ambato Legleg

After fixing our things at Luplupa Riverside Inn, we asked for a guide to help us explore the place. Going to Tinglayan, we actually don't have any itinerary, all I know is I want to see the remaining women with native Filipino tattoos. Upon asking at the riverside inn, German, a son of one of the guides of the Inn, volunteered to show us around the villages of Luplupa, Old Tinglayan and Ambato-Legleg. So, what's to see in Tinglayan?

Kalinga - En Route to Tinglayan

After wandering around Bontoc where we visited some interesting sites and witnessed the parade during the Lang-ay Festival, we hopped into the bus bound for Tabuk in Kalinga province. It will pass by the town of Tinglayan where we plan to spend another night. The bus is full of locals and foreigners heading to their destinations. It’s good to see foreigners exploring not just the usual tourist attractions in the Philippines but also the remotest villages.

Ifugao, Mountain Province and Kalinga, my 58th, 59th and 60th Provinces

I spent Holy Week and Araw ng Kagitingan holidays (April 5-9, 2012) with my friend in 3 provinces of the Cordillera Region - Ifugao, Mt. Province and Kalinga, my 58th, 59th and 60th provinces! We also had a side trip in Tuguegarao and Peñablanca, Cagayan before we head back home to Manila. We had fun exploring these provinces, trying out the food, learning new things about its culture and meeting warm and accommodating people.