The Place We Grew Up

THE PLACE WE GREW UP

 Tabuk City has a lot to offer, whether you wish to relax on the hill, eat ethnic food, or interact with local tribes. And, sure, this small village in Kalinga is more than meets the eye.  

Tabuk is in the Cordillera Mountains in the province of Kalinga, 480 kilometers from Manila and an 11-hour trip from the Philippine capital. This lonely highland city is the opposite of a major metropolis, with no skyscrapers, malls, nightlife, or congested freeways. It is home to the Chico River and its tributaries, the country's longest river, which flows from Mountain Province to Cagayan. It is also a popular destination for white water rafting in Luzon, with difficulties reaching Level 5 during the wet season. The river also acts as a source of irrigation for the rice fields of Tabuk (the region's largest rice producer) and the entire province of Kalinga.

Surprisingly, Kalinga province contains a plethora of "not so popular," but undeniably gorgeous and natural sites just waiting to be discovered. Tabuk, being its capital, serves as a gateway to those. Discover Tabuk, a highland city where everyone can live quietly.

If this is your first time visiting this wonderful region, here are a few travel ideas to help you plan your trip.

• The most popular mode of transportation to Kalinga Province is by land, which can take up to a day. Rather than driving oneself, we recommend taking the bus. There are numerous bus routes and road choices available to you. It is advisable to check the bus schedule so that you can plan your trip accordingly.

• If you do not want to drive over uneven roads, you can fly to Tuguegarao City and then take a jeepney to Tabuk. However, keep in mind that the journey to Kalinga is part of the experience.

• Accommodation in Kalinga may vary depending on where you choose to stay. There are hotels, inns, and lodges in Tabuk's capital. The further you drive from the capital, such as in Buscalan, the only places to stay are homestays.

• Internet connectivity is also dependent on location, so make sure to notify your loved ones once you have access to it. Though you may surely utilize this time to disconnect and enjoy Mother Nature.

• Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes because you will be walking a lot. Also, bear in mind that you are on top of a mountain, so the temperature can get very cold, especially at night.

• Always keep hydrated.

• Bring sunblock and mosquito repellent.

• Tabuk has a few banks and ATMs, however it is wise to come prepared with cash.

• Be considerate of the natives in general.

• Properly dispose of your waste.

• Support indigenous items and mementos like Kalinga coffee beans.  

• Do you want to get a tribal tattoo in Buscalan? Be certain of your selection and show respect to the tattoo artist and the entire tribe.

What is there to do in Tabuk?  

· Chico River Rafting (Package Includes: hotel accommodation, breakfast, rafting equipment, and transportation)

· Ullalim Run (Class 3): Pasil to Tabuk - P4,000 per person

· Tinglayan to Pasil Mataguan Run (2 days/Class 3-5) - P7,000/person

· Tinglayan to Tabuk Ullalim-Mataguan Run (2 days/Class 3-5): P8,500/person

· St. William's Cathedral

· See the Dananao, Tinglayan, and Lubo Rice Terraces.

· Whang-od Tattoo in Buscalan

· Discover the Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park and other Balbalan attractions.

· Swim in Matabor Falls, Palan-ah Falls, Pasil Dam, and Kalinga Hot Springs.

· Investigate the Subterranean River of Uguid-Maling.

· Mt. Binaratan, Aguinaldo Hill, Mt. Mating-oy Dinayao, and Sungang Viewpoint are all worthwhile hikes.

· Buaya's linked caves are perfect for spelunking.

· Explore Sagada, Bontoc, Sadanga, and other Mountain Province attractions.

Must try Foods in Tabuk City

1. Binungor- A traditional Filipino dish made from bamboo shot, tenga ng daga mushrooms, and delicate rice field snails.

2. Chilokchok- made from indigenous onion leaves, chili, and sesame seeds

3. Inanchila- a rice cake with ladek /coconut toppings

4. Inihaw na baboy Ramo

5. Kalinga Coffee

6. Pinikpikan

7. Unoy Rice – a pland rice

8. Zinagan – a dinuguan style dish in which intestines and other pork innards are fried until crispy, like chicharon, before being sauteed with garlics, onions, ginger, and pork blood; best served with sinursur, pinaltit, and sagket

Tourist Spots in Tabuk City

Naneng Heritage Village

There is no better place to get a glimpse of Tabuk’s past as well as its sense of home, food & culture than at Naneng Heritage Village.

This tiny township is the oldest settlement in Tabuk. Around it is homes of the traditional styles & those reminiscent of the 1920s laid out in a neat grid. Here, the St. Joseph’s Parish stands as a century-old reminder of its past. That, being the first Catholic church & the seat of municipal government during the American regime.

You can explore the village on foot or hop on a fun ride on the “tal-tallak” (wooden cart). Traipse on the ricefields punctuated by “ayang” or rice granary. Take a dip on Dawwang Cold Spring or laze under the canopy of trees over a hearty picnic. You can trek to Madaldalpong Mountains or ride the swells of Chico River nearby.

The village is also home to some of the finest traditional weavers or “sumisinon”. Many homes here offer demonstrations of this age-old backstrap loom weaving called “laga.” Although, many weavers are the old women, children are also learning to keep their folk art alive.

Surely, no trip to Naneng Heritage Village is ever complete without sampling the “inandila. “This glutenous rice snack is their version of the classic “palitaw” just made longer, thicker & incomparably delicious.

Discover Naneng through its Community Life Tour.

Contact them on Facebook as Forward Bountiful Tabuk

Tangkib Kan Daguitan Eco-Village

Tucked in the woods of Barangay Bagumbayan, Tangkib Kan Daguitan Eco-Village offers another multi-experience getaway.

Here, the community treats guests with overload of Kalinga homestay hospitality. There are short trekking trails, view decks & a small swimming pool. Then there’s home-cooked goodies upon request & lots of open spaces for you to enjoy the fresh air.

Also, if traditional Kalinga hand-tapped tattoo interests you, getting that awesome ink can be done here. Sans the celebrity factor, their works are equally clean as that of Grace or Ilyang in Buscalan.

White Water Rafting

Of course, wild hearts deserve wild adventures like white water rafting along the riotous Chico River! Paddle & scream as Chico River Quest takes you to an exciting wet & crazy fun day in Kalinga.  

Watch the video below to know more about Tabuk City. Please Open this Link...

https://youtu.be/ZGiBI75zY3s