RegionOutline guide

Kalinga

Province in Cordillera, Philippines

Photo: Gubernatoria, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Kalinga (pronounced as “Kaling-ga”) is a province in the Cordillera region of Luzon in the Philippines. Long feared for its tribal conflicts and headhunters, it is nowadays renowned for its natural and cultural attractions such as indigenous villages, whitewater rafting, unspoiled mountains and even an indigenous tattoo artist.

Getting there and around

Getting there

Kalinga is mainly accessed through roads from Tuguegarao and Tuao in Cagayan. The nearest airport is also in Tuguegarao.

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Getting around

One can get around the province by public transportation such as jeepney, bus, and passenger van. Tricycles and tuktuks are used within towns.

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Airports and nearby hotels

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Tuguegarao Airport

Tuguegarao City · Regional · TUG

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Cities

Buscalan

A village of Tinglayan known for being the home of Whang-od, a centenarian tattoo artist who applies traditional Butbut tattoos.

Read before you go to Kalinga

Articles and travel topics about Kalinga and Philippines.

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Full travel guide

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TownsKalinga is divided into one city and seven municipalities, all rural and sparsely populated, with each having a central town.

UnderstandKalinga occupies over of land area, mostly mountainous terrain. The capital is Tabuk. The province occupies some of the highest peaks of the Cordillera Mountains.

TalkThe native language is Kalinga, which has various dialects per town. An alternative lingua franca is Ilocano, brought by lowland migrants who settled in the province, followed by Tagalog, Ibanag, Itawis and English.

Get inKalinga is mainly accessed through roads from Tuguegarao and Tuao in Cagayan. The nearest airport is also in Tuguegarao.

Get aroundOne can get around the province by public transportation such as jeepney, bus, and passenger van. Tricycles and tuktuks are used within towns.

SeeMost visitors come to Kalinga either to do whitewater rafting along the Chico River or see Balbalasang National Park, an overlooked and mostly unclimbed stretch of the Cordillera mountains.

DoPartake in cultural activities such as pounding rice, community dances and listening to the chants of the indigenous songs and epics.

EatLike the rest of the Cordilleras, Kalinga cuisine is comprised of highland rice, starch vegetables, game, and smoked meats.

DrinkRice and sugarcane wines are the native drink.

SleepThe bulk of tourist accommodation, including small and mid-size hotels, is in Tabuk. Most accommodation elsewhere consists of small inns, hostels or homestays.

Stay safeAccidents and landslides are common along the mountain roads, with the danger compounded by low or nonexistent guard rails and fog. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition.

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Kalinga" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Kalinga (province)", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Gubernatoria, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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