NORTHEASTERN LUZON
BATANES
Local Cuisines
-
Ube (Purple Yam): A local delicacy used in various dishes and desserts.
-
Ivatan Chévre (Goat Cheese): A unique cheese made from goat's milk, often enjoyed fresh or in dishes.
-
Lamb and Beef Dishes: Locally sourced meat prepared in traditional ways, often served with rice or root vegetables.
-
Vunes (Sweet Potatoes): A staple food in Batanes, often steamed or roasted.
-
Tiyula Itum: A traditional Ivatan dish, a beef soup flavored with burnt coconut, creating a unique taste.
-
Kawag (Fish): Freshly caught fish, often grilled or served in local soups.
Island Hopping
Cultural Tours
Visit Basco
Hiking
Explore Vayang Rolling Hills
Bird Watching
Best time to Travel
November to April: This dry season is considered the best time to visit, with pleasant weather and clearer skies, ideal for outdoor activities.
Transportation
-
Flights: The primary way to reach Batanes is by flying from Manila or other nearby provinces (e.g., Tuguegarao) via local airlines like Philippine Airlines and Sky Jet.
-
Tricycles and Jeepneys: Commonly used for local transportation within the islands.
-
Car Rentals: Renting a vehicle is a popular option for exploring at your own pace, although roads can be winding.
-
Motorbike Rentals: An adventurous way to explore the beautiful landscapes.
Festivals
-
Vatang Festival: Celebrated in April, this festival showcases Ivatan culture through food, music, and dance, highlighting the heritage of the Batanes people.
-
Folk Arts Festival: Held annually, it promotes local crafts, music, and traditional practices, often featuring local artisans and performances.
-
Batanes Day: Celebrated on June 26, this event honors the unique culture and history of Batanes.
CAGAYAN
Local Cuisines
-
Pancit Batil Patung: A local noodle dish served with a mix of vegetables, meat, and a distinctive sauce.
-
Longganisang Cagayan: A unique local sausage, usually sweet and garlicky, often served with rice.
-
Bagnet: Crispy fried pork belly, a favorite dish in the region.
-
Vigan Empanada: A savory pastry filled with meat, vegetables, and egg, popular in the area.
-
Pinakbet: A vegetable dish flavored with bagoong (fermented fish sauce), showcasing local produce.
-
Sinigang na Baboy: A traditional pork sour soup made with tamarind and various vegetables.
Visit Callao Cave
Historical Tours
Island Hopping
Diving and Snorkeling
White Water Rafting
Hiking
Best time to Travel
November to April: This dry season offers the best weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing, with less rainfall and cooler temperatures.
Transportation
-
Public Buses: Various bus companies operate routes from Manila to Cagayan, including Victory Liner and Florida Bus.
-
Tricycles and Jeepneys: Common for local transportation within towns and cities.
-
Car Rentals: Renting a car is convenient for exploring at your own pace, especially for reaching remote areas.
-
Motorbike Rentals: An adventurous option for navigating scenic routes.
Festivals
-
Pamulinawen Festival: Celebrated in Laoag City (though in Ilocos Norte, it’s often linked to Cagayan), this festival includes street dancing and showcases local culture.
-
Giant Cabbage Festival: Held in the town of Buguey in January, this festival highlights the local agricultural industry with a parade and food fairs.
-
Piat Festival: Celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Piat, featuring religious processions and cultural activities.
ISABELA
Local Cuisines
-
Pancit Cabagan: A local noodle dish, known for its rich flavor and typically served with toppings like egg and meat.
-
Longganisa: A sweet and garlicky sausage that’s a staple in Isabela's culinary scene.
-
Bannawag (Rice Cake): A traditional rice cake often served during special occasions and festivals.
-
Sinigang na Baboy: A sour pork soup made with tamarind, vegetables, and local herbs.
-
Pinakbet: A vegetable dish made with local produce, flavored with bagoong (fermented fish sauce).
-
Kalamay: A sweet rice delicacy made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, often enjoyed as a snack.
Visit Callao Cave
Discover the Ilagan Sanctuary
Conquer Mount Pulag
Explore the historic sites
Enjoy White Water Rafting
Experience Eco-Tourism
Best time to Travel
November to April: The dry season is the best time to visit, with pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Transportation
-
Public Buses: Bus companies like Victory Liner and FLORIDA offer routes from Manila and nearby provinces.
-
Tricycles and Jeepneys: Commonly used for local transportation within towns and cities.
-
Car Rentals: Renting a car or van is a convenient option for exploring at your own pace.
-
Motorbike Rentals: An adventurous way to navigate the region and enjoy scenic views.
Festivals
-
Dawani Festival: Celebrated in January in Ilagan, this festival honors the local heritage with street dancing, parades, and food fairs.
-
Sukuy Festival: A harvest festival celebrated in San Manuel that showcases the agricultural bounty of the region.
-
Ilagan City Fiesta: Held in July, this festival features various cultural and religious activities, including processions and community gatherings.
NUEVA VISCAYA
Local Cuisines
-
Pinakbet: A popular vegetable dish made with local produce and flavored with bagoong (fermented fish sauce).
-
Kalamay: A sweet rice delicacy made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar.
-
Sinigang: A sour soup, typically made with pork or beef, using local vegetables and tamarind for flavor.
-
Longganisa: Local sausage, often sweet and garlicky, commonly served for breakfast.
-
Nilagang Baka: A beef soup with vegetables, perfect for a hearty meal.
-
Local Rice Varieties: Nueva Vizcaya is known for its rice production, and local rice is often served with meals.
Explore Mount Pulag
Hiking and Trekking
Visit the Imugan Falls
Cultural Tours
Cave Exploration
Eco-Tourism
Best time to Travel
November to April: The dry season is ideal for outdoor activities, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall.
Transportation
-
Public Buses: Several bus companies operate routes to Nueva Vizcaya from Manila and neighboring provinces, such as FLORIDA and Victory Liner.
-
Tricycles and Jeepneys: Commonly used for local transport within towns.
-
Car Rentals: Renting a vehicle is convenient for exploring the region at your own pace.
-
Motorbike Rentals: A fun way to navigate the scenic countryside.
Festivals
-
Aritao Festival: Held in January, this festival celebrates the agricultural bounty of Aritao, featuring street dancing, parades, and local products.
-
Timpuyog Festival: Celebrated in June in Bayombong, this festival highlights the unity and culture of the locals, with various cultural activities.
-
Pahiyas Festival: Although primarily associated with Lucban, it is celebrated in some parts of Nueva Vizcaya as a showcase of local agricultural products.
QUIRINO
Local Cuisines
-
Pinakbet: A vegetable dish made with local produce and flavored with bagoong (fermented fish sauce).
-
Sinigang: A sour soup made with pork or beef, using local vegetables and tamarind for flavor.
-
Longganisa: Local sausages, often sweet and garlicky, typically served during breakfast.
-
Pancit Habhab: A traditional noodle dish, often served on a banana leaf and topped with various ingredients.
-
Kalamay: A sweet rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar, commonly enjoyed as a snack.
-
Rice Variants: Quirino is known for its agricultural production, especially rice, which is often served with meals.
Visit Governor's Rapids
Hiking and Nature Trails
Explore Nagtipunan
Wildlife Watching
Cave Exploration
Cultural Visits
Best time to Travel
November to April: This dry season offers cooler temperatures and is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of Quirino.
Transportation
-
Public Buses: Several bus companies operate routes from Manila and neighboring provinces, providing access to Quirino.
-
Tricycles and Jeepneys: Commonly used for local transportation within towns and rural areas.
-
Car Rentals: Renting a vehicle is convenient for exploring at your own pace, especially for reaching remote areas.
-
Motorbike Rentals: A fun way to navigate the scenic routes of Quirino.
Festivals
-
Aglipay Festival: Celebrated in January, this festival honors the town's history and features street dancing, local crafts, and cultural presentations.
-
Pahiyas Festival: While primarily celebrated in Lucban, variations of this harvest festival can be seen in some areas of Quirino, showcasing local produce and community spirit.
-
Inat-atan Festival: Held in Nagtipunan, this festival showcases the agricultural bounty of the region and features cultural activities.