About Buscalan
Immerse with the unique culture and tradition of the mountain people and be awed with the natural beauty of one of the least explored provinces of Cordilleras – Kalinga!
An off-beat travel destination, the province of Kalinga offers beyond what most expect. And where’s best to experience the place aside from its provincial capital Tabuk? Tinglayan is one!
A sleepy town southwest of Tabuk, Tinglayan is dotted with panoramic rice terraces and surrounded by verdant mountains including the legendary Sleeping Beauty, a mountain range consisting of Mount Patukan, Mating-oy Dinayao and Mantingoy. The range is called as such because its silhouette resembles that of a sleeping woman.
Tinglayan is also home to tattooed women and warriors that are common in all of Kalinga, particularly the tribes of Bangad, Basaso, Botbot, Dananoao, Tinglayan and Sumadel. There are 20 villages or barangay that make up the town and the most prominent is the village of Buscalan where the great Whang-Od (Fang-Od), the the oldest and last surviving hand-tap tattoo artist lives. Tourists endure the one-hour trek to this village to meet and/or get a tattoo from this legendary woman.
But more than Whang-od, there are more in Tinglayan that will surely delight nature and adventure lovers. Check out the rice terraces of Buscalan-Loccong, Bugnay, Tulgao, Dananao, Luplupa, Padjao and Ambato Legleg; trek to Palan-ah falls and Hotsprings in Tulgao West; bike the trails of the town; or hike the great Sleeping Beauty.
Choose the road less traveled. Explore Tinglayan and bring home a whole new Cordillera experience!
How to Go to Buscalan/Tinglayan
The town of Tinglayan can be reached from either Tabuk in Kalinga or Bontoc in Mountain Province.
Via Tabuk
To date, the Tabuk route is the most convenient since there is no direct trip from Manila to Bontoc.
From Manila, Victory Liner has daily trips to Tabuk from Kamias Terminal. It is a 10 to 11 hours ride via NLEX – Maharlika Highway passing through the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela, fare is around P680 (as of 2014).
From Tabuk, catch a jeep or bus to Bontoc or Tinglayan across Saint William’s Cathedral. The ride passes through Tinglayan, travel time takes approximately three (3) hours and fare is around P130 (as of 2014). Get off at Bugnay if you take the Bontoc jeep, otherwise you will have to transfer to another jeepney going to Bugnay if you take the Tinglayan jeepney.
If you are coming from Tuguegarao, there are jeepneys and vans available in the city for an hour ride to Tabuk, jeepney fare is around P60. Last trip is around 4PM.
If you are going to Buscalan, proceed to the junction to Buscalan and trek for an hour to reach the village.
Via Bontoc
If you are coming from Bontoc, jeepneys and buses are available to Tabuk that pass through Tinglayan. First trip is at 7 AM and last trip at 11AM. This is a scenic route, passing by the rice terraces of Sadanga, Betwagan and Bugnay.
If you are going to the village of Buscalan, ask to be dropped off to the junction to Buscalan and trek for an hour to reach the village.
Coda Lines Corporation has a daily trip from Cubao HM Terminal to Bontoc. The bus leaves daily at 8PM, 9PM and 10PM, arriving Bontoc after eleven hours of the next day, regular fare is P760. For more inquiries, contact +639771860548 and +639394677863, or visit their Facebook page.
Going Around and Away
Public buses and jeepneys from Tabuk to Bontoc and vice versa pass through the town of Tinglayan via the Tabuk – Lubuagan – Tinglayan – Sadanga – Tocucan – Bontoc Road. The road is in good condition. The trips though are limited with the last trip at around noon for both route.
From Poblacion, there are double track trails going to the villages of Dananaw, Tulgao, Butbut and Ngibat that are accessible mainly to two-wheeled vehicles. The other villages including Buscalan can only be reached through human trails.
Where to Stay in Tinglayan
There is no big hotel or resort in Tinglayan, only small inns and lodges that offer basic accommodation and homestays. To date there are only three commercial accommodations, one in the village of Luplupa and two in Poblacion.
- Luplupa Riverside Inn Luplupa, Tinglayan, Kalinga Rate: P250/person/night Contact: +639177501204
- Sleeping Beauty Inn Poblacion, Tinglayan Rate: P200/person/night
Homestay is the only accommodation option in the village of Buscalan. Just ask around and the locals will direct you to one. Rate is as low as P175/person/night.
What to Do in Tinglayan
- Get a tribal tattoo from Whang-od in Buscalan Village, tattoo rate varies and usually starts at P300 for a small one
- Visit the only surviving Kalinga warrior Fa’wad Accad in Luplupa
- See the rice terraces of Buscalan-Loccong, Bugnay, Tulgao, Dananao, Luplupa and Ambato Legleg
- Don’t miss their coffee!
- Trek to Palan-ah falls and Hotsprings in Tulgao West
- Take home some local products such as coffee, local wine and knives
- Go mountain biking
- Hike the great Sleeping Beauty, trekking usually takes eight (8) hours
- Go white water rafting in Chico River
- Explore Tabuk, Balabalan and the other towns and attractions of Kalinga
- Head to the neighboring Mountain Province and visit the attractrions in Bontoc, Maligcong and Sagada
Sample Overnight Itinerary and Budget in Buscalan (Via Tabuk)
Day 0 Manila to Tabuk
1930H: Departure from Victory Liner Kamias to Tabuk
Day 1 Tabuk to Buscalan
0600H: Arrival in Tabuk, heavy breakfast
0700H: Catch a jeep or bus to Bontoc or Tinglayan
1100H: Arrival in Bugnay, trek to Buscalan
1230H: Arrival in Buscalan, find homestay, lunch
1330H: Free time, tattoo session, see the rice terraces, etc
1800H: Dinner, socials, lights out
Day 2 Trek down
0530H: Call time, see sunrise in Padjao Rice Terraces
0630H: Breakfast
0700H: Trek back to Bugnay
0830H: Catch a jeep back to Tabuk or Bontoc then Sagada
*Estimated budget P2500
Other Tips
- In compliance to the new municipal ordinance, all tourists are now required to pay eco-cultural fee of P75 per person
- Relative to the new ordinance, all tourists are also now required to have a guide with fee as follows:
- P1,000 per day for one guide (1 to 5 tourists)
- P2,000 per day for up to two guides (6 to 10 tourists)
- P3,000 per day for up to three guides (11 to 15 tourists)
- P4,000 per day for up to four guides (16 to 20 tourists)
- No ATM in town
- Best time to go is during dry months from December to May
- Mobile signal is weak to non-existent
- There is no restaurant in Buscalan but you can order food from where you are staying
- Tattooing schedule is on first-come-first-served basis
Updated: 05-Nov-2015; 15-Jan-2016; 25-Mar-2018
Hi guys, I’m planning for a solo travel this coming first week of March as part of my birthday treat to myself. f you want to join to split the tour guide fee, you may text me: 0905-785-38-60 Thanks!
Hello pang .. Pede bang sa march 13 kn pumunta sunday nite makikisabay ako syo… Solo traveller din eh… Salamat
Hi Sir Felix. I’m sorry hindi ako pwede ng weekdays.
Hi, Pang! Same here. This will also be a birthday treat to myself thouh it’s on April pa… Is it okay if I text you just to ask details para sa preparations or sa pagpunta? Since mauuna ka naman? Hehe sorry tho… di ako makakasabay sayo^^
Peace out
-Veronica
Hi, Veronica! Sure text nyo lang po ako. Advance happy birthday!
Hi Veronica, pupunta kami 1st week ng April, pwede tayo magsabay para half sa tour guide if you want to. Thanks 🙂
Hello, Carla. It would be really great kaso 2nd week of April ako punta… Thanks for asking, tho ^^
Hey, can you guys add me on facebook? I’d like to see photos of you with Wang Od and your tattoos if it’s possible. I may ask questions/details about going there as well. Thank you 🙂 http://www.facebook.com/veronicathe13th
Hi Pang I and my 2 friends are planning to go there by 1st week of March (March 5 2016,7AM ETDA) @ Tabuk… We are looking for travel companion to split tour guide fee…
Pls. email me [email protected]
Hi Joyie. Can I add you on messenger? Thanks
pm me pls 09057853860
Pang Dak Padayao on messenger pls
punta ko ng march 11
Thanks for this blog…. very informative. 🙂
I’m planning to go on a weekend in March, I’m hoping anyone can travel with me to split cost. Solo Traveler here from Quezon City
Hello sir re win…im planning on march 12 sunday nite ang alis …..can i have your no para magkita n lang tyo sa kamias
If somebody here whos willing to go on march 13 pls let me know… Tnks
Hi sir. When is your preferred date?
Hi! We’re going there this weekend. If you’re interested in joining txt me. O977-675-9656 🙂
Hey there! 🙂 I’m planning to go alone on April 2nd week. I’m from Tuguegarao City.
-V
Hi! Anyone who’s planning to go around april? Solo traveller here
Hi we’re going there 1st week of April, dalawa lang kami, please tell me, 09228044907.
I am! Planning to travel solo as well.
Hi po! Anyone going to apo whang od on april 5-7 po tentative sched namin from sagada kami.
April 6..from Baguio kau san kau manggaling
e2 text nyo na # 09467637948 guid sa buscalan
Hi,
I’ve read through the comments but a lot of them are in tagalog so it is a bit hard for me to understand. I had a few question about Buscalan and I would appreciate it if someone would be kind enough to answer me since I will be travelling alone
1. is the tour guide mandatory? I ‘ve read in other places that we did not need one (especially since I am travelling alone, I do not know how I could possibly split the cost – travel dates are around March)
2. can i still get a tattoo from Whang Od? any review or updates with your experience?
3. Can I get some ideas on your travel itineraries? I am still thinking how to cover banaue, sagada, maligcong (mountain trail), buscalan, and head north to Vigan. Any suggestions would be appreciated
Thank you all in advance
Hi leslie… I am planning also to go to wangod this march.. Solo traveller..are you willing to go with me so that we can split the guide s fee
Hi Felix, when are you planning to go to Wangod? Im a solo traveler here.
Thanks,
Hannah
Hi guyz, when po kayo pnta Buscalan? Makikisabay .. solo traveler too.. pm me on my FB (Maia Araneta) Thanks! 🙂
makikisabay din po ako..kelan kayo punta? san ko kayo pwede contact?
Maia and ryg, i set natin end of march.
Hi Hannah,
Yeah sure! set tayo..kasi pag holy week punuan dun 1st come 1st serve.
Hi. we are also planning to go to buscalan april 5 (tentative) but only overnight from sagada also.
Please msg me in Fb, Carla Mae Martinquilla or text me at 09228044907. Dalawa lang po kami 🙂
Hi! Me and my boyfriend will go there on Feb 23 evening from Manila (Feb 24 arrival in Tabuk) and leave the next day. I asked 2 tour guides already and I was surprised that they are now asking 1k per day and an overnight is considered as 2 days daw as advised by Kuya Francis and Kuya Romy (two tour guides), so 1k per day sya for max of 4-5 guests (Kuya Francis is max of 4 guests and max of 5 guests for Kuya Romy). Let me know if you want to join so we can split the tour guide fee. Also, if we book Kuya Francis, we will stay @ Whang Od’s place while with Kuya Romy, we will stay @ Grace’s house. Each for 250 per night. 😁 Let me know who wants to join 😁
Hi! Anyone going to Whang-Od on Feb 24-25 (leaving Manila on Feb 23 evening)? I just inquired to the tour guides and sadly an overnight is considered as 2 days daw as advised by Kuya Francis and Kuya Romy (two tour guides), so 1k per day sya for max of 4-5 guests. Let me know if you want to join so we can split the tour guide fee. ☺️ Btw, with Kuya Francis as guide, homestay will be at Whang-Od’s for 250 per night. 🙂 you may text me: 0917-492-2808
Hi Hannah, when are you planning to go to buscalan?
Hi hanna..ill be leaving on march 12 sunday nite…whats you ‘re contact no…maybe we can tag along…thanks
Guys i think its better to go der a week before the holy wik…
Hi! My friend and I were planning to be in kalinga on feb 12. Anyone here interested to split tour guide fee with us? Kindly send me an sms if you’re interested. 092778297957
Hi Jing, me and my friend would like to join you on Feb 12, to split the guide fee. I tried to contact you, but looks like there’s extra digit in the number. Please contact me at 09175555884.
Hi, ill msg you ha,,, thanks
Hi Guys,any tip for the 1st timer na aakyat going to Apo Whang Od?
Plano namin ng friend ko pumunta ng tInglayan 1st week of March and We don’t have any idea.
We’re basing on blogs lang eh,We really haven’t idea kung paano kami magkaka-tour guide going to Apo Whang Od.
Kindly help us. Thank you 🙂
e2 text me taga buscalan oko but nag-aaral sa bontok every weak end po ako pumupunta sa amin ,,,at kung gusto nyo ako ang guid nyo,,,,,,e2 # ko 09467637948
Hi madhie wat date exactly are you gonna travel
Hello! Is there any way that you’ll be accommodated kapag walk in ka lang magpapa-tattoo kay Whang Od? Thank you!
FEB. 6-8 (long weekend) sa Buscalan then Sagada na rin. Tara!
Pupunta po ako ng Feb 6-8 baka gusto nyo pong sumabay?
@jam uhmm.. naka sched na din kami eh.. ikaw na lang sabay sa amin.. hehe.. package nga lang..
Required po ba talaga kumuha ng tourguide? sa Php 1000 parang rip off na yun, hindi naman ganun kahirap or kalayo ang trail.
Hi any advice po if san mas ok and malapit going to buscalan via tabuk po ba or bontoc po? From vigan tour pa po kc kami. Feb8 to 10 travel po. Then deritso sagada. Then after manila na po. First time po from davao. Thank u
Hi sweet. How many are you in the group? Im planing on Feb 9?. This is Tin, 30, Rizal. Thanks
hi tin.we are going to buscalan on feb 07 from manila.3 sana kami kaya lang nagback out ang isa.message me if you want to join us.09167449555. im diane ,31 from cebu.
i think better kung bontoc
hello po.im diane from cebu.we are going to buscalan on feb 08-10..we reserved a guide narin.2 nalng kami kasi nag backout yung isa namin kasama.naka may gusto mag join sa amin..para makatipid sa guide fee..itinerary namin is buslcalan-sagada-baguio-mt.pulag (feb07-feb15 kasi galing pa kami cebu).baka may gusto mag fill in sa isang slot namin..text me 09167449555.
me and my friends are planning to go there pero wala pa kaming alam saan mgsstart ngbebase pa lang ako sa mga blogs apat kami e. pwede po pahelp? 🙂 this is my email [email protected]
Hi baka po gusto nyo po sumabay! 🙂 were going to Buscalan this coming Jan29-31!
if your interested beep me up! (09982300645) ty!
Aakyat ako sa Buscalan at Sagada sa Feb.6-8 pwede kayo mag join package 4x/pax..
Sir conatact number nyo po?
@jam 09955750950
contact mo si Yunan 09214230043..
Update: January 22, 2016
Please get in touch with Mr. Johnny Tiggangay 0915 283 7885, tourism officer of Tinglayan, for guide reservation and other questions. Thank you.
G, gusto ko den makaayat jan sa mga lugar na yan, Feb22-26, if you guys want to tag along lezgo.
meron kana kasama? pwd makisama, first timer ako.tnx
no. ko nga pala (0915-188-6590)
Hello.. This is Mylz, punta din po ako dun alis ko feb 24 ng gabi.. u might wanna join? Pls let me know.. Thanx
Hello.. This is Mylz, punta din po ako dun alis ko feb 24 ng gabi.. u might wanna join? Pls let me know.. pls reply to this not on the first message.. Thanx
Hi guys! My hubby and I went to Buscalan last December and we definitely had a great time! Kakaibang adventure! bitin ang 2 days stay namin!For those who are looking for a tour guide, We would highly recommend Kuya Francis “Ambot” Ayangao (0928-600-8244). Very accomodating, Sobrang sulit ibabayad nyo sa kanya, tsaka di kayo iiwan sa buong stay nyo sa Buscalan. Nakilala namin sya pagdating na namin sa Bugnay kasi ung contact naming tour guide hindi kami sinipot kahit nag confirm ako a day before kami pumunta and tumawag pa ko pagdating namin sa Bontoc. Buti nalang andun si Kuya Ambot. Sa kanya na din kami nagpahanap ng mapag stay-an for 2 days. I would also recommend din pala kuya Oliver Luis (0939-774-1477), they are both licensed tour guide in Buscalan. –Jayson & Jonnel =)
Hi Good day,may I know how much ang binayad nyo for the tour guide?
thank you
Sino po pwede dito possibly feb. 11-14 via tabuk? then after kay apo whang od, derecho ng sagada? 🙂 TIA
pa-join.(0915-188-6590 no. ko).tnx
jd may kajoin ka na?
Hi pwede pa join 2 kami.
Here’s my number 09778297957
Hi, anyone who wants to join sa group namin? may slots pa! Going to Buscalan this coming January 29-31.. Tara na!
Just beep me up! Ill give you the details! 09982300645
Thanks!! 🙂
Miss Jonnel Andress sino po yoong dapat na guide ninyo na hindi kayo sinipot? Will be going there on Jan 29 to 31 also 🙂 1st timers. Thanks!
Hi Cheysen! Kindly give me your email add so i can send pm to you, or your cellphone number. Although marami na din kaming narinig na negative comment dun sa tour guide dapat namin while we were in Buscalan ayoko namang siraan sya dito. It would be rude naman kasi di din namin sya nakilala personally. =)
Hi Jonnel, please PM me as well. First timer and my companions will be coming from abroad. My email is [email protected] Thank you.
you can send me an SMS through 09175673021 po or [email protected]. Thank you po Miss Jonnel! 🙂
ms Jonnel pasend din ako sa email [email protected]
Hi Jonnel.. pa email din po ng name ng guide na di kayo sinipot.. [email protected]. thank you..