The Ultimate Cagayan Valley Bucketlist: 5 Things You Absolutely Need to Do in the Region

Now that you've been acquainted with the basics of everything Cagayan Valley, we'll to move on to the specifics! This time I will share to you the 5 absolute-musts in Region 2, one for each province. These are the things you shouldn’t miss out on when you swing by the region. Are you ready?

Is it really? Time to find out! (Photo source: Kreztin)

Let’s go!

1. Take A Jump Shot at Marlboro Hills (BATANES)

3...2...1 Jump! (Photo source: Traveling-up)

You could take postcard-worthy shots almost everywhere in Batanes with its scenic and picturesque views. But nothing seals an unforgettable trip quite like a campy Jump Shot and Marlboro Hills is a perfect venue to do just that! Marlboro Hills also goes by another name called Rakuh a Payaman meaning “big pasture”. True to the name, Marlboro Hills is a communal pastureland filled with smooth, undulating hills, cows and carabaos milling about.

Enjoy the breathtaking view of Marlboro Hills. (Photo source: Missosology)

2. Visit Callao Cave (CAGAYAN)

Callao Cave in Cagayan Province. (Photo source: Caganvalley) 

Callao Cave is a cave with seven chambers located in the municipality of Peñablanca, Cagayan Province, Philippines. It is one of the best known tourist attractions of the province. The town is named Peñablanca (Spanish for white rocks) for the presence of white limestone rocks in the area. Callao Cave is the premier attraction in the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape. It is the most accessible of all the caves, although endurance is a must to reach the entrance by climbing 184 concrete steps. The first chamber of the show cave is the largest room with a width of about 50 m and a height of 36 m. The cathedral-like room has been turned turned into a chapel by the local people. The entrance fee is not higher than Php 20.00.

The impromptu chapel built inside the cave. (Photo source: Flickr)

3.       Try The Country’s Fastest Zipline (ISABELA)

Start of the zipline sits on top of a 700ft hill. (Photo source: Pinoyexchange)

In the city of Ilagan, Isabela, one can test their fear of heights, even conquer it by riding the fastest zipline in the country. According to Ilagan City’s tourism office, the zipline runs at the speed of about 80 kilometers per hour or roughly 15 second, having the height of 700 feet and length of 350 meters. Do you think you can handle the adrenaline rush?

Here's a 22-second glimpse of a fellow traveler having a go at the zipline.

4.       Stop by Dupax del Sur Church (NUEVA VIZCAYA)

Outside view of the Dupax del Sur Church. (Photo source: Wikimapia)

Parish Church of San Vicente de Ferrer in Dupax del Sur is the best-preserved church complex in Nueva Vizcaya. It was built during the second half of the 18th century, under the Dominicans. The baptistry and narthex are converted with carved stucco – work possibly unmatched elsewhere in the Philippines. The convento still preserves slits on the outer walls for archers to fire their arrows against raiders. The church, declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure is a forty-five minute drive from Bayombong.

The intricately carved columns inside the church. (Photo source: Wikimedia)

5.       River Rafting in Governor’s Rapids & Caves (QUIRINO)

The gorgeous limestones formations that can be found in Governor's Rapids. (Photo source: Viewphotos)

Governor’s Rapids & Caves in Maddela, Quirino is famous for its gigantic limestone formations which serves as shelter for the Dumagats and to the adventurers. A tributary to the mighty Cagayan River which has received numerous awards for being the cleanest inland Bodies of water in the region. Best for adventure kayaking and rafting or simply boating. Rafting is common during the summer months, but during the rainy season, you can expect high-adrenaline white water rafting.

River Rafting in Governor's Rapids. (Photo source: Gmanetwork)

So have you tried any of these spankin’ cool activities yet? If not, what do you want to try? Let me know by commenting below!

Sources

http://roamingmum.com/2011/04/batanes-marlboro-and-naidi-hills/
http://www.cagayanvalley.com/page/callao-caves-penablanca-cagayan#.VDnriGeSwpw
http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/23766-zipline-ilagan-sanctuary-isabela
http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2008/01/13/dupax-del-sur-church/
http://quirinoprovince.org/?page_id=34