A trusted Philippine travel blog with detailed guides, hidden gems, and cultural stories from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s 82 provinces.
Located in the northeastern tip of Luzon, Cagayan Province is a land of majestic mountains, ancient churches, and pristine natural wonders. It serves as the gateway to the Babuyan Islands and boasts a rich blend of history, adventure, and coastal beauty. The province is best known for Callao Cave in Peñablanca, the idyllic Palaui Island in Sta. Ana, and the centuries-old churches that speak of its deep Catholic heritage.
Jump to: About Cape Engaño Lighthouse | History and Significance | How to Get There | Entrance Fees and Boat Rates | Things to Do | Travel Tips | Nearby Attractions
Perched on the northernmost tip of Palaui Island in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, Cape Engaño Lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Babuyan Channel and Dos Hermanas Islands. Built during the Spanish colonial period, it served as a vital guide for ships navigating the northern seas of the Philippines.
Jump to: | About | How to Get There | What to Expect | Where to Stay
Anguib Beach, located in Santa Ana, Cagayan, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Luzon. Often called the “Boracay of the North,” Anguib is blessed with powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a long stretch of quiet shoreline lined with lush greenery. Its calm and shallow waters make it perfect for swimming, kayaking, and family trips.
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Palaui Island, located in Santa Ana, Cagayan, is a pristine paradise known for its raw natural beauty, powdery beaches, vast landscapes, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Declared as a protected landscape and seascape, the island offers an untouched environment with crystal-clear waters, coral gardens, wild forests, and scenic hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints.
Jump to: About Callao Cave | Cave Features | How to Get There | What to Do | Travel Tips | Nearby Attractions
Callao Cave is one of the most famous limestone caves in the Philippines, located in Peñablanca, Cagayan Valley. Known for its seven-chamber cave where scientists and experts discovered 67,000-year-old fossilized remains of a Callao man in 2007, which is a thousand years older than the Tabon Man in Palawan. Callao Cave is definitely the top tourist attraction in Peñablanca, Cagayan. This cave is situated on the Northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. By the way, Peñablanca, the name of the municipality, is a Spanish word that means white rocks because of the limestone present in the area.
Backpacking across Cagayan, Apayao, and Isabela is an unforgettable journey through the wild and cultural heart of Northern Luzon. This region, known for its rugged mountains, enchanting caves, and unspoiled rivers, offers travelers a raw and authentic experience far from the usual tourist trail. From the historical landmarks of Cagayan, the pristine landscapes of Apayao, to the agricultural beauty of Isabela, each province reveals a unique side of the north that celebrates both adventure and tradition. It’s a route that challenges the body, awakens the soul, and deepens one’s love for the Philippines.
Cagayan Province, or Cagayan Valley, has one of the top natural attractions in Luzon, and it is Palaui, one of the Virgin Islands, situated in the municipality of Sta. Ana. It became prominent because it was the location where the two seasons of Survivor, a hit US TV reality show, were held. It is small but has a lot to offer, such as the historical Cape Engaño Lighthouse, the artistic rock formation of Dos Hermanas, the fine white sand of Mabolbol Shore, and the flora and fauna along Siwangag and Lagunzad trails. Of course, the serenity and the breathtaking beauty are well preserved, with fewer visitors due to its topographical location.
