By Bella Balisi-Bevilaqua
Burnaby, British Columbia, 2025 May 02 – Cagayan, located in the northernmost region of the Philippines, is often overshadowed by more popular destinations in Luzon. However, this province boasts a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path spots that offer unique experiences, here are 10 must-visit destinations in Cagayan.
1. Callao Cave. One of the most famous but still somewhat lesser-known attractions in Cagayan, Callao Cave, is a must-see. The cave system, featuring seven chambers, is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The iconic Chapel inside the cave provides a unique spiritual and scenic experience. Located in Peñablanca, this site is a natural wonder that’s both beautiful and accessible.
SinoPinas/Department of Tourism. The 5th Chamber of the Callao Cave. 7641 Islands Web Page.
2. Cape Engaño. This remote cape offers breathtaking views of the ocean and a historical lighthouse. Located at the northern tip of Palaui Island, Cape Engaño is perfect for those seeking tranquillity and stunning seascapes. It’s a prime location for hiking and photography, with fewer tourists than the more famous beaches of the Philippines.
The Cape Engaño Lighthouse, built during the Spanish Colonial period on Palaui Island in Cagayan, is a historic Spanish architectural marvel. Since its completion in 1892, it has offered panoramic views of the seascape and Dos Hermanas Island while guiding ships. (Photo by the Guide to the Philippines website.)
3. Palaui Island. Although gaining recognition in recent years, Palaui Island remains a relatively quiet destination compared to the Philippines’ top islands. Known for its immaculate white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and glowing marine life, Palaui is a haven for nature lovers and divers. The island is also home to diverse wildlife and secluded coves.
Palaui Island—serene, refreshing, and captivating, with views that will leave you in awe. A true hidden paradise. (Photo grabbed from the TripAdvisor website.)
4. Santo Domingo de Guzman Parish Church: Lal-lo. Located in Lallo, this church dates back to the Spanish colonial period. Its sophisticated architecture and calm surroundings make it a beautiful and peaceful destination for those interested in Philippine history and heritage.
Macarubbo, P. (2020, April 27). The Santo Domingo de Guzman Parish Church in Lal-lo, Cagayan, is a historic site that has survived multiple earthquakes, floods, and wars, serving as a place of refuge, artistic hub, and burial site for notable figures, with ongoing restoration efforts since 2018. Cagayan Heritage Conservation Society Community Facebook Page.
5. The Magapit Suspension Bridge. A historic landmark, the Magapit Suspension Bridge in Lal-lo is the longest in Cagayan and offers scenic views of the Cagayan River. Opened in 1978, the 0.76-kilometre-long hanging bridge in Lallo spans the Cagayan River, connecting the first and second districts of Cagayan to the scenic Patapat Road on the Ilocos Norte-Cagayan Inter-Provincial highway. Visitors can experience some history and adventure as they cross this iconic bridge.
Opened in 1978, this 0.76-kilometre-long hanging bridge in Lallo was the first of its kind in Asia, spanning the Cagayan River. (Photo by Christian Garcia Valdez).
6. Buntun Bridge. Another engineering marvel, the Buntun Bridge, located in Tuguegarao, is the second-longest bridge in the country. This is an ideal spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset, when the river reflects the stunning sky.
Macarubbo, P. (2024, June 10). Opened on June 10, 1969, Buntun Bridge is one of the Philippines’ longest and oldest steel bridges, connecting Tuguegarao City and Solana. Cagayan Heritage Conservation Society Community Facebook Page.
7. Cagayan Museum and Cagayan Learning Resource Centre. The Cagayan Museum and Cagayan Learning Resource Centre in Tuguegarao City is a cultural and educational hub. They showcase a variety of historical artifacts, including those from the pre-colonial and Spanish colonial periods, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Cagayan Valley. The museum also hosts exhibits on the region’s natural history, emphasizing the diversity of local flora and fauna. The Learning Resource Centre, integrated within the museum, provides educational materials and resources to students and researchers, fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s past. Together, these institutions play a vital role in preserving and supporting the cultural and historical significance of Cagayan.
The Cagayan Museum in Tuguegarao City highlights the Cagayan Valley’s deep cultural, historical, and natural heritage. (Author’s Archives.)
The province’s Learning Resource Centre offers valuable educational materials, enhancing students’ and researchers’ understanding of the region’s history. (Author’s Archives.)
8. Piat Basilica Minore. Famous for housing the centuries-old image of Our Lady of Piat, this basilica is an essential religious site in Cagayan. Pilgrims from all over the country visit to venerate the miraculous image, making it an interesting mix of cultural and spiritual tourism.
SinoPinas/Department of Tourism. It is said that pilgrims who ask for miracles from the centuries-old Lady of Piat get their wishes to come true. 7641 Islands Web Page.
9. Cagayan River. As the longest river in the Philippines, the Cagayan River offers various adventure activities such as cruising and kayaking. For those interested in more laid-back activities, a river cruise will provide a perfect opportunity to experience the picturesque surroundings and examine local life.
Antonio, L. (2018, May 12). This stretch of the Cagayan River is in Gattaran, Cagayan. Cagayan Province 101 Facebook Page.
10. Diving in Cagayan Valley. Although not as famous as Palawan, the underwater life in Cagayan is thriving. Divers can explore vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine biodiversity in the Babuyan Islands. There is an untouched paradise for those looking to escape the crowds and dive into pristine waters. MBB.
A Wanderful Sole. (n.d.) Calayan Island is part of the Babuyan Islands, which are known for their natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and remote location, offering a peaceful escape from the country’s more tourist-heavy locations. A Wanderful Sole Blogsite.
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