The landlocked, mountainous province of Apayao in the Cordillera region was designated as one of the 11 new “biosphere reserves” for 2024 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization or UNESCO.
The Apayao biosphere reserve, which has an area of 3,960 square kilometers, “is divided into two distinct regions: the Upper Apayao sports rugged terrain with towering peaks, plateaus and valleys, whereas the Lower Apayao features flatlands adorned with rolling hills and plateaus,” according to the UNESCO.
It added the province also houses the Apayao River, which “nurtures 18 tributaries across the province” with a stretch of 180 kilometers.
UNESCO also noted that “ecotourism is progressing in Apayao.”
At present, the provincial government of Apayao aggressively promotes its natural attractions as part of efforts to make tourists consider this province as their next destination.
Being a mountainous province, Apayao boasts attractions perfect for hikers, adventure seekers, and nature lovers who want to witness and experience something different.
Its “dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene rivers” make Apayao an “escape from the modern world,” said the Department of Tourism’s Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) office.
Apayao’s seven towns – Sta. Marcela, Luna, Calanasan, Pudtol, Flora, Conner, and the provincial capital Kabugao – host majestic waterfalls that tourists can enjoy. Calanasan has Carmela Falls, while Kabugao has Gololan Falls, Anito Falls in Conner, and Pinsal Falls in Flora. Whichever waterfall tourists choose, travelers seeking peace can get refreshed in its cool waters and be amazed by the abundance of trees surrounding it.
For travelers who want to see caves, the Lussok Crystal Cave and Underground River in the municipality of Luna offer more. The cave, named after the Ilocano word for “hole,” houses “amazing forms of stalactites and stalagmites, including bats,” according to the Apayao Provincial Tourism Services Office. Also, it has an “underground river with crystal clear cool water that discharges into a blue lagoon suitable for boating, kayaking and swimming.” It also hosts an eco-park, which is “ideal for nature hikes and birdwatching.”
One destination worth the hike is the Dupag Rock Formation, which sits at a 30-meter hill in the Marag Valley in the town of Luna. Visitors will be welcomed to a maze of seven- to eight-foot wavy and sharp limestone rocks. Hikers can even sit on top of the pointed rocks and marvel at the amazing view of the Marag Valley.
