DIY BACKPACKING: Cagayan, Apayao, Isabela

The provinces of Cagayan and Isabela are part of Region 2 while the province of Apayao is part of the Cordillera Administrative Region. Though, these provinces are part of Luzon, due to its location, it's really hard to experience and discover the gorgeous tourist spots and destinations. Just recently, we visited Cagayan, Apayao, and Isabela and now sharing the most and updated itinerary.

2023 Backpacking Guide: Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Isabela


TOTAL EXPENSES: 6,668 PESOS

Cagayan Valley Backpacking Guide, Tourist Spots, Affordable Hotel to Stay, Budget:


7:45 PM departed Manila to Tuguegarao City | Busfare: 886 pesos | Travel Time: 11 hours

ITINERARY DAY 1:
Breakfast at the carinderia near Robinsons: 72 pesos
Tuguegarao City to Sta. Ana | Van Fare: 250 pesos | Travel Time: 3-4 hours
Lunch at San Vicente Fish Port: 50 pesos
Environmental Fee DENR: 70 pesos
12:50 PM departed San Vicente port
1:58 PM arrival Cape Engano | Guide Fee at Cape Engano Lighthouse: 100 pesos (300:4)
4:30 PM departed Cape Engano
5:30 PM arrival Crocodile Island
6:00 PM departed Crocodile Island
6:30 PM arrival Punta Verde and met Ate Elsa, rested, tidy up, dinner, socials, overnight.

OTHER EXPENSES:

Island Hopping | Boat Rental: 633 pesos (3800/6) | Contact: Mark Angelo Sucuano Ph: 09759869110
Ate Elsa Homestay: 250 pesos overnight. Contact Number: 09052832559
Food: dinner and breakfast (paluto kay Ate Elsa): 250 pesos

TODAY'S' SUMMARY OF EXPENSES: 2,561 Pesos


ITINERARY DAY 2:

6:30 AM final packing, breakfast and tidy up
7:30 AM picture taking at I Love Palaui signboard
7:50 AM departed Punta Verde
8:35 AM arrival Anguib Cove. Entrance Fee: 150 pesos
11:30 AM departed Anguib Cove
12:15 AM arrival San Vicente port

We txted Kuya Dany, the UV Express van driver to make sundo. Dahil medyo makapal mukha namin, nag-paantay pa kami na maka-pag-lunch sa Dampa in Centro.

Lunch: 240 pesos for a sumptuous deli.

Headed back to Tuguegarao City | Van Fare: 250 pesos
Forgot the timestamp for the arrival in Tuguegarao City.
Alighted in Petron gas station near Victory Liner terminal.
Rode in a tricycle to a tricycle terminal | Trike Fare: 20 pesos per head
Chartered a tricycle to the jump off of Callao Cave | 200 pesos (600/3) two way
5 PM arrival at the jump off of Callao Cave
Rode on a boat | Short distance for 20 pesos two way.

Stayed at Callao Cave for almost an hour, guided by Kuya Gary.  Guide Fee: 50 pesos per head.

6 PM headed back to the jump off for souvenir and proceeded to Hotel Joselina.
Rested, tidy up, and walked on the streets to search for the best Pancit Batil Patong.

We asked a few people and they recommended CHONG'S PANCITERIA located at Centro 10 Riverside near the Barangay Hall. You can contact Ate Roan on 09366668440. They serve the best and sumptuous homemade Pancit Batil Patong in Tuguegarao.

Pancit Batil Patong: 100 pesos, plus 27 for soda.
Then, had a coffee at McDo for 29 pesos.
Headed back to Hotel Joselina.

OTHER EXPENSES:
Hotel Joselina: 300 pesos (600/2) room with electric fan.
Souvenir: 190 pesos

TODAY'S' SUMMARY OF EXPENSES: 1,426 Pesos


ITINERARY DAY 3: 

Apayao Province Backpacking Guide, Tourist Spots, Budget:


Tidy up and prepare for  a day tour in Apayao province
Breakfast in McDo near Hotel Hoselina | 112 pesos
Trike to the UV Express Terminal with a route to Junction Luna | Fare: 20 Pesos
8 AM departed Turguegarao City | Van Fare: 230 pesos
10:47 AM arrival in Junction Luna
Chartered a trike to Lussok Cave | Trike Fare: 200 pesos (600/3) two way
11:16 AM arrival Lussok Cave | Entrance Fee: 120 pesos
11:26 AM started Lussok Cave adventure
1:05 PM Lussok Cave adventure ended
1:46 PM at I Love Apayao signboard
2:01 PM at Apayao Provincial Capitol
Late lunch at Junction Luna | 100 pesos
Headed back to Tuguegarao City | Van Fare: 230 pesos
Dinner at the carinderia near Robinsons | 50 pesos
Trike to Tuguegarao Cathedral for photo ops | 12 pesos
Walked to Hotel Hoselina
Rested, tidy up and bonding.

TODAY'S' SUMMARY OF EXPENSES: 1,074 Pesos


ITINERARY DAY 3:

Isabela Province Backpacking Guide, Tourist Spots, Budget:


Tidy up and prepared for Ilagan, Isabela Province
Check out at Hotel Joselina | 300 for the second overnight
Breakfast at McDo | 112 pesos
Trike to Victory Liner | 15 pesos
O | 20 pesos
Bus from Tuguegarao City to Ilagan City | 161 pesos
7:48 AM departed Tuguegarao City
10:20 AM arrival Ilagan City, Isabela
Photos ops at the Giant Butaka
Trike to Ilagan Japanese Tunnel | 25 per head
10:50 AM arrival at Ilagan Japanese Tunnel | Entrance Fee: 50 pesos
Kimono rental | 50 pesos
12 NN departed Ilagan Japanese Tunnel | Trike Fare to Jolibee: 20 pesos per head
Lunch at Jolibee: 134 pesos
Beside Jolibee, we waited for the bus to Manila | Bus Fare: 720 pesos

TODAY'S' SUMMARY OF EXPENSES: 1,607 Pesos

TOTAL EXPENSES: 6,668 PESOS

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