Barlig

Welcome to Barlig, Mountain Province, a mystical paradise nestled in the Cordillera highlands, where the fog kisses the mountains, the rice terraces carve stories in the hillsides, and traditions echo in every beat of the gangsa drum. If you’re looking for a remote, raw, and enriching experience in the Philippines, this off-the-beaten-path municipality is your next soul-fueling stop.

Barlig is a municipality located in the eastern part of Mountain Province, known for its misty mountains, rich culture, and strong indigenous identity. The town is composed of three major barangays: Barlig Proper, Kadaclan, and Lias, each with its own unique traditions and dialects. Dubbed by some as the Shangri-La of the North, Barlig is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and cultural travelers seeking raw authenticity.

Mt. Amuyao towers over Barlig as one of Luzon’s highest peaks and a top destination for serious trekkers. The view from the summit is jaw-dropping, sea of clouds in the morning, starry skies at nights

Other must-visits include:

• Fowa-as Falls — a peaceful waterfall with crystal waters near Barlig Proper
• Lias Rice Terraces — older than those in Banaue, and still actively cultivated
• Barlig Hot Springs — natural thermal baths to relax your post-hike muscles
• Kadaclan Caves — mysterious limestone caves tucked into the wild

Barlig is home to the Ifiallig, Kadaclan, and I-lias tribes, each with their own beliefs, chants, and community rituals. Spirituality plays a strong role here, ap-apuy (fire offering) ceremonies, agricultural rites, and dap-ay councils are part of everyday life.

Visitors are often captivated by the peace pact system (bodong), communal labor (og-ogfo), and the locals’ deep respect for nature and ancestors.

Locals speak multiple native dialects:

• Finallig (Barlig Proper)
• Kadaclan (Kadaclan area)
• Ilas (Lias barangay)

Ilocano, Kankana-ey, and Tagalog are also understood, but hearing the rich oral tradition in their own tongue is truly special.

Try the mountain-grown red rice, wild mushrooms, and etag (traditional smoked pork). Barlig’s cuisine is simple, earthy, and packed with indigenous flavor. Don’t miss camote balls, pinikpikan, and native coffee, often brewed with a view of the misty terraces.

The Menaliyam Festival celebrates Barlig’s culture, legends, and agricultural heritage every March. Expect tribal dances, chants, gong playing, and indigenous attire in full colorful glory. It’s a cultural immersion you’ll never forget.

Barlig’s traditional music is hypnotic. The gangsa (flat gongs), solibao drums, and chants called aliw-iw are performed during rituals and celebrations. These ancient sounds stir both memory and mountain magic, a soundtrack of tradition that’s alive and thriving.

• Mt. Amuyao trekking
• Ancient rice terraces
• Unbroken indigenous practices
• Rare dialects and cultural resilience
• Soulful mountain festivals