Calanasan

Welcome to Calanasan, Apayao – the last frontier of the Cordillera! Nestled in the mountainous wilderness of northern Luzon, this peaceful paradise is where unspoiled nature, rich tribal heritage, and scenic beauty collide in perfect harmony. If you’re seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, indigenous culture, and an escape from city noise, Calanasan is your next bucket list destination.

Calanasan is the largest municipality in Apayao, yet it remains one of the least explored, making it ideal for eco-tourists and cultural wanderers. With its vast forestlands, clean rivers, and pristine mountains, it’s one of the country’s biodiversity havens and a key part of the Apayao River Basin, also known as a critical water source and wildlife habitat.

• Lussok Crystal Cave – A spectacular cave system with underground rivers and jaw-dropping rock formations.
• Mount Kilang – A sacred mountain for the Isnag people and a challenging yet rewarding hiking destination.
• Apayao River – Perfect for bamboo rafting, fishing, and riverside picnics with the locals.
• Marag Valley – A mysterious yet stunning valley shrouded in folklore and misty pine forests.

Calanasan is home to the Isnag tribe, known for their deep respect for nature and ancestral customs. Traditional dwellings, practices like kayaw (peace pacts), and indigenous storytelling remain alive here. Visitors are often treated to authentic tribal rituals and warm hospitality.

The primary language spoken is Isnag, but Ilocano and Filipino are also widely understood. Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a kind “Kablaaw!” (a respectful native greeting).

Feasting in Calanasan is a delight for those who love local flavors:

• Inanchila – a sticky rice delicacy wrapped in banana leaves
• Inlagim – smoked or roasted native chicken, often served during festivities
• Sinursuran – ground corn stew flavored with meat and native spices
  All meals are usually served with mountain-grown rice and fresh vegetables from the highlands.

• Say-am Festival – The grandest celebration of Isnag culture, featuring traditional dances, gong music, and tribal games. This cultural festival is a colorful display of unity, ancestral pride, and rhythmic beat.
• Founding Anniversary (October) – Marked with parades, sports fests, and community feasts.

The sound of Calanasan is built around the gangsa (indigenous gongs), kulintang, bamboo instruments, and chants echoing from the mountains. Music plays a vital role during rituals, dances, and courtship practices among the Isnags.

• Being one of the Philippines’ cleanest and greenest municipalities
• Its massive reforestation and wildlife conservation efforts
• Protecting the Philippine Eagle, which is known to nest in Calanasan’s untouched forests
• Home to nature-based tourism with minimal impact – an emerging model for eco-conscious travel