Kiangan

Welcome to Kiangan, Ifugao, the oldest town in the province and a true gem of the Cordillera highlands! Nestled in the breathtaking valleys of northern Luzon, this picturesque municipality isn’t just a destination, it’s a time machine to the glorious past of the Ifugao people. With ancient traditions, rich culture, epic landscapes, and warm hospitality, Kiangan is a must-visit for every traveler looking to experience the heart of indigenous heritage in the Philippines.

Kiangan is home to the Nagacadan Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the ancient engineering marvels of the Ifugao people. The Kiangan War Memorial Shrine also stands as a solemn reminder of World War II history, where General Yamashita surrendered. Another must-see? The Ifugao Museum, where you’ll find authentic artifacts and tribal heirlooms telling the story of Ifugao ancestry.

From exploring Tuwali villages to trekking across Mount Kapugan and Mount Napulawan, Kiangan is perfect for adventurers and culture lovers alike. You can enjoy river walks along the Ibulao River, take a dip in the cool waters of Ulu River, or simply enjoy the view of cascading rice terraces stretching across the highlands.

Kiangan is known as the cultural seat of the Ifugao people, where the Tuwali dialect is widely spoken. Locals preserve oral traditions, epic chants called hudhud, and perform community rituals that date back centuries. You’ll encounter traditional bahag (loincloth) and woven tapis, intricately crafted using native looms.

Don’t leave Kiangan without trying their flavorful etag (salted pork), pinuneg (blood sausage), and the locally brewed tapuy (rice wine). Meals are often paired with mountain rice and cooked over wood fire, a true Cordilleran feast that connects you to the land.

Every April, Kiangan bursts into color during the Bumayah Festival, celebrating Ifugao resilience, unity, and spiritual traditions. Expect ethnic dance competitions, tribal chants, and native games that bring the entire town to life with pride and joy.

The gangsa (brass gongs) and bangibang (wooden percussion) echo across Kiangan during special rituals and festivals. These indigenous sounds are paired with traditional chants that speak of harvests, love, war, and legends passed down through generations.

Kiangan is hailed as the birthplace of the Ifugao people, making it the spiritual and cultural soul of the entire province. It’s also recognized for its UNESCO-listed terraces, its preserved ancestral rituals, and its connection to Philippine history through the Yamashita surrender site.