Tinglayan

Tucked deep within the highlands of the Cordillera region, Tinglayan, Kalinga is a majestic blend of ancient traditions, natural wonders, and the iconic legacy of Whang-od, the world-famous mambabatok (traditional tattooist). This remote yet soul-stirring destination invites travelers into a world where mountain mists kiss rice terraces, tribal chants echo through the valleys, and ink tells the story of a people’s pride.

Tinglayan is a mountain municipality in the province of Kalinga, Cordillera Administrative Region. Its raw, unpolished beauty is what makes it so unforgettable. Here, life is slow, the air is crisp, and the views? Absolutely cinematic.

From steep cliffs and hanging bridges to wide rivers and hand-carved rice terraces, Tinglayan is an adventurer’s dream and a cultural time capsule all in one.

• Buscalan Village – World-famous for Whang-od and her tribe of young, skilled tattoo apprentices. People from all over the world hike to this humble village for a taste of living heritage.
• Chico River – A lifeline of the region perfect for whitewater rafting or scenic river treks.
• Sleeping Beauty Mountain – A mountain range shaped like a sleeping woman, wrapped in myth and breathtaking beauty.
• Rice Terraces of Tinglayan – Underrated but jaw-dropping. These hand-built wonders cascade gracefully through the mountains.

The Kalinga people are fierce, proud, and deeply rooted in their traditions. The dominant language is Kalinga, but locals also speak Ilocano, Tagalog, and English.

Tattooing isn’t just art here, it’s a rite of passage, a badge of honor, a living language. Cultural practices like bodong (peace pacts), tribal dances, and oral storytelling are very much alive in everyday life.

You haven’t really visited Tinglayan until you’ve had:

• Kalinga etag (sun-dried pork)
• Pinikpikan (a unique Cordilleran chicken stew)
• Kalinga rice—organic, heirloom, and packed with earthy flavor
• Fresh mountain vegetables and wild honey from the forests

Pair your meal with Kalinga coffee, one of the best single-origin brews in the Philippines—strong, rich, and aromatic.

• Ullalim Festival – Celebrated every February, this event is a vibrant explosion of Kalinga tribal dances, music, crafts, and the celebration of peace through bodong. Think colorful traditional attire, chant-like songs, and native instruments filling the air.
• Tattoo rituals and indigenous gatherings also happen throughout the year, especially in Buscalan.

Traditional Kalinga music is percussion-heavy, often using gangsa (flat gongs), nose flutes, and bamboo instruments. Songs often echo themes of love, war, harvest, and peace. During celebrations, elders chant ancient ullalim epics, oral poems that speak of heroism and ancestry.

• Whang-od, the Last Traditional Tattoo Artist
• Buscalan Tattoo Village Experience
• Chico River Adventures
• Rice Terraces and Tribal Culture
• Kalinga Coffee and Etag
• Preserved Indigenous Traditions