With me as your tour guide, let's take a quick look around Calanasan. Enjoy your reading; I know you're pumped to discover more about these picturesque locations!
Calanasan, my hometown, is a municipality in the province of Apayao, which is 607 kilometers (377 mi) north from Manila and located in the north-western section of Apayao bordering Sta. Praxedes and Claveria in the north. Adams, Vintar, and Carasi in the west, Solsona and Nueva Era in the south-west, Kabugao, on the South, and Luna and some parts of Kabugao on the east.
Calanasan is known for having a variety of wild flora and fauna which contributes to its eco-tourism potential. The town is surrounded with virgin forests, cascading waterfalls, clear rivers, and astounding rock formations.
I know everyone is excited to witness these amazing scenic spots that no one of you might have experienced before.
1. Mount Kilang
Located at Butao, Calanasan, Apayao, known as the "Blazing Mountain of the gods". This rises to more than 1,656 meters above sea level (MASL), making it one of the highest peaks of Northern Apayao.
The best time to view its majesty is from 4:AM to 5 AM. The trek takes hours from the usual trailheads; however, clear sunny days would reward you with breathtaking views of the vast forests and sea of cloud formations.
2. Apayao River
Except for Conner, every municipality in Apayao is traversed by the Apayao River. With a length of about 181 kilometers, it is the province's longest river. It originates in Calanasan's hinterlands and expands as it passes through the different municipalities.
This river is actually one of the cleanest rivers in the country. You can do a lot of activities here like kayaking, swimming, boating, and other whitewater rafting activities. Aside from forests, you can catch sight of beautiful waterfalls spilling on this river.
Botbotan lake is also called as "Paraiso ni Eddie" named from the owner of the land area where this jaw-dropping spot is located. This spot is famous for picnic and photoshoot venues as it offers a beautiful sight of nature with its fresh and cool water.
In this place, you can swim, camp, ride floating bamboo platforms, or just stay for an hour admiring its beauty.
4. Mount Sicapoo
This massive penguin-like rock formation is found in Mt. Sicapoo. It is a new site discovered by the Provincial Tourism Office of Apayao, and was just declared as a tourist spot last month, April 2024. The area is now open for mountaineering and other tourism activities.
Mt. Sicapoo, which stands 2,354 meters above sea level (MASL), is located south of Mount Kilang, southeast of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, and east of the Padsan River. The mountain, Ilocos Norte's highest peak, is densely wooded with pine trees and is regarded as extremely hazardous due to its steep cliffs.
5. Girgira Falls
This the biggest and largest discovered warterfalls in the Municipality of Calanasan. It is located at Mt. Magitalab, Sitio Maganggan, Barangay Ninoy Aquino Jr.
Girgira Falls is a hidden attraction in Calanasan, Apayao. It is a twin waterfall (17m high and the other approximately 20m high) with a 30-meter-deep basin and boasts of a pool as big as an Olympic size swimming pool. In order to reach this exact spot, you must have the determination, endurance, and courage to hike and travel for more than 2 hours (5 km one way).
You have now read about and seen these five incredible sites in Calanasan. I am sure you are now very thrilled to pack your belongings and get here this summer. I will be your tour guide as we visit these breathtaking spots. Though I only have three checks on my bucket list yet, we'll have a great day and plenty of time to unwind sooner.
For more Information, visit the official Facebook page of Calanasan Tourism or simply message them through lgu.calanasan@gmail.com. You can also message me via email at deanrexdagon@gmail.com.
References:
- https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=65bdb73420833c38JmltdHM9MTcxNTA0MDAwMCZpZ3VpZD0yYWQ3YTdlOS1kYmViLTY0MDUtMTAyNy1iNDA0ZGE3NjY1OGMmaW5zaWQ9NTIzNw&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=2ad7a7e9-dbeb-6405-1027-b404da76658c&psq=apayao+tourist+spot&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9kYW5pZWxzZWNvdHJhdmVscy5jb20vYXBheWFvLXRvdXJpc3Qtc3BvdHMv&ntb=1
- https://web.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10155591173397562&set=a.490832157561
- https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02AAzBYYTp8KLrp3zBX6igxYJKNHgy51Z8vJMYw9RP6WZ1cpLDx4UmgGDfC9zzEhJVl&id=100064889134007
- https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.Vn0mS0wo2kP0kwg6L7eB8wHaEM?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain
- https://web.facebook.com/froilan.vega.73/posts/pfbid0J1Qns4pCWFjDQNBAHQzYfWxYZUoUTu4BmVduiq5AJYCgcZUSd8oqRME5US2gfjrQl
