This quaint place is not the usual destination travel websites can easily search, yet its quirky aura of remoteness might be its main come-on for those seeking a getaway that is totally out of the ordinary.
And it won’t be until you’ve actually set foot in Quirino province that you’ll realize that it is the proverbial big surprise wrapped in a small package.
Named after former President Elpidio Quirino, this travel frontier is a veritable blend of nature, adventure and culture at every twist and turn, and a dash of basic urban comfort.
The journey to this well-kept secret begins at the provincial capitol in Cabarroguis town, a 111-hectare government enclave that has two resort-type lodgings, a track oval and the Quirino Watersports Complex. The latter is beautifully manicured and framed with the undulating terrain and the perfectly contoured twin hills aptly called Susong Dalaga. It boasts of a hostel with well-appointed rooms, a dining pavilion overlooking an infinity pool and a world-class spring-fed wakeboarding park.
The sprawling complex promises to be a mecca for water sports and motocross in the interiors of the Cagayan Valley region, with its challenging race course, which is specifically put together for tournaments. A few years back, Quirino Motorismo was introduced which features an assortment of racing activities on two wheels—drag racing, motocross and long-distance drives as an adventurous way of showcasing the tourist spots and the diverse way of life in the countryside.
Also within the expansive government enclave is the Quirino Province Museum, the repository of heritage, which showcases the culture of the Dumagat, Ifugao, Isinay, Bugkalot and Gaddang indigenous peoples, as well as those of the Ilocanos and lowland settlers.
This melting pot takes center stage in the Panagdadapun Festival held every September to mark the creation of the province in 1971, as the different cultures are portrayed in the street parade and dance competitions.
A must-do adventure is spelunking at Aglipay Caves and Campsite, which has hollow and fragile draws, amazing drapers, and stunning stalactites. Among the 37 caves in the nature reserve, eight chambers have been developed for tours, which are ideal even for newbies because of its moderate difficulty but exhilarating trail.
The stalagmites were formed from minerals deposited by dripping water, attesting to the rich biodiversity of the watershed and forrestal land.
Named after revolutionary priest Gregorio Aglipay who hid here during the Filipino-American War, the 101-hectare site is surrounded by forests, which provide a refuge for vegetation, wildlife and recreation.
Since the province has no beach, its main body of water is the Governor’s Rapids and the poster image of Quirino because of its amazing rockscape and whitewater ideal for boat rides and tubing. Its iconic features are the jagged, majestic limestone formations that punctuate the two-hour cruise.
Along the away are naturally carved rock platforms where brave souls can leap into the river. In one of the rock crevices is a small cascade that forms a chest-deep natural tub, which serves as a pit stop in the cruise. A tributary of the Cagayan River, it has been adjudged as among the cleanest inland bodies of water in the region.
One can also opt to stay overnight at Villa Caridad Resort in Maddela, arguably the best accommodation in Quirino, to be closer to the eco-adventure spots to the east.
A similar experience further is the Siitan River in the fringes of Nagtipunan, which offers a lesser-known but equally exciting cruise aboard a dugout canoe where one can marvel at the amazing geological wonders. Located on the river banks is the “Bimmapor” rock formation, which is so-called because of its resemblance to the hull of a steel ship.
Hype up the adventure with a foray into Diamond Cave, which is has earned the moniker due to its sparkling stalactites and columns. It has narrow chambers and running water that form knee-deep subterranean streams at some points, and can be completed under an hour.
Also within the town is a promontory called Landingan, which provides a sweeping vista of the villages, verdant farmlands below and the meandering river.
Quirino’s rugged terrain has gifted it with another refreshing water world—the numerous waterfalls tucked into the bosom of mountains for a hydromassage or a rejuvenating dip in the natural pool basins. The moderate treks across vegetations add to the total outdoor experience, which make the trip more rewarding.
The seven-tier Maddela Falls is perhaps the most sought-after with its stunning view of the majestic Sierra Madre mountain ranges at the fifth cascade.
Other popular falls are Ganano and San Pascual in Diffun, Pensaland Victoria in Maddela, and Mactol and Guiyayan in Nagtipunan, which not only give you a refreshing bath but brag-worthy photographs on Instagram, as well.
For a meaningful trip out of the ordinary, immerse with the Bugkalot, Igorot, Kalinga and Dumagat tribes for an appreciation with their indigenous way of life. The said visits can be arranged with municipal authorities for an encounter truly worth remembering.
This is Quirino—quaint and quintessential.
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Getting there: Quirino can be reached via the Nlex-SCTEx-TPLEx connection leading to the Cagayan Valley Road. At the Cordon junction in Isabela, turn right all the way to Quirino. Solid North Bus and GV Florida have direct trips every night to Maddela. You can also fly to Cauayan City, Isabela, and make a one-hour land trip.
Image credits: Bernard L. Supetran