Tuguegarao is a city located on the northeastern side of mainland Luzon. It is about 485 kilometers away from Metro Manila and is part of Cagayan Province in the Cagayan Valley Region. The province is bordered by Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Kalinga, and Isabela. Tuguegarao’s main claim to fame is the record temperature it set for the Philippines at 42.2°Celsius in 1912 and 1969.

But temperature aside, Tuguegarao has a few tourist spots up its sleeve that might surprise travelers who usually just pass through it on their way to the nearby town of Penablanca for spelunking, or Palaui Island and Claveria. It has a couple of historical churches, one of the longest bridges in the country, and a delectable noodle dish—pancit batil patong—that can rival the best of what the Philippines has to offer.

Before taking that bus ride up north once again, think about dropping by Tuguegarao City and let this travel guide and trip itinerary open your maps towards the hottest city this side of the Philippines.

TUGUEGARAO TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG WHAT’S INSIDE? • How To Get To Tuguegarao • Getting Around Tuguegarao • Tuguegarao Tours & Guides • Speak Tuguegarao • Where To Stay In Tuguegarao • Where To Eat In Tuguegarao • What To See & Do In Tuguegarao • Festivals In Tuguegarao • What To Buy In Tuguegarao • Tuguegarao Tourist Spots Map • Tuguegarao Sample Itinerary • Extend Your Trip

HOW TO GET TO TUGUEGARAO

---

The hurdle of conquering the numbing twelve-hour bus ride from Manila to Tuguegarao has been given solution by two major airlines in the country, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines. While the prices of bus and plane tickets are quite wide, try to book during seat sales and you just might chance on a flight fare that’s much cheaper than those of buses. If you’re set on doing the bus route, I suggest you book a night trip, that way, you can sleep off the hours and arrive at Tuguegarao by sunrise. Or better yet, get a sleeper bus, which is only more expensive by a few hundred pesos.

►BOOK A TUGUEGARAO BUS OR PRIVATE TRANSFER ONLINE
►CHECK FOR THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT TO TUGUEGARAO

    
   
  
METRO MANILA TO TUGUEGARAO BY BUS ○ 12 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE ₱600.00 +/-
There are several bus terminals in Cubao, Caloocan, and Manila that plies the Tuguegarao City route. Most of these have daily schedules to the province with night trips being the norm. Ticket fares are usually pegged at ₱600.00, give or take, for a twelve-hour one-way trip. As always, please call the numbers provided for an updated bus schedule.

● BALIWAG TRANSIT Cubao (02) 912-3361
● DALIN LINER Manila (02) 722-7999
● DELTRA BUS TRANSIT Manila (02) 740 7102
● GV FLORIDA BUS Manila (02) 781-5894 | Sleeper ₱1,000+/-
● VICTORY LINER Kamias, Pasay, Manila, Caloocan (02) 727-4688

METRO MANILA TO TUGUEGARAO BY PLANE ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME
● CEBU PACIFIC AIR (02) 7020-888 | Flies daily to Tuguegarao
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (02) 855-8888 | Flies daily to Tuguegarao


BAGUIO TO TUGUEGARAO BY BUS ○ 10 HOURS TRAVEL TIME
As of this writing, I know of only one bus company that plies the Baguio to Tuguegarao City route. The trip takes about ten hours via the Dangwa Tranco bus line. Contact number, (074) 442-2449.

VIGAN TO TUGUEGARAO BY BUS ○ 9 HOURS TRAVEL TIME
There are passenger bus lines that goes directly from Vigan City to Tuguegarao City. One such is GMW Bus with fare ranging from ₱400.00 to ₱500.00. The trip takes about 9 hours. Contact number, (077) 670-3454.

GETTING AROUND TUGUEGARAO

---

The main mode of transportation in Tuguegarao is the tricycle which locals refer to as tricy. The minimum fare is at ₱15.00 per head, with higher fares for farther destinations. Note that with this price, the driver has a right to scoot in a few more passengers with you as he goes along. Another popular mode of going about the city is the kalesa, a horse-drawn transport with a boxy carriage at the back. Fare is similar with the tricy at ₱15.00 minimum, but most of these are limited within the downtown area.

TUGUEGARAO TOURS & GUIDES

---

During my visits to Tuguegarao City, I’ve never encountered a group selling packaged tours. The place itself is quite easy to explore; tourist sites within the city are mostly walking distances from each other, while the farther places are readily accessible by tricycles. Going to the town of Penablanca is another matter though, you either rent a van / tricycle or commute, both of which takes about an hour or two.

SPEAK TUGUEGARAO

---

The locals of Tuguegarao call themselves Tuguegarenos. They speak Ibanag, Itawes, Ilokano, as well as Tagalog and English. The most common tongue within Tuguegarao though is Itawes, a language close to the Ibanag and is used by the earliest people of Cagayan Valley.

Thank You – Maballo
Good Morning – Napya nga umma
Good Afternoon - Napya nga aggaw
Good Evening – Napya nga gabi
How Much? – Pigga?
Where is… – Sittaw yari…

WHERE TO STAY IN TUGUEGARAO

---

Surprisingly, Tuguegarao City is replete with accommodations that range from inns to high end hotels. Prices are quite affordable too—even with the posh ones—so choosing a place to stay for the night isn’t really a problem. A little tip for those wanting to stay overnight, a few hotels are on the outskirts of the city, so makes sure that the ones you would book are located along the downtown area (Centro).

BALAI BED AND BREAKFAST

Address: 53 Burgos Street, Brgy. San Gabriel
Contact Number: (078) 844-5283
GPS Coordinates: 17.613639, 121.727500
PHOTO FROM AGODA
BALAI CARMELA
Room Rates: From ₱1,300.00, good for 2pax
Address: 8 Dunkin Drive, Ernie Blvd., Brgy. Caggay
Contact Number: (078) 377-0032 | (0917) 553-5955
GPS Coordinates: 17.649279, 121.758273
HOLIDAY PLAZA HOTEL

Address: Arellano cor. Blumentritt St., Brgy. Centro 6
Contact Number: (078) 304-0557 | (0905) 658-9888
Email: holidayplaza_hotel@yahoo.com
GPS Coordinates: 17.611333, 121.729167
HOTEL CARMELITA

Address: 9 Diversion Road, Balzain, Brgy. Annafunan
Contact Number: (078) 844-7027
GPS Coordinates: 17.626472, 121.729917
PHOTO FROM AGODA
HOTEL JOSELINA CAGGAY

Address: Maharlika Highway, Brgy. Caggay
Contact Number: (0917) 553-7930
GPS Coordinates: 17.630722, 121.740028
PHOTO FROM AGODA
HOTEL JOSELINA MAIN (PENSIONE JOSELINA)

Address: 52 Aguinaldo St., Brgy. Centro 6
Contact Number: (078) 844-7318 | (0917) 553-7930
GPS Coordinates: 17.613056, 121.729472
HOTEL LORITA

Address: 67 Rizal St., Brgy. Capatan
Contact Number: (078) 844-1390
GPS Coordinates: 17.614444, 121.729917
PHOTO FROM AGODA
HOTEL ROMA
Address: Luna cor. Bonfacio St., Brgy. Centro 6
Contact Number: (078) 844-1057
GPS Coordinates: 17.613194, 121.728639
PHOTO BY BLISSFULGURO
IVORY HOTEL AND SUITES

Address: Buntun Highway, Brgy. San Gabriel
Contact Number: (078) 844-1275
GPS Coordinates: 17.613444, 121.703972
PHOTO FROM AGODA
LAS PALMAS DE SAN JOSE LEISURE CLUB

Address: 20 St. Anne St., San Jose Village, Brgy. Atulayan Sur
Contact Number: (078) 844-1661 | (078) 846-8115
GPS Coordinates: 17.633194, 121.715111
MANGO SUITES HOTEL

Address: 1 Rizal St. cor. Balzain Road, Brgy. Centro 8
Contact Number: (078) 304-0123
GPS Coordinates: 17.617889, 121.728111
PHOTO FROM AGODA
TAJ HOTEL

Address: 7B Taft St., Brgy. San Gabriel
Contact Number: (078) 304-1385
GPS Coordinates: 17.617111, 121.726472
PHOTO FROM AGODA

• COMPLETE LIST OF LODGINGS IN TUGUEGARAO CITY •

WHERE TO EAT IN TUGUEGARAO

---

Tuguegarao City is a culinary delight when it comes to noodles or pancit. It is the birthplace of pancit batil patong, a stir-fried noodle dish topped with carabeef, crushed pork, liver, veggies, and poached egg—with a side dish of garnished garlic and egg-drop soup. There are numerous panciteria that line the streets of Tuguegarao’s downtown area, it’s actually quite hard to find other carinderia offerings. For those not into noodles, there are some restaurants in the city that offers regular Filipino and Western cuisines.

ANNE’S RESTO MUSIC BAR
Type: Bar & Restaurant
Address: Hotel Elinas, 133 A. Bonifacio St., Brgy. Centro 6
Contact Number: (078) 844-4155 | (078) 844-2198
GPS Coordinates: 17.611500, 121.728250
DIM’S RESTO
Type: Tapsilogan
Address: Blumentritt cor. Aguinaldo St., Brgy. Centro 6
Contact Number: (078) 844-0531
GPS Coordinates: 17.612361, 121.729056
DINGKOY’S BAR & RESTAURANT
Type: Bar & Restaurant
Address: 87 Taft St., Brgy. San Gabriel
Contact Number: (078) 844-4055
GPS Coordinates: 17.612889, 121.726222
ED’S PANCITERIA
Type: Panciteria
Address: Luna St., Brgy. Centro 6
Contact Number: (078) 304-0557 | (0905) 658-9888
GPS Coordinates: 17.613250, 121.729472
JASMINE – JOMAR’S PANCITERIA
Type: Panciteria
Address: Buntun Highway, Brgy. Buntun
Contact Number: (0906) 829-7324
GPS Coordinates: 17.613722, 121.692806
JOMAR'S SPECIAL PANCIT BATIL PATUNG
Type: Panciteria
Address: Luna Street, Brgy. Centro 6
Contact Number: (0905) 361-1617
GPS Coordinates: 17.613056, 121.729472
NIGHT HAWKERS PANCIT BATIL PATONG
Type: Pancit Stand
Address: In front E-Plus Technology Enterprises, Bonifacio St., Brgy. Centro
GPS Coordinates: 17.613250, 121.729472
WIN-MAE PANCITERIA
Type: Panciteria
Address: Diversion Road, Brgy. Atulayan Norte
GPS Coordinates: 17.627443, 121.725948

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN TUGUEGARAO

---

Honestly, there’s really not much to see in Tuguegarao City—tourist spots in the area are quite sparse. But what it lacks in places to visit, it makes for by its cuisine—spell pancit batil patong. The city is also a good place to stay in if one is planning to visit the Callao Caves in the town of Penablanca along with the other cave systems in the area. If you’re planning to go to Palaui Island, Tuguegarao is a good city for a side trip to cut the long bus ride from Manila.

BUNTUN BRIDGE
Address: Buntun Highway, Brgy. Buntun
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 17.614139, 121.687889
CAGAYAN PROVINCIAL CAPITOL & MUSEUM
Address: Cagayan Provincial Capitol Grounds, Enrile Ave., Capitol Hills
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact Number: (078) 846-7337
GPS Coordinates: 17.647861, 121.759611
HORNO RUINS
Address: Blumentritt street, Brgy. Centro 9
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 17.607417, 121.729111
PHOTO BY JJ CARPIO
SAN JACINTO CHURCH
Address: Mabini cor. Legazpi St., Brgy. San Gabriel
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 17.616611, 121.725167
PHOTO BY SHUBERT CIENCIA
ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY PHILIPPINES
Address: Mabini cor. Malilin St., Brgy. Centro
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 17.617056, 121.723917
PHOTO BY MARLON PATRICK
TUGUEGARAO CATHEDRAL
Address: Rizal Street, Brgy. Centro 8
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 17.613306, 121.730472

CALLAO CAVE
Address: Barangay Magdalo and Quibal, Penablanca
Entrance Fee: ₱20.00
Guide Fee: Tip only
Boat Ride: ₱20.00, roundtrip
GPS Coordinates: 17.706833, 121.819139
JACKPOT CAVE
Address: Sitio Tumallo, Brgy. Quibal, Penablanca
ODESSA-TUMBALI CAVE SYSTEM (ABBENDITAN CAVE)
Address: Sitio Abbenditan, Brgy. Quibal, Penablanca
PINACANAUAN RIVER
Address: Barangay Magdalo and Quibal, Penablanca
Entrance Fee: None
Boating Fee: ₱300.00
GPS Coordinates: 17.704556, 121.817250
SAN CARLOS RIVER CAVE
Address: Penablanca, Cagayan
Guide Fee: ₱500.00, good for 3pax
PHOTO FROM PINOYSPELUNKER
SIERRA CAVE
Address: Barangay Magdalo and Quibal, Penablanca
Entrance Fee: ₱50.00
Guide Fee: ₱300.00, good for 3pax
GPS Coordinates: 17.707950, 121.817804
PHOTO FROM PINOYSPELUNKER

FESTIVALS IN TUGUEGARAO

---

PAV-VURULUN FESTIVAL
Festival Date: August 8 to 16 every year (Feast of St. Hyacinth)
Activities: Torch Lighting, Boat Race at Pinacanauan River, Music Fest, Pancit Batil Patong Eating Contest, Parade of Bounties, Street Dancing, Trade Fairs, Sports Fest, Parades
PHOTO FROM THE TUGUEGARAO CITY INFORMATION OFFICE

WHAT TO BUY IN TUGUEGARAO

---

Tuguegarao is known for its carabeef meat. They use it on their noodles dishes, their processed meat products, and they even make chicharon out of it. The town of Penablanca, on the other hand, probably has the best honey this side of the Philippines.

CARABAO CHICHA-RABAO CHICHARON
Where to Buy: Lighthouse Cooperative Ybanag Food Products
Address: Taft cor. Luna St., Brgy. Centro 2
Contact Number: (078) 844-1073
GPS Coordinates: 17.613033, 121.726318
CARABEEF MEAT PRODUCTS
Where to Buy: Lighthouse Cooperative Ybanag Food Products
Address: Taft cor. Luna St., Brgy. Centro 2
Contact Number: (078) 844-1073
GPS Coordinates: 17.613033, 121.726318
CESARIO’S COCO VINEGAR
Where to Buy: Lighthouse Cooperative Ybanag Food Products
Address: Taft cor. Luna St., Brgy. Centro 2
Contact Number: (078) 844-1073
GPS Coordinates: 17.613033, 121.726318
PURE HONEY PRODUCTS
Where to Buy: Callao Cave
Address: Barangay Magdalo and Quibal, Penablanca
Contact Number:
TUGUEGARAO TOURIST SOUVENIRS
Where to Buy: Lighthouse Coop. Ybanag Food Products
Address: Taft cor. Luna St., Brgy. Centro 2
Contact Number: (078) 844-1073
Where to Buy: Souvenir House
Address: Diversion Road, Near Florida Bus Terminal, Brgy. Annafunan
YBANAG LONGGANISA
Where to Buy: Don Domingo Tuguegarao Public Market
Address: A. Soriano St., Brgy. Centro 11
GPS Coordinates: 17.624975, 121.732926

TUGUEGARAO TOURIST SPOTS MAP

---

TUGUEGARAO SAMPLE ITINERARY & BUDGET GUIDE

---

It is possible to cover all the tourist spots—including the famous Callao Caves—in Tuguegarao City in a single day or a day trip. But if you’re planning to do a leisurely visit of the celebrated Callao Caves in Penablanca, you would at least need two full days of touring. You can even add a few more caves within the vicinity to your list. I prepared a one-day and two-day itineraries for such trips below.

The itinerary is intentionally made for a group of four to maximize the tricycle fare going to and from Callao Cave since it is a bit expensive. Simply adjust the said fare depending the number of your group. Tricycle fare around the city is per person. The fare going to and from Tuguegarao City is not included in the expenses as this would totally depend on where you’d be coming from.

 

TUGUEGARAO ONE DAY ITINERARY / DAY TOUR / DAYTRIP
₱535.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF FOUR)

---

• Early morning arrival
• Breakfast at Dim’s Resto
    ₱100.00 | SILOG BREAKFAST + DRINKS
• Explore Tuguegarao City on foot (Tuguegarao Cathedral, Horno Ruins, St. Paul University, San Jacinto Church, Cagayan Provincial Museum and Capitol)
    ₱30.00 | TRICYCLE FARE, ROUNDTRIP
• Lunch at Jomar’s Panciteria
   ₱100.00 | SUPER SPECIAL PANCIT BATIL PATONG + DRINKS
• Visit Penablanca’s Callao Cave
   ₱600.00 | CHARTERED TRICYCLE, GOOD FOR FOUR PEOPLE
   ₱20.00 | BOAT CROSSING FARE, ROUNDTRIP
   ₱20.00 | CAVE ENTRANCE FEE
• Go back to Tuguegarao City (ask to be dropped at Buntun Bridge)
• Sunset at Buntun Bridge
• Dinner at Jasmine-Jomar’s Pancitery
   ₱100.00 | SUPER SPECIAL PANCIT BATIL PATONG + DRINKS
• Depart Tuguegarao City
   ₱15.00 | TRICYCLE FARE TO BUS STATION

TUGUEGARAO TWO DAYS ITINERARY

► DAY ZERO

---

• Depart by night bus


► DAY ONE | ₱460.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF FOUR)

---

• Early morning arrival
• Check in at hotel (leave your bags at the hotel lobby if early check in is not allowed)
    ₱15.00 | TRICYCLE FARE TO HOTEL
• Breakfast at Dim’s Resto  
    ₱100.00 | SILOG BREAKFAST + DRINKS
• Explore Tuguegarao City on foot (Tuguegarao Cathedral, Horno Ruins, St. Paul University, San Jacinto Church, Cagayan Provincial Museum and Capitol)
    ₱30.00 | TRICYCLE FARE, ROUNDTRIP
• Lunch at Jomar’s Panciteria
   ₱100.00 | SUPER SPECIAL PANCIT BATIL PATONG + DRINKS
• Continue City Tour / Rest
• Dinner (Recommended: Asuncion Cafe at Pulsar Hotel)
   ₱200.00 | AVERAGE DINNER COST
   ₱15.00 | TRICYCLE FARE BACK TO HOTEL

DAY TWO | ₱935.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF FOUR)

---

• Breakfast
   ₱100.00 | SILOG BREAKFAST + DRINKS
• Early check out at hotel (leave bags at the lobby)
    ₱580.00 | CHEAPEST HOTEL IN TUGUEGARAO (GOOD FOR TWO) AS PER AGODA BOOKING SITE
• Visit Penablanca’s Callao Cave
   ₱600.00 | CHARTERED TRICYCLE, GOOD FOR FOUR PEOPLE
   ₱20.00 | BOAT CROSSING FARE, ROUNDTRIP
   ₱20.00 | CAVE ENTRANCE FEE
• Picnic lunch at Pinacanauan River
   ₱150.00 | PACKED LUNCH + DRINKS FROM EATERIES PER PERSON
• Go boating and swimming on the Pinacanauan River
   ₱300.00 | BOAT TOUR FEE, ROUNDTRIP, GOOD FOR 15 PERSONS
• Sunset at Buntun Bridge
• Dinner at Jomar’s Panciteria Buntun
   ₱100.00 | SUPER SPECIAL PANCIT BATIL PATONG + DRINKS
   ₱15.00 | TRICYCLE FARE TO HOTEL
• Depart Tuguegarao City
   ₱15.00 | TRICYCLE FARE TO BUS STATION

---

● ₱1,395.00 ~ TOTAL BUDGET FOR A TWO-DAY TOUR PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF FOUR

EXTEND YOUR TUGUEGARAO TRIP

---

BAGUIO CITY
Baguio Travel Blog
Hours Away: Ten hours away by direct bus
Departure Point: Tuguegarao City
Suggested Number of Days: Three to four days
CABANATUAN CITY
Cabanatuan Travel Blog
Hours Away: Eight hours away by direct bus
Departure Point: Tuguegarao City
Suggested Number of Days: Two to three days
TARLAC
Tarlac Travel Blog
Hours Away: Nine hours away by bus and transfers
Departure Point: Tuguegarao City
Suggested Number of Days: Two to three days
QUIRINO PROVINCE
Quirino Travel Blog
Hours Away: Three hours away by direct bus
Departure Point: Tuguegarao City
Suggested Number of Days: Three to four days
VIGAN CITY
Vigan Travel Blog
Hours Away: Nine hours by direct bus
Departure Point: Tuguegarao City
Suggested Number of Days: Three to four days

TUGUEGARAO TRAVEL BLOG, GUIDE, EXPENSES, MAP, & ITINERARY
UPDATED AS OF MARCH 17, 2022