5-Day Buscalan and Batad Trek from Manila with Apo Whang Od

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Meet Apo Whang Od and experience traditional Kalinga tattoo culture in Buscalan
• 02 Trek through the UNESCO-listed Batad Rice Terraces and admire dramatic mountain views
• 03 Immerse yourself in authentic village life with homestay accommodation
• 04 Discover remote mountain communities in the highlands of Northern Luzon

Discover Northern Luzon on a 4-day cultural and trekking adventure from Manila to Buscalan and Batad. Meet legendary tattoo artist Apo Whang Od, experience traditional Kalinga tattooing, and immerse yourself in mountain village life. Trek through the UNESCO-listed Batad Rice Terraces, admire breathtaking landscapes, and stay in authentic homestays. This private tour blends culture, heritage, and adventure, offering meaningful encounters and unforgettable scenery in the remote highlands of the Philippines.

Meet legendary tattoo artist Apo Whang Od, experience traditional Kalinga tattooing, and immerse yourself in mountain village life.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Manila, Batad

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Overnight Journey from Manila to Buscalan

• Begin with a hotel pickup in Manila and start your overnight journey towards the mountain village of Buscalan.
• Travel through scenic highland roads as you make your way to this remote cultural community.

2

Day 02

Buscalan Homestay and Apo Whang Od Experience

• Arrive in Buscalan, check in at your homestay, and take time to rest.
• Enjoy a local lunch prepared by the community.
• Meet the legendary tattoo artist Whang-od Oggay and learn about the ancient Kalinga tattoo tradition.
• Take part in an optional traditional tattoo session with Apo Whang-Od.

3

Day 03

Village Exploration and Cultural Immersion in Buscalan

• Spend free time exploring the village and admiring panoramic mountain views.
• Continue your tattoo session if it was not completed the previous day.
• Immerse yourself in local culture, observe daily life, and engage respectfully with the community.

4

Day 04

Travel to Batad and Trek the Rice Terraces

• Check out from your homestay in Buscalan and travel towards Batad.
• Trek down to your accommodation located within the spectacular Batad Rice Terraces.
• Check in at your homestay and enjoy an afternoon trek around the amphitheater-shaped rice terraces.

5

Day 05

Morning in Batad and Return to Manila

• Enjoy free time in the morning to relax and take photographs of the surrounding terraces.
• Check out from your homestay and begin your return journey to Manila.
• Arrive in Manila and transfer back to your hotel, concluding your mountain adventure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Roundtrip transportation from and to Manila
• 3 nights' accommodation: 2 nights in Buscalan and 1 night in Batad Rice Terraces
• English-speaking guide
• Registration and all tourism fees for both Buscalan and Batad
• 6 meals in Buscalan
• Unlimited rice and coffee in Buscalan
• Breakfast in Batad on Day 4

What's Not Included

• Meals not mentioned
• Tattooing fee
• Other personal expenses

What to bring

• Comfortable trekking shoes or hiking sandals
• Lightweight, breathable clothes and a jacket or fleece for cool mornings
• Rain jacket or poncho (mountain showers are common)
• Hat or cap and sunglasses
• Daypack or small backpack for trekking
• Refillable water bottle
• Snacks for trekking
• Personal medications and toiletries
• Cash (small bills) and a valid ID

Know before you go

• Mountain weather is unpredictable - bring layers and a rain jacket.
• Limited connectivity - mobile signal and internet are weak in Buscalan and Batad.
• Cash is essential - ATMs are scarce; bring enough for food, souvenirs, and fees.
• Trekking can be challenging - wear proper shoes and be ready for uneven paths.
• Respect local culture - ask before taking photos and follow community rules, especially in Buscalan with Apo Whang-Od.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tour start

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.