Melo Villareal
Travel Guide: A Trip to the Beautiful and Historic Naneng Heritage Village of Tabuk, Kalinga Province, Philippines
Traveling is a way of learning. And as much as we love the sights we see, the souvenirs we buy, and the photos we take with every trip, there’s so much more experience to unpack when interacting with the locals and learning about their cultures and traditions.
In the northern Philippines, the Cordillera Administrative Region is notable for its breathtaking nature views and cultural practices that are still being celebrated today. And aside from learning from it through books and documentaries, we could learn from it first-hand by immersing ourselves in their way of life, particularly in Tabuk, Kalinga.
About the village
A 12-hour trip from Metro Manila, Tabuk in Kalinga, is where Naneng Heritage Village is found. It’s not the ordinary village you see in the lowlands because it offers a unique cultural experience that tells you about its local heritage– through homestays and community tours.
Naneng Heritage Village is known to be the oldest settlement in the province. It derived its name from the local term “naneng,” which means flood. Built in the 1920s, the village was flooded when the Chico River overflowed, but the houses withstood the floods. As you stroll around the town, you’d see that the houses look simple and traditional. When you go inside the house, you’ll see the living room and the kitchen, while on the second floor are the huge rooms. But as simple as they may look, they’re sturdy to withstand typhoons, as these are usually made with Narra or Yambao wood.
Though the village is inhabited by a small population, they truly did their best to preserve their old town traditions. It’s evident in their homes and in their way of living.
The Weaving Tradition
One of the highlights of Naneng Heritage Village is seeing the traditional weavers of Kalinga, called the sumisinnon, at work. The community is known for its weaving tradition, which has existed since the 18th century. But during the 1900s, the materials were only made with one color until a woman named Sinali discovered dye using natural materials from trees. With this, colors were introduced to their weaving patterns. If you join the community tour of the heritage village, you’ll have a glimpse of the weavers and how they traditionally create their woven materials.
Things to do
You can do many activities in Naneng Heritage Village, making your trip here more worthwhile. Here are some you can try:
Sample local cuisine
Aside from the scenic nature views, you’ll love their traditional dishes. One you should try is pinikpikan, a traditional soup dish wherein the chicken is beaten with a stick before cooking, giving the dish a different texture and flavor.
Visit St. Joseph Church
You can also visit the oldest church in Tabuk, St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary Parish Church. It was founded by Belgian missionaries, established in 1927.
Trek the mountains
The tour includes trekking, so if you’re up for outdoor activities like this, you’ll definitely enjoy this activity. You may join the trek going to Awichon Traditional Village, where you can go night camping.
Experience riding the taltallak
You can also go on a fun ride using taltallak, a farm tool that doubles as a wooden scooter. Previously, it was used to transport root crops or firewood. Now, it’s being used by kids and tourists who want to try a unique and fun activity.
Take a dip in the cold spring.
Have you ever been to a cold spring? You can also head to Dawwang, where you can take a dip in their famous cold spring.
How to get here
From Manila, ride a bus bound for Tabuk. Victory Liner has daily trips to Tabuk, about a 10 to 12 hours ride. From Baguio City, you may also ride a bonus going to Tabuk. It’ll take 9 hours. If you’re coming from Tuguegarao City, you can take a jeepney to Tabuk.
Where to Stay
As mentioned above, homestays are the best way to experience the Kalinga culture, as you live with the locals. But if you prefer to stay in the accommodation, you may opt to stay in the following places:
Homestay
One of the best ways to learn about the local culture is through homestays. This lets you stay at a local’s residence, where they take in visitors for a night or two. Through this experience, you can exchange stories of your cultures, see their daily routines, and befriend the locals!
M Hotel
This boutique hotel is a clean and cozy accommodation situated in Tabuk. It offers standard facilities in its rooms and has a pool, an in-house restaurant, and even a KTV room! It’s a decent place to stay if you want to stay in an area that’s within your budget.
Location: Appas, Tabuk, Kalinga
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mhoteltabuk
The Ykalinga Hotel
This simple yet lovely accommodation feels like a home away from home. Aside from comfortable rooms, you get a good view, hearty meals, and a peaceful stay. It’s also perfect for solo travelers who want to access tourist sites easily.
Location: Provincial Road, Purok 1, Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theykalingahotel
Davidson Hotel and Restaurant
If you want a bit of luxury in your accommodation where you can rest and dine comfortably, book Davidson Hotel. Though it’s not a five-star hotel, you get the facilities and amenities you’d usually get from a hotel in this accommodation. It can cater to large groups and functions, perfect for traveling families or teams.
Location: Provincial Road, Purok Dati, Bulanao Norte, Tabuk City, Kalinga
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidsonHotel/
Naneng Heritage Village is a landmark rich in culture and traditions. It’s a place where you can appreciate their traditions and learn from the local community. It immerses you in the Cordilleran way of life and brings you many unforgettable memories back home. Traveling to Tabuk, Kalinga soon? Let us know what you enjoyed the most when you visit Naneng Heritage Village!
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