Are you tired of the usual beach escape? do you need some adrenaline rush on your next travel agenda? then hie off to Kalinga a landlocked province north of the Philippines. Kalinga is an action thrill destination with a magnificent landscape. ok enough with the introduction lets go straight into the action. Chico River is where the action is. it is one of the longest river in the Philippines with remarkable scenery that is cradled with mountainsides of centuries old rice terraces, rustic villages and lush green foliage. The Whitewater Rafting in the River is definitely exhilarating.
The 3 Different Runs To Choose From
The Ulalim Run- this run is usually for the overnighter it begins at the point where the Pasil and Chico river meet. the Chico-Pasil river is your start off point. the route is full of big waves and breathtaking scenery without the hard rapids.
The Matagpuan Run- this run is more popular with newbies and veteran. it covers the whole lenght of the chico river with a start off poin at Tinglayan and and fininging near Tabuk. ready those triceps as this run is 4 to 5 hours of rafting at high water level and an additional 6 to 7 hours paddling at low water. still up for it?
The Mcliing Dulag-stretching from Bugnay to the Tinglayan proper,this two-hour run passes through high waters with some technical rapids.
The trip to Chico River from the town proper Tabuk will be approximately 1 to 3 hours depending on what river route your group decides to try. while the trip from Manila to Kalinga will take about an hour by air and a "Butt" burning "10" hours yes "10" yes "10" you heard it right "10" hours trip by land. if travelling by land its better to take the night trip say like 10 pm so all you have to do in the bus is snooze and when you wake up you are in Kalinga already. this trip is definitely amazing not only by the River Wild but by the wonders of "Kalinga".
Getting There:
From Manila. The journey to Kalinga can be done by land and by air. Philippine Airlines 9PAL) flies from Manila to Tuguegarao thrice weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. From Tuguegarao, it is an hour ride by jeep or bus to Tabuk. The Chico River Quest can pick you up at the airport if you inform them in advance. PAL’s reservation hotline is (632) 855-8888.
By Land. Autobus lines telephone (632) 743-6870, and Victory Bus Lines (Kamias terminal) (632) 920-7396 offers daily air conditions bus service to Tabuk that is usually a ten hour-trip form Manila.
From Bontoc. Jeepneys and buses ply the Kalinga highway to Tinglayan (2.5 hrs) and Tabuk (6 hrs). Service is hourly from 7 to 11 am.
Cost:Chico River Quest Packages Includes Everything From Gear To Guides. Cost Ranging From 2,500($54) to 8,000php($174) depending on how many days you want to stay. There are hostels in Tabuk that will be arrange also by the team.
Photo Gallery Of Chico River:
Sources of Information and Photos
Zo Aguila of CosmopolitanMagazine Philippines
WOW Philippines
LakbayPilipinas
Scubaschnauze
Harley501