Lubang Island

The Chico River is the lifeblood of the Cordillera region. It emerges from the slopes of Mount Data and flows northeast towards the Pacific, winding through the country’s biggest mountain range and sustaining its plants, animals and people. Though only a ribbon amid the immensity of the Cordillera, the Chico River is central to the life of the region's people and environment. Vegetables grow in terraces in the river's surrounding mountains, villagers fish in the water and forests thrive just beyond the riverbanks.

Over 170 kilometers long the Chico River's character changes dramatically from source to sea. The upper river in the Mountain Province is the narrowest section and goes through gorges with steep rock walls. As the Chico flows into Kalinga it widens slightly and gorges are replaced by towering mountains and lush rainforests. The upper and middle sections have the most challenging rapids, with consecutive class IIIs and several class IVs. When the Chico nears the great Cagayan River the mountains fall away and serene plains take their place. This lower section is wide and relatively mellow but several exciting class IIIs keep paddlers on the edge of their raft.

The Chico River flows through the Mountain Province and Kalinga which are the more inaccessible and lesser known areas of the Cordillera. These provinces have all the charm and beauty of their famous neighbor Banaue in the Ifugao Province but they have far fewer tourists. On this adventure we go deep into the mountains to visit remote villages: Maligcong and its awe-inspiring rice terraces, Buscalan and its traditional tattoo artists and Tulgao with its waterfall and hot spring.

This is the best river rafting experience in the Philippines and possibly the country's best adventure during the rainy months of June to November.

Highlights and activities

• Raft through spectacular mountain scenery and class III and IV white water rapids.
• Hike to ethnic villages, rice terraces and waterfalls.
• See traditional tattoos being made and learn about the culture of the people in the Mountain Province and Kalinga.
• Take in the unspoiled beauty of the Mountain Province and Kalinga.
• See the famous Banaue Rice Terraces.

• hiking / trekking
• kayaking / rafting

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   Day 1: Travel to Banaue

   We take an evening bus from Manila and get some shut-eye while we travel through winding mountain roads. In the morning we will be in Banaue, home of the famous Banaue Rice Terraces.

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   Day 2: Maligcong

   We take in the view of the Banaue Rice Terraces before traveling to Bontoc to visit a museum of the Cordillera people. Then we travel to the village of Maligcong and hike through its quaint houses and beautiful rice terraces.

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   Day 3: Rafting the Upper Chico: Bontoc to Anabel

   We hike early to catch a magnificent sunrise from atop a mountain ridge. Then we travel back to Bontoc where we begin our first day of rafting. We paddle through narrow gorges and deep canyons until we arrive at the scenic village of Anabel. From Anabel we drive to the town of Tinglayan in the shadow of Sleeping Beauty Mountain where we spend the next two nights.

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   Day 4: Buscalan and Tulgao

   Today we hike to visit the village of Buscalan and the waterfalls of Tulgao. Buscalan is the home of Fang-Od and her granddaughter Grace, two of the last remaining traditional tattoo artists in the Philippines. Tulgao is high up the mountains and the hike to Palan-ah waterfalls goes through wonderful scenery.

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   Day 5: Rafting the Middle Chico: Tinglayan to Pasil

   Our second day of rafting takes us through mountains covered in rich rainforests. We paddle around huge boulders and shoot challenging rapids. We end our long and exciting run just outside of Tabuk where we spend the night.

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   Day 6: Rafting the Lower Chico: Tabuk

   Our last river run takes us through wide plains lined by mountains. We go ashore to take a short hike up a stream and visit a small waterfall. The last part of the run is gentle and we can jump in and enjoy our last few minutes in the river. In the evening we travel back to Manila.

This adventure is offered during the rainy season of June to November. Contact us to schedule your Private Tour.

Includes

• Land transportation for the duration of the trip.
• Accommodations (twin-sharing).
• Rafting equipment.
• Fees associated with the specified activities.
• Guiding service.

Excludes

• Food and beverage.
• Travel insurance.

• You will need a large bag (preferably a backpack) that can hold all of your things for the duration of the trip. You will also need a good pair of hiking shoes or sandals and another smaller pack (backpack or shoulder pack). Details on gear requirements and packing recommendations will be sent to you after you have booked your trip.
• Paddling and hiking are strenuous activities. If you do not already have a regular exercise routine, it is suggested that you get on one at least one (1) month before the trip. Though it is not necessary to be in tremendous shape to enjoy this trip, the fitter you are, the more fun you will have!
• Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the Philippines if you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country; if you are not, this vaccination is unnecessary. The following vaccinations are recommended:
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Measles, mumps and rubella