Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga (A Road To Apo Whang-Od)

Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga (The Place of Apo Whang-Od)

         Whang-Od Oggay also known as Maria Oggay, is a Filipina tattoo artist from Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines. She is often described as the “last” and oldest mambabatok (traditional Kalinga tattooist) and is part of the Butbut people of the larger Kalinga ethnic group. She was born February 17, 1917 (age 103)

She has been tattooing headhunters and women of the indigenous people of Butbut in Buscalan, Kalinga since she was 15-year-old, but the Butbut warriors who used to earn tattoos through protecting villages or killing enemies no longer exist. Despite that, Whang-od continuous to apply her traditional art form to tourist visiting Buscalan.

“An eye for an eye. A life for a life vengeance is a way of life for Kalinga People”

HOW TO GET THERE (via TUGUEGARAO)

*I recommend you to visit Buscalan during Dry Season*

Tuguegarao to Tabuk

Approximately 1hr and 20mins (53KM)

Fare: 118php

--The Terminal is located at the back of Brickstone Mall, we got there around 4am to have the first trip.

--Upon arriving in Tabuk City I suggest that you take your Breakfast because it will be a very long trip.

--After eating your Breakfast, you can choose a van or jeep to bring you to Buscalan.

Tabuk to Buscalan (The Place of Apo Whang-Od)

Approximately 2hrs and 40mins (81KM)

Fare: 200php

--In half way of your trip there will be a stopover to eat your Lunch.

--The road in Buscalan will be curvy so I suggest you bring some candies or earphones for you not to be dizzy.

--When you finally arrived at Buscalan you will walk around 30mins-1hr going to their village, so bring a lot of towels and brace yourself to an adventurous walk, the cliff is definitely high so if you are afraid of highs I suggest not to look down while you’re walking and use a shoe.

---WHAT TO BRING---

-Foods (I prefer buying can goods or fresh meat, vegetables, biscuits. You need to prepare as much as you can)

-Clothes

-Flashlight

-Camera

-Tripod

-Slippers

-Umbrella

-Money

-Toiletries (Soap, Shampoo, Toothbrush, etc.)

--HOW TO BEHAVE--

-Greet the villagers every now and then or even just a simple smile would do.

-Ask your guide if you can cook or cook for you, the people there are happy to help so don’t hesitate.

-In general, be respectful about how you expect people to behave in your own home.

-Be QUIET after curfew hours. I wanted to add this because we experienced some creepy happenings due to our noisiness at curfew hours if you want to know the whole story you can just message me for confidentiality.

Estimated Budget:

• Fare (Back & Forth): 643php
• Breakfast: 80php
• Lunch: 80php
• Eco Fee: 75php
• Tattoo: 500php (minimum)
• Tinik: 100php
• Signature Tattoo with Picture(Whang-Od): 100php
• Tour Guide: 1500 (5pax)
• Home Stay: 300/head
• _____________________________________________
• TOTAL:  3,278php

    Note: I suggest to have additional cash in case of emergency use. 

Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga

 (A Road To Apo Whang-Od) 

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