2-Day Trip to Buscalan Village, Home of Legendary Tattoo Artist Apo Whang-Od

1 / 12
This 2-day tour package to Buscalan Village offers a rare opportunity to meet Apo Whang-Od, the legendary tattoo artist
2-Day Trip to Buscalan Village, Home of Legendary Tattoo Artist Apo Whang-Od
2-Day Trip to Buscalan Village, Home of Legendary Tattoo Artist Apo Whang-Od
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
2-Day Trip to Buscalan Village, Home of Legendary Tattoo Artist Apo Whang-Od
2-Day Trip to Buscalan Village, Home of Legendary Tattoo Artist Apo Whang-Od
2-Day Trip to Buscalan Village, Home of Legendary Tattoo Artist Apo Whang-Od
2-Day Trip to Buscalan Village, Home of Legendary Tattoo Artist Apo Whang-Od
Free cancellation
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

Travel details

Dates
Time
--:--
--:--
Travelers
1
Pick-up location
Select pick-up location
Select pick-up location

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Starting time
18:00-18:30 (Thursday Night)
Duration
2 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Available:
All year
Minimum age:
None
101 reviews

Description

Enjoy a remarkable 2-day tour package to the Buscalan Tattoo Village in the highlands of the northern region in the Philippines, where you’ll discover rich cultural traditions and visit one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

This trip will take you to the secluded mountain village of Buscalan in Kalinga Province, home of the Philippines' oldest traditional tattoo artist, the legendary Apo Whang-Od. 

Visiting the mountain village of Buscalan is one of the bucket list-worthy activities that you shouldn’t miss when in the Philippines. 

A trip to the Buscalan village gives you the rare opportunity to witness the ancient art of hand-tapped tattoos, which has been passed down through generations. Apo Whang-Od, who is over 100 years old, is known as the oldest living traditional tattoo artist in the country and is a cultural heritage icon in the Philippines. 

This thoughtfully designed trip has every detail pre-arranged for you, including a stay at a cozy homestay accommodation, roundtrip transfers from Manila City, the assistance of a local guide and tour coordinator, and hearty home-cooked meals with unlimited rice and coffee so you can fully immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind cultural experience and mountain retreat in the Philippines. 

A bag tag souvenir will also be given to commemorate your memorable journey in Buscalan village.

For an even more comfortable and exclusive experience, you can upgrade your package to enjoy private accommodations. With this option, you’ll have your own room, giving you extra space, privacy, and a more relaxing atmosphere after a day of exploring. This upgrade is perfect for couples, families, or travelers who want a quieter, more personalized stay while still enjoying all the immersive cultural experiences that Buscalan village has to offer.

The night before the first day of your stay in the Buscalan mountain village, your tour coordinator will warmly greet you at the pick-up location in Manila City, ensuring you’re comfortable and ready for your trip to the highlands. 

Afterward, you'll continue your journey through picturesque landscapes, heading toward the remote and enchanting village of Buscalan.

You'll meet your local guide at the jump-off point and embark on an exciting trek up to the mountain village of Buscalan, where a world of tradition and adventure awaits. Upon reaching the village, you can treat yourself to a delicious breakfast to savor the local flavors of Buscalan. Afterward, you’ll check in and settle into a cozy homestay, where you can relax. 

For the truly adventurous, you can get a tattoo from Apo Whang-Od herself or one of the skilled artists she has mentored, followed by a hosted meal to refuel and enjoy local flavors. 

The rest of the day is yours to explore the village's rich culture and stunning scenery, visit the Buscalan Rice Terraces, where you can marvel at the centuries-old stepped fields carefully carved into the mountainside by the local community, or take a refreshing walk to the nearby falls, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural charm of the area. You can also relax in the area where the art of traditional tattooing comes to life.

As the day winds down, you can savor a delicious dinner before relaxing for the night, and even gather around a cozy bonfire with the locals, sharing stories under the starry mountain sky.

On the second day of your Buscalan mountain village adventure, you can start your morning with a delightful breakfast, soaking in the refreshing breeze, tranquil atmosphere, and breathtaking views. 

After breakfast, you will check out of your homestay and begin your descent from the village, taking in the serene landscapes along the way. 

Along the journey, you can treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Mt. Polis, a scenic mountain pass renowned for its sweeping views of the Cordillera highlands, rolling hills, and lush rice terraces—a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Your journey continues to the impressive Banaue Rice Terraces, a must-see marvel in the Philippines. Accompanied by your tour coordinator, you’ll explore these stunning, man-made rice paddies, which stand as a testament to the ingenuity and rich heritage of the Ifugao people.

You’ll also visit the Bayyo Rice Terraces, known for their panoramic vistas and traditional irrigation systems, and stop by the Bayyo Arch, a charming viewpoint ideal for photos. You’ll also have the chance to browse a local souvenir center, where handcrafted items, woven textiles, and local delicacies make for perfect mementos of your journey.

After taking in the breathtaking views and capturing some unforgettable moments, your tour coordinator will accompany you on your journey back to Manila City, with a stop for dinner along the way, giving you time to relax and reflect on the incredible experiences of your trip.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with a rich cultural heritage and see one of the iconic landmarks in the Philippines in one trip. Secure your spot now by selecting a date.

Read more

Included

All transfers
Overnight accommodation at a homestay
Local guide
Tour coordinator
3 hosted meals
Unli rice and coffee
Bag tag souvenir

Activities

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours
Hiking & Trekking
Nature Exploration
Sightseeing

Map

Attractions

Banaue Rice TerracesBanaue Rice Terraces
Banaue Rice TerracesBanaue
Buscalan mountain village in Kalinga ProvinceBuscalan Village

Daily itinerary

Day 1
2-Day Trip to Buscalan Village, Home of Legendary Tattoo Artist Apo Whang-Od - day 1

Day 1 - Day 1: Buscalan Mountain Village

The night before your stay at the Buscalan mountain village, your friendly tour coordinator will greet you at the meet-up spot in Manila City, ensuring a seamless start to your scenic journey into the highlands. 

At the jump-off point, your guide will warmly greet you before you set off together on an invigorating trek to the quaint village of Buscalan. You can treat yourself to a delightful breakfast to savor the local flavors of Buscalan village.

Afterward, you will check into your cozy homestay, and the rest of your day is yours to enjoy.

You can also take the rare opportunity to receive a traditional tattoo from Apo Whang-Od or her talented apprentices. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a hosted lunch, savoring local flavors and taking a moment to relax.

The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. You can wander through the village, visit the Buscalan Rice Terraces, or take a refreshing walk to the nearby falls, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural charm of the area.

You can end the day with a delightful dinner before unwinding for the evening, and even relax by a cozy bonfire with the locals, sharing stories under the starry mountain sky.

Read more
Day 2
2-Day Trip to Buscalan Village, Home of Legendary Tattoo Artist Apo Whang-Od - day 2

Day 2 - Day 2: Side Trip to Banaue Rice Terraces and Travel to Manila City

On the second day of your Buscalan adventure, you can enjoy a refreshing breakfast while taking in the crisp morning air and serene surroundings. 

After breakfast, you will check out of your homestay and begin your descent from the village, enjoying the scenic views along the way.

You can savor a flavorful lunch at Mt. Polis, a scenic mountain pass known for its sweeping highland vistas, rolling hills, and lush rice terraces, providing the perfect spot to relax and soak in the natural beauty.

Your journey continues with a side trip to the awe-inspiring Banaue Rice Terraces, accompanied by your tour coordinator. These rice paddies are a marvel of engineering and cultural heritage.

Along the way, you’ll also make a quick stop at the Bayyo Rice Terraces, where you can marvel at the layered, emerald-green fields carved into the mountainside by the Ifugao people, a stunning display of traditional engineering and agricultural heritage. 

At the Bayyo Arch viewpoint, enjoy a panoramic vista of the surrounding mountains and valleys, perfect for capturing memorable photos of the Cordillera highlands. 

You’ll also have the chance to browse a souvenir center, where local artisans sell handcrafted items, woven textiles, and unique souvenirs, offering a wonderful opportunity to take a piece of the region’s culture home with you.

On your way back to Manila City, you’ll make a quick stop for dinner, giving you time to rest and enjoy a meal before completing your journey.

Read more

How it works

Book your trip with the Philippines’ most trusted travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and 24/7 support from local travel professionals.

Secure your spot
Reserve instantly with guaranteed availability. Your spot is confirmed the moment you book, backed by secure payment and best price assurance.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary with schedules, routes, accommodations, and everything else you need for a smooth trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Enjoy a professionally crafted plan you can tailor to your preferences. Whether it’s diving, island-hopping, or heritage touring, our travel experts ensure every detail fits your travel style.
Tap into expert guidance
Get local insights, curated recommendations, and smart tips before, during, and after your trip—so you can travel smarter and explore deeper.
Explore with confidence
From Manila to Mindanao, we’re here 24/7 to help you every step of the way—so you can enjoy your adventure with peace of mind.
Secure your spot
Reserve instantly with guaranteed availability. Your spot is confirmed the moment you book, backed by secure payment and best price assurance.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary with schedules, routes, accommodations, and everything else you need for a smooth trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Enjoy a professionally crafted plan you can tailor to your preferences. Whether it’s diving, island-hopping, or heritage touring, our travel experts ensure every detail fits your travel style.
Tap into expert guidance
Get local insights, curated recommendations, and smart tips before, during, and after your trip—so you can travel smarter and explore deeper.
Explore with confidence
From Manila to Mindanao, we’re here 24/7 to help you every step of the way—so you can enjoy your adventure with peace of mind.

What to bring

Confirmation Voucher
Comfortable Clothing & Shoes
Sunblock
Sun Protection
Camera

Good to know

This tour package is designed to provide a safe, enjoyable, and fully accessible experience for children and adults.

This is a joiner tour with a fixed itinerary designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. To keep everything running seamlessly, we kindly ask guests to follow the scheduled activities and timings. Looking for more flexibility and a personalized experience? You may upgrade to a private tour for a customized itinerary and exclusive service.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is included in this 2-day tour package to Buscalan Tattoo Village?

This 2-day tour package includes roundtrip transportation from Manila City to Buscalan mountain village, a 1-night accommodation at a homestay, three hosted meals with unlimited rice and coffee, the services of a local guide and a tour coordinator, and a bag tag souvenir to commemorate your journey.

2. What should I bring for this 2-day tour package to Buscalan Tattoo Village?

For this 2-day tour package to Buscalan Tattoo Village, it’s highly recommended to bring comfortable clothing and shoes, sunblock, and a camera.

3. Is food included in this 2-day tour package to Buscalan Tattoo Village?

Yes, this 2-day tour package to Buscalan Tattoo Village includes three hosted meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all prepared with local ingredients to give you an authentic cultural experience.

4. Who is Apo Whang-Od?

Apo Whang-Od is the Philippines' oldest living traditional tattoo artist, known for her ancient hand-tapping tattooing techniques. During this 2-day tour package to Buscalan Tattoo Village, you have the rare chance to receive a tattoo from her or her apprentices.

5. What activities will I experience during this 2-day tour package to Buscalan Tattoo Village?

You’ll enjoy a cultural tour of the village, learn about traditional tattooing, and explore the beautiful surroundings, with free time for rest or getting a tattoo.

6. How can I book this 2-day tour package to Buscalan Tattoo Village?

Booking this tour package is simple! You can simply enter your preferred travel dates and starting time, group size, and pick-up location in the booking widget. Once you've filled in the details, you can proceed with the payment to confirm your reservation.

Read more

Video

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

Similar tours

Link to appstore phone
Install the Philippines’ biggest travel app

Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.