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

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2-Day Trip to Buscalan Village, Home of Legendary Tattoo Artist Apo Whang-Od
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
Free cancellation
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Starting time
at 19:00
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. 

A side trip to the awe-inspiring Banaue Rice Terraces in the nearby province of Ifugao is also included in your itinerary.

Visiting the mountain village of Buscalan and seeing the marvelous Banaue Rice Terraces are some 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 so you can fully immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind cultural experience and mountain retreat in the Philippines. 

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. 

Along the way, you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel you up for the adventure ahead. Afterward, you'll continue your journey through picturesque landscapes, making your way 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’ll settle into a cozy homestay and enjoy a hearty lunch. The rest of the day is yours to explore the village's rich culture and stunning scenery.

You can also relax in the area where the art of traditional tattooing comes to life. For the truly adventurous, you can get a tattoo from Apo Whang-Od herself or one of the skilled artists she has mentored. As the day winds down, you can savor a delicious dinner before relaxing for the night.

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. 

With the assistance of your local guide, you’ll have another opportunity to receive a traditional tattoo from Apo Whang-Od or one of her apprentices before checking out of your homestay.

After checking out, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch before making your way 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.

After taking in the breathtaking views and capturing some unforgettable moments, your tour coordinator will accompany you on your journey back to Manila City, where you can 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.

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Included

All transfers
Local guide
Tour coordinator
Shared homestay
Meals

Activities

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours
Hiking & Trekking

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. 

Along the way, you can enjoy a satisfying breakfast, then continue the trip through stunning landscapes. 

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. After checking into your cozy homestay, you can enjoy a delightful lunch. 

Following lunch, you can immerse yourself in the village’s vibrant culture. You can also take the rare opportunity to receive a traditional tattoo from Apo Whang-Od or her talented apprentices.

You can end the day with a delightful dinner before unwinding for the evening.

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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. 

Accompanied by your local guide, you’ll have another opportunity to receive a traditional tattoo from Apo Whang-Od or one of her skilled apprentices before bidding farewell to your homestay.

After checking out, you can savor a flavorful lunch before heading to the awe-inspiring Banaue Rice Terraces with your tour coordinator. These rice paddies are a marvel of engineering and cultural heritage. 

You can capture unforgettable memories before starting your journey back to Manila City, reflecting on the extraordinary moments of your trip.

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What to bring

Confirmation Voucher
Comfortable Clothing & Shoes
Sunblock
Sun Protection
Camera

Good to know

This tour is designed to provide a safe, enjoyable, and fully accessible experience for children, adults, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

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, meals, the services of a local guide and a tour coordinator, and an optional visit to the Banaue Rice Terraces.

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 input your preferred travel dates and starting time, group size, and pick-up location on the booking widget. Once you've filled in the details, you can proceed with the payment to confirm your reservation.

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Guide to the Philippines: Mid-Year Sale 2025

Book early & save up to 30% on the best travel deals!

Booking period: May 1 - June 30, 2025

Travel period: May 1 - March 31, 2026

Terms and Conditions:

1. Valid for select products only under this promotion and cannot be used with any other discount or promotion.

2. Subject to availability.

3. Valid for bookings made from May 1 - June 30, 2025, and for travel from May 1 - March 31, 2026

4. Promo or discounted tour packages are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and non-rebookable.

5. Guide to the Philippines Terms and Conditions apply.

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