Kalinga is one of six provinces comprising the Cordillera Administrative Region ( CAR ).
The province is subdivided into seven (7) municipalities and one city, with a total of 152 barangays represented as a lone congressional district. The seat of the provincial government is at the capital city of Tabuk.
Dubbed as the country’s “Prince of the Highlands”, Kalinga is nestled atop a north to south assemblage of mountain ranges within the Cordillera Central, varying in elevation from 300 to 5,000 feet above sea level.
The province is noted for its scenic natural bounty, its people, and the diversity of their culture.
Kalinga’s Chico River was recently declared as the Whitewater Rafting Capital of North Philippines. The Chico River Rafting Challenge covers the whole length of the river from Tinglayan to Tabuk, with an approximate rafting time of six to eight hours depending on water levels. The stretch is generally of Class III and IV rapids amidst the scenic wonders of the Kalinga heartland.
Declared a protected zone, Balbalasang National Park serves as a monument to the opposition of the Kalingas against the massive deforestation caused by large commercial logging companies, legitimate or otherwise.
Huddled on a mountain range that borders the towns of Tinglayan and Tanudan, the fabled Mt. Mating-oy Dinayao takes the form of a sleeping beauty supinely lying at its back. A vantage view of the profile can be seen from Sungang or Basao.
The view point at Sungang affords a majestic view of the valleys’ villages and the mountains of Tinglayan, Tanudan, Tabuk, and Lubuagan. A very good view of the Tulgao and Dananao Rice Terraces can be had as well.
Located in Dacalan, the famed Mount Binaratan was the entry point of Philippine Republic President General Emilio Aguinaldo during his retreat to Kalinga. Aguinaldo Hill in Pinukpuk Road at the Allaguia Junction was the site that had been used as a common post by General Emilio Aguinaldo and his men during the Philippine-American war.
Celebrated each year from February 13 to 16 is the Ullalim, a cultural festival that showcases the life of the Kalingas through crafts, sports and indigenous food. The Ullalim Festival is timed to coincide with Kalinga Day, the province’s founding anniversary.