10 Best Things To Do In Kiangan, Philippines

1. Commemorate a significant event at the Philippine War Memorial Shrine

The Philippine War Memorial Shrine stands on the site where the Japanese Imperial Army surrendered during the Second World War. Erected in 1974, it commemorates the ushering of peace in the country at the end of the Japanese occupation. The shrine draws inspiration from the notable architecture of Ifugao native huts, which feature prominent roofs that sit low around the structure.

Look around the shrine to witness historical depictions of the country during the war. From the rooftop, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the picturesque sights and scenes of Kiangan and the neighboring town of Lagawe. It is best to visit the shrine during the daytime. From the shrine, take a quick detour to the Ifugao Museum, which is only a few steps away.

Philippine War Memorial Shrine

Address: Linda, Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines

2. Marvel at the ingenuity of Ifugao farmers at Nagacadan Rice Terraces

The Nagacadan Rice Terraces are an expansive testament to the ingenuity and sustainable practices of indigenous Ifugao farmers. The astounding traditional rice production system covers around 150 hectares (370.7 acres) of land and centers around a river. In 1995, UNESCO declared the Nagacadan Rice Terraces as a World Heritage Site for its significance to sustainable and communal agricultural systems.

Connect with the Kiangan Municipal Tourism Office to schedule a guide. While you are there, experience traditional rice farming hands-on with Ifugao farmers and engage in their culture through the Open Air Museum attached to the terraces.

Nagacadan Rice Terraces and Open Air Museum

Address: Bilong, Barangay Nagacadan, Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines

3. Get the best view of the town at Mt. Kapugan

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Rising 1305 meters (4281.5 feet) above sea level, Mt. Kapugan is the highest peak in Kiangan. Two trails lead to its summit, both of which take up approximately one and a half to two hours of trekking. The lush forests of Mt. Kapugan abound with coffee trees and medicinal plants. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you get a fantastic view of Kiangan and see a native Ifugao hut in the flesh.

Reach out to the Kiangan Municipal Tourism Office before going on a trek to Mt. Kapugan. You can set up a guide and ask the office about the proper safety precautions and preparations to take.

Mt. Kapugan

Address: Barangay Ambabag, Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines

4. Hear the majestic roars of Bagnit Falls

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Also known as Numbungngug (translated as ‘roaring’) Falls, Bagnit is an emerging tourist attraction in Kiangan. It is a series of waterfalls that cascade from 100 meters (328 feet) above ground and progress to irrigate the rice terraces of Kiangan. Travelers now frequent the waterfalls for hiking, swimming, and rappelling activities. It is advisable to make inquiries with the Kiangan Municipal Tourism Office before heading to this destination.

Bagnit Falls

Address: Barangay Julongan, Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines

5. Savor traditional delicacies at the Million Dollar Hill Cafe and Resto

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Take in the idyllic sceneries of Kiangan with a steaming cup of coffee and a selection of local fare at the Million Dollar Hill Cafe and Resto. Located conveniently about 150 meters (492.1 feet) from the Nagacadan Rice Terraces and Open Air Museum, this homegrown spot sits atop its namesake hill.

According to some locals, its catchy name dates back to the Second World War after the costs of fighting the enemy forces. Today, Million Dollar Hill overlooks the town of Kiangan, and what better way to delight in its splendor than with some food and drink amid a proudly traditional ambiance.

Million Dollar Hill Cafe and Resto

Address: Bilong, Barangay Nagacadan, Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines

Website: Million Dollar Hill Cafe & Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 11pm; Sun: 8am to 5pm

6. Witness the traditional Ifugao weaving and exquisite ikat designs

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Arts and crafts weave deeply into the heritage of Kiangan. Widely practiced are traditional hand-weaving and ikat, which is the process of dyeing and wrapping yarn to achieve bold and distinct patterns. At the Ifugao Community Heritage Galleries and Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED) Center, you can observe the process of traditional hand-weaving and ikat and purchase spectacular hand-made products.

Ifugao Community Heritage Galleries and Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED) Center

Address: Gabaldon Building, Kiangan Central School, Poblacion, Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines

Website: IPED Center

7. Brave historic heights at Dumaling Rock

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Dumaling Rock stands witness to the epic history of Kiangan. What was once a burial ground for the town’s ancestors later became a strategic hiding place of Japanese soldiers during the Second World War. At present, it offers an astounding 360-degree view of the area. From a distance, one can even see a portion of the nearby province of Nueva Vizcaya.

Take panoramic photographs of the area or set your intrepid spirit abuzz and partake in rock-climbing and rappelling activities that take place on Dumaling Rock. Be sure to check in with the Kiangan Tourism Office for directions and information about the available outdoor activities. The tourism office will also be happy to book you a local tour guide to take you there.

Dumaling Rock

Address: Barangay Duit, Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines

8. Stand in wonderment on Old Kiyyangan Village

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You do not need to be a history buff to appreciate the splendor of Old Kiyyangan Village. It is said to be the oldest settlement of the Ifugaos, dating back 1000 years. Its expanse occupies a portion of Habian in the present-day Barangay Mungayang.

Ifugao rituals and traditions trace their roots to this village. In its heyday, it had a vibrant system of living that predates the colonial period. Find your way to the magnificent sight of Old Kiyyangan Village with the help of the Kiangan Tourism Office.

Old Kiyyangan Village

Address: Barangay Mungayang, Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines

9. Set out on an adventure trail leading to Pangagawan Caves

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Bequeathed with plenty of natural wonders, the quaint town of Kiangan boasts the impressive Pangagawan cave system. What’s more, trekking the path to the caves is an extreme outdoor adventure in itself.

To get to the caves, you will need to traverse through the mountains for a couple of hours. Once you are at the entrance, you will have to rappel down the narrow opening. Inside, witness the local species that call Pangagawan Caves home. Try and find the underground river at the heart of the cave as well. Arrange a guide to the caves with the help of the Kiangan Tourism Office.

Pangagawan Caves

Address: Barangay Bolog, Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines

10. Witness firsthand the sacred Dawat Di Bagol ritual

Immerse yourself in a spiritual experience by witnessing a traditional Ifugao ritual. For the harvest season, Ifugao villagers perform the sacred “dawat di bagol”. It elevates the mumbaki or village shaman to the level of mumbagol. The mumbagol performs the most honored rituals in the community and ensures a bountiful harvest for the season.

This elaborate practice involves rhythmic chants and the offering to deities of rice, native pigs, and chickens. Organize a visit to the Bayninan community for this sacred ritual with the help of the Kiangan Tourism Office.

Dawat Di Bagol

Address: Bayninan Community, Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines

Kiangan, a captivating destination for profound experiences

The best things to do in Kiangan, Philippines, all pay tribute to the town’s rich heritage and history that intertwines harmoniously with the pristine beauty of nature. It is a quiet and unassuming town with worthwhile adventures in store for travelers. Discover this enchanting town for yourself today.