Dalton Pass, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya

Santa Fe is the first town of Nueva Vizcaya. It is where the Region 2 marker can be witnessed.

If you're coming from Manila, it's right after the zigzag road of Caranglaan in Nueva Ecija.

About 4.5 hours travel from Manila, and a stop point for most buses going to Cagayan Valley.

The shrine and commemorative marker stand by the road’s highest point, which also offers a good view into the headlands. I spotted this signpost on my way to Tuguegarao and was eager to climb the view deck.

A landmark after the hour-long winding road passage of buses, known to be a historical marker- Dalton Pass, also called Balete Pass, is the scene of blood-spattered fighting during the final stages of World War II. 

It has a national shrine that  give honor to General James Dalton II.

The picnic area on the Pass's view deck is covered by fog on a cold day, sad to say, I never encountered the foggy sheltered place on that very day.

Sight on the viewdeck at sundown. Windy-cold but no-fog-day at Balete Pass in Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya.

Callao Cave in Penablanca, Cagayan

From Manila, prepare yourself for a long bus ride of 12 hours.

You can reach Callao zone in about 40 minutes, from the town proper, via chartered tricycle at 250 pesos one way (you can also checkout the banca ride going to the cave).

Plan your visit to the famous 7 chamber cave of Cagayan-the Callao Cave located in Penablanca. Pronounced "cal-lao", is the best known tourist magnet of Cagayan.

The natural cathedral, which was turned chapel by the locals, can be found at the first chamber.

Have your mind picture variety of ancient formations like the lion's head, parrot, etc.

If you are into caving,  there are actually other caves in Cagayan ready to be explored, from the easy walking-size courses to crawling and heaving.

Click on thumbnails to view larger image

Tuguegarao City

Buses going to Cagayan Valley are available on schedule basis.

There are 2 big bus companies plying these route- Victory Liner in Kamias and Pasay, and Florida Bus  Lines in Cubao and Sampaloc.

Florida Bus Lines in TUG

Some buses offer a comfortable extra-wide seat which you can recline

and are equipped with toilet, which they call "super deluxe"

It was my first time to spot a sleeper bus, Florida Bus Lines got

double-decker-bed buses servicing Sampaloc in Manila to Tuguegarao

and vice versa, check their schedules, it's usually a night trip.

GMW Trans bound Vigan

If you wish to go on a roadtrip to Vigan, then check GMW Trans

stationed near Florida Liner Bus Station in Tuguegarao City.

GMW Bus Line Trip Schedule from Tuguegarao City to Ilocos Region.

Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral

Sts. Peter and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is located in Tuguegarao City, the seat of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. It is a wrong notion that Callao cave is in Tuguegarao City

Side street

Horse-driven carriages are still visible in this part of the North.

Victory Liner in TUG

Victory Liner Bus Schedules from Tuguegarao City to Metro Manila.

Buses and shuttle vans going to Aparri, Claveria and Sta. Ana 

can also be found along the city highway.

A must taste

Dok's Carinderia is a local canteen located along the HiWay

 of Tuguegarao City, just across the Victory Liner. 

Don't expect much from a side street canteen.

It's the one nearest to the bus station and I never looked for

another Panciteria along.

Pancit Cabagan is made of fresh miki noodles served with toppings of 

lechon kawali, quail eggs, mixed vegetables and served with 

chopped white onion, calamansi and soy sauce on a separate small bowl . 

The broth where the pancit is cooked is also served in a small soup bowl. 

You can mix it with the pancit if you wish.

You may also want to check this post of my Northern Luzon experience.