Tourist Destinations 

AGUINALDO SHRINE

Although Isabela did not play a major role in the revolt against Spain, it is in Palanan that the final pages of the Philippines Revolution was written when the American forces led by Gen. Frederick Funston finally captured Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in the area on March 23, 1901.

 

BONSAI FOREST

Dinapigue showcases a bonsai forest with plants ranging from one foot to 7 feet in height.  The forest is astonishing – covering an estimated 5,000 hectares.

 

CAMP SAMAL

The historic Camp Samal was the site of the National Jamboree in 1977. Spanning at 23.50 hectares, elevated mass of rolling hills 500 feet above sea level overlooks the mighty Cagayan River, the Pinacanauan River, the town of Tumauini itself, the municipality of Delfin Albano, and the Sierra Mountain ranges.

 

CROCODILE SANCTUARY OF SAN MARIANO

San Mariano houses a gallery of spectacles ranging from its flora and fauna to the diverse river systems and waterfall formations.

The Philippine Crocodile, a critically endangered species, can be found throughout the length of the river and creeks of San Mariano. Mabuwaya foundation, and even the president of the famous clothing company Lacoste, Michel Lacoste, shows support for the famous Crocodile Sanctuary of San Mariano.

 

DIBULO FALLS

 

 

 

Dibulo falls is one of the most notable throughout the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is one of the attractions of Sierra Madre Nature Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DICOTCOTAN BEACH

Dicotcotan Beach boasts of a three-kilometer long beach with coral reefs, sea grass beds and sandy shoreline that is fringed with a coastal forest and a village. There are regular sightings here of pointed nosed dolphins and hump back whales aside from the various species of fish and shellfish, and marine turtles that can be seen from the surface.

 

FUYOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

Situated in the suburbs of Sta. Victoria, City of Ilagan, Fuyot Springs National Park nestles a multitude of attractions guaranteed to satisfy adventurers.

The park houses the Sta. Victoria Caves, which showcases more than 12 caves open for public spelunking. The caves feature formed lattices, stalactites, and stalagmites, a few of which have mineral deposits making them glimmer and shine when hit by light.

Also within the park is Pinzal Falls, reached by a treading a short trek from the park proper. Following the creek flowing from the falls, an adventurer will find a pathway of rocks and waterholes enough to excite an avid adventurer.

 


 

GIANT BUTAKA

Dubbed as the furniture capital of the province, Ilagan houses the world’s largest Butaka, towering at 11 feet, 4 inches high; 20 feet 8 inches long; and 9 feet 7 inches wide, weighing at a massive 2,368 kilos. With its wide arms, it was depicted by, then town Mayor, Mayor Jojo Albano, as the testament to the genuine hospitality of Ilagueños.

 

HONEYMOON ISLAND

World famous island in Divilacan, Isabela.

 

ISABELA THY WILL BE DONE

 

A testament of Isabela's Christian history, the renowned “Isabela Thy Will Be Done” marker is the first to welcome those who are on their way to the province. Located just at the boundary between Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela, the iconic landmark is a bannering welcome of Isabela’s hospitality – imbuing the firm faith of the province in bidding the safety of travellers.

 

 

LANDMARK OF HEROES

 

 

 

The Landmark of Heroes in Jones, Isabela is dedicated to forefathers who waged blood and sweat to ensure liberty.

 

 

 

 

MACONACON FALLS

Serving as a gateway to the coasts of Isabela, Maconacon offers bountiful splendors to those who venture into its vast landscape. Most notable landmarks include the hanging bridge in the town and the Maconacon falls.

 

MAGAT DAM

Nested in The first multi-purpose dam in Southeast Asia, Magat Dam is located in the largest tributary of Cagayan River, the Magat River, just at the boundary of Ifugao and Isabela.

A nearby destination after a visit to the dam site is Camp Vizcarra, where visitors of the dam flock to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. 

 

MORORAN RIVER

 

 

Huddled within massive boulders, the panoramic crystal-clear Mororan river takes pride with its numerous miniature waterfalls cascading like veils. The river is popular to those who prefer long winding and rushing water over the constraints of a swimming pool.

 

 

PALANAN RAINFOREST

The Philippine’s largest low altitude rainforest with numerous unknown endemic species of flora and fauna and exceptional biological diversity.

 

SINAVULLUAN CAVES

With numerous chambers encompassing stalactites, stalagmites, and lattices, Sinavulluan Cave is a wonderful place for spelunking and exploration.

 

TAPJ RESORT AND RESTAURANT

TAPJ Resort and Restaurant provides tourist accommodations for local and foreign visitors to the province. Boasting 30,000 square meters of land area, the resort houses vacation cottages, two swimming pools, a four-hole fishpond stocked with tilapia and catfish, a botanical garden, ample seminar and conference facilities, and an upcoming air-conditioned restaurant. 

 

WATER WORLD GRAND RESORT

 

 

Water World is one of the best resorts in Region 2, if not the entire Philippines. It offers pools accommodating both adults and children alike. There is also a man-made lake where you can go boating and enjoy the view of assorted colored fishes.

 

 

 

 


 

OUR LADY OF ATOCHA CHURCH

The Our Lady of Atocha Church in Alicia is known for having an old Spanish church (Castilian) architecture. It is considered one of the best churches to visit for a pilgrimage in Isabela during the Holy Week. The church was declared by the Philippine Department of Tourism as one of the national religious tourist attractions in the country.

The structure of the church was originally built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Passing by Angadanan town on 12 February 1805, Fr. Manuel Mora, OP wrote that “Angadanan has a convent of bricks, though not totally finished. Its church is timber, wood, and bamboo. The number of inhabitants is 791.” The church and convent as seen today in the town of Alicia, beautiful and antique, was built by Fr. Tomas Calderon, OP and inaugurated in 1849, with Fr. Francisco Gainza, OP, then vicar of Carig (now Santiago City). The church was dedicated to the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, more popularly known today as Our Lady of Atocha. The church is known for its antique Castilian architectural design and can be found along the Maharlika Highway and is accessible by land transport.

 

SAINT MATHIAS CHURCH

The church walls are made entirely of brick. The façade is a magnificent display of the use ornamented brick laid out in characteristic design. Customized bricks were numbered, and placed customized to fit the walls. The interior of the church, similar to the façade is veneered with ornamented bricks. The upper half of the interior wall is laid with ornately designed brick blocks.

The bell tower of the church is cylindrical. The complex is fenced with brick walls, which is also ornamented like the rest of the church. The convent, located at the Gospel side of the church is now in ruins.

 

SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE

Dedicated to Our Lady of La Sallette, the chapel in Balintocatoc occupies the highest point in Santiago City. It is a major destination during Holy Week when people flock to the 14 Stations of the Cross that line to road to the chapel.

 

SAN PABLO CHURCH

Built in 1624, it is said to be the oldest in the province. Its lofty bell tower of six layers including the circular apex made of adobe is the tallest in the Cagayan Valley. San Pablo, the oldest town of Isabela, was founded by Padre de Sto. Tomas, 210 years before Isabela was made a province.