Chasing waterfalls: Discover Balbalan’s newly opened Pantikian Cascades Village

FEATURE

BALBALAN, Kalinga — If you are looking for a place where waterfalls, mountain landscapes and the quiet beauty of nature come together, a new destination in Balbalan, Kalinga is waiting to be discovered.

The newly opened Pantikian Cascades Village officially welcomed visitors following its opening ceremony on September 29, 2026, offering travelers another reason to explore the natural wonders of this mountain municipality.

The fourth tourism village developed in Balbalan, Pantikian offers visitors the opportunity to discover a series of waterfalls tucked within its lush landscape.

Among its attractions are the Annigiban, Inal-alsung, Pilas, Maloblob and Fagawat Falls, each offering a different setting for visitors looking to experience the refreshing beauty of Kalinga’s mountains.

But Pantikian is more than a destination for chasing waterfalls.

Its natural landscape offers a glimpse of the rich environment surrounding the community, while the journey to the area provides visitors with an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Balbalan—one where nature and community remain closely connected.

For those willing to explore beyond the more familiar destinations, Pantikian could be the next stop on their Kalinga adventure.

From potential site to tourism village

Pantikian’s transformation into a tourism destination began only months before its formal opening.

Municipal Tourism Officer Regine Faye Munda Cruz recalled that Pantikian was identified as a potential tourism site during the second-quarter Municipal Tourism Council meeting on June 23, 2026.

What followed was a series of preparations designed to ensure that the area would be ready not only to welcome visitors but also to manage tourism responsibly.

These included information, education and communication activities, tourism site validation, tour planning, pre-tour operations and a dry run tour.

Because Pantikian is situated within the Banao Protected Landscape, the proposed tourism activities also underwent presentation to the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for approval.

The preparations eventually culminated in the formal opening of Pantikian Cascades Village on September 29.

A destination still waiting to be discovered

According to Cruz, Pantikian has more potential attractions that could eventually be opened to visitors.

However, these areas still require further improvement, development and proper management before they can be included in the tourism circuit.

This means that what visitors can experience today may only be the beginning of what Pantikian could eventually offer.

For now, the waterfalls and surrounding natural landscapes provide enough reason to make the journey.

And for the local tourism office, developing the area is not simply about bringing more tourists to Balbalan. It is also about preparing the community and the destination for tourism in a way that protects its natural and cultural resources.

A community effort

The opening of Pantikian Cascades Village was made possible through the cooperation of various government agencies, community members and tourism stakeholders.

The Municipal Tourism Office worked with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Balbalan Municipal Police Station, 103rd Charlie Company, Bureau of Fire Protection-Balbalan, Barangay Local Government Unit of Pantikian, and local tourism stakeholders in preparing the destination.

Cruz also credited the support of Mayor Almar Malannag and Vice Mayor Regina Munda Cruz for helping make the tourism initiative possible.

“I am truly grateful for the support and participation of everyone who contributed to the success of this activity—from the national and local government agencies, the barangay officials and community, our safety and security partners, tourism stakeholders, and everyone who took part in the preparations and opening,” Cruz said.

The collaboration reflects the community-based approach being pursued in developing Pantikian as a tourism destination.

Your next Kalinga adventure

With Pantikian now open to visitors, travelers have another destination to add to their Kalinga itinerary.

For those who enjoy waterfalls, nature trips and discovering places away from the usual tourist routes, the Pantikian Cascades Village offers an invitation to slow down, explore and experience the natural beauty of Balbalan.

Visitors interested in exploring the destination may coordinate with the Balbalan Municipal Tourism Office through its official Facebook page, Balbalan Tourism, for arrangements and information before their visit.

Pantikian now joins Balbalan’s growing list of tourism destinations, alongside the Balbalasang Eco Village, Tawang Liyang Sanctuary Village and Talalang Tourism Village.

So, if your next adventure calls for cool cascading waters, mountain scenery and a destination still waiting to be explored, perhaps it is time to put Pantikian Cascades Village on your Kalinga travel list.