Solsona-Apayao road becoming ‘highway tourism’ area

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

Solsona, Ilocos Norte—Missing the old Baguio City when almost every corner still smelled of fresh pine trees?

Adventure-seekers found a similar spot on a trip to the Ilocos Norte-Apayao road located between the boundary of Brgys. Manalpac in this town and Butao in Calanasan, Apayao, some 40 kilometers from Laoag City.

Thousands of curious visitors or mountaineers ride on a motorbike or a 4x4 off-road vehicle to reach the newly-paved Ilocos Norte-Apayao road.

Leading to its picturesque view deck is a sea of clouds when you reach the top before sunrise covered with rich flora and fauna.

For those who have been to this site, seasoned trekkers see reminders of the Ambangeg trail of Mt. Pulag.

With the influx of tourists visiting the so-called “Old Baguio City” which has already become viral in social networking sites, the local government unit of Solsona is determined to improve its tourism facility here.

In time for the Holy Week, Solsona mayor Alexander Calucag bared plans to establish a “stop over” facility, where visitors can have refreshments or take time for call of nature before going up to the mountain view deck. Garbage collection bins will also be set up to avoid littering of garbage.

As the main attraction leads to the majestic Mount Kilang in the neighboring province of Apayao, Mr. Calucag said they are open to ink a sisterhood agreement with the municipality of Calanasan to establish better cooperation with tourism stakeholders there.

Likened to a giant ice cream scoop, Mt. Kilang is an intriguing sight to behold. Though it is a promising tourism destination, the Apayao government through its Provincial Tourism Office continue to reiterate that as of the moment, the area is not yet ready to host a volume of tourists.

For the safety of visitors, the Calanasan government urged tourists to take necessary precautions when going to the area and to help preserved its natural beauty by leaving nothing but footprints.

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