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- For the municipality in La Union, see Luna (La Union).
Luna is a town in Apayao. It is the province's economic hub, de facto administrative capital and primary port of entry.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Formerly known as Macatel, it was renamed as Luna in the 20th century in honor of the Luna brothers, Filipino nationalist heroes, who belonged to the same ethnic group as the Ilocano migrants who arrived in town during that same period. In the 1970s and 80s, the Marag Valley, in the western part of town, became known as a stronghold of the New People's Army, which contributed to the image of Apayao being a "no-go" zone during this period.
Since the creation of Apayao as a province in 1995, Luna has become the de facto capital of Apayao, as the legal capital, Kabugao, has historically been difficult to access due to its secluded location in the mountainous and forested interior. In contrast, Luna, which is at the extension of a coastal plain along the Apayao River, has been more favored due to its proximity to the Manila North Road and the town of Abulug, the commercial hub of northwestern Cagayan. The subsequent government operations against the NPA have reduced violence in the Marag Valley, which is now the main jewel in Luna's efforts to promote itself as an ecotourism destination.
Luna is one of the most ethnically mixed towns in Apayao due to its lowland location. It is home to indigenous Isnegs, Ilocano migrants and a few Aeta tribes related to those in the Sierra Madre and Zambales mountains. It is home to about 22,000 people (census, 1 July 2024) 
Get in
[edit | edit source]Luna is along the Kabugao-Junction Luna Road, the main thoroughfare in Apayao. Buses from Metro Manila and Laoag, mostly run by GV Florida, stop in Junction Luna (Libertad Junction) in Abulug, from where transfers via jeepney or tricycle can be made to Luna. There are also passenger vans linking Luna to Tuguegarao, the capital of Cagayan province.
Get around
[edit | edit source]Tricycles are the main form of public transportation within town.
See
[edit | edit source]
- 1 Dupag Rock Formations, Marag. A limestone formation in the Marag Valley with boulders reaching up to 8 feet (2.4 m) in height. It has variously been described as resembling a jagged maze and labyrinth, a mangled honeycomb, a human brain, or Swiss cheese.
- 2 Manacota Underground River, Marag. A 700 metres (2,300 ft) long underground waterway in the Marag Valley with crystal-blue waters reaching a depth of up to 40 feet (12 m) and looming cave formations.
- 3 Lussok Cave, Dagupan. 7AM-5PM. A cave with looming rock formations and an underground lagoon. Its name derives from a local term for the natural light that manages to penetrate its chambers and bounce off the stalactites and stalagmites. P100.
- 4 Bayugao Falls, Turod. A 3-tier cascade with a height of 30 metres (98 ft).
Do
[edit | edit source]- 1 Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex, San Gregorio, ☏ +63 927 241 7343, apayao.tourism@yahoo.com. A recreational space and sports complex with accommodations run by the provincial government.
Buy
[edit | edit source]- 1 Luna Public Market, Municipal Road, San Isidro Sur (beside the provincial capitol complex).
- 2 7-11, Municipal Road, San Isidro Sur (at the junction with Kabugao-Junction Luna Road). The only convenience store of its kind in Apayao.
Eat
[edit | edit source]Drink
[edit | edit source]- 1 Apayao Brew, Municipal Hall, Poblacion (at the back of JL Fuel gas station).
Sleep
[edit | edit source]There are a few inns and homestays in town, while more conventional accommodations can be found in Abulug and Pamplona, which are also beach destinations.
- 1 Casa Lacuesta, San Isidro Sur (at the back of the provincial capitol complex), ☏ +63 917 166 7038, jla.corp.ph@gmail.com. A bed and breakfast.
Stay safe
[edit | edit source]Permits are required from local authorities to undertake most hikes or mountain climbing.
Connect
[edit | edit source]The town's postal code is 3813.
Go next
[edit | edit source]| Routes through Luna |
| Abulug ← | N  S | → Pudtol → Kabugao |
