Ilagan

Ilagan is the capital city of Isabela. It is one of the largest cities in the Philippines, but it has a small town feel, and has a vibrant tourism scene. It is along the main highway to Tuguegarao.

Understand
With a land area of about 117 ha, Ilagan is the fourth largest city in the Philippines by land area. It is also the most populous city in Isabela, with a population of about 158,000 (2020).

The city basically has two central areas, Baligatan and the old city proper (poblacion). Baligatan is along the highway to Tuguegarao, and has the provincial government center, the main public market, and the park which houses the giant armchair. The old downtown is far northeast, nestled at the convergence of the Cagayan and Ilagan rivers.

By bus
There are many buses that ply the highway to Tuguegarao.

For buses that do not terminate at Ilagan, the stopover is at Bonifacio Park, along the highway at barangay Baligatan.

By plane
The nearest airports are in Tuguegarao and Cauayan ; both being served by Cebu Pacific with one flight daily. From either airport, you can transfer to a bus headed for Ilagan.

By car
Ilagan is 395 km from Manila, and 67 km from Tuguegarao. The main highway is Cagayan Valley Road (Route 1/AH26), which bypasses the city proper, but passes through the main commercial district at Baligatan.

Get around
Tricycles are available at most parts of the city.

Go next
Ilagan