Things To Do
in Aparri

Freshly caught fish grilled over charcoal; available at seaside grills and market stalls — best enjoyed with rice, vinegar dip, and local side dishes.

Must-Try!

Raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar/citrus with onions and chili. A common and refreshing appetizer found in market eateries and seaside carinderias.

Sour tamarind-based fish soup, a comforting regional staple available at local households and eateries in town.

A vegetable stew flavored with bagoong (fermented fish/shrimp paste), reflecting Ilocano culinary influence; often available in family restaurants and food stalls.

The bustling morning market is the best place to watch the fish auction, buy fresh seafood, and sample grilled or fried street food like fish balls, fried squid, and fresh fruit.

Simple stalls near the port where you can have freshly bought seafood cooked to order—grilled, fried, or stewed—offering a very local dining experience.

Use polite forms (adding 'po' or 'opo' in Tagalog when appropriate) and offer greetings to older community members; the traditional 'mano' gesture of showing respect is occasionally used.

Dress modestly when visiting churches or private homes. Remove hats and speak quietly inside religious sites.

Filipinos are generally warm and hospitable—smiling, modesty, and indirect refusals are common. Ask permission before photographing people close-up, especially in fishing communities.

Avoid leaving trash on beaches and riverbanks; support local efforts to keep mangroves and sandbars clean.

Tipping is not mandatory. Small tips (10% in restaurants where service is provided, or a few pesos for helpful porters or guides) are appreciated. No tipping is expected for street food vendors.

Cash (Philippine peso) is king—small stalls and tricycles typically accept only cash. ATMs exist in town but may be limited; major credit cards are usable at some hotels or larger establishments but not common everywhere. Carry small bills and coins for markets and transport.

Generally the best time to visit: lower rainfall, calmer seas for boat trips, and clearer skies for photography. December–February are cooler and pleasant; March–April get hot and humid toward summer.

Expect frequent heavy rains, especially June–September, with higher risk of flooding in low-lying river areas and rough seas that can cancel boat services. Plan flexibly and monitor weather advisories.

Northern Luzon is vulnerable to tropical storms and typhoons. If traveling during these months, watch forecasts, have contingency plans, and avoid coastal or riverbank areas during storms.

Late November and April–May can be transitional: fewer tourists than peak season, but weather can vary—good for lower prices if you accept some weather risk.

One of the indigenous ethnolinguistic groups in the Cagayan Valley; Ibanag language and culture influence local traditions, especially in more rural barangays.

A significant population speaks Ilocano and brings cultural and culinary influences typical of northern Luzon.

Itawes and other local groups contribute to the cultural mix; Tagalog and English are common among many residents, especially in commerce and government.

Predominantly Roman Catholic with active parish life and periodic town fiestas; small Muslim and other religious communities may be present in the wider region.