Buscalan is more than a bucket-list tattoo from Apo Whang Od — it’s a steep trek into a Kalinga mountain village that demands some grit before you earn the ink. Here’s how to get there, the parts of the experience nobody posts about, a realistic healing guide, and my honest take on whether it’s worth it. Managing a health condition on the road? Read the healing and logistics posts closely before you commit.
At a glance If you’re reading this post, you likely don’t need me to tell you who Apo Whang Od is, what a Batok tattoo is or give you a short introduction to the tattoos done by the ladies of Kalinga. You’ve probably intentionally searched how to get to Buscalan because you know exactly what…
Apo Whang Od is reported to be 109 years old and the last of her kind. She’s never without her signature red lippy and her ‘ghetto granny’ style. She likes to grope her male customers and she truly does have the most infectious giggle. You’ve no doubt seen the viral videos on Insta or TikTok,…