We decided to visit the Angono Petroglyphs, one of those places that quietly reminds you how old this country really is 🪨🇵🇭. This site is considered the oldest known work of art in the Philippines, with carvings believed to date back to around 3,000 BC to 1,000 BC, long before written history reached the islands.

It was discovered in 1965 by National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco, which alone already gives it serious cultural weight.

To reach the petroglyphs, you enter through a short cave-like tunnel, which honestly adds to the atmosphere. It feels like you’re stepping backward in time, not just walking to an exhibit. Whether you’re visiting solo or with a group, you’ll need to present a valid ID upon entry, which is fair given how fragile and important the site is.

Inside, there’s an information building near the carvings that explains the background and theories behind them. There are about 127 rock carvings, mostly human figures, believed to be linked to rituals, healing, or early spiritual practices. When you actually see them up close, you can’t help but notice how expressive they are. Some clearly look human, while others spark the imagination. I personally saw figures that reminded me of a turtle or a lizard… or maybe it’s just a very well-fed guy etched into stone thousands of years ago 😅. That ambiguity is part of the charm. These carvings still make people think, argue, and wonder.

Parking is available near the tunnel entrance, and from there it’s roughly a 5-minute walk to the rock wall itself. The walk is easy and manageable, even if you’re not in hiking shape.
This isn’t a flashy tourist spot, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s quiet, grounded, and deeply Filipino. If you want to understand our roots beyond textbooks and classrooms, this place is absolutely worth the visit. You don’t just see history here. You feel it.

– Lakbay Lihim

Great side/short trip if you are in Angono. A nice 5-minute stroll to the actual site.

No entrance and parking fees 🙂 Run by the National Museum so it is well-maintained. There is a small picnic area, and toilets.

– Laura Ramos

Thrilled to see this in person and to learn more about how our ancestors communicated and expressed themselves via rock carvings. It's free to enter; just bring one valid ID for registration.

– Artistic Bacon