SAGADA

Sagada

Sagada is about 400 kilometers north of Manila. It's a small town in Mt.Province which has a climate like Baguio. It has a breathtaking view of the mountains, terraces and falls.

HOW TO GET TO SAGADA

Via Baguio

Once you arrive at Baguio, you may take a cab to the Dangwa Bus Station. Find the Lizardo Transit station. They have a small ticket booth there where you could buy tickets minutes before the bus leaves. Travel time is 6-7 hours.

Via Bontoc

Once you reach the place, find a jeepney that’ll take you to the town of Sagada. Travel time is 1 hour. Fare is 45 php.

In my case after my shift I went to Cubao to ride the Victory Liner Bus going to Baguio, upon arriving Baguio I've slept for a few hours then we started travelling to Sagada before the sun rises. Just a tip though, prepare your medication for motion sickness.

Going to Sagada you will pass by the highest point in the country under the Philippine highway system, at an elevation of 7,400 ft above sea level. From the view deck, you will see there the mountain ranges of Atok, Tublay, Bokod and Kabayan, including the lofty and majestic Mt. Pulag.

Then we also stopped for breakfast. Their coffee tastes good. I forgot what the rice is called but it's very heavy for your tummy but they say it's very healthy.

Where to Stay

Well there are a couple of inns and lodges emerging around the town so there will be a lot of choices. We've stayed at St. Joseph's Rest house which they say is one of the oldest hotels in Sagada. The rooms are made of wood which will give you a log cabin feel to it.

Outside our room you will be surrounded by different plants and flowers. And you will also see a scenic view of the mountains.

What to Do

1. Go spelunking at Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves.

If you are an adventorous person you can try the cave connection from Sumaguing Cave to Lumiang Cave wherein you will see different rock formations that were given fancy names by our tour guide. Since we have tito and tita with us we just tried the easiest trek which is the Sumaguing Cave. But don't fret because it has amazing rock formations. And one cave alone is pretty tiring already, it will really require alot of strength when you go there.

2. See the Hanging Coffins

One of the most popular tourists spots in Sagada is their "hanging coffins". This is their traditional way of burying people. What I remember from our tour guide is that the reason why some coffins are small is because the dead are put inside in fetal position, saying that they should get out of this world the same way they get in. Nice huh?

3. See the Episcopal Church

One of the known landmark of the town is the Episcopal church. Going to the church you will pass by the famous church bell which was stamped A.D. 1921.

4. Visit the Cemetery and Calvary Hill
Few minutes walk from the church us the cemetery where the Panag-apoy ritual takes place.

5. Go down Echo Valley
Then a few minutes from the cemetery is the Echo Valley where you can see the hanging coffins up close.

6. Dip in to Bomod-ok Falls
Bomod-ok Falls is the Big Falls of Sagada. You can go trekking to see the falls and dip yourself in the cold water.

7. Buy souvenir from Sagada Weaving

If you want quality woven material visit Sagada Weaving.

8. View the Sunrise from Kiltepan Peak
If you want a breathtaking view of the sunrise, go to kiltepan peak.

9. For Sunset go to Lake Danum
Lake Danum is also one of the best places to trek.

10. Camp at Marlboro Mountain
Camp here to get amazing view of the mountains.