1st visit: April 2008
2nd visit: December 16-20, 2010
3rd visit: December 2011
4th visit: April 24-27, 2014
Now imagine this, one cold and crisp afternoon, just before dusk, some streaks of bright orange rays of sunset make its way through branches
of trees, you are having wine and beer by the fireplace beside the glass and
wooden cabin, which lodged up the hill, hidden behind piles of old and
young pine trees, the surroundings is slowly getting covered by early evening
fog, the only sounds that you hear are the swish and swoosh of pine leaves
and the chirps of unknown creatures, the smell of fresh pine leaves dominating
your senses. You wished that the moment
would never end and you find your self wished for forever.
Sagada, Mt. Province is located at the upper end of the Malitep tributary of the Chico River, 1.5 kms. above sea level in the central Cordillera. It is enveloped by low degree weather conditions whole year round. To truly experience and enjoy the cold weather, the best time to go is December to February, plus the orange picking season is between October to December.
My first journey to Sagada made me swore that I will never ever go back again, that is solely because I got scared of the meandering and bumpy lanes en route to the mountains of Cordillera, yet the experiences, the adventures, the culture, and the community were embedded so deeply in my memories and secured a special place in my heart, thus to date, I already been there 4 times, though changes and development have already crept in most part of Sagada, yet it still imbibe the same feelings and familiarity. Sagada will always remain my most favorite place, & I will never get tired of visting no matter how challenging the courses are.
How did I get there:
Manila to Sagada via Ohayami Bus, leaves daily to Banaue, Ifugao at 21:00 (during peak season), 21:30 and 22:00. The bus station is located at cor. fajardo St., Lacson Ave, Sampaloc, Manila, Telephone #09276493055/ 02-5160501. Based fare is 450.00 per way, the bus line now accepts online reservation through http://ohayamitrans.com/book-now.html.
Estimated travel time: 9 hours
Banaue, Ifugao to Sagada, Mt. Province via van, which will took you directly to Sagada for 250.00. The trip also includes a short stop at the down town area of Banaue for a quick breakfast and at the view point area where you can have a glimpse of some part of Banaue Rice Terraces. If you intend to go back to Manila via Banaue, you have to inform the van driver to pick you up on the date of your departure, because the van operators are not allowed to pick-up passenger from Sagada.
My usual route is a 2 hours jeepney ride to Bontoc, Mt. Province for 150.00 and another 45 minutes winding ride to Sagada for 80.00.
Estimated travel time: 2.5 hours
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| Banaue Rice Terraces from the view point. |
There are direct trips from Quezon City to Sagada via Coda lines, but I haven't try this one.
For a more exciting ride, try to take a 6 hour non-stop tortuous bus trip from Sagada to Baguio - vise versa - I tried it once, and it was amazing, the whole trip took me to a circuitous change of scenery, a splendid show of mountains of La Trinidad, Benguet, covered by different kinds of flowers and vegetables.
Best way to enjoy Sagada:
Upon arrival at the town center, all visitors are required and best advised to register at the Municipal Tourist Information Center. A 35.00 environmental and registration fee will be collected. You may also book your guide, transportation (as some sites are difficult to reach) and adventure packages from the accredited local tour operators and guides at the tourist center.
1. Go Spelunking at Sumaging Cave
The whole caving session takes 1-1.2 hours depending on your stamina and the number of people in your group. It is best to do this early in the morning, as more people are coming in by mid-morning and in the afternoon. Total fee including guide and Dokiw Hanging Coffins, Lumiang Burial cave and Rice terraces view is P500.00 for maximum of 4 persons.
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| Entrance of the Sumaging Cave. Photo taken in 2011. |
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| Sumaging Cave's rock formation. Photo taken in 2011. |
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| The King's curtain. Sumaging Cave 2011. |
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| Sumaging Cave. Photo taken in 2010. |
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| Sumaging Cave. Photo taken in 2010. |
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| Sumaging Cave. Photo taken in 2010. |
2. Cave connections from Lumiang Burial Cave to Sumaging Cave
The caving will start at the opening of Lumiang Burial Cave and ends at Sumaging cave, and it will take 3-4 hours. This activity requires flexibility as some rock opening are so small and narrow, enough only to fit 1 person. Be ready to get wet as you will have to swim in some parts of the exploration. It is always best to keep up with your tour guide and follow all the instructions if you don't want to get lost in total darkness or to fall or to get injured.
Total fee including guide and Dokiw Hanging Coffins, Lumiang Burial cave and Rice terraces view is P800.00 for maximum of 4 persons.
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| Lumiang Cave. Photo taken in 2011. |
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| Lumiang Cave. Photo taken in 2011. |
3. Get frozen at Bomod-ok water falls (big falls)
3 hours hike (back and forth) through rice paddies and natural trails. Transportation fee is 600.00 for a maximum of 10 persons + a guide fee.
4. Say a little prayer at St. Mary's church
5. Pay respect at the white village
6. Take it easy at Echo Valley
7. Get up close with the hanging coffins
8. Look for the wild horses at Marlboro Country
The trail to the grassy land takes 2-3 hours. Guide fee is 600.00 for up to 10 persons.
9. Find the best variety of orange at the Rock Inn
10. Take it easy at lake Danum
11. Indulge the sunset on top of the mountain
12. Save the best for the last stop at the Cellar Door
13. A hearty lunch at Strawberry Cafe
14. A rush of yogurt at the Yogurt house
and an extra caffein fixed at the town center for 10.00 only...
Shop around till you drop at the Sagada Weaving.
International export standard table runner, place mats, weave bags, wallets of various sizes, etc. are some of the best souvenirs or pasalubong that you can bring home from Sagada, aside from different flavor wine, mascovado sugar, brewed coffee beans - my favorite is the Kalinga brewed - and wooden sculpture displays.
..and don't miss out on the market day every Saturday
or simply enjoy the weather, the nature and the walk alone, with friends and travel buddies or with a lover... : )
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| Main road to Sagada Weaving and town center in 2013. |
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| Echo valley trail in 2013. |
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| Hanging coffins in 2010. |
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| Marlboro Country covered with fog in 2011. |
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| Everybody's dog, Rocky. he guided me all through out my stay in Sagada in 2010. He would pick me up every morning at the town center and accompanied me every where. This photo was taken when we first met at Echo Valley. |
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| Saying goodbye to Rocky! |
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| With tour buddies at Marlboro in 2011. |
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| With tour buddies at Marlboro in 2011. |
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| Sumaging cave in 2013. |
Where did I stay:
Grandma's Yellow House: Has 4 basic room accommodation along the South road at 150.00/head/night common CR. Located in front of Yogurt House.
Rocky Valley Inn n Cafe: Is about 1.2 km. from the town center, it is located near Sagada Weaving. The place offers a feel of the mountain lodge and it is by far quieter than those Inns near the center.
It has common room for 2 and 4 persons at 600.00/ night and 1,000.00/night, accordingly. Private room for 4 persons at 1,500.00/ night; and a family room for 10 persons at 3,500.00.
Contact Number: 0918-4036018/ 09998267295
Isabelo's Inn and Cafe
Is at the heart of the town center, just a few stairs away from the municipal tourist office.
Contact Number: 09289517153/09167688232
REMINDERS:
Contact Number: 09289517153/09167688232
REMINDERS:
- Do not engage the services of child-guides
- Always ask permission when taking photos of individuals
- Minimize/tone down noise especially during night time.
- No petting/kissing in public
- No wearing of very short clothing
- Present your environmental fee receipt/adventure pass at designated monitoring sites.
RECOMMENDED ITINERARY:
Day 0
Depart Manila at 9:00PM
Day 1
6:00AM Arrive in Banaue, Ifugao the next day
12:00NN Expected time of arrival in Sagada, Mt. Province
Register at Municipal Tourist Center.
Afternoon
Echo Valley, Lake Danum with Sunset & dinner at the Cellar's door
Day 2
5:00AM Sunrise at Mt. Kiltepan
8:00AM Either cave connection or single journey at Sumaging Cave with other hanging coffins burial sites.
Afternoon
Bomod-ok Waterfalls
Day 3
Marlboro Country, Orange picking at the Rock Inn and Sagada Weaving
You either spend another day or depart through the last trip of jeep or bus to Baguio or to Bontoc at 11am.
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