I Survived SAGADA

SAGADA, Mountain Province, Philippines - Perhaps one of the best travels I ever had in the past three (3) years. I never thought that this place will be one of my favorites since I last traveled to Legazpi (Bicol).

As I begin to depict my adventure, let me tell my readers first hand that this is a MUST - SEE tourist destination here in the Philippines. Perfect, cold weather for those people very busy with their jobs in the city, a great escape for everyone. 

A family trip is recommended. Although for adolescents, they must guide their parents and old folks during the trek. The activities present mostly are trekking, which requires a lot of strength, intelligence and wisdom, proper guidance and a strong mind and body. 

On behalf of the travelers, I invite you to personally look in to my blog, see the great attractions, and visit the place personally. I wanted to make sure that most people who plans to visit here is 100% fit and ready to SURVIVE SAGADA.

Sagada is a 5th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 10,930 people in 2,158 households.

It is located 275 km. north of Manila, 140 km. from Baguio, and it is adjacent to Bontoc, the provincial capital. (Source: Wikipedia)

 The road to Sagada maybe one of the most harsh rocky terrains I ever encountered in a single travel. Although my trip there is something very special, (also in a peak season) it is something to be considered by travel enthusiasts. For those who have dangers in terms of hypothermia, it is really advised that you have a lot of warm clothes to fit you as you journey through the middle of the cold mountains.

Travel time took us about 12 hours. A great way to start a good journey is to take off from your point of origin to your destination at evening. We were picked up in Laguna at exactly 6PM then drove all the way to the first stop over at NLEX.

 

 DAY ZERO TO ONE: TAKEOFF TO SAGADA

On our way to Sagada via Baguio-Bontoc hiway

 

Taken at our first stop over in Benguet.

People can see a lot of these rice terraces during travel.

Yield to Sagada proper or Bontoc proper

Hello Sagada!

Sagada town proper

Most tourists are asked to register themselves at the municipal hall for security purposes

Upon our arrival, we have at least 2 hours of free time. So we decided to take a walk at the town proper.

Sagada Market is full of leafy vegetables (Good for vegetarians!)

Great view of the St Mary's Church

Old bell

EXPLORING THE SUMAGING CAVE


We are now ready to step foot on the Sumaging Cave. Eventually, the cave itself is the HARDEST caving activity I've ever done on four different caving adventures. Why? I can't tell you. I encourage everybody to go to Sagada and brag your own stories. (Hint: VERY STIFF AND DARK)

Entrance to Sumaging Cave

Convenient store outside Sumaging Cave

Climb the rope!!

What happened right after the caving? Just plain tired and got the feeling to plank all evening long. Wee already cooked dinner when we bought some spices along the way back to the lodge. Then right after, took a goodnight sleep.

SECOND DAY: JOURNEY THROUGH THE RICE TERRACES TO PONGAS FALLS

As we tried to register ourselves in the municipal hall yesterday, we saw that the supposed trekking to BOMOD-OK falls is having trouble in regards to tour guiding. Our guide, (Kuya Larry) made it clear to us that the local government of Sagada is currently having negotiation with the neighboring towns. Specifics are not that detailed so I prefer not to talk to much about it.

Anyway, instead of taking us to Bomod-ok falls, we had a tour at PONGAS FALLS, which is notably one of the newest tourist attractions (open to public) in Sagada. So for future tourists, prepare your sun protections because it's one full hour of HOT trekking to get there. But, the view itself going to Pongas falls is absolutely FANTASTIC.

Hanging bridge ready to collapse LOL

Breath-taking view of another Rice Terraces going to Pongas Falls

Almost there!

MUST TRY IN SAGADA: PINIKPIKAN

Pinikpikan is a very flavorful chicken dish from the mountains of the Cordilleras. Derived its flavor from the coagulated blood, burned feathers, and Etag, a cured and aged meat. Have a taste of this delightful dish the Sagadan way.(Click here for more details)

Here's a photo of Kuya Larry Segundo, a class 3 guide in Sagada. He's currently situated in SAGGAS office.

Nilaga? No. Its Pinikpikan. It's utterly delicious. Everyone must try it. :)

Here's where you can find tour guides when you're in the town of Sagada.

Orange picking at the Orange Orchard. Though we need to rush to Echo Valley.

 ECHO VALLEY: HOME OF SAGADA'S HANGING COFFINS

Basically, Echo valley is the venue for the famous Hanging Coffins. Right now, there are at least three (3) countries that have these: China, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Here in our country, Sagada is the place to be. I personally believe that it is the most famous place in Sagada. Why? I dont personally know. But I think it's because from the Filipino perspective, it's quite unique to hear. We also believed that being hanged in the cliff is a "tradition" that is being passed through generations.

Echo Valley is found at the back of the St Mary's church, there's a rocky path which would lead you to the cliff itself, pass through Sagada Cemetery and will take you directly in front of the hanging coffins. And in tradition, you should at least pay your respects too.

The Hanging Coffins

These chairs represent something. For it has rained during our trek going down here, I failed to listen to the guide's story. My fault.

 

SAGADA FOOD TRIP: SAGADA LEMON HOUSE AND YOGHURT HOUSE

Sagada is full of surprises. They have a few specialties not that available around the metro. When you visit here, try to drop by Sagada Lemon House and Sagada Yoghurt House. YUMMY!

Lemon Pie Slices worth P25

Yoghurt, anyone? :)

LAST DAY: KILTEPAN VIEWPOINT AND BONTOC-BANAUE TOUR

A breath-taking view of the sea of clouds from beyond, a magnificent view of the rising of the sun on top of the mountain. Kiltepan which is bounded by the baranggay Kilong, Tetep-an, and Antadao, thus the name Kiltepan is called. See pictures of the magnificent view.

 

Kadchong Rice Terraces in Bontoc

Something I missed during out tour :(

Thank you for reading! Enjoy your travel!

 And as we go home, we took the Nueva Vizcaya route. Of course, it's another 12-ish hour ride.

For all your booking needs, you can contact the Parana tours here.

I have comments for the tour though.

1.) Please train coordinators about PR.
2.) "First come, first served" basis should STRICTLY be implemented. We paid the same amount, parties should have equal opportunities.
3.) Convoy should be intact. Radio's should be used properly for communicating.
4.) Coordinators should make courtesy calls EVERYTIME.


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