Sagada Adventure

Dubbed as the Shangrila of the North, Sagada is famous for its panoramic views, glorious caves, hanging coffins, magnificent rice terraces, spectacular water falls and lush forests that are mostly pine and moss.

There are a lot of places to see and things to do in Sagada, sufficient enough to say that a weekend trip won't really mean you've "been to" Sagada.

There are several routes to take to explore this nature's haven. Each of them takes you to different places altogether. Trips can be arranged from the local tourism office where you can get your guides as well.

Spelunking at Sumaging Cave
As they say, a visit to Sagada would be incomplete without a trip to the "Big Cave". Sumaging contains a lot of chambers that can be explored, as well as mini-waterfalls and natural pools. With only the light of the kerosene lamp to show the way, we braved Sumaging cave along with our tour guide. The cave has three parts - the muddy first part, (according to the guide, some of them bat feces), the slippery second part, (we were asked to remove our slippers and shoes) and the third part where one has to cross chest-high freezing waters and climb limestone formations.

Cave Connection 
Another route you might want to try is the Sagada cave connection. It is the "next level" experience, the path starts at Lumiang cave (also known as Burial Cave) and ends at Sumaging. It is a lot exciting because it involves rappelling, crawling through narrow and steep paths as well as wading through ice cold water.

Hanging Coffins
Located at the Echo valley, the crevices of the mountain slopes contains wooden coffins, some reportedly still contains the mummified remains of Kankana-ey elders.

Mt. Ampacao
The tour to Mt. Ampacao takes you to wide open spaces. The whole trek, which usually takes 3 hours, traverses the mountain and ends in Lake Danum. The fascinating view of radiant blue skies with white cottony clouds and verdant terrain of pine trees makes one forget the length of the climb.

Kiltepan Viewpoint
Kiltepan viewpoint offers a pleasant walk through the dense growth of wood topped by the panoramic vista of Sagada's rice terraces and mountain ranges. The outdoor experience is an assault to senses as you are drowned by the scent of pine and citrus while your skin is moistened with dew.

Tanulong Rice Terraces
The Tanulong rice terraces is a part of the Cordillera rice terraces group that showcases the engineering feat and ingenuity of the Igorots depicted here as master planner and agriculturists.

Bomod-Ok Falls 
Known as the "Big Waterfall", which often, the locals tell you can walk to get there since it is "near". Don't be fooled though, two hours later, you will realize that "near" is a relative term. The water is cold, but refreshing nonetheless.

Pinikpikan
One of the things to try or taste in order to complete your Sagada experience is the Pinikpikan. The chickens are killed by beating the head and the wings with a stick so the blood will clot. Once dead, the chicken will be then grilled in the open fire, cut into pieces and then boiled with cabbages and smoked meat.

Getting There:



There are several routes you can take going to Sagada:
Manila - Banaue - Sagada
Several bus lines (located at Lacson corner Espanya) ply the Manila - Banaue route, from Banaue, one can opt to ride the vans that offer to take you directly to Sagada, and have several stops to let you take pictures of the Banaue rice terraces. Estimated travel time via this route is around 11 hours. Bus fare is around 450 pesos, while van fare ranges from 250 to 300 per person.

Manila - Bontoc - Sagada
Cable Bus Tours (located beside Trinity University of Asia in E. Rodriguez Ave, Quezon City) leaves for Bontoc once a day (8PM). Once you're in Bontoc you can take the jeepney going up to Sagada located on the street between the Walter Clap Centrum and the All Saints Mission School. Bus fare is 650 pesos while the jeepney fare is around 50 pesos. Travel time is around 13 hours.

Manila - Baguio - Sagada
Victory Liner leaves for Baguio every hour, it is advisable that you leave during late night as this allows you to evade the heavy traffic and ensure you'll be able to get the first trip out of Baguio to Sagada. Upon arriving in Baguio, go to the Dangwa Bus station, there they have several bus lines plying the Baguio - Sagada route. The first bus leaves at 6:30 AM and the last one is at 1PM. Manila - Baguio fare is around 450 pesos, while Baguio - Sagada is around 250 pesos. Travel time via this route is around 13 - 14 hours.

Where to Stay:
Accommodation price ranges from 300 per room to around 2,000.00 per room (good for 2 person). There are a lot of Inns and Hotels scattered around Sagada so it's up to your budget.

Tour prices ranges from 1,200 pesos to the standard 1,500 pesos. You will be requested to register at the Municipal hall. There are vans for rent to shuttle you from one place to another, price range depend on the negotiation.

More Pictures here: Lakwatserong Feet FB Sagada Album