Sagada is not just a place where broken hearts go. It is also for those who want to be one with nature and experience a different kind of thrill. I have to admit that Sagada was not really in my travel bucket list. Just thinking of the long travel hours and physical strain we have to go through frazzles me already. It was Cancio who convinced me and boy was I thankful.
Our squad visited the so-called "Shangri-la of the North" last November 20-22, 2015. We availed a 3D2N tour package from Sagada Tours Philippines for Php 3, 199.00 each. It already included our accommodation and round trip van transfer.
Sagada is really a traveler's delight. I'll let the pictures do the talking. ;)
Day 1
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First stop: Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoint.
The Banaue Rice Terraces, dubbed as the "Eight Wonder of the World," are over 2,000 years old and are built by the Ifugaos using their bare hands.
Still alive and kicking after 13 hours of travel time.
There was a setback on our room accommodations, though. We reserved 2 standard rooms in Sagada Bilza Lodge and 1 hut in Heritage Village; but on the day of the trip, we found out the hut is no longer available because some seniors extended their stay. They just upgraded us to 2 family rooms. Sigh.
View from the balcony of our room.
This outdoor fireplace is open for all guests.
Our first activity was Spelunking. There are four caves in Sagada but the Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves are the popular ones. We visited the Sumaguing Cave but we were given the option to explore the 2 caves which is called Cave Connection. We had to pay Php 450.00 each for the Cave Connection, though, so we passed. We're spelunking greenhorns, too; so 2 caves might be too much for first timers.
Sumaguing Cave has the largest chambers of all the caves in Sagada. It also served as the refuge of Filipino soldiers during World War 2.
We're so ready to explore Sumaguing Cave or the "Big Cave."
We were so filthy, enervated, and parched after the spelunking. Good thing our accommodation is nearby.
After freshening up, we went to the town proper for dinner. Much to our dismay, most of the restaurants were closed already because they ran out of food, some have long queue, and most of the dishes are unavailable. We ended up at Salt and Pepper Diner. Meals are prepared fresh in Sagada so we had to wait forever.
I ordered Pork Adobo because it's one of the few dishes still available. They have big servings. The adobo was good but I didn't like the rice.
After dinner, we went back to the lodge for some good old-fashioned bonfire bonding.
We set up a bonfire at Sagada Bilza's camping ground. We bought firewood, sticks for our marshmallows, booze, and hotdog.
Day 2
Excited kiddos :)
Our first activity for Day 2 is Orange Picking at Rock Farm Inn. We paid an additional Php 50.00 for the entrance fee. A kilo of oranges costs Php 75.00.
We were given pruning shears to harvest the oranges. Our guide advised us to cut the oranges at the stem so they would last longer.
We also dropped by Sagada Weaving which is one of the popular souvenir shops in Sagada.
We bought the famous Lemon Pie at Sagada Lemon Pie House. 1 box costs Php 200.00
After buying pasalubong, we took a short hike in Echo Valley to see the famous Hanging Coffins of Sagada. Your voice will echo if you yell at the chasm. Hence, the name Echo Valley.
We passed through the municipal cemetery and saw remnants of Panag-apoy. Panag-apoy is a unique tradition in Sagada where they light a fire to warm the souls of their departed loved ones.
Sagada is known for its Hanging Coffins. It felt so surreal seeing them up close.
There were many beliefs on the story behind the practice of burial through Hanging Coffins. Some say that the higher a coffin is placed, the closer it is to heaven. Others believe that the purpose was to protect the bodies from flood and wild animals. Sadly, it is a dying tradition already.
After our visit to the Hanging Coffins, we started trekking to Bomod-Ok Falls. It took us 2 hours to reach our destination but it wasn't as tiring as spelunking. Probably because of the cool weather, pine-scented air, and breathtaking view.
Verdant fields and rice paddies
Our first hike together :)
Squad goal achieved! :)
Our first hiking as a group is definitely unforgettable.
Like an oasis in a desert.
Behind me is the 200 feet tall Bomod-ok Falls, also known as "Big Falls."
We trekked on the way back then toploaded a jeepney. It was a terrifying ride, though, as the roads were narrow. One wrong move and we could.. Yeah, you get the picture. :p
The meals served in Sagada Brew may look appetizing but the Red Rice and Pork Sinigang tasted bland. We paid 200.00 per meal but it's really not worth the price.
We woke up really early to witness the sunrise at Kiltepan View Point.
The sun shied away but we got to witness the sea of clouds.
Relishing the cool crisp mountain air
To make up for the room fiasco, the travel agency paid for our toploading which costs 750.00.
On our way back to Manila, we stoppped over at Atok, Benguet for a visit to the Highest Point.
We also bought pasalubong at La Trinidad.
Though our trip to Sagada has been my most taxing jaunt so far, it is also the most rewarding. Personal records were broken, squad goals were achieved, items on bucket lists were crossed off. I'm really glad I caved in to my boyfriend's request.
The photos don't do justice to how picturesque the place is; to top it off, I get to witness Sagada's charm with my amazing homies. Hihi. It was really an epic expedition! I'll be back Sagada! :)
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