Sagada Travel Guide

Situated around 5000 ft above sea level, you'll find the chilly Sagada, and it's one of the closest thing to heaven (literally. haha)

HOW TO GET HERE:

Disclaimer: I was kidnapped and didn't know we were headed to the mountains, hence, I was only wearing a cami. (Thank goodness, I decided to pair it up with a jacket tied to my waist for the sake of fashion!) Do bring jackets or thicker clothes when you go here during wet season, which is from November to February.

Breathtaking, spine chilling view! haha

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

• Via Baguio - You can ride a bus from Pasay, Cubao, Sampaloc or Caloocan,which will take approximately 5-6 hours and costs 450 ++ pesos per way. Once you get to a bus terminal in Baguio, ride a bus going to Sagada for another 5-6 hours and pay 200++ pesos

• Via Banaue - Recommended route so you can the see the Rice Terraces. There are buses from Pasay, Cubao, Sampaloc or Caloocan. You can also book via Ohayami Trans Bus, specially during peak season. From the drop off point, there are vans that can transfer you from Banaue to Sagada town proper, fare is around 300pesos and one of your stopovers will include the viewing deck to see the Rice Terraces. Trip should be around 2hours.
• There are a lot of Travel Agencies offering a complete package for Sagada tour, which already includes RT transfers from Manila to Sagada, accommodation, tours and fees to different tourists spots and guides. We availed 5 Sisters Travel and Tours seat sale offer and had the most awesome tour guide! Do check their Facebook account.

Banaue Arch

Rice Terraces hidden by the fog

Once you're in Sagada town proper, you can settle or freshen up first, or look for an accommodation if you don't have one yet. The place is teeming with lodging inns and guesthouses at an affordable price. You can also book in advance via Agoda.


THINGS TO DO IN SAGADA

There are so many natural wonders in Sagada that's worth visiting Once you arrive, you need to be registered at Sagada Tourism office and pay for the environmental fee (35 pesos). Keep the receipt because it's almost required every time you visit tourist spots like the Sumaguing Cave.

• SEE THE COFFINS - locals believe that the higher the position of the coffin is, the more valued the deceased was. 

These coffins are placed at the mouth of the cave so that the sould may see the light and serve as their guide back to their Creator.

While these hanging coffins are placed as high as their kins can place them. It is beleived that the higher the coffin is, the more valued the deceased was. 
The chair you see is used to shape the mummified bodies into fetal position before they are placed inside the coffin.

when an earthquake struck the place, it elevated the mountains, taking the coffins with it. A coffin in a higher ground makes it easier for the deceased to reach the heavens.

• CAVING, SPELUNKING - It is recommended to try the Cave Connections, which starts from the Lumiang Cave and ends in Sumaguing Cave, and can last upto 5hours or so depending on how easily you can fit in the openings (joke. haha) I think I'll be creating a separate post for this because it conside this as my most death defying experience. charot!

the mysterious holes and openings which are said to adjust and can fit anyone, of any size.

• SHOUT TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT AT ECHO VALLEY 

Pwede mo na isigaw dito kung gaano kasakit.. "sobrang sakit sa pwet nung byahe!!!!!"

• VISIT THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN

Sagada has become the only Philippine town that is predominantly Anglican with almost 95% baptised into the Episcopal Church of the Philippines (ECP)

• SEE BOKONG AND BOMOD-OK FALLS

Bokong Falls. (Bomod-ok was closed to public due to some local ritual)

• WATCH SUNSET AT LAKE DANUM

• GO ORANGE PICKING @ ROCK FARM INN

pick and eat as many Sagada oranges as you can and pay only 50 pesos!

• GO FOOD TRIPPING

New special: Yoghurt Muffin

Among highly recommended stores are the Yoghurt House, Lemon Pie House, Gaia Sagada Cafe (known as the cafe in the movie "That Thing Called Tadhana", Salt and Pepper Diner, and regular diners that offer Pinikpikan.

One thing I've noticed though, is that locals take time to prepare your meals, so make sure you dont come in very hungry ☺. What makes up for it, however, are the large servings, especially vegetables! Yum!

• FINALLY, GET DRUNK ON THEIR WINES!

Sagada's weather is best enjoyed with aged wines. In reality, I actually bought bottles instead of shots! ssshhh!

There's so many attractions for you, whether you want a very relaxing vacation, or if you're seeking for an adventure, Sagada is definitely one for the books.