Wandering Igorot: Travel to the Enchanting Sagada

Sagada, my mothers hometown is always and will always be my number 1 tourist destination when I prefer adventure and nature. It will always be my number 1 not only because my roots are there but also because of the majestic views of nature. A place where I could be with nature, from its luscious green mountains to the crystal clear water of its caves.

There are 2 ways to go to Sagada. Its either you take the Manila to Bontoc then from Bontoc, you can take jeepney to Sagada. However, my usual itinerary is from Manila to Baguio route. I usually take this route to visit Baguio first before heading further to Sagada.

Pasay to Baguio will cost you approximately Php 445 to Php 700 depending on the kind of bus you take either the DELUXE or the ordinary airconditioned bus. Then from Baguio go to Dangwa Station and take a bus going to Sagada which will cost you approximately around Php 220.

One of my favorite activity when in Sagada is Spelunking. Spelunking in general used when someone enters the cave following a trail while Caving is generally used for caving experts, creating a trail, probably measurements, looking for fossils and definitely studying the cave. This is a must try to all visitors to Sagada. I always say, you never went to Sagada if you haven't tried Spelunking. Feel the excitement, the energy rush, swimming inside the cold crystal clear water of Sumaging Cave.

The best so far is to have a very knowledgeable guide walking you through the cave, guiding you and assisting all throughout and on the side is of course discussing you the cave, history, and culture of the locals.

Let me be your guide to the Majestic Sagada!

Spelunking at its Finest

The very first thing to do before any other activity is registering and getting a TOUR GUIDE. I highly recommend SaGGAS as I can vouch for their credibility and their knowledge in handling Tourist. SaGGAS office is located just below the Sagada Municipal Hall.

Our group striking a pose with the other 2 foreigners who just finished spelunking

Our team enters the Sagada Cave ready for the adventure!

The Burial Site is either your first stop before you go inside the cave or the last one. I suggest make this your entrance when you visit the cave.

Gareth Likigan our favorite Tour Guide at SaGGAS is explaining largely on the culture and the Do'S and Dont'S while inside the cave.

When inside the famous Sumaging Cave...

1. Rock Formation

2. Extreme Activities at its Finest

Photo Credit: Anthony Arellano - This is simply just one of the most challenging part of the Spelunking. It definitely teach you how to TRUST and how to follow instruction if you don't want to slide down the very bottom

Exiting to Sumaging Cave

Hanging Coffin

The place is called the Hanging Coffins because the coffins are found at the sides of these cliffs. It only means that people in the olden times already have the concept of burial. They mummify them and place them in a carved wood trunks and then passed along until it gets to its unique resting place.

Photo Credit to Mr. Gareth Likigan

Marlboro Mountain

Another great view is a wonderful plains of Marlboro Mountain. This is a perfect place for camping. Perfect place to getaway from noise pollution in the city. It offers a place to relax and unwind. Simply by being with nature. Is it not perfect to wake up and see this beautiful sea of cloud scattered along the mountain side with a kiss from the sun!

Photo Credit to Mr. Gareth Likigan

and what about a blue soil? Sagada has it too... (due to copper)

Photo Credit to Mr. Gareth Likigan

AYOKO NAAA!!! Sunrise Peak at Kiltepan

Ayoko Na!!! is the most popular chant if I may say so... would be the most shouted chant along the Kiltepan Sunrise View. I am sure it was from the Movie That Thing Called Tadhana as seen Angelica Panganiban shouting it in the moview.

Kiltepan Sunrise: Photo Credit to Gareth Likigan

Photo Credit to Gareth Likigan

Jeepney Ride on a TopLOAD

Jeepney ride of course is a basic transportation in the Philippines but doing it on a topload or on top of the car is definitely worth a try.

Lemon Pie

Another place is the SAGADA LEMON PIE. It is the most visited Cafe and Resto in Sagada. Known for their Luscious savoring lemon pie.

Photo Credit to Anton Arellano

For travel inquiry please send Gareth a message in FB. He is also one of the most requested Tour Guide of SAGGAS.

So, you have seen the exciting travel splurge to Sagada. Seeing it is totally different when you experience it. Leave me a message how you would like to go or if you have experienced it. Share your experience by commenting on this article.

I wish to hear from you guys!