I survived Sagada! This is what I always read about after people has been to Sagada. It was one of the reasons why we went to Sagada. To find out how beautiful the place is and what is in Sagada that many people are attracted to it.
I've asked friends who've been there. I read blogs and searched a lot about Sagada. And they all said what thing about it...BEAUTIFUL.
I myself had witnessed the beauty of Sagada and indeed there is Beauty called Sagada.
Here are the lists of the places you can go when in Sagada and activities you can do to make it more meaning and unforgettable:
First Day (Jan. 15, 2016)
1. Side Trip tp Banaue Rice Terraces
2. Side trip to Mt. Polis
2. Sagada Weaving
3. Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave (Cave Connection) - the most unforgettable for me because it is where the adventure is
Second Day (Jan. 16, 2016)
4. Kiltepan View Point - where you can see Mr. Sun shine
5. Experience Top Load - riding on top of a jeepney while embracing the cold wind
6. Echo Valley (Echo Trail, Cemetery and the famous Hangign Coffins)
7. Visit St. Mary's Episcopal Church
8. Trekking to Pongas Falls
9. Pongas Falls
10. Sagada Pottery
11. Lake Danum - see the sun sets
Third Day (Jan. 17, 2016)
12. Sidetrip to Mt. Province Seal
13. Sidetrip at the Philippine Highway System (Highest Point)
14. Side trip to Strawberry farm in Baguio
SIDETRIP TO BANAUE
BANAUE RICE TERRACES
I was so amazed to see this wonder of the world. I never imagine how great the Lord is and how brilliant the Filipinos are for this. Only in the Philippines, as they often say. It was indeed a delight to my sight.
After going to Banaue Rice Terraces, we ate our breakfast. The restaurant was filled with many travelers so my husband and I decided to eat our breakfast along the side walk overlooking the terraces. I brought with us rice, hard boiled eggs and tocino.
SIDE TRIP TO MOUNT POLIS
After seeing the wondrous and amazing Banaue Rice Terraces, we passed through the Halsema Highway where we had a stop over at Mount Polis. There is nothing spectacular about the place but it is where some of the bus drivers stop to take their meals and of course sip a cup of coffee.
You will also see in the place a very huge statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Alongside is a tower of cellular satellite.
Mount Polis is also considered the one of the highest peaks in the Philippines along with Mount Pulag.
SAGADA WEAVING
From Banaue Rice Terraces, we headed our way to the Sagada Weaving where world class and fine quality products like, bags, slippers, and other apparels are made.Ths souvenir shop is placed along the road so that they can be accessible to people who want to buy souvenirs for their loved ones.
Before entering the shop, you can immediately see that sign word "NO TAKING OF PICTURES." No one is allowed to take photos of the workers inside the shop. So, we obediently followed and kept are cameras and cellular phones inside our bags.
I was indeed, amazed to see how these patient and determined workers were able to create these wonderful fabrics using wooden weaving looms. Once again, it feels proud to be a Pinoy while watching them.
REGISTER AT THE MUNICIPAL HALL
Upon entering Sagada, you have to pass through their Municipal Hall to register and pay P35.00.
LUNCH AT SALT AND PEPPER
After bringing our things and fixing ourselves to the lodge, we went out to eat our lunch.
We ate at Salt and Pepper, one of the most famous restaurant in Sagada. The foods were good but the service is poor. Maybe because there are a huge number of tourists waiting to be served. It took us 1 hour and 20 minutes before we fed our super hungry stomachs.
CAVE CONNECTION
(LUMIANG BURIAL CAVE AND SUMAGUING CAVE)
After feeding our hungry stomachs, we rested at the lodge, fixed ourselves and prepared for the extreme activities that await us --- the Cave Connection. The Lumiang Burial cave and the Sumaguing Cave.
There are two options for cave connection: First is the ordinary caving which is about 2 hours for 150.00 and the extreme caving for about 4 hours for 400.00. My husband and I opted the extreme caving because it is where the adventure is.
It was a four hours of climbing up and down the giant rocks. It was indeed tiring but the experience is the best thing that will keep you going. We do climbing up and down the huge rocks using rope. We walked on a steep and slippery rocks. We passed through waters that were above our waist and passed on a skinny wholes. There were times when I looked up and down, I told myslef, "hay, kaya ko pa ba ito?" But then, I was able to do it til the end. I mean, you really have to be determined. To be focused. To exert an extra effort. To be positive and to enjoy, of course.
As you enter the cave, you will be welcomed by the stinky smell of the bats. It's totally dark inside that is why you have to follow the light of the lamp that your tour guide is carrying with him. The rocks were wet and slippery that is why most of the time we walked bare footed. The beautiful rock formations were amazing. The result of the imagination of the locals of Sagada gave names to the various rock formations inside the cave like turtle, king's curtain. chocolate cake, pregnant woman to name few.
The cave connection was really long and tiring but for me it was really full of fun and joy. My husband and I were lucky to be with the company of young people and to be guided all along by Allan, our tourist guide who was very jolly, patient, humorous and full of trivia. The bats, beautiful rock formations and just the thought that there is something like this made it more meaningful and truly an unforgettable experience for us.
There are a few things you have to consider when you decide to do the cave connection.
- There is no turning back. Once you enter the cave, you really have to finish it until the end.
- Always follow the instructions of your tourist guide.
- Ask for light if you feel you cannot see your steps.
- Wear comfortable clothes. Wear shirts and shorts. For girls, you can also wear leggings (para di makitaan when climbing up) and to avoid bruises as well.
- As much as possible, make sure your hands are care free. Do not hold anything for you will use your hands all the time when you star climbing up and down the rocks
- Wear comfortable slippers.
- Bring a small back pack instead of a sling bag to put all your valuables.
- Bring zip lock if you plan to take your celfones with you.
- Bring water.
- Have fun.
We finished the caving at around 7 in the evening. We can proudly say, we survived Sagada! Yeheeey!!! We headed our way back to the lodge. We took a bath, ate dinner, rested and went to slumber to charge ourselves for the following day's activities.
KILTEPAN VIEW POINT
The following day, Saturday, we were already awake at 4:30 in the morning because we were excited to see Mr. Sun Shine at Kiltepan Veiw Point.
We rode a jeepney going to Kiltepan. It was still dark and the weather was really, really cold that we were all chilling. There were many people already when we reached Kiltepan who had found their own spots to see the sun shine. They were all ready with their cameras, videos and celfones. We were able to find a good place but unfortunately, we failed to see the sun rise because the fog was too thick.
We decided to leave Kiltepan at past six in the morning to explore other places in Sagada. And to make our trip a little bit more fun and exciting we tried riding on top of the jeepney called TOP LOAD. It was a very wonderful experience. We were yelling, shouting our hearts out as the jeep started its engine. Our shouts and yells were louder as we passed through the rough roads as if we will to the road. When it went smooth sailing, we were embracing the cold wind and I loved the feeling. Really!
ECHO VALLEY
Around Kiltepan View Point
We decided to leave Kiltepan at past six in the morning to explore other places in Sagada. And to make our trip a little bit more fun and exciting we tried riding on top of the jeepney called TOP LOAD. It was a very wonderful experience. We were yelling, shouting our hearts out as the jeep started its engine. Our shouts and yells were louder as we passed through the rough roads as if we will to the road. When it went smooth sailing, we were embracing the cold wind and I loved the feeling. Really!
ECHO VALLEY
We proceeded to Echo Valley to see the abundance of nature through its beautiful landscapes and to further discover the rich historical culture of Sagada.
A little hiking is required in going to the Echo Valley. We can pass through the St. Mary's Church then continue all the way to the Angelican Cemetery.
The Echo Valley is said to be shaped like a large megaphone producing any sound that echoes and vibrates across the valley that is why it is called as such.
After exploring the wondrous sites at the Echo Valley, we visited the vibrant Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin, a known landmark at the center of town. The Episcopal Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2001 with much of the activities centered in the town of Sagada.--- wikipedia.org
BREAKFAST AT PINIKPIKAN
After exploring Echo valley we had our breakfast at Pinikpikan Haus located at Dao-Angan, Sagada. It is popular in Sagada because of its known dish called Pinikpikan. It is a very flavorful chicken dish from the mountains of the Cordilleras. Pinikpikan derived its flavor from the coagulated blood, burned feathers, and Etag, a cured and aged meat.
They also serve various menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Among it's sumptuous dish is the Sizzling Sisig Rice with Egg only for 120.00
Click here for their Menu
TREKKING TO PONGAS FALLS
After having our breakfast done, we went to trek Pongas Falls. It was another tiring activity that day but it was "all worth the pagod" as they say.
You have to trek the village of Anikleng to go to Pongas Falls. You have to pass through long, slippery and rocky trails, hanging bridge, rice terraces and cliff edges. But it is where the adventure is!
In trekking Pongas falls, one should be extra courageous, patient and determined. Also, you need to be extra careful as you pass through the narrow edges of the cliff. But after all, it was truly rewarding for nature caters you its finest beauty.
Passing through the cliff edges to Pongas Falls....
The trekking to Pongas falls is not that easy. For me it was the most adventurous part (aside from cave connection). Aside from passing and walking through rocks, rivers and along the rice terraces, the most exciting is to walk on a thin cement with a cliff at your side. a bit scary and risky because any wrong step could lead you to finding yourself down that deep cliff...injured or you die.
Passing through small falls and big rocks to Pongas Falls...
Up there is Pongas Falls...
PONGAS FALLS
Finally, we were able to reached Pongas Falls. And when we're there, it was all worth the trekking! It was amazing! It was splendid! It was majestic! Every time I see creations like this, the more I appreciate life. The more I embrace life. The more I glorify God
It was like a paradise on top of the mountain. The water was really very cold and it took me a while to dip. I was chilling but after a few minutes I got used to it and I saw myself enjoying the falls. My husband and I really took a lot of photos added to our library of memories in Sagada.
SAGADA BREW
After that trekking to Pongas Falls, we took our lunch at the Sagada Brew a few steps from our lodge. The food was good but it took us a few hours before our lunch was served.
SAGADA POTTERY
The next spot we went to was the Sagada Pottery. As they say Sagada Pottery is Craftmanship at its best.
They sell finish products of the pots as well as they demonstrate to tourists the making of the pots and the planning process. As I witnessed, there should be love and care while carefully molding each piece. The product can be used for various purpose like storage or you can simply place it in our homes for decoration and beautification. The tourists are also given a chance to try making a pot after explaining and demonstrating the whole process.
LAKE DANUM
After we visited the Sagada Pottery, we went to Lake Danum which is one of the most visited spots in Sagada. The lake is located at Sitio Patay and is a few kilometers away from the Municipal hall of Sagada.
Lake Danum is is surrounded by the very green grasses ans trees as well which make it best for camping and picnic while some make it a jump off point when trekking to Mt. Ampacao.
The lake turns into brown to orange in summer while it is green during rainy season. It is also the best place to see the sun sets.
After going to Lake Danum, we went back to our lodge and ate our dinner. We had a little socialization with others and afterwards we took our sleep.
The following day we prepared ourselves to go back to Manila, ready to share our experience here in Sagada.
MOUNTAIN PROVINCE OFFICIAL SEAL
We were on our way back to Manila but we dropped by at the Official Seal of Mt. Province.
BUYING OF PASALUBONG
Our trip will not be that complete if we don't buy pasalubong for our loved ones.
Along the highway of Sagada, we stopped to buy pasalubong. Of course, most of the things we bought were all vegetables.
For the amount of P400.00, I was able to buy the market (just kidding!). For P400.00 I had with me 4 big plastic bags of pasalubong filled with different kinds of vegetables like cabbage, cucumber, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, bell pepper, dahon ng malunggay, and broccoli.
HIGHEST POINT: PHILIPPINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
Before we finally go back to Manila, we stopped at the Highest Point in the Philippine Highway System. It is located at Halsema Highway, Benguet. We were 7500 above sea level.
SIDETRIP TO BAGUIO
From Sagada we had a sidetrip to the Strawberry farm in La Trinidad, Benguet. We bought a few more pasalubongs and once again I tasted the yummy Strawberry Ice Cream where they are also famous for.
From Strawberry Farm we passed through Canon Road going back to the city of Manila.
Indeed, Sagada kay Saya!
Indeed Sagada Sagad sa saya!
Indeed SagadaRap Sarap!
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We joined in the tour package of Pilipinas Road Trip. Thank you Emman and Kuya Winsor. Because of this trip we gained new friends . Chard and I were so happy to be with the company of these young people. Thank you, Brian, Hannah, Marc, Rio and Rizza. We did have a very great time with all of you. Til our next travel.....
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