That Place Called Sagada
Where do broken hearts go? Sagada is the place to be. But hey! It’s not only for the broken soul, it’s also a perfect place for the nature-lover and or just want to escape the stressful, noisy and busy streets of the metro. While you’re in Sagada you’ll simply experience quiet environment: walk under the shade of pines while breath-in cold and fresh air or try extreme adventures like mountain trekking, cave spelunking, and waterfall chasing. There’s just something magical about this little town. When you’re there, it feels like you’ve been transported to a different country.
The very first time I saw and heard Sagada was in the hit 2015 indie movie titled "That Thing Called Tadhana", a story about a broken-hearted woman struggling to meet airline baggage requirements who meets a man who comes to her aid. Both in despair out of love, they form a charming friendship that will take them to Sagada in their attempts to mend each other's hearts. I’m in awe when I saw how stunning Sagada in the movie, particularly the sunrise viewing in Kiltepan. I've been dreaming to visit it someday until last April 2017 I finally ticked it off from my bucket list.
Sagada is nestled in a municipality of Mountain Province, North Luzon in the Philippines. It is a 5th class municipality with a population of more than 11,000 people. Sagada is very rich in history and culture. It is famous for its tribes, hanging coffins, rice terraces and sunrise viewing. I really had a nice experience during my 2 days and 2 nights stay in Sagada. I visited most of their tourist attraction.
Two hours of travel right from my Banaue trip, we safely arrived in Sagada. Upon entering, the first thing any visitor should do is to register and paid the environmental fee of ₱35 at the registration booth. Keep your receipt with you cause the tourism officer will ask this receipt every time you visit Sagada’s tourist spot. If you lose it, you’ll have to pay again.
Before anything else, always remember this traveler's creed.
Driving the road under the shade of pines going to the proper town of Sagada.
My home for two days. I really love their homey traditional wooden interior.
FIDELISAN RICE TERRACES
Fidelisan village.
Overlooking view of Fidelisan Rice Terraces, one of the several clusters of rice terraces found in Sagada.
Whether you pass by Aguid or Fidelisan, you have to get through these rice terraces to reach Bomod-ok.
Traversing Fidelisan rice terraces going to Bomod-ok Falls.
BOMOD-OK FALLS
Bomod-ok Falls also called the Big Falls is one of the popular waterfalls in Sagada. Situated in the northern part of Sagada, It is is a 200 meters waterfall hidden behind rice paddies and small mountain villages. It takes an hour to two to get there by foot from the main road (and that’s just one-way). It was a tiring trek, really! But rewarding when you reached and getting up-close with the falls.
Worth the trek! Up-close with Bomod-ok Falls.
Top-load experience. One of the bucket list to do when in Sagada.
MT. KILTEPAN SUNRISE VIEWING
Settled up in the Sagada hilltops is a viewpoint called Kiltepan. On this site, you can experience the bliss of witnessing the sunrise over a sea of clouds. Situated by the barangays of Kilong, Tetep-an, and Antadao, thus the name Kil-Tep-An.
Imagine waking up to a place where the magnificent sunrise illuminates above the sea of clouds and then the sky unwraps up to show little by little the beauty of Sagada.
Savoring the sunrise.
Kamanbaneng Peak or often referred by locals as Marlboro Country is a better alternative to the sunrise viewpoint at Kiltepan. It has also an exceptional 360 views of Sagada, Bontoc, and Sabangan at Mt. Lamagan.
Walking under the big pine trees.
360 degree views of Sagada, Bontoc, and Sabangan at Mt. Lamagan.
ST. MARY'S EPISCOPAL CHURCHThe Church Of St. Mary The Virgin in Sagada, also known as the Anglican Church in Poblacion is said to be the oldest church in Cordillera. It was originally built in the year 1904 and became a parish in the year 1962.
ECHO VALLEY
Its name came from the loud echoes it creates when you shout. You can see the hanging coffins at the view point, but you need to go down the cliff to see it up close. Getting to Echo Valley is easy but, it will include a little up and down climb.
HANGING COFFINS
The coffins are said to be carved by the elderly before they die. If an elderly person is too weak or ill to do so, his/her son or a relative would do it for him/her. When the person dies, he/she is placed in the coffin in a fetal position. This is due to the belief that a person should exit the world in the same position that he/she entered it. After being wrapped up in blankets, the corpse is carried to a cliff in a procession. During this procession, mourners attempt to grab and carry the corpse. This is due to the belief that it is good luck to be smeared with the blood of the deceased since it would allow a person to possess the skills of the deceased. After reaching the site of the burial, the corpse would be placed in the coffin and tied or nailed to the side of the cliff.
LUMIANG BURIAL CAVE
Another traditional way of burying the deceased in Sagada is by stacking the coffins at the opening of the cave. A visit to the Lumiang Cave allows you see this century old tradition. This cave houses at least a hundred of coffins that have been there for about 500 years.
SPELUNKING IN SUMAGUING CAVE
Sagada experience won't be complete if you won't try the Sumaguing Cave spelunking. It is far from the typical sightseeing adventure. It involves physically demanding activities which, when faced and overcome, can make for a rewarding and memorable experience.
At the mouth of Sumaguing Cave.
My first ever spelunking experience. Can't wait what store inside the cave.
With Kuya Ryan, our tour guide on my right side and with my new circle of friends beshies Tony, Dianne, and Jackie who hails from Manila.
LAKE DANUM
Lake Danum is a small lake which is a Kankana-ey word (also is prevalent in Ilocano) which means water. It is surrounded by pine trees and its scent proliferates the area making a relaxed atmosphere and one of the best places to camp at Sagada. Located in the western part of Sagada near the town of Besao where one can be at peace with nature as you await the setting sun over the mountains of Ampacao.
SAGADA POTTERY
The Sagada Pottery not only sells finish products, they also demonstrate pottery making while explaining the whole process. Each of the earthen pieces is molded with a lot of love and care, bringing out the perfect flawless shape. They are then beautifully painted and decorated, giving an antique look.
Pottery artist demonstrates on how to make a pottery.
GUIA ARTS & CAFE
It’s a tree-house-inspired cafe located on a cliff with a 270-degree view of the valley on the way to Sumaguing Cave.
SAGADA WEAVING
Sagada Weaving is one of the more popular souvenir shops in Sagada.
SAGADA LEMON HOUSE & YOGHURT HOUSE
Two of the best Sagada's pride: Lemon House is known for its lemon pie while Yoghurt House is famous for its original sour-taste yogurt.
Typical Sagada food. Most of the Sagada eatery shops serve organic food.
With my co-travelers.
Channeling my blogger pose in front the Sagada Municipal Hall.
I left my heart in Sagada.
Truly, Sagada rewards its visitors with a memorable and one of a kind adventure.
Refer pictures below for the rates and fees, to do's and not to do's while you're in Sagada.
