Kabunyan is Heaven.
Sagada IS Heaven.
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| Along the Banga-an trail from the Big Falls. |
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| A farmer form Banga-an |
The first time we went to Sagada, we rented the van, which took us around Banaue and Bontoc to take us to Sagada. I believe you can also take public transport from Banaue to Bontoc, then Bontoc to Sagada.
You can also take the bus to Baguio and go to Sagada from there. When in Baguio, ask to be brought to the central terminal where the Lizardo or GL Liner buses to Sagada are. Travel time takes about 6 hours. Bring something to do in case you get bored looking at the seemingly-endless view of mountains, terraces and wild flowers and lush trees. Bring knick-knacks in case you get hungry between stop-overs, though the bus stops every two hours between Baguio and Sagada.
Hire a guide! Not only will it be very convenient for you, it will also help the locals and encourage them to preserve the natural wonders in their area. When you hire transportation service, make sure to agree on a rate and the inclusions of the package price you agree upon, to avoid further inconvenience and unnecessary haggling at the end of the trip. Accredited guides can be hired at the tourist center for an affordable rate, depending on the sites you will visit.
Shout out loud at Echo Valley. Walk through town and head to Echo Valley to hear your voice (or your companion’s) echo throughout the mountains. You’ll pass a chapel and a cemetery while headed to Echo Valley so try to keep unnecessary noise to a minimum. If you have no time or energy to spare to get closer, you can also see some hanging coffins from here. It’s also a very nice area to sit and meditate. The cliff isn’t a good place to goof around, as there have already been numerous accidents and two fatalities in this area.
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| Some hanging coffins and Echo Valley |
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| Above: Two photos of the sunrise at Kiltepan |
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| The Sagada Crew including Kuya Jun our driver/tour guide (in red) |
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| Full shot of Big Falls |
See the Big Falls. Stretch well, especially your legs as the walk down to the Big Falls and the hike up will take you about 4 hours total. The Bomod-ok Falls or more popularly know as the Big Falls is “big” in relation to the “small” falls in Bokong. It is 200 feet high and best seen when there has been some rain a few days before heading there. We were very lucky that there was enough rainfall for the falls to have “enough water”, without making the paths slippery and muddy. The best route to take going down is through Aguid then hike back up taking the Banga-an trail. It would be very useful to ask your guide this so you see and appreciate both routes. Don’t forget to bring an extra shirt, a hat, sunscreen, lots of water, water protection for your gadgets, and swimwear if you’re brave enough to take a dip or swim in the über cold small pool at the foot of the waterfall.
Lake Danum, Ganduyan Museum and Mt. Ampacao are some of the sights I haven’t been to. Thankfully, I have “enough” reason to go back.
WHERE TO EAT
Yoghurt House – The Yoghurt House is very popular for their fresh yoghurt and meals. Our group tried a variety of items, but my favorite has to be the vegetable pasta with eggplants, zucchini and bell peppers. It was very interesting to my palate. Their rice toppings and set meals are also hits.
The Log Cabin – The Log Cabin is a very cozy and intimate place good for couples or small families to dine. They were the most expensive option for meals in Sagada in 2011. You can read up more on our dinner at the Log Cabin at Ate D.B.’s blog.
Masferré’s – At the time we went, they weren’t serving anything out of the ordinary. It’s probably better during the peak season when they bake their own bread, etc. It was just interesting to dine there as the walls are adorned with interesting, eye-catching photographs Eduardo Masferré (People Of The Philippine Cordillera, Photographs 1934-1956) took of the Cordilleras and its people at a time when the people of the Cordilleras were very wary of outsiders.
Strawberry Café – We kept walking past Strawberry Café until that morning we came from Kiltepan. We all went in to try and we were very surprised at how incredibly comforting their porridge (arrozcaldo) was. Their chicken noodle soup (mami) was also very good. We also ordered fresh strawberry shake and yoghurt, which in our opinion, makes this joint better than Yoghurt House. Even Ate D.B. says so here! They use strawberries fresh from their own backyard. When you get the chance, head to Strawberry Café and decide for yourself.
The Co-Op for their Pies – The Co-Op Pie is a classic Sagada favorite for some. A fresh batch is baked every day and stocks are limited so best if you go early in the afternoon or make a reservation in advance.Etag and Mountain Tea! Etag is smoked meat, similar to jerky, and is indigenous to Sagada. We were also able to try the tea from the market. It was so cheap at just PhP 10.00 per pack. One pack can probably make about 80 to 100 cups of tea. It’s light and we found that it’s very good to use in making freshly-brewed iced tea and can help in regulating bowel movement.
Try Civet Coffee. That is if you’re brave enough. Read more on this here. A known manufacturer and distributor of Civet coffee in the Philippines and abroad is Arengga Coffee Alamid.
Try Pinikpikan. This is a local delicacy comprised on chicken beaten with a stick so that the blood stays in the bones and gives a distinct taste to the broth. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
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| The view from Sagada Homestay |
Sagada Homestay – They are also known as Karen Homestay because the owner’s name is Karen. They have a couple of rooms in the second floor of their house for guests with a common bathroom down the hallway. They also have a few small houses that groups of 4 and up can rent. One of the houses also has a kitchen so you can opt to cook. If not, you can eat out or request Ate Karen to prepare your meals.
Though, more popular accommodations are St. Joseph Resthouse and the more posh Rock Inn, which we haven’t tried yet. If you have, let me know how you found it.
Outfit and weather protection – Make sure you bring clothing options that vary from cold weather clothing to hot weather clothing and rainy weather clothing. When we were there, it was hot during late morning until early afternoon, raining late afternoon and chilly in the evening. Also best to bring small towels, sunblock, hats, extra clothing and comfortable footwear when going on treks.
Public display of affection is frowned-upon by the locals, especially the elders in Sagada, as men are expected to be warriors and not show any sign of affection. Women on the other hand are expected to be reserved, almost aloof. Don’t get me wrong – people in Sagada are very friendly and helpful. However, just like in all places and cultures, there are certain local practices, beliefs, and teachings that we must respect and abide.
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| Photo taken at the rice paddies in Banga-an |
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