SAGADA

Sagada is a 5th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 10,930 people in 2,158 households. It is located 275 km. north of Manila, 140 km. from Baguio, and it is adjacent to Bontoc, the provincial capital.

Popular activities include trekking, exploring both caves and waterfalls, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, and participating in tribal celebrations. Guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper (the main town) for a small fee.

Where To Go:

Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection – For  the more adventurous person one can enter the Sumaguing Cave and exit at Lumiang Cave. At the entrance of Sumaguing cave you will be welcomed with some coffins and human remains that can be seen. There are a lot of small passages that will lead you to the exit which is Lumiang Cave. This activity requires tourists to rappel, crawl, hike, climb and pass thru pools of water.

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Bomod-ok Falls – Bomod-ok is for Big Falls and Bokong is for Small falls. You will need a tourist guide and hire a vehicle to get to the falls. Tired from hiking at the rice terraces taking a short dip at the cool water of either Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls can give you a relaxing feeling.

Hanging Coffins of Sagada – This is a traditional way of burying people that is still utilized. Not anyone is qualified to be buried this way; one has to, among other things, be married and have grandchildren.

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Echo Valley - Getting its name from its soundboard echo that it produces, it is one of the most accessible tourist spot in Sagada. Being just a few minutes hike from the town road, it usually is the first tour destination for those visiting this place.  

Sagada Rice Terraces - Legend has it that the Igorot god, Kabunyan/Lumaig used these steps to visit his people on earth. Indeed, the rice terraces carved out of the mountains by Igorot ancestors early in this millennium are simply awesome to behold. These rice terraces were built with advance engineering skills and are scientifically, a way of maximizing farm space in the mountainous Cordillera region and environmentally preventing erosion.

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How To Get There:

 To have more schedule flexibility: Take the Baguio route. Go to any Victory Liner terminal (the major ones are in Pasay and Cubao) and catch one of the buses that leave for Baguio almost every hour.

Source: www.backpackthephilippines.com

Teaser photo source mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com