Sagada Bound

My vision was terribly spinning as Coda (Bus) Lines traversed the narrow and zigzag road to Sagada. It nearly had me sick to be honest. But for all it’s worth, Sagada is indeed one of the many wonderful mountainous places in the Philippines I wouldn’t hesitate to visit again even it would costs me 11 hours bus travel. Aside from the fact that the place is indeed close to nature, Sagada preserves its rich culture and old tradition thus making it one of the top tourist destinations in the Mt. Province.

Sagada is known for its hanging coffins, panag-aapoy tradition (which by the way is NOT a festival) and the pinikpikan (a local famous dish. remember Eheads' song Overdrive?). One thing I certainly love about the place is the very accommodating locals. You wouldn't hesitate to ask for assistance because they will definitely lend a hand. Locals of Sagada are also known to speak good English. Kinabog ang accent ko, day! :D 

Tourist can now directly go to Sagada from Manila through Coda Lines. No need to worry about interchanging buses. But, one can still opt to go to Sagada through Baguio or Bontoc. Coda Lines is the only bus line (as of this writing) that offers direct route to Sagada. Coda Lines’ station is in EDSA, Cubao.

We weren’t able to accomplish our planned 4-day itinerary trip due to typhoon Karen. Electricity was out, and it was awfully cold outside. We’re glad at least we had the chance to go to Lumiang and Sumaging Caves, Kiltepan Peak and Bomok-od Falls on days 1 and 2. And also did some food hunting in between.

Lumiang Cave

The site was strangely interesting. I've never seen anything like it before. We asked Kuya Benjamin, our tour guide, if the small coffins have bodies of a baby in it. He explained that their ancestors believe that in our death we have to go back in a child like position because were conceived in such way. Kuya Benjamin said there are still locals whose death wish is to be laid in a traditional way.

It was just amazing to see this part of Sagada.

Sumaging Cave

From Lumiang Cave, we headed roughly 10-minute drive to Sumaging Cave. It was very fun and easy cave "expedition". The flowing water made it even more exciting to pass through the channels of the cave. It was an adventure I must say.

The caving took about 2 hours.

I would like to try the Cave Connection next time. It's a combination of Lumiang and Sumaging caving which would take about 4 hours to finish. There's one destination though that is much harder to explore - definitely not for the weaklings and claustros. It's called the crystal cave. My husband said that it's an all day caving activity and it's something that I must contemplate gazillion times before I say GO.  Hindi naman mukhang tinatakot ako ng asawa ko, noh?

Kiltepan Peak

It is famous for "sea of clouds", but unfortunately we were not able to witness that.  Anyway, it's a destination you shouldn't miss especially if it is your first time in Sagada. Nothing much to do here I must admit. Just enjoy the scenery, fresh air and the company of your friends and family.

Swerte lang kami at kakaunti ang tao. It's also good to check out the surrounding area as it was filled with lush trees and lovely landscapes. We were told that camping is allowed in Kiltepan.

Bumod-Ok Falls

Getting to this famous waterscape took us 2-hour hike. We were supposed to go to Marlboro Country after our trip to Kiltepan but Kuya Jhon, our van driver advised us not to proceed as the area tends to get muddy due to rain. He said we may not enjoy the scenery. 

You will definitely enjoy the scenery while trekking. 

There was a hanging bridge few minutes away before you reach Bumok-Ok Falls. I wanted to check it out but I was scared to death! Pero effortless ang asawang kong gumora, haller!

Solid big rocks welcomed us. Bumod-Ok falls poised majestically. Water coming forth was very aggressive at that time due to heavy rains days before we arrived. I would like to stay for a while and swim but the water was very cold and the current was pretty wild. 

We may have not accomplished a lot in this trip but we definitely enjoyed our 2-day adventure with new found "young" friends :D Feel na feel ko ang pagka-Titas of Manila. Ha ha. This travel was worthy of all puyats and 11 hour bus drive. It's so exciting to meet travel warriors like us. The #feels of being young again. Charot.

I am sharing the itinerary and some information that might be of help in Sagada. 

Our accommodation: Shamrock Tavern 09301955680

Our Van driver (Jhong): 09277362270 

Itinerary (that was supposed to happen, but was cut short):

Day 1 – Arrival, Check in. Lunch. Lumiang Cave, Sumaguing Cave or Cave Connection tour
Day 2 – Marboro Mountain, Kiltepan Peak, Pongas Falls, Echo Valley, Pottery, Lake Danum
Day 3 - Bumod-ok falls Day 4 – Shopping, departure

Fees:
Guide Fee – Lumiang/Sumaging Cave – 500; Van hire - 300 Guide Fee -
Marlboro – 800 Van hire – 550; Guide fee -
Kiltepan – 250 Guide Fee -
Pongas falls – 600; Van hire – 650 Guide Fee
Echo Valley – 300 Van hire – Lake Danum – 550 Guide Fee -
Bomod-ok – 600; Van hire – 650

Coda Lines – From Manila straiaght to Sagada - 09275592197

Tips: Sagada Tourism is very organised. My husband and I just went there without any tourist guide and van for hire contact. Just go to tourism center and you’ll be fine.

Group tour is the best way to have cheaper expense.

Have a safe trip!