Sagada is
a very quiet, scenic rural town which to the newcomer seems little
more than a few scattered buildings at the fork of a country road.
Like Banaue, Sagada is located among numerous rice terraces. The
inhabitants are mostly Bontocs (Igorots).
In addition
to the rice terraces, the most popular attractions here are the
local burials in socalled hanging coffins in subterranean caves.
For the subterranean caves, local guides should be hired as the
way is circuitous and dark. The price per person is 20 pesos for
a shared lantern. The hike usually begins at 9:00, return is at
about 13:00. Because there is little else to do, Sagada offers
a nice opportunity to hike or just rest. Some budget travelers
go there also to smoke marijuana.
A note of
caution to hikers: As there are many pagans here, a branch across
a trail indicates that for religious reasons the trail is closed.
Sometimes a trail is closed for the day and sometimes for several
days.
Accommodation
In the peak
season (FebApr), when accommodations are full, one may try as
last resort the hospital. All rooms have com tb.
Curly's Lodging
House rm 40
The Green House rm 4050
Julia's Guest House rm 50; rest, info
Sagada Guest House rm 3050
Cangbay's Place rm 4050
St. Joseph Rest House rm 40
Sightseeing
A detailed
map with descriptions of possible excursions is displayed at Julia's
Guest House. Information and guides can be provided. Some excursions
offered:
Mt Ampakau (3 hrs)
Bagnen and Mt Polis (3 hrs)
Balangagang Cave (2.5 hrs)
Ankileng & Suyo Village (3 hrs)
Mt Sipitan (3 hrs)
Besao Village (3 hrs)
Agawa Village & waterfall (4 hrs)
Sabian Village (3 hrs)
Fidilisan Village and waterfall (4 hrs)
Tanulon Village & rice terraces (4 hrs)
Baang Village & rice terraces (4 hrs)
Tetepan pools & hanging footbridge (4 hrs)
Matangkib Cave a cave with coffins, about 10 min walk from the
village center; one follows the road to Bontoc and after 'Sagada
Weaving' takes a trail down to the right.
Sumaging Cave another cave with hanging coffins; about 15 min
hike from the center along the road to Ambasing. One passes through
a small wooden gate leading to a trail down to the left.
Marcos Cave an exciting rock formation inside a cave; crystals
are embedded on the rocks. One needs a guide to explore the cave.
Church a very strange sight is the huge episcopal church which
is much larger than the size of the village would lead to assume.
Bokong Falls a waterfall with a natural swimming pool; a 30 min
walk towards Bokong, then left on a trail downhill. One kilometer
further one can find another waterfall with natural pool.
Kiltepan Rice Terraces; 3.5km (2mi) from Sagada; view on the rice
terraces and the villages of Kilong and Tetepan
Transportation
To Baguio
Dangwa bus early in the morning beside town hall
To Bontoc bus or several jeepneys beside the town hall
To Besao infrequent jeepneys.
