Sagada is full of surprises and tourist spots to discover. One of my favorite places here in the Philippines. Place wherein the Cordillera region has the best weather in the Philippines. Chilly in both dry and wet seasons. Being in a mountainous region is a haven away from the humidity in other places. Indeed the mountain of Sagada is pulsing with natural beauty and magnificent culture.
What makes Sagada Province the talk of the town?
I am a sunset, sunrise type of girl that whenever I go to places it’s one thing that I always look forward to. I know Sagada province but it never interests me at all until I saw one movie that showcases the beauty of Sagada. It has this famous dancing sun during sunrise with a sea of clouds, it feels like you are swimming in the clouds as you watch for the sun slowly goes up. From that very moment watching that scene of the movie I told myself, I will go there. And Voila! My feet took me to Sagada.
How to get in Sagada?
Going there will take a long bus ride. Sagada is located in the Mountain Province of Cordillera Administrative Region in North Luzon. No airport yet so land travel is our only option. Sagada is a beautiful town full of mountains. And is a perfect destination for nature lovers. You would never want to go to sleep for the entire trip. The drive to Sagada will take your breath away with the dotted waterfalls and mountains on roadsides. Sagada offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sagada tourist spots you should visit:
The hanging coffins
Interestingly enough, Sagada is one of the few places in the country that has preserved its indigenous culture with little Spanish influence. Sagada is very popular for its hanging coffins, one of the main reasons, and tourist spots, that make foreign and local people include Sagada on their bucket list travel destination. It is the old tradition of rock burial rooted in history and culture as old as time.
Beautiful sunrise in Kiltipan
This is the most popular spot for the famous Sagada sunrise, you gotta have to wake up as early as possible for you to find your best spot, If you travel there during its season then expect for sea or crowds. But trust me, it won’t bother me at all. It’s like you’re watching a 4D live show.
Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave
I’ve got the best caving experience in Sagada. The cave is not for the faint-hearted. Limestones and rock formations slowly shaped by nature for a million years can be found inside the cave. These rock formations mimic bears, bananas, elephants, and even a private part of a woman. Sumaguing cave also has the biggest chamber among the other caves in Sagada and it is the deepest cave in the Philippines.
At first, I thought that was just an easy and common activity, just like entering caves and okay settle in. Take pictures and done. But this one right here is jaw-dropping. I can still remember how we enter the needle hole tunnels. The guide asks me to slide my shoulder a bit, and I was like I’m not gonna fit in but the guide insisted and walk me through the process. Listen and obey your guide they know it better. I am claustrophobic by the way so that was really very challenging for me. But the adventure side of me didn’t stop me at all. I was cheering myself up. I was scared though, but with enthusiasm and excitement to see what’s inside this famous cave.
Follow your guide
You would slide and slip, crawl and leap, and at times rappel to move from one area to another. You will have your guide as a human ladder for some part to make it less strenuous and frightening. Just gotta have to trust them and follow them. Seeing the gigantic stalactite, stalagmite, and jaw-dropping rock formation makes us feel at ease after all the struggles we’ve been through. I would suggest you do this activity with friends because there will be a lot of times where you will need a helping hand and words of encouragement. As a first-timer for spelunking this activity is physically demanding which when faced and overcome can be so rewarding and a memorable experience. And oh, the creepy part is the cave is surrounded by decade-old coffins with skulls and skeletons.
Bomod- ok Falls
Get amazed by the majestic view of the trail as you go visit Bomod-Ok Falls. You’ll be getting the best view of the rice terraces, and other vegetable gardens. Make sure to practice your endurance so that you can visit one of Sagada’s hidden treasures to catch a refreshing spray of the cool, crisp water. This is known as the big fall.
Bokong Falls
If there is a big fall then there is a small fall. If you don’t feel like going on a trek, then here’s this small yet so refreshing spot for you to visit and take a quick dip or stay for a day. It’s a lot more accessible with only a light trek required.
Marlboro hills
Where the mountains meet the sky, and you get a panoramic view of the seemingly endless Cordillera mountains and low-lying clouds interspersed with the grassy hills. Marlboro hills is another option for you to watch the sunrise over a sea of clouds as it’s less crowded over the more popular Mt. Kiltepan.
Oh, The top load ride here in Sagada is a must-try. By far the best top load experience you can ever have here in the Philipines. And a trip to Sagada won’t be complete without tasting their local dishes. To name a few you should try their Pinikpikan delicacy. The warm and hearty soup is perfect for the cold Sagada weather. Yogurt from the Yoghurt House (and lemon pie from Sagada Lemon Pie House) are always recommended for a very good reason.
Been to Sagada twice already despite how challenging the travel going there and will surely be coming back soon. Sagada will always be one of my favorite tourist spots, the home for spectacular views, breathtaking natural wonders, and kind, beautiful people will always hold a special place in my heart. You gotta have to trust me in this, You’ll surely love Sagada province and its people.
While you are still in the region you may want to discover Baguio “City of Pines”
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