Sagada and vicinity
SAGADA & VICINITY
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
MOUNT DATA
A 5,500 hectare (21sqmi) national park along the BaguioBontoc road on the boundary of Mountain Province, Ifugao and Benguet provinces and an ideal stop over on this route. The surroundings all up to the peak are dominated by pine trees. Mount Data is 2310m (7,304ft) high.
Accommodation
Mount Data Hotel At kilometer 102 of the BaguioBontoc road, near Bauko, luxury hotel; sgl 620; twin 740
beautiful lonely hotel and mountain resort at 2,226m (9,349ft) above sea level
FESTIVALS
Jan (movable) Mannerwa, Appey in Bontoc, Mountain province
Apr (movable) Kilau in Bontoc, Mountain province
Jul (movable) Chawis in Bontoc, Mountain province
Jul (movable) Tengao in entire Mountain province
Aug (movable) Fagfagto, Chomno in Bontoc, Mountain province
More on Central North Luzon:
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