In Retrospect: Banaue, Sagada, and Baguio

Sagada should be in every traveler’s bucket list. It is a mountain town worthy of anyone’s time. The beauty of nature that surrounds it; its people, culture, and food; and all that it has to offer to adventurers and tourists alike are all reasons to take that long trip to the Cordilleras and experience Sagada. This is a retrospective look at our Sagada trip in the sumer of 2012.

A panoramic view of the Banaue Rice Terraces

We took the Banaue-Sagada route so that we can also see the famed rice terraces of Banaue. The rice terraces are amazing. It’s beautiful to look at and it’s very refreshing in the place.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue Rice Terraces

Me at Banaue Rice Terraces

Upon arriving in Sagada, we had lunch at the much talked about Yoghurt House. We then immediately went on our first adventure: the cave connection! We traversed two very wonderful cave systems: the Lumiang and Sumaguing caves. It took us more then three fun-filled hours. I remember wishing that the cave connection would take longer because I really didn’t want it to end. It was such an amazing experience.

inside the caves

hanging coffins at the mouth of the cave

entering the caves

traversing the caves

On our second day, we first tried to catch the sunrise in Kiltepan viewpoint. Unfortunately, there were too much low clouds and fog that they obscured the view of the sunrise. We then trekked to Bomod-ok Falls, one among the many falls of Sagada. The trek wasn’t that hard but it was really hot. The falls was beautiful and the water was really cold. It was nice taking a dip in its pools.

at Kiltepan viewpoint

the not-really-there sunrise

beautiful community

trekking to the falls

Bomod-ok Falls

After the falls, we went back into the town. We had a succulent lunch at George’s Guest House then we traveled around the town. First, we went to Sagada Weaving where one could see how woven bags, wallets, and others are made. We also bought some of their products. Next, we went to Ganduyan Museum which housed some really cool things that showcase Sagada’s rich history and culture.  Next is the Sagada Pottery where I met this cute little kid  named Chico who was the son of the place’s caretaker-slash-potter. I can’t remember the woman’s name, but aside from telling us a lot of information about pottery in Sagada, she also showed us how a clay pot is made. We also went to St. Mary’s Church and Lake Danum, a high altitude lake. We also went souvenir shopping on this day.

Sagada Weaving

Ganduyan Museum

Sagada Pottery

Chico the cute kid

Lake Danum

St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church

Our final morning in Sagada was spent visiting the hanging coffins in Echo Valley. We then made our way to Baguio. We passed the Halsema Highway where the highest point in the Philippine highway system is (7,400 ft). In Baguio, we went strawberry picking and did some more souvenir shopping.

Yes, indeed!

trekking to Echo Valley

Halsema Highway

Baguio’s strawberries

Finally, sad that we were leaving but very happy for all we experienced, we went home.

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If you are living in or traveling to the Philippines, I highly recommend giving Sagada a visit. In our three days there, all we ever did was scratch the surface. There is so much more one can do in Sagada. For one, there are other falls to visit like the Pongas Falls. Mountaineers and adventurers could hike Mt. Amapacao or Mt. Polis. One could go horseback riding in Marlboro Country and the Blue Hills. Whitewater rafting in the Upper Chico River is also a must-try. I already had a taste of what Sagada has to offer and its a good lingering taste. I wouldn’t let a chance to delve deeper into its grandeur pass and you shouldn’t, too! Visit Sagada now! Check out Sagada.org for more information. 😉