dark_horse Posted January 27, 2007 Share Posted January 27, 2007 Six hours north of Baguio City by van across the Halsema Highway — Southeast Asia's highest paved road — sits a Mountain Province municipality of approximately 12,000 people whose cultural and geographic register carries the country's most-substantive small-town affluent-traveller circuit. Sagada is not a resort destination. There are no five-star properties, no swimming pools, no casino circuit, no branded international spa. What Sagada carries instead is a specific accumulation of experiences — Echo Valley's hanging burial coffins (a pre-Christian Applai Kankanaey funerary practice continuing intermittently across a millennium), Sumaguing Cave's substantive underground circuit (2-4-hour spelunking descent through the country's most-established recreational cave), the Kiltepan Peak sunrise photograph (the sea-of-clouds view that has become the country's most-recognised single sunrise image), and the town's slow, cool, contemplative rhythm — that together define an affluent cultural pilgrimage the country's beach destinations cannot deliver. The Sagada Circuit The town's affluent-visitor circuit organises around a specific set of experiences, each substantive enough to justify a visit in its own right: Echo Valley Hanging Coffins — the Applai Kankanaey pre-Christian funerary practice of suspending coffins from limestone cliffs, continuing intermittently across approximately a millennium. Visits are guided (community protocols apply), calibrated for the substantive cultural traveller. Sumaguing Cave (Cave Connection Tour) — the country's most-established recreational spelunking descent. The Cave Connection Tour (2-4 hours) travels through Lumiang Cave into Sumaguing Cave, delivering a substantive underground experience with rappelling, wading, and climbing sections. Guided access required; physical fitness assumed. Kiltepan Peak sunrise — the sea-of-clouds sunrise viewpoint that has become the country's most-recognised single sunrise image. Pre-dawn 4-5am departure required; guided access recommended. Bomod-ok Falls — the "Big Falls" reached via 30-45 minute trek from the road head; the classic Sagada waterfall. Sagada Weaving — the local weaving tradition, with community weavers maintaining traditional patterns and dye recipes. Sagada Pottery — the local pottery tradition, with community potters producing distinctive Sagada earthenware. Coffee and lemon-pie institutions — Sagada Lemon Pie House, Bana's Café, and the surrounding food institutions carry a substantive small-town culinary lineup calibrated for the returning-affluent-visitor register. What Sagada Is Not Setting expectations correctly for the affluent visitor matters: No luxury hospitality. The best Sagada accommodations are boutique guesthouses and small inns; no international-chain properties, no five-star register. No air-conditioning needed. The elevation delivers cool evenings; some accommodations don't even have heating. Limited connectivity. Mobile signal is spotty in parts of the municipality; some accommodations offer wi-fi at moderate speeds only. Not a same-day-from-Manila destination. The 12-14 hour van approach requires an overnight base (typically Baguio City as the pre-Sagada stop, or a direct overnight bus). For the affluent visitor calibrating expectations against Baguio's cool-air-with-hospitality register or El Nido's ultra-luxury-with-scenery register, Sagada delivers something different: substance without polish. Where to Stay Sagada's hospitality landscape organises across: Boutique guesthouses — 10-30-room boutique properties along the town core. Small inns and heritage accommodations — 5-15-room properties in traditional Cordillera architecture. Homestay arrangements — for the affluent immersive visitor. For most affluent-cultural visitors, a boutique guesthouse for 2-3 nights delivers the substantive Sagada circuit. Getting There By van, Baguio City to Sagada — approximately 5-6 hours via the Halsema Highway (Southeast Asia's highest paved road, running along the Cordillera crest). GL Trans and Coda Lines run scheduled services. By overnight bus, Manila to Sagada — Coda Lines operates direct overnight services (approximately 12 hours). From Banaue — approximately 3-4 hours south via the Banaue-Bontoc-Sagada road; a natural Cordillera multi-stop routing. When to Visit November-March — the coolest and driest window; ideal Kiltepan sunrise probability; comfortable trekking and cave conditions. April-May — warmer but still cool; classic country-summer window for Manila families. June-October — the wet season; Kiltepan sunrise reduced probability; some trails muddy; caves may have higher water levels. Off-peak visitor register. How Sagada Compares Within Cordillera Within the Cordillera register: Destination Register Baguio City Country's summer capital, accessible highland premium Sagada Mountain-town heritage, cultural depth, contemplative small-town Banaue Rice Terraces UNESCO cultural landscape, agricultural heritage Kalinga / Buscalan Living indigenous practice, ancestral tattooing tradition For the affluent cultural traveller, Sagada + Banaue combined delivers a substantive 5-7 day Cordillera cultural circuit. Related — All Properties Under Cordillera Travel Parent thread: Cordillera Travel: Multi-Stop Itineraries & Region Overview Cordillera siblings — Baguio City (Benguet): Burnham Park & Strawberry Farm · Banaue Rice Terraces (Ifugao): UNESCO Site & Batad Amphitheater · Kalinga / Buscalan (Kalinga): Apo Whang-Od Tattoo & Tribal Culture Related Pinned Parents — Metro Manila Hotels: Luxurious · Philippine Provincial Malls · Philippine Wellness & Spa Retreats · Philippine Attractions, Theme Parks & Heritage · Best Philippine Beaches: Most Beautiful Your turn. Multi-visit Sagada regulars — Kiltepan sunrise-and-sea-of-clouds photo reports, best-window months. Sumaguing Cave / Cave Connection Tour descent experiences. Echo Valley Hanging Coffins reflections. Sagada Lemon Pie House / Bana's Café favourite orders. Sagada Weaving and Pottery finds. Multi-stop Cordillera Sagada + Banaue circuit reports. Share your visits. — Bizman Quote Link to comment
tricy_25 Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 please post infos how to get there and best places to visit.... include also the total amount to be prepared... everything about sagada... u have plan went to sagada?boondockers is going there this coming feb 14 to 18 Quote Link to comment
Equus Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 just came from here last weekend.......... GANDA!!! lots of places to see... and it was COLD!!! caveing... do the cave connection. (not for the faint of heart or weak of body..) sleep in Saint Joseph's.. right in the middle of everything.. nice accomodations. friendly people. great bonfire. big falls and small falls are a great sight to see... Best thing that i loved sa place na toh was the ddrive.. BEAUTIFUL!!!! whether from baguio or banawe... simply beautiful... just relax, take your time, and go around. have fun guys. Quote Link to comment
dark_horse Posted January 28, 2007 Author Share Posted January 28, 2007 u have plan went to sagada?boondockers is going there this coming feb 14 to 18 di po kame pwd ng ganung days... available lang po kami by thursday... just came from here last weekend.......... GANDA!!! lots of places to see... and it was COLD!!! caveing... do the cave connection. (not for the faint of heart or weak of body..) sleep in Saint Joseph's.. right in the middle of everything.. nice accomodations. friendly people. great bonfire. big falls and small falls are a great sight to see... Best thing that i loved sa place na toh was the ddrive.. BEAUTIFUL!!!! whether from baguio or banawe... simply beautiful... just relax, take your time, and go around. have fun guys.dude, can you please post the total estimated cost and your IT.. thnx... Quote Link to comment
dark_horse Posted February 7, 2007 Author Share Posted February 7, 2007 we're planning to go to sagada this feb 22-25.. baka may gustong sumama, onte lang kasi kami... Quote Link to comment
jason5678 Posted February 8, 2007 Share Posted February 8, 2007 The central and eastern mountain towns of Bontoc, Sagada, Besao, and Basuko can be reached by bus or car through the Halsema Highway. The Dangwa Tranco or Lizardo bus lines in Baguio make at least two trips daily to the capital town of Bontoc, Sagada, Bauko, and Besao. No reservations are taken so travelers are advised to be at the bus station as early as 6:00 a.m. From Manila, buses travel only up to Banawe, Ifugao. From there, jeepneys are available for the 3 to 4 hour ride to Bontoc or Sagada. Quote Link to comment
mr.bukol Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 (edited) magkano hotels rates dun? pa post namn na pic. , planning to go there by june pa after my assignment here in la union, how long yung drive from baguio? how was the food there? thanks for the info guys Edited February 11, 2007 by mr.bukol Quote Link to comment
kingphilip Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 ano ba meron dyan sa sagada, diba kabundokan na yan. Quote Link to comment
tawiskaron Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 Just wanna give you guys what to expect in Sagada........ Hope you will like my shots..... Quote Link to comment
tawiskaron Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 Just wanna give you guys what to expect in Sagada........ 6hours drive by bus from Manila to Baguio via Victory Liner - 480php per person6hours to 7hours by bus from Baguio to Sagada via Lizardo Trans in Dangwa Terminal - 220php per person St Joseph Dormitory - 1,200php good for 6 persons pics to follow.......... Quote Link to comment
tawiskaron Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 If you are planning to go to Sagada here are the estimated expenses (Travelling in two) Estimated Budget per Person - 4500phpexcluding tour guide fee caving tour guide fee - 450php (good for 5 tourist) big falls tour guide fee - 600php (good for 5 tourist) note: mas madami mas maliit ang ambag.....kaya dapat madami kayo punta para masaya... Quote Link to comment
tawiskaron Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 (edited) Here are our pictures from Sagada..... First the highlight of our tour.....FOODS!!!! Hikers Bfast w/toast http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/71/74/59/8/859747166108_0_ALB.jpg Yummy Youghart http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/71/91/90/9/990917166108_0_ALB.jpg Chicken in Barbeque sauce w/ vegies http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/61/98/48/6/648986166108_0_ALB.jpg Vegie Rice http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/71/25/66/6/666257166108_0_ALB.jpg Chicken in Spicy Indian Curry http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/2/97/4/6/604970266108_0_ALB.jpg Tuna Salad http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/12/20/90/4/490201266108_0_ALB.jpg Tuna Salad Sandwich http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/2/27/64/4/464270266108_0_ALB.jpg Finally.....ang pinakamasarap sa lahat..... "Embryo" aka One Day Old Chick http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3077/1/76/40/95/86/7/786954076108_0_ALB.jpg Edited February 19, 2007 by tawiskaron Quote Link to comment
tawiskaron Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 The Small Falls, Hanging Coffins and the Burial Cave On the way to the small falls http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/71/80/69/9/969807166108_0_ALB.jpg The Small Falls http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/71/4/29/1/129047166108_0_ALB.jpg Another shot of small falls http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/71/14/22/1/122147166108_0_ALB.jpg Hanging Coffins http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/81/41/4/1/104418166108_0_ALB.jpg another shot of hanging coffins http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/81/50/26/1/126508166108_0_ALB.jpg Entrance to the Burial Cave http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/81/51/61/9/961518166108_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/81/52/17/2/217528166108_0_ALB.jpg The Burial Cave http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/81/32/16/5/516328166108_0_ALB.jpg Quote Link to comment
tawiskaron Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 The Sumaguing Cave The magnificent entrance http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/81/84/69/8/869848166108_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/81/18/24/8/824188166108_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/81/33/58/5/558338166108_0_ALB.jpg The Rock Formations in Sumaguing Cave http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/91/90/87/1/187909166108_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/91/12/92/3/392129166108_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/91/21/2/5/502219166108_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/91/11/89/8/889119166108_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/81/98/30/8/830988166108_0_ALB.jpg and the most controversial rock formation.......Looks family! hehehe http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/81/64/57/5/557648166108_0_ALB.jpg Quote Link to comment
tawiskaron Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 The Big Falls The ride going to the falls is already an adventure....take a look at this...we are on the top of the jeep http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/91/45/50/3/350459166108_0_ALB.jpg Start of the 45minutes trek going to the Big Falls http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/91/7/85/8/885079166108_0_ALB.jpg After 20minutes of trekking... http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/91/87/16/5/516879166108_0_ALB.jpg And finally the Big Falls http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/91/28/13/5/513289166108_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3080/1/66/91/29/75/1/175299166108_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos3077/1/76/20/32/57/4/457322076108_0_ALB.jpg Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.