In the midst of the Cordillera Mountains in Northwestern Philippines lies an enchanting town called Sagada of the Mountain Province, one of the six (6) provinces of the Cordilleras. A popular destination for local and foreign tourists, Sagada is known for its pleasant climate. The coolest months in this area is from December to February when temperature can drop to 40 Centigrade (40F). However, mountain temperature is usually moderate, offering warm days for hiking and cool nights for sleeping.
In Sagada, one would admire its cool fresh air, pine sceneries, rocky terrain, waterfalls, centuries-old burial caves, hanging coffins, rice terraces, and its local weaving industry. Although agriculture is the main source of income in Sagada, it also earns significantly from its tourism industry.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Sumaguing Cave - The one most popular to visitors, is a 40 minute walk from Sagada on the Suyo Road. Unusual limestone formations are found in the cave.
Crystal Cave - Situated southwest of Sumaguing Cave and around 2 kms. from the poblacion, this cave is rich with stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactite is an icicle-shaped deposit of carbonate of lime hanging from the roof of a cave while stalagmite is a cone- shape deposit of carbonate of lime built up on the floor of a cave by drip, often from a stalactite above.
Bokong Waterfalls - This small waterfall and natural swimming pool is situated in the midst of rice terraces and provides a refreshing air for weary travelers. It is only a 15-minute walk from the town center along rice terraces.
Lumiang Cave - A 30-minute walk from Sagada on the way to the Big Cave, this burial cave, where many old and a few newer coffins are stacked, is well worth a visit. The coffins can be viewed from the large entrance so there is no need to go inside.
Matangkig Cave - A smaller and more accessible burial cave. It is the second level of the Latang Underground River. The inner chamber of the cave contains the old traditional types of coffins from trunks of pine trees. It is only around 50 meters away from the main road of Nangongogan.
Canduyan Museum - Located right at the center of the town, this small private museum has a display of the best of the Cordillera crafts, both new and antique. Display and collection includes beautiful baskets, tapestry, metal craft, etc.
Masterferrer's Photographs - Display of old Masferre prints are worth viewing and Masferre T-shirts are for sale along with other local books, cards, etc.
HOW TO GET THERE
Sagada is located 275-km north of Manila . Visitors coming from Manila by transport have the choice of traveling either via Banaue (Ifugao Province) or Baguio City (Benguet Province) as there are no public vehicles going direct to Sagada. There are air conditioned buses traveling from Manila direct to Banaue. A bus that leaves Manila at 10:00 p.m. will make it to Banaue at 7:00 a.m. the following day. From Banaue, a jeepney ride will take the guest to Bontoc in about three (3) hours. Non-air conditioned buses and jeepneys ply the route Bontoc-Sagada in about an hour. Sagada is approximately 6 hours of descending travel to Baguio over the narrow mountain tracks traversing the Cordilleras against a background of terraces planted to rice and vegetables.
WHERE TO STAY
INCLUSIONS FOR SAGADA PACKAGE:
* 3D/2N accommodation
* Daily breakfast, one (1) dinner
* Roundtrip private van transfer (Manila-Banaue/Sagada-Manila)
* Permits and entrance fees
* Service of a local guide
* Tours as specified on Tour Highlights
* Use of non-rental hotel's facilities
* Government taxes and service charges
* Subject to change without prior notice
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Tam'am Village tour and see the Skulls and Bones of their relatives as you passed by one of the village home. Sagada whole-day tour with sidetrips to Hanging Coffins and Sumaging Cave adventure, Hiwang Village tour with panoramic view of Banaue View Point Tour with adventure trekking at the rice terraces.
LIST OF HOTELS
Banaue
Green View
Banaue Youth
Sanafe Lodge
Banaue Hotel
People's Lodge
SAGADA CAVING & CULTURAL TOUR
(Sagada, Mt. Province)
(FOR FREE & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS)
An immensely incomparable nature and culture immersion tour in a centuries old mountain hideaway, a tour of Sagada, an acknowledge haven and paradise found for backpackers and adventure seekers, is a real gem of an adventure and an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. A challenging saga for those who love to dare raw nature and the rusticity of an ancient culture, this tour is perfectly for you!
POINTS OF INTERESTS:
LUMIANG CAVE
Often referred to as the small cave, Lumiang Cave is a sacred burial ground for the natives where ancient pine wood coffins are piled one on top of the other since centuries back, an old tradition that never fails to baffle the curiosity of various travellers.
SUMAGUING CAVE
Also known as the Big Cave, the Sumaguing Cave is a must-see destination in Sagada. A multi-chambered cave with awesome stalagmite and stalactite formations, this cave is a topnotch destination for both budding and professional spelunkers.
HANGING COFFINS OF SAGADA
Pitched on a cliff, the hanging coffins can be clearly viewed along the road on the way to the Big Cave (Sumaguing Cave).
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN
Built in the early 1900`s, this place of worship is one of the most famous landmarks of Sagada. Beyond the church are the limestone cliffs and pine scented air of Echo Valley and Calvary Hill.
SAGADA WEAVING HOUSE
Located along the Bontoc Road, the Sagada Weaving House is where one can actually witness the centuries old way of hand-weaving the natives traditional skirts known as tapis, women`s belts with tails called bakget , blankets and wanes.
BOKONG WATERFALLS
A popular spot for swimming and picnic activities, the Bokong Waterfalls is a natural swimming pool that drains into an underground river.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT:
MR. ROGER SACYATEN
Mt. Province Provincial Tourism Officer
Mt. Province Provincial Capitol
Bontoc, Mt. Province
Mobile Phone # - 0921-972-99-21
Office Telephone No. (074) 602-10-36
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM CAR
Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City
Telefax No. 074 442 88- 48
074 442 70 - 14
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
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