HISTORY OF SAGADA
According to legend, Sagada was
founded as an ili or village by Biag, a
man from Bika in eastern Abra. The
people from Bika were forced out of their
ili by raiding headhunters. Biag's family
resettled in Candon but when baptism or
the giving of names was enforced,
Biag's family chose to move back toward
the mountains in search for a
settlement. Along the way, he and his
siblings decided to part ways. A brother,
Balay, chose to return to Candon, a
sister to Abra. Another brother settled along the upper Abra River. Biag pushed further
to the east until he came to what is now Sagada.
Perhaps for lack of transportation and willing guides, few conquistadors set foot
in Sagada during the Spanish Era, and a Spanish Mission was not founded until 1882.
As a result, it is one of a few places that has preserved its indigenous culture with little
Spanish influence.
Geography
Sagada is nestled in a valley at the upper end of the Malitep tributary of the
Chico River someone and a half kilometers above sea level in the Central Cordillera
Mountains, enveloped between the main Cordillera Ranges and the Ilocos Range.
Mount Data in the south and Mount Kalawitan in the southeast pierce the horizon.
Mount Polis, Bessang and Mount Tirad in the east, and Mount Sisipitan in the north
mark the Mountain Province–Abraboundary.
Climate
Under the Köppen climate classification, Sagada features a subtropical highland
climate (‘’Cwb’’). The area averages 900 mm of precipitation annually, the bulk of which
falls between the months of May and October. Temperatures are relatively consistent
throughout the course with average daily temperatures ranging from around 17 to 20
degrees Celsius.
Trivia
• Sagada was featured in the Filipino film, Don't Give Up on Us, and That Thing
Called Tadhana.
• Sagada was featured in an episode of Locked Up Abroad.
• In the "Death" episode of The Moaning of Life, Karl Pilkington visits Sagada to
see a local community's cliffside burial techniques.
• There are limestone mountains throughout Sagada. This part of Luzon used to
be submerged in the ocean tens of millions of years ago, and fossilized seashells can
be found in the walls of Sumaguing Cave.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
BARANGAY POPULATION*
The name Sagada came about when a
1 Aguid 596
group of Spanish soldiers coming from Besao
met a man near Danum Lake who was carrying 2 Ambasing 796
a bamboo basket for catching fish. The soldiers 3 Angkeling 994
asked the man what the name of next place 4 Antadao 360
was. Thinking that they were asking what he 5 Balugan 813
was carrying, the man answered, “sagada”. 6 Bangaan 703
From then on the settlement of Biag went down
7 Dagdag (Pob.) 814
on Spanish record as Sagada.
8 Demang (Pob.) 758
Ignacio Daoas was elected mayor for 9 Fidelisan 462
the 1988-1992 term, Maximo B. Dawas for the 10 Kilong 393
1992-1995 term, and Thomas A. Killip for two
11 Madongo 485
terms, 1995-1998 and 1998-2001.
12 Nacagang 254
The municipality is composed of 13 Poblacion (Patay) 1,537
nineteen barangays. These barangays are 14 Pide 362
Aguid, Ambasing, Ankileng, Antadao, Ballugan,
15 Suyo 395
Banga-an, Dagdag, Demang, Fidelisan, Kilong,
16 Taccong 315
Madongo, Nacagang, Pide, Poblacion, Suyo,
Taccong, Tanulong, Tetepan Norte and 17 Tanulong 402
Tetepan Sur. 18 Tetepan Norte 397
19 Tetepan Sur 408
Its Land
Sagada lies in a small valley at an References:
elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level in the
* - 2010 NSO Census of Population
Cordillera mountain range of Northern Luzon,
415 km. from Manila via Baguio and 18 km. ** - 2010 Partial Data from COMELEC
from Bontoc, which is situated in a larger valley
beside the Chico River.
The municipality has two kinds of climate, the dry season and the wet season.
During the dry season the warmest months when temperature can reach as high as 32
degrees Celsius are March, April and May. Months when temperature drops down to as
low as 4 degrees Celsius are December, January and February.
Its Inhabitants
The people of Sagada are Malays and speak a language called Kankana-ey.
They are generally referred to as Igorots. They are sturdy and industrious. As of 1995,
the municipality's population was 10,354, 95% of which are Igorots of the northern
Kankana-ey tribe, and 5% are from other tribes.
It’s Economy
The main occupation of the people is agriculture. Nearly all households have a
small piece of land from which they raise rice, corn, vegetables and fruits. Swine-raising
in small scale is engaged in by practically all households as additional source of income
and as a source of meat supply vital to the performance of rituals.
Business is limited to sari-sari stores, buy-and-sell, weaving, lodging houses,
restaurants and cafes. The famous Sagada weaving industry and the operation of
lodging houses and restaurants have economically uplifted the community. The influx of
tourists to the municipality has motivated residents to engage in this kind of business.
Tourist Attractions and Places of Interest
• Sumaging Cave
• Lumiang Cave
• Loko-ong Crystal Cave
• Balangagan Cave
• Sugong Cave
• Masferre Photographs
• Bokong Waterfall
• Bomod-ok (Big waterfall)
REFERENCE:
CORDILLERA ALMANAC
By: DILG-CAR, Copyright 1999
Vol. I - Local Government Units
SAGADA CULTURE: WHERE TRADITION NEVER CEASES
As far as cultural tradition is concerned, my hometown Sagada could be one of
the keepers of traditional practices which ranges from the rituals during birth, wedding
and in times of death.
At Birth:
The first ritual in the life cycle of an iSagada is called “gubgubbao” and this is
performed for the first born child in the family. The “gubgubbao” is done when the
umbilical cord of the newly born drops off. The grandparents, distant relatives,
neighbors and other elders in the community would gather in the house where the baby
is, bringing along some presents like ‘etag’ (smoked meat), drinks, grains of rice, and
others like cash as gifts for the baby. A chicken is butchered and after looking into the
signs of the chicken bile (which should show desirable result expected by the elders) ,
the chicken is cooked together with all the etag brought in by the visitors and then this is
served as meal. If after eating and there are still remaining meat, these are divided
among those present and they bring it home to their families.
Wedding Rites:
Wedding rites called “dawak” for an i-Sagada is considered a major event where
culture is unclothed. At this modern time, couples adopt the church wedding in addition
to the traditional rites being conducted by the elders. Still carried during weddings is the
butchering of carabaos, cows and several number of pigs for the festivity which lasts for
three days. The first day is the time they butcher animals needed for the wedding which
is normally done somewhere- along the “wanga” (river) or mountain range where the
carabao/cow is and the meat are hauled to the wedding place. In the afternoon, it is a
tradition that people in the neighborhood voluntarily gather at the wedding place with
their own knives/bolos to help in the cooking/food preparation . Normally, the men do
the cooking of meat and the women on the vegetable preparation like carrots, beans,
cabbage, onions, garclic for the pancit. It is here where we can still see the spirit of
unity and solidarity in the community. The occasion is not only a responsibility of the
couple but the entire village. The first day is also the time when relatives coming from
far places arrive. A ‘dawak’ is also considered a reunion because even relatives
residing in any part of the country and even overseas come home to attend.
The second day of the wedding is the main day, where the rituals accompanied
by butchering of pigs and chicken, and ‘liwa’ (chants) by the ‘amam-a’ (elders) are done
and then followed by the first beating of the ‘gangsa’ (gongs) by the elders, which
formally opens the festivity. This is the time when women wear their native attire called
‘gateng’ (tapis), men in their ‘wanes’ (g-string) and everybody participate in keeping the
gangsa alive until the night is over. While the ‘sagni’ and ‘gangsa’ is going on, people
give their ‘supon’ (cash gift) to the newly wed. Some now also learn the art of wrapping
gift items. In the past, what is seen in front of the couple’s table are bundles of ‘pagey’
(rice harvest) which serve as gift. While the festivity is going on, the cooking and
serving of food at the kitchen side is also non-stop. Normally, people arrive any time of
the day and the food is open.
The third day is called ‘buka’ (departure time). When the morning breaks, before
people leave, they have to eat breakfast and have some ‘baon’ for them to eat along the
way specially to those coming from neighboring villages who do hiking.
Burial Practices:
The last phase of an i-Sagada’s life
cycle where customary practice is applied
is during death most especially if one is an
“am-ama/in-ina” (aged).
This religious practice that became a
tourist attraction, somehow managed to
keep the core traditions of the ethnic group
such as the Kankanaey, to which the
people of Sagada belongs to. For them,
though death is awful as it takes the
deceased from his family members in the
physical world, they believe that the spirit
of the departed continues to make
connections to the living.
The photo below shows the correct
way of wearing the g-string (native attire
for men) and tapis (native attire for
women). This manner of dressing and
dancing is still done during weddings.
Socio Political Organizations: THE DAP-AY
For the people of Sagada, the dap-ay is perhaps one of the most prominent
embodiments of their abundant culture. These stone slabs formed into a round venue is
where in-depth belief in Cordillera culture and tradition is rekindled and passed on from
generation to generation. Hence, although rustic and unrefined in its feature, this
dwelling and meeting place plays a very important role in the everyday lives of i-
sagadas.
Material Cultures:
Other material cultures that Sagadaposses until now are the use of the ‘gimata’,
a rattan made basket of both sides used by men in carrying ‘pagey’ bundled rice stalks
and the ‘luwa’ or ‘labba’, a single basket used by women.
The traditional weaving still exist today and usually the products are the native
costumes (tapis, ‘wakes’ (belt) and g-string). The clothes worn by old men and women
when they die are usually woven through traditional weaving called ‘pinagud’.
The Eban:
A woman weaving under
the trees (Sagada.org)
“Eban” is a piece of handwoven cloth used by Sagada folks in carrying their
baby. My mother-in-law whom I regard as the living keeper of tradition in the family
would herself make ‘eban’ and give it as token whenever there is a new born grandchild
in the family.Up to this day, Sagadaculture still exist.
The only changes that I miss whenever I go home are the traditional ‘inatep’
(one-room houses with cogon grass roofs) because these are already changed into
concrete or semi-concrete houses with beautiful pine wood panels.
A mother (a Baguio girl but of Sagada
ancestry) was taught by her grandparents to
use the ‘eban’ in carrying her baby (photo by
TOURIST SPOT & SOUVENIR Logay)
Unusual Cemetery: The Hanging Coffins of Sagada
Sagada hanging coffins are a gem that one can only reach through an
exhausting trek. During the Pre-Hispanic era, relatives and loved ones of the deceased
would travel the beaten path in order to place the coffin inside the Lumiang Cave.
Prior to that, a 5-day pre-burial ritual was required during which the body was
preserved using smoke.The hanging coffins of Sagada may be awkwardly placed but
for ancient Igorots, the bizarre tradition was meant to put their loved ones closer to
heaven.
Sadly, even dangerous heights have
failed to stop some tourists from doing bad
deeds. Reports said that the bones within the
hanging coffins were stolen either as
souvenirs or for other purposes God only
knows.
Spelunking at Lumiang and Sumaguing
Caves in Sagada
Aside from its coveted weather and otherworldly landscapes, Sagada is blessed
with stunning limestone caves filled with
millennia worth of history. The most
popular locations for caving activities are
in the Sumaguing, Lumiang, and
Balangagan Caves. Here, adventurers
can test their limits while exploring
ancient burial grounds and magnificent
rock formations.
Most tourists opt for the 2-hour
course at Sumaguing; this is the
quickest and most scenic route that's
ideal for visitors short on time. We chose
the 4 to 5-hour Cave Connection course,
which starts at Lumiang and ends at
Sumaguing, to have ample time to
explore the inner beauty ofSagada.
Bomod-ok Falls
This is also called the Big Falls because, well, it is definitely bigger than Bokong
Falls, another popular waterfall in Sagada.
Hidden deep in a valley, it takes an hour to
two to get here by foot from the main road
(and that’s just one-way). Bomod-ok’s cold,
cold water cascades from the top of a
beautiful naturally contoured cliff to a pool
below, forming a 200-ft column of water and
wonder.
SAGADA’S QUAINT BOKONG FALLS
Bokong Falls is one of Sagada’s known
cascades. Located within a cultivated area
bordered with rice terraces and stands of pine
trees, its a small waterfall with two surges of
water. What it lacks in height, which drops to
just around 20 feet, it makes up for its deep
natural pool good for swimming.The water is
less colder than Bomod-ok Falls but with a
smaller basin. It’s quite accessible from the
town, just about two kilometers of light
trekking through the main road to Barangay
Bangaan. Although nearer, there are no
signages along the road that will indicate the
small trail one has to take to reach this
waterfall.
You do not need to go to Banaue, Mayoyao or Hungduan to see the striking rice
terraces because scattered all over Cordillera are these unique architectural
masterpieces – the carefully hand carved mountainsides that seems giant steps forming
stairways to the sky with its
origin that can be traced back
thousand years
ago.WhileBanaue and Batad
in Ifugao are among the
popular sites for these
wonders, Sagada has its own
share of magnificent
landscapes. Though smaller,
but still an amazing work of
art.Aside from its size, the
difference between the rice
terraces in Ifugao and Sagada
is the material used. Banaue
Rice terraces are made up of
compacted soil while those in
Sagada are made up of small
rocks piled on top of each
other.Suyo, Ankileng,
Balugan, Bangaan (on the
way to Bomod-ok Falls) and
Kiltepan are where the rice terraces in this town can be found. Kiltepan which is
bounded by the baranggay Kilong, Tetep-an, and Antadao, thus KilTePan, is the most
striking of all.
SOUVENIRS
Keychains and refrigerator magnets
Keychains and ref magnets are the ever favorite travel souvenirs. In Sagada,
they are many designs to choose from.
Some stalls also offer cheaper prices
than the rest of the shops so it is best to
scout first for the cheapest and cutest
souvenirs before buying.
Knitted items such as sweaters,
shawls, bonnets, sling bags, etc. which
are sold almost in every stall are also
great pasalubong and souvenirs to buy in
Sagada. However, these local products
are a little bit expensive.
Small cute pots key chain – Php15 each
Assorted key chains – 7 for Php 100
Ref Magnet (center) – Php 110
Ref Magnet (top) – 3 for Php 100
Ref magnet (wine bottles ) – Php 50
As you can see, there are many
things to choose from which are perfect as
pasalubong and souvenirs to buy in
Sagada. Allot a budget for pasalubong and
souvenir shopping and buy as many as you
like. Sagada is not only a foodie haven; it is
also one of the best place for souvenir
shopping.
MOUNTAIN PROVINCE LOCAL WOVEN PRODUCTS (LANG-AY)
MOUNTAIN PROVINCE is a
Weavers’ Paradise. Finely woven products
include the traditional tapis for women’s
apparel and the traditional wanes (G-string)
for men.
These products have designs of
lizards, diamonds, and eyes. Other woven
products are bags, purses, pouches,
wallets, blazers, skirts, and wall decors.
Weavers are found all over the ten towns of
Mountain Province especially in Bontoc,
Sagada, Besao, Sabangan, Sadanga,
Barlig, Natonin, Paracelis, Tadian, Bauko
with different designs and highlighted
colors.
Paracelis has its unique Balladang
woven materials resplendent in red and
bright pinkish colors accompanied with
small white beads. Sagadaweaves, just like
traditional Bontoc weaves have bright colors of red and green in their woven products
including tapis, bags and wallets. Sadanga highlights the blue color. Sabangan and
Bauko specialize in table linens with shades of orange, blue and white. Besao produces
woven wall decors.
TRANSPORTATION
Sagada is a quaint municipality in the Mountain Province. It lies adjacent to the
provincial capital, Bontoc. It is most famous for its hanging coffins at Echo Valley, a
traditional way of burying the dead, which is still practiced up to this day. Other tourist
spots in Sagada are Lumiang Burial Cave, Sumaguing Cave, and Bomod-ok Falls.
From Manila, Sagada is quite a long drive BUT there are many ways you can get there.
Two of the most usual are: by direct bus and via Baguio.
Manila to Sagada by Direct Bus
Coda Lines Corporation offers a direct transit between Manila and Sagada via
Banaue and Bontoc. The company shares the bus terminal with HM Transport in Cubao
along EDSA-Southbound. There are two types of bus: Semi Deluxe Bus (No CR) and
Super Deluxe Bus (CR Onboard).
Will there be stopovers for Super Deluxe Buses? YES! Same as the stops that
Semi Deluxe Buses will make.
Time of Departure: 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM, and 10:30 PM. Please be at the
terminal at least thirty minutes (or an hour) before departure time.
Fares: P760 (Semi Deluxe) and P980 (Super Deluxe). It’s highly recommended
to book your seat in advance to secure your slot. They prioritize those who book online.
It’s a bit risky to do walk-in as seats can run out real fast. There’s an admin fee of P35.
To book online, just go to Coda Line’s booking site
(http://codalines.philippinebus.com/) or contact them at 0927 559 2197 and 0929 521
3229. HM Transport Cubao address is at Monte de Piedad corner Maryland Street,
Cubao, Quezon City.
Manila to Sagada via Baguio It is also possible to reach Sagada via Baguio. This
involves a change of bus and terminal in Baguio City. A number of companies offer bus
services to Baguio, but two of the most popular are Victory Liner and Joy Bus. These
are also the only two we have tried, so we’ll be focusing on them.
1. Ride a bus to Baguio City. Victory Liner has terminals in: Pasay Cubao
Caloocan SampalocJoyBus has terminals in: Cubao Pasay Avenida To see the full
schedule and fares of JoyBus and Victory Liner buses, check out: MANILA TO BAGUIO
BUS SCHEDULE. If you can, choose a late night bus so you’ll arrive in Baguio in the
early morning because the last Sagada-bound bus leaves Baguio at either 11:30am or
01:00pm.
2. Take a taxi to GL Trans Terminal. GL Trans and Lizardo Trans are the two bus
companies that offer the Baguio-Sagada route. Between the two, GL Trans is more
recommended by our local friends. From Victory Liner/JoyBus station, take a taxi to GL
Trans Terminal. Fare: P80. Travel time: 10 minutes.
3. Catch a bus to Sagada. At the GL Trans Terminal, approach the counter and
purchase a ticket to Sagada, which costs P220. As of writing, here are the schedule and
routes: 05:30 am – Sagada>Besau 08:30 am – SagadaAmbasing 09:30 am –
Sagada>Besau 10:30 am – Sagada>Besau 11:30 am – SagadaAmbasing 01:00 pm
(last trip) – Sagada>Besau Notice that the latest departure time is at 1:00 PM. If you are
coming from Manila, make sure to be in Baguio before the last bus departs. It’s better to
arrive early in the morning to guarantee the transfer to Sagada from Baguio to give you
time allowance and save you from the hassle and stress. Note that the seats can sell
out fast, especially on weekends, that even when you arrive at 10:00 AM, the bus
departing at 11:30 AM is already full.
FOOD HIGHLIGHTS / FESTIVAL
1. Pinikpikan
A trip to Sagada won’t be complete
without tasting their local dishes. Without a
doubt, Pinikpikan is on top of the list. Back when
they still used smaller native chicken, it’s called
“killing-me-softly chicken” because of the slow
— and painful — way of preparing the chicken.
But today, the chickens available in the market
are more plump and meatier, so there’s no need
for the old method.
Pinikpikan is so simple yet comforting. The chicken is cooked with pieces of etag
(salt-cured smoked pork, think of it as Sagada’s bacon cubes) with ginger and other
local herbs. Locals insist that the simpler the recipe, the better. The warm and hearty
soup is perfect for the cold Sagada weather.
2. Pinit
Thriving in the highlands, “Pinit: (“sampinit”
in lowlands) is a red berry that tastes like a cross
between strawberry and raspberry.
They call it “wild strawberry” (since most
people in Sagada are fluent in English) and you
can find it along the trails of Marlboro Mountain
and Mount Kiltepan.
3. Trio Formaggi Pizza
Misty Lodge & Cafe is about 10-15
minutes away from the town on foot (five minutes
by car), but it’s definitely worth the detour. Now,
this isn’t really a native dish, but believe me when
I say that this is unlike any three cheese pizza
you’ve had before. We’re not exactly sure what
are the three cheeses involved in this piece of
pizza heaven, but there’s something sweet,
something salty, and something creamy.
4. Creamy Alfredo
Before famous French chef ChefAklay
retired, he shared his recipes with his staff. Today,
Log Cabin Restaurant and Bar is operated by Chef
Franz. We weren’t able to try everything on their
menu but we highly recommend the creamy alfredo
pasta. Get it with “Menu 1” which comes with pieces
of breaded pork and Log Cabin’s house salad made
of fresh Sagada produce.
5. Homemade yoghurt
Sagada’s staples such as yoghurt from the
Yoghurt House (and lemon pie from Sagada Lemon
Pie House) are always recommended for a very
good reason. So make sure to check them out
when you’re there.
After a huge meal, it’s great to share a bowl
of home-made yoghurt to make sure your have
good soldiers inside your tummy. This one’s
banana-granola yoghurt with strawberry preserves
from the Yoghurt House. It tastes as great as I first
had it seven years ago.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITES / ENTERTAINMENT
1. Trek to the Hanging Coffins
One of the most recognizable landmarks of Sagadaare its hanging coffins. These
coffins made from hollowed-out logs hanging from limestone cliffs and cave walls, are
part of Igorot burial ritual of pre-colonial Philippines. The Lumiang Burial Cave offers a
glimpse of ancient traditions as the placement of the coffins was believed to put the
departed closer to heaven.
Trek to Sugong Hanging Coffins &Lumiang Burial Cave Opening or Echo Valley
Hanging Coffins. Cost: P200 for up to 10 visitors. If you’re visiting Sagada this break,
you can also witness the Panag-apoy, a ritual and the traditional practice of burning “sa-
eng” (fatwood) held every eve of November 1 at the cemetery.
2. Cave Connection
First-time visitors to Sagada usually make it a point to go spelunking and try the
Cave Connection, which involves spelunking through the Sumaguing and Lumiang
Caves. This involves traversing through slippery rocks and the icy cold water for roughly
3-4 hours. Cave Connection. Time: 3-4 hours. Fee: P800 for 1-2 visitors, P400 for every
additional visitor, P400 for transport (back and forth). Short Course Caving. Time: 1-1.5
hours. Feet: P500 for up to 4 visitors
3. Watch the Sunrise at Kiltepan Peak Kiltepean Peak
This is the highest point in the area, situated on the eastern side of Sagada,
around three and a half kilometers from the town center. This spot has become famous
for its scenic view of the sunrise. Visitors usually wake up early in the morning to trek
from town to catch the sunrise at this spot. Kiltepan Sunrise. Time: 15 mins drive from
town center, Start at 4:30 am. Fee: P450 for transport (back and forth). You can also
walk (allot 1 hour) or camp out in the area the night before.
4. Hike to Waterfalls
If chasing waterfalls is your thing, then you’re in luck because Sagada has three
waterfall destinations you can hike to. The most popular waterfall destination is Bomod-
ok (Big Falls) which involves traversing through slippery rice paddies, a hanging bridge
and quaint villages. The hike takes 2-3 hours (back and forth), or longer especially if
you’re in a slow group, if you stop a lot to take photos, or linger at the falls to take a dip
in the freezing cold water. Other waterfall destinations in Sagada include Tape-ew (twin
falls), which is said to also take 2-3 hours of hiking (back and forth) depending on your
ability walk on trails, and Pongas–which involves a more challenging trail to get to.
Inquire at the Sagada Tourist Center for a guide.
Transportation can be arranged to nearer jump-off points for the trek. Rates:
Bomod-ok Falls. Cost: P600 for up to 10 visitors + P650 for transport (via Aguid) or
+P500 for tranport (via (Bangaan). Tap-ew Falls. Cost: P600 for up to 10 visitors + P650
for transport (back and forth). Pongas Falls. P600 for up to 10 visitors + P650 for
transport (back and forth) What to bring/wear: Camera, clothes for swimming if you plan
to take a dip, comfortable shoes for hiking (sandals/wet shoes)
5. Go Mountain Biking
If you’re a biker into dirt trails and challenging uphills, you’ll love mountain biking
in Sagada. The high elevation and sloping terrain can be a real thrill for experts in
technical riding. You can try biking all the way to Marlboro Country in about 2 hours.
The refreshing breeze, view of the pine-covered slopes and mountains beyond the cliffs,
makes biking here a visual treat. Rent bikes from Sagada Mountain Bikes (same place
as Sagada Pine Cafe, beside Kimchi Restaurant).
The operators there have 6 units available – 5 mountain bikes and 1 BMX.
Helmets are provided. Reserve the day before and start early to ensure you can get a
bike. Rates: Bicycle rentals cost P100/hour from Sagada Mountain Bikes. Contact no:
09293269092. The bikes are kept at Olahbinan Inn. What to bring: Water, handy
camera or phone cam
6. Go Rock Climbing Sagada’s cliffs
This isn’t just picturesque. They’re great for rock climbing too. Echo Valley has a
natural rock wall that you can try scaling. The wall has an easy, medium and hard route.
Compared to indoor wall climbing at the gym, the natural crags and rocks are a real
challenge to climb, but the view all around and from the top is spectacular.
Inquire at the Sagada Tourist Information Center for a climbing guide who will
bring all the equipment, ropes, helmet, climbing shoes &chalkbags needed. Rates: Rock
Climbing costs P800/pax, for 1-2 persons. What to bring: Water, trail mix or light snacks
like bananas or bread & your own climbing shoes (if you have)
7. Explore by motorbike
For motorcycle riders coming from Manila, Sagada is one of the top riding
destinations, as it passes spectacular mountain scenery and twisties. For tourists who
aren’t riding all the way, but still want to explore sights nearby, you can rent motorbikes
for use around Sagada town proper and even further. We rented a couple of motorbikes
and rode from the Sagada town proper to the Banaue Rice Terraces and
Kiltepan Peak
The highest point of the mountainous province is Kiltepan Peak. From there, you
can see the rice terraces that were carved out by the Cordillera Tribe. It’s a wonderful
view that gives you the perfect opportunity to appreciate just how man can mold nature
in a way that will benefits both parties. Yes, it’s a stark contrast from the minimal green
and brown we see peeking out of concrete sidewalks, but it’s a contrast that’s well worth
the trip.
Kamowan Weaving and Souvenir Shop
For a more personal experience of Sagada’s fingerprint, make a stop at the
Kamowan Weaving and Souvenir Shop. There is arguably no better place to immerse
yourself in the aesthetic, design and identity of the area.
The weaving practice, which is as complex and tough as it is beautiful, has been
passed on from generation to generation and will continue to be passed on. Seeing the
work that goes into the local bags, clothing and accessories will give you an entirely
new perspective on what we oftentimes haphazardly put on. It’s a painstaking process
that requires patience, mastery and love for the craft.
Cellar Door Bonfire
But there is more to Sagada than a colorful history; it’s brimming with modern
stories that are waiting to be told. The Cellar Door Bonfire offers visitors a taste of local
beer—which may not be the most traditional way of learning about a province, but a
surprise once in a while is a good thing. Taste decade-old traditions that are served up
in trendy yet timeless methods. The local brewing scene is young, but you can bet that it
isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Sagada Town
They say that the Philippines is one of the friendliest places in the world, that it’s
filled with smiles and laughs and people who are willing to help. This is a fact that is
especially true in Sagada. The locals are used to walking strangers who look around
and ask for directions. But while this may annoy some of us, the people of Sagada are
nothing but welcoming. The aura they emit is relaxed and laid back. It’s a mood that will
help you slow down, put things in perspective and reflect.
Marlboro Country
Sagada is mountainous—that isn’t a secret. But its highest peak, known as
Marlboro Country, is the highest in the province. The hike is long, but the 360-degree
view is more than worth it. Wake up early to catch the sunrise in a place that brings you
as close to heaven as you can—without getting your feet off the ground.
Sit back and take the time to unwind, because no one goes to Sagada for a few
whirlwind days only to leave when the sights are seen. Sagada is a place that offers so
much, but you’ll want to do nothing in as well. Artists, tourists and adventure-seekers
have all made the trip, seen the area and fallen in love. But what they leave with is a
love that they want to keep nourishing.
ACCOMMODATION & ROOM FACILITIES
The staff are accommodating, the room is clean and its quiet. They have
restaurant which serves native foods. They also have bon fire place at night
where you can hang out with your friends
Sagada Heritage Village is set in Sagada. This property offers both free WiFi and
private parking free of charge. Guests at the guest house can e
(BLUE MOUNTAIN CABIN) It’s a well-designed hotel that really gives you that
being ‘in a cabin’ feel.
(AGAPE LOG CABIN)Beautiful place, very quaint and homey
GROUP V
CHAIRMAN:
ANGELICA PAUTAN 09364555056
MEMBERS:
LOURE JANE TIROL 09434526094
JANE APAS 09205086533
ANGEL TAGHOY 09264847681
JOHN PHLIP ELECION 09276780585
JHUN KHEN JUMAO-AS 09279410386
KIM CHARLEMAGNE ORACION 09239185907
MIKE LOUIS TAMPUS 09455504321
PREPARED BY GROUP V
SUBMITTED T0: MR. HENRY SYOBNIMAGA