Travelling is the kind of activity, which almost all the people love. For someone it is an opportunity to relax and abstract from everyday busy life. For others it is interesting to observe the way people of other cultures and mentality live. Some people consider it to be the best way to have fun and always try to visit as many clubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes as possible for their wallets and time limits. Sagada is located in Northern Luzon's Mountain Province and is accessed via a scenic yet windy road from the lower township of Bontoc or further afield from Banaue or Baguio. Sagada is one the places I really wanted to check in my bucket list so I made time to visit and enjoy what Sagada has. My friend and I planned to go in this place last October 2019 when I got 1 week vacation as sembreak continued. We invited the whole gang and due conflict scheds and workloads, they did not come along. However, if there are always the opportunities, seize it and live for it.
The travel hour from Nueva Ecija to Baguio City is approximately 6 to 7 hours depending on the traffic along the way. Since our town is far from the North, we should go to Cabanatuan Terminal first to find a van going to Baguio. We reached the terminal for about 2 and half hours, luckily, we found a travel van that waited 2 passengers before leaving. After the long drive, we touched down Baguio City at 5 or 6 in the evening and we did wander because the place is actually relaxing (we all knew that haha). Eating delicacies, window shopping, viewing the beautiful sceneries in Baguio, and we did a night shop in Night Market. It is a long road with variety of stores selling various products and goods in an affordable price. It was indeed a great opportunity to experience the Night Market in Baguio because the products are affordable yet useful.
As the night market preparing for closing, we went on slaughter house where the first trip from Baguio City to Sagada is waiting. The travel hours from Baguio City to Sagada is about 6 and half hour. We arrived in Sagada around 11 in the morning. After lunch, we started exploring the destinations.
The Sumaguing Cave
All of these underworlds, Sumaguing Cave has the biggest chamber, earning its nickname as “The Big Cave”. This is the first destination yet most challenging part of this trip. Kuya Satur, the leader of our tour guides, initiated the spelunking. We explore the cave and amazed by the rock formation inside. The tour guides advised everyone that don't look up if you don't want to be stained by bat-poop droppings. It is commonly known that caves are the place where bats are thriving. The people in Sagada said that rituals and other traditional gatherings are formed inside the cave. The exploration went well and it was very joyous because it was once in a lifetime moment. So, we reached the best spot of the cave, the awesome formation of limestone. They people in Sagada said that rituals and other traditional gatherings are formed inside the cave.
Echo Valley ft. Church of the St. Mary the Virgin
To see coffins perched on the side of a mountain is unusual enough, but to find a chair strapped to one makes it even odder. To get to Echo Valley and the hanging coffins, you’ll need to walk past St. Mary’s Cathedral (also known as Church of St. Mary the Virgin), a church built by American Anglican missionaries who arrived in Sagada during the early part of the last century. Despite converting to the Anglican faith, many Sagadans continue to practice their beliefs.
Though the hanging coffins are still utilized, many Sagadans these days choose to be buried in this Anglican cemetery instead.
After crossing the cemetery, you’ll find yourself standing at the top of Echo Valley. A gorgeous spot with a killer view, the hanging coffins are about a 15-20 min downhill trek from here.
After this, you will see a number of woods hanged along cliffs. This is what you called the Hanging Coffins. It is the old burial tradition of Igorot where they put the corpse in coffins and suspended with wires and ropes along cliffs. This practice keeps thousands cultural beliefs that make it more unique that other traditions. Hence, whatever the cultures and beliefs people have, respect is the foremost needed.
The Club house and Sandwiches
After a long and tiring day, we agreed to try the foods they offer here in this classic and bambooed-resto. We tried their unique burger, pasta and tea to ease hunger and relax our legs.
The Cellar Door
A few minutes, Kuya Satur called us if we wanted to go in Cellar Door or also known as Cerveza Sagada. The first and only craft brewery in Sagada. Even we tried lots of beers in Cities, we always want to try craft beer direct from the source. I absolutely love the natural and unique outdoor set-up of Sagada Cellar Door. Imagine drinking quality craft beer while sitting by a bonfire under the stars in the middle of a forest surrounded by pine trees in the Philippines!
(wait for the Part II 😉)
Sana all hahahaha. After pandemic gora na talaga kami ng baguio