Travel Guide: Sagada, Mountain Province

Warning: Picture-heavy post!

Sagada is known for its “hanging coffins” – the traditional way of burying people which according to their traditions only the married and who have grandchildren may be buried this way. Also,  its sunrise viewing which was featured in the movie “That Thing Called Tadhana,” since then it has become a spot for those who wishes to go “soul searching.” Here’s a travel guide to Sagada Mountian Province in the Philippines!

We joined a travel group called TravelPinas which, I think is the best travel and tour group out there.

First Day in Sagada Mountain Province

On our first day, we were to trek 3 kilometers going to  Bomod-ok falls. It is located between the villages of Aguid, Pide, and Fidelisan.  It was roughly an hour trek through the bright green Aguid Rice Terraces. Though this one is not for the fainted heart, as it requires a lot of endurance but the breathtaking views more than made up for challenge. You will have to get a guide just for this trip separately, tour guide fee and environmental fee of P10, which according to our guide, is use for the maintenance of pathways going to the falls.

Last ascend and we’re almost there!

After an hour of trekking, you will see the mighty Bomod-ok falls or the Big Falls as it is more popularly known to Sagada tourists in all its wonder. The water was really deep and cold, so you’ll get refreshed after a very tiring trek. It’ll wake up all your senses. Trivia: According to our guide,  it takes about 5000 steps going here.

Second Day in Sagada Mountain Province

The Travel coordinator challenged us that day and that is to climb through two caves, Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves. Challenge accepted. Yes, we are ready! And excited!

Where to eat in Sagada Mountain Province: We had dinner at Log Cabin.

Third Day in Sagada Mountain Province

If you watched ‘That Thing Called Tadhana,’ a Filipino movie, then you’re probably familiar with Kiltepan Peak, which is the best area to await for the sunrise.  It is found east from the town center of Sagada rises to 1,636 meters above sea level.

Overall, Sagada in Mt. Province is one of the best travel destinations in the Philippines. Not only for it’s breathtaking sceneries but also for the locals who were welcoming and very friendly. Even if you choose to just see the spots or go spelunking through the caves either way you’re gonna enjoy your stay in Sagada.

Photo Credits:

Groufie/Selfie: Mark M. Margaret A.

Recommended 2-Day Itinerary

DAY 0

• 8:00 PM Meet up
• 9:00pm ETD going to Banaue

DAY 1

• 6:00 AM – ETA Banaue rice terraces (breakfast) 
• 8:00 AM – ETD going to Sagada 
• 12:00 PM – ETA Sagada (check-in) 
• 1:00 PM – Lunch at Salt & Pepper
• 2:00 PM – Start trek going to Bomod-ok Falls 
• 5:00 PM – End of Activity 
• 6:00 PM – Dinner & Socials 
• 10:00 PM – Lights Off

DAY 2

• 5:00 AM – Wake-up call 
• 7:00 AM – Breakfast, Start of Activity 
• Places To visit: 
  • Echo valley 
  • Hangin coffin 
  • Lumiang cave 
  • Sumaging cave 
  • Lake Danum 
• 5:00 PM – End of activity 
• 6:00 PM – Dinner at Log Cabin
• 7:00 PM – Bonfire 
• 11:00 PM – Lights Off

DAY 3

• 5:00 AM – Wake-up call proceed to Keltipan Peak 
• 7:00 AM – City tour (buy pasalubong) 
• 11:00 AM – ETD going to Baguio city 
• 4:00 PM – ETA Baguio city 
• 6:00 PM – Stop Over/Dinner 
• 8:00 PM ETD going to Manila 
• 1:00 AM – ETA Manila

Budget/Expenses

We joined a tour agency for this trip and paid a total of P3,200.
Inclusion: 
* Van transfer 
* Accommodation 
* Registration fee 
* Environmental fee 
* Green fee 
* Entrance fee 
* Guide fee