Sagada is located 275 km north of Manila and 140 km from Baguio. It is a 5th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province in the Philippines adjacent to Bontoc, the provincial capital. It is an 8 hours drive from Baguio depending on road and weather conditions. 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.
Sagada is used to welcoming adventurous foreign backpackers or mountaineers. These days Sagada is seeing a mix of foreign `and local tourists, thanks to the almost completed Halsema Road which links Baguio and Sagada. It can now allow city vehicles to get to Sagada. Because of the increasing number of visitors, Sagada is seeing an upsurge in the construction of new accommodations and souvenir shops. But despite the intrusion of metropolitan influence, Sagada remains a strong and resilient community keeping their character, tradition and way of life intact and not influenced by foreign visitors.
Sagada is known for some adventurous activities such as trekking, exploring both caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, and participating in tribal celebrations. Guides are available and recommended as the trails can be dangerously breathtaking.
What Sagada Offers
Sagada is strikingly beautiful, set proudly at 1500 meters above sea level. It has abundant flowers, unique ethnic architecture and beautiful views down the valley. The pine trees that cover the surrounding mountains provide a dramatic backdrop.
Some of the popular to-do activities in Sagada include:
- Caving. You can go on a 2 to 3-hour cave connection trip, which includes a visit to the Sumaguing Cave, Burial Cave, Lumiang Cave and the hanging coffins. Entering through the Burial Cave, you will come out from Sumaguing Cave. This activity is best done with a local guide.
- Hiking-Bumud-ok Falls (Big Falls). This Big Falls is located in Bangaan and may be reached via a jeep plying Bangaan route. The way to Big Falls has a well-established path so you can go without a guide. A must-do is jumping from the ledge down to the waters streaming from the Falls.
- Exploring Echo Valley. It is best to take a guide. You can look at hanging coffins, sit by the river, or walk through the tunnel of the underground river. There are lots of paths in Echo Valley and one can easily make the wrong turn. There are 3 caves – one is dry, the second is where the river enters the underground caverns and can be entered only for a short distance, the third is where the river flows under Sagada to the other side of the hill. It is not advised to attempt to follow the underground river after heavy rains as people can easily drown in the heavy and strong currents.
- White Water Rafting. From July to early January, white water rafting is available on the Upper Chico River. The sections of the river being rafted are downstream from Bontoc. During months when water is unusually high, rafting above Bontoc is possible. Most sections have numerous class 3 to 3+ rapids and several class 4 rapids. Equipment is of international standards and US rafting professionals have trained the raft guides. Many foreign tourists have tried this challenging activity.
If you’re looking for an action-packed vacation, then Sagada is a good place for you. From spelunking to white water rafting to hiking and other adrenalin rushing activities; Sagada can definitely satisfy your thirst for adventure. Include the breathtaking view, great food, cold weather and awesome tour guide and you have a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. It’s really more fun in travelling the Philippines.
