Sagada

Posted on 02. May, 2008 by Lakwatsero in Destinations, Luzon

For love of Sagada, Lakwatsero is featuring this place:

Fifteen hundred feet above the sea is a small and tranquil town of Sagada in Mountain Province, 275 Kilometers north of Manila. A remote town with so much to offer to anyone who chooses to experience its distinct appeal. With its temperate weather, wondrous caves and cliffs, lofty rice terraces and waterfalls, luscious foods and delicacies, rich heritage and traditions, Sagada promises everyone an unforgettable and truly remarkable experience with nature and culture.

Sagada also embraces its visitors with the warm hospitality of the locals that complements the beauty of the place. Undoubtedly, the charm of this mountain town is still incomparable to most tourist destinations in the country, making it one of Lakwatsero’s favorite destinations and thus calling it home away from home, like most local and foreign tourists do.

Whether you are a laid back traveler or more into adventure, young or old, Lakwatsero of any backgrounds and ages, you definitely have a place here.

How to Get There

There are no direct trips to Sagada from Manila, it can only be reached either via Baguio, Bontoc or Banawe with almost the same travel time and fare.

Via Baguio

Most bus companies heading to Northern Philippines have trips to Baguio. But Lakwatsero prefers Victory Liner, their Baguio bound busses leave the terminal (Manila, Pasay, Cubao and Caloocan) every hour. It is a five to six hours travel for P450.00 (~$10). The most ideal time to travel is around 10:00 to 11:00 PM for you to reach their Baguio Terminal by 5:00AM the next day. Other bus Lines that ply to Baguio are:

• Dagupan Bus (EDSA cor. New York,  Cubao , Quezon City/ Contact No: (02)727-2330) – P355.00
• Philippine Rabbit (Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila)

From Victory Baguio Terminal, catch a cab to Dangwa Terminal where the buses to Sagada can be found. It is a short taxi ride (around 10 minutes) for approximately P40.00 (~1USD). Then ride a Lizardo or GL Transit bus to Sagada, the earliest leaving Dangwa around six in the morning. The fare is P220.00 (~$5.50) for a 6 to 7 hour ride passing to some rough roads. The Sagada bus will stop in front of the Municipal Hall.

Via Bontoc

Bontoc, the capital of Mountain province is a 12 hours ride from Manila. Cable Tours (Contact No: 074-6021068, +639185216790, +639214488814) and Kasilen Transport (Contact No: +639178629574; +639163603483) have daily trips to Bontoc, leaving Manila at night. Fare is P500.00 (~$12.50).

From Bontoc catch a jeepney to Sagada. These jeepneys leave Bontoc every hour. It is around an hour bumpy ride for P35.00 (~$1).

Via Banaue

Banaue route is a good choice if you plan to drop by to the famous Rice Terraces of Banawe. Autobus Lines (Contact No: 7358096) and Florida Bus Lines (Contact No: 7433809/7315358/4933667) in Sampaloc, Manila has daily trips to Banaue that leaves the terminal at 10:00PM and 10:45PM respectively. It is a nine (9) hour bus ride for P460.00 (~$11).

From Banaue, ride a tricycle (P20.00/~$0.50) from the terminal to the Banaue town proper and catch Immanuel Bus Line to Bontoc for P100.00 (~2.5 USD) that will drop you off near the Bontoc Municipal Hall. From there, ride a jeepney to Sagada for P35.00 (<1 USD). You may opt to ride on the jeepney rooftop to enjoy the view and the sea of clouds of Sagada.

Where to Stay

Since Sagada embraced tourism, a couple of inns and lodges sprouted in almost every corner of the town proper and surrounding area. But Lakwatsero’s top pick of course is the Residential Lodge, owned by very kind and accomodating Tita Mary Daoas (Contact No: +639296257419/+639196728744). It is a two-storey lodge with a common area per floor where guests could watch TV or interact with other people. The room rate is as low as P200.00 (~$5) per head per night for a dormitory type room and P250.00 (~$6) per head per night for a room with toilet and bath.

Other notable places to stay are: Travellers Inn (Contact No: +639207992960); George Guest House (Contact No:+639185480405/+639206070994); Rock Inn Cafe (Contact No: +639209095899).

Activities

There are so much to do and so much to see in Sagada:

• Spelunking in Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves or try the three hour Cave Connection
• Tour Echo Valley, Underground River, Bokong Falls
• Visit the hanging coffins and other ancient burial sites
• Rock climbing in Echo Valley Cliffs
• Walk through Rice Terraces
• Trek to Bomod-ok Falls
• Commune with nature and culture of Sagada
• Try the mountain tea and the famous yoghurt of the Yoghurt House
• Look for the wildhorses in Sagada’s Marlboro Country
• See the sunset at Kiltepan Viewpoint
• See Lake Danum and Mt. Ampacao

Lakwatsero Experience

Lakwatsero has been to Sagada in 2006 and 2007. Watch put for the narrative, itineraries and photos of his journeys in his favorite Philippine getaway.

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For more information about Sagada, go to VisitSagada, your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about Sagada.

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Tags: Baguio, sagada