Since "That Thing Called Tadhana" has topped the movie houses when it was released on the big screen, Sagada has been the talk of many travel enthusiasts. Although the small town up in the mountains had become a tourist destination even before, it can't be denied that the movie has contributed a big part in the out-pour of local travelers. And I am one of those who got smitten by the breath-taking natural beauty of Sagada.
Let's cite some geographical information of the place. Sagada is nestled in a valley at the upper end of the Malitep tributary of the Chico River some one 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–Abra boundary. (Wikipedia)
So, let's begin re-telling my journey to the wonders of Sagada.
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| Most of the time, who you travel with makes the journey more unforgettable. True enough. You are looking at a newly formed circle of friends brought altogether by one common goal, travel. (Photo taken at Saint Mary the Virgin Church's compound which connects to the Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins. Credits to Alvin David & Roma Daquiwag, two of my travel buddies. They have a GoPro cam. Astig!) |
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| After almost 12 hours of travel from Manila to Sagada, finally, our group made it safely to George Guest House. We are 12 in the van but this is our group as per payment. A group of 5 is 2,999.00 per head all-in except food. (Photo by Alvin) |
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| Everyone is looking excited, yeah? Ah, no. Hungry! This is the dining area of George. If you are too lazy to look for a place to eat, you won't regret recharging your tummies here. I love their veggies! Crunchy and fresh! One of the many things I looked forward to before going to Sagada, eating fresh vegetables! :) (Photo by Alvin) |
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| This is our second day getting ready for trekking to Bomod-ok Falls. (Photo by Roma) |
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| The picture says it all! :) (Photo by Alvin) |
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| Close na kami, agad agad! At Banaue Viewpoint but the fogs are covering the astonishing view, nevertheless, Banaue is still as breathtakingly beautiful as the triplets in our group, Mia (front), Lara (next to Mia) and Denise (behind them). These beautiful people are amazing. |
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| From here, besties were born. :) The original besties Zeh (beautiful lady with a cap) and Roma (the pretty lady in red sweater), and the adopted besties, us. |
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| Photo by Alvin David |
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| Photo by Alvin David |
More stopover photos on our way home. You'll see the majestic beauty of nature as you read along. :)
Travel with me as I narrate here our victorious adventure in Sagada through pictures taken mostly by Alvin David and Roma Daquiwag's GoPro cameras. But others were from all the besties cellphone cameras. I wasn't able to take many pictures because yeah, I brought my camera, without an SD card! hahaha!
Day 01 Lumiang Burial Cave, Sumaguing Spelunking/Caving
Lumiang Burial Cave
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| This is the Lumiang Burial Cave were the indigenous people of Sagada were laid to rest. Interestingly, coffins mostly are very short while some are long and why were they at the opening of the cave. We learned that our ancestors believed that one should be laid to rest in the same formation as one was born. So the coffins were small because they are in fetal position. The longer coffins suggest the arrival of Christianity, the dead no longer was in fetal position. We are having a little history class here. I really listened carefully to the tour guide. Most coffins were made from a tree trunk. There is one there that has an engrave of a Gecko, a representation of being a leader in a community. They said that the coffins were inside the cave at first, but many believed that their spirits are still alive roaming around. They then decided to transfer the coffins at the opening of the cave for the belief that they will be the ones to guard the hidden treasures which they believed existed inside the cold cave. Superstitions were truly alive on that era. (Photo b Alvin) |
Sumaguing Spelunking/Caving
I wasn't the adventurous kind of a person until I had the chance to become one. My kind of travel is quiet, peaceful, with lots of time for sightseeing. But then I found out, I can also ride at the top of a jeepney running along deadly cliffs! and explore the depths of a cold graveyard like cave by rock climbing and rappelling with my bare hands and gear less feet. (At the right side of my blog, you might also want to read my surfing experience in Baler, Aurora :) )
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| Yes we are ready!!! |
I'm not going to describe the process how we get in there. You have to experience it yourself so you can have the pride to buy the shirt, "I SURVIVED SAGADA". Just enjoy the photos. They may not say it all. :)
(Photos by Alvin David)
Everyone in action! AJA!
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| Ngiting Tagumpay! May mga gutom na din dyan. At nanginginig na mga tuhod. :D |
TO BE CONTINUED...
For the future travelers, I will be providing you the contact details of our Tour Coordinator, the ever humble, funny, kind and accommodating Kuya Marlon Tauli. Our tour package included round trip van transfer (Manila-Banaue/Sagada/Baguio-Manila), transfer to all tour sites, 3 days 2 nights accommodation at George Guest House (one of the famous guest houses in Sagada), 3 days full tours as per itinerary, all guide fees, all registration and entrance fees. Food is the only exclusion. You can contact Kuya Marlon at 0918-352-2579 or 0928-896-8056.
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