Monday, December 30, 2013

Sagada - Coolest Place in the Philippines (4th time)

Top loading in Sagada
Among the various tourist spots in the Philippines, Sagada comes closest to my heart. 
It has been my fourth time to visit Sagada last December 2013 
and the place still amazes me in so many ways..

The original plan was to spend the last days of the year again in Mindanao. But for one reason and another, I ended up going anew to Sagada. I do not mind the backbreaking 12-hour travel every year for as long as I will be in Sagada.

My first travel in Sagada was way back 2010. I joined the group of Mr. Abina and ended up going not only going in Sagada, but as well as in Banaue Rice Terraces. 

Second time was 2011 and I simply went to Sumaging Cave and spent only one day in Sagada. I went back to Baguio as the rain was pouring profusely.

Third time was the best experience with my co-called "Backpackers" last 2012 and I also made a separate blog for that unforgettable experience.

And I just had to scratch the itch this year and I went back to Sagada!

There are three things I like about Sagada, namely: (1) its environment, (2) weather and, (3 its adventures!

December 26, 2013 

I left Batangas at around 7 pm and arrived in Manila 9 pm. I boarded the train to Doroteo Jose Station for the Genesis trip to Baguio (You can also go to Cubao and board Victory Liner). It is either Genesis or Victory Liner for my trips in Baguio. The bus left 11 pm (first trip) and it took only less than 6 hours before we reached Baguio. Arriving in Baguio, I boarded a taxi, went to Dangwa and paid only P50.00. It was a 5 minute drive to the bus station. 

I always make it a point to eat in Good Taste Restaurant whenever I am going to Sagada. The trip would not be complete without eating in this succulent Chinese restaurant. 

After the early meal, I went to the station. There was a long queue that morning and I ended up boarding the 3rd trip to Sagada. The fare was only P220.00 for a 6-hour trip or 138 kilometer trip.

Normally, there was only 2-3 stops before reaching Sagada. But this trip was totally different! We experienced 2 flat tires along the way. And we arrived in Sagada past 2 pm.

I went to Ma'am Karen Galas Homestay (0907-771-4431) and placed by bag inside her house. The lodging fee was P250/day. I trekked and went to Danum Lake. 


From the town, it is 30-40 minute uphill trek. But from where I stayed, it was only a 25-minute trek. It was my first time to see the lake. I waited for the sunset but it was cloudy and foggy that day and I decided to go back to the town instead. On my way back to the town, out of nowhere, I saw my SG and CDO friends.

From left to right - Jan, Marian, Maricel and their friend
The first night in Sagada was so cold that I had to double my clothing, put my socks, wear globes, and jacket.







We had to build a bonfire to keep us warm that night.

Day 2 - December 28, 2013

The following morning, there was only one thing to do - Hiking! 

I opted not to do spelunking that day. I did the 2-hour spelunking in Sumaging Cave twice already and the cave connection for Lumiang to Sumaging last 2010. 

I joined the Marian's group for this trek and paid only P260.00 for the tour.

Normally, the trek towards the fall is good less than an hour and a half.

It was cold and foggy that day. But it was still a good day for trekking!

I made an extra effort to reach it ahead of time that day as part of my exercise.




And my efforts paid off. I reached anew Bomod-ok Falls for the fourth time!


Marian's group decided to do spelunking that day after the hiking trip. But I decided to go back to the town and do a little bit of ukay-ukay shopping. I was able to buy 2 Northface jackets for 800 each and 1 Columbia jacket for P700.00. Good thing it was a Saturday and the town has its weekly market only on a Saturday!


The following morning, I had to leave ahead of schedule and went to Bulacan to see somebody so special and dear to me. 


I will be back next summer 2014 in Sagada!

Suggested Activities

SOUTHERN SAGADA
Cave Connection (4 hours)
Short Course Caving (2 hours)

EASTERN SAGADA
Marlboro Country
Overnight Camping
Kilpetan Sunrise Viewing
Rice Terraces

CENTRAL SAGADA
Eco-cultural Tour
Echo Valley/Hanging Coffins
Underground River Entrance
Bokong/ Small Falls
Rock Climbing

NORTHERN SAGADA
Eco-cultural Tour
Bomod-ok/Big Falls
Fidelisan Rice Terraces
Northern Sagada Villages

WESTERN SAGADA
Danum Lake
Sunset View
Ampacao Mountain Trek

Youtube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgiGiLI79s4

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