Sagada || First Time Experience

If there is one place that I want to visit again that would definitely be Sagada. I would define it as a precious stone hidden behind the mountains of Cordillera Mountain Province. A small town at an elevation of 5000 feet above sea level, Sagada is a perfect escape from the busy and organized-chaos life in the city. The cool relaxing weather and peaceful community is what i miss the most. For nature lovers like me this would be a perfect place. I'm not a beach goer and I would rather choose to explore rivers, trek, climb different mountains and dive in the falls (though i don't know how to swim, haha!).

Famous Hanging Coffins in Sagada

I went to Sagada last year together with my friends to celebrate my 24th birthday. It was an awesome and challenging Sagada experience for me as a first timer. I really struggled much during our way to Sagada and going back to Manila. I easily get dizzy on a long land travel and Sagada is 431 km away from Manila not to mention the long and countless zigzag roads. So I almost puke my guts out (ew! and Bonamine didn't work, I took 2 tablets before we depart from Manila) but luckily I was able to hold everything that was attempting to get out of my mouth (woohoo!) and somehow enjoyed the overwhelming view on the road. 

We signed up on a group tour via travel agency (click here to visit their Facebook page). There was a storm during our trip which adds to the excitement and thrill (storm chasing-bring it on! haha) and so instead of more than 12 pax in the group, there were 8 of us left (the courageous 8! lol) others did not come because of the storm. 

We paid Php 2990 each for a 3 day and 2 night trip. That includes the round trip air conditioned van transfer (Manila-Banaue-Sagada-Baguio-Manila), fuel charges, toll, parking, entrance fees and permits. It also includes the 3D2N accommodations and tour guide fees except for the Sumaguing Cave that we paid differently which amounts Php 450/person (cave connection from Sumaguing to Lumiang Cave).

The meals were not included in the package so we paid on our own. There are many eatery's/mini-restos in Sagada which serves delicious food on a reasonable price. Some of those that i can suggest which we've tried are, Salt & Pepper, Yoghurt House and Sagada Lemon Pie House which is one of our favorite because of their large servings, almost good for 2 persons and the prices are very affordable.

Bomod-ok Falls and Sumaguing Cave Entrance

We were very fortunate that it didn't rain when we had our caving session. Sad though coz were not able to witness the amazing sun rise due to the clouds blocking the sun because of the bad weather:( But nevertheless we still enjoyed our first Sagada experience. It was one of a kind and very memorable. We did a lot of walking but who would mind walking in a cold weather while seeing the beauty of nature?