Destination: Sagada

Sagada is a very special place, one that even city-bred Filipinos hold in awe. Sagada is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Philippines especially for those who love trekking, spelunking, rappelling, and rock climbing. Its mountainous regions are perfect for these kinds of activities, but this is not all that Sagada has to offer. It is also a serene and solemn place that one can go to when the stresses at work and the frustrations of city life seem too much. Located about 14 hours away from Metro Manila, its distance from the busy city promises to revive your spirits and take you into another place entirely.

The Mountain Province’s climate is definitely cold because of its high location.
Crops that thrive only in cold climates can be found here such as cabbages, tomatoes, green pepper, potatoes, carrots, beans and other fruits and vegetables. These crops are exported to other areas, including Metro Manila.
Tourists and guests favor the cool climate of Sagada because it is a respite from the typical tropical climate the rest of the country is accustomed to. Visitors to the Sagada must pack for cold weather. The people of Sagada are called Igorot, which is derived from the word golot meaning “mountain.” They
were the only Filipinos who weren’t influenced by Spanish or American invaders. It is also interesting to note that Sagada is the only town in the Philippines that is predominantly Protestant. Their love for independence still remains today and is not easily erased by modernity. Theirs is a wealthy culture that all Filipinos should be proud of.

Best Times to Go
The best time to visit Sagada is during the dry months of December to May, so as not to make trekking difficult. However, climate in Sagada is very cold all year round, more so during the rainy season, so guests must not forget to bring a jacket to keep themselves warm.

Places to Visit in Sagada:
Sumaguing and Lumiang Burial Caves
Sumaguing Cave has the largest chamber connecting all the 60 caves of the
town. It is also known as the Big Cave. It is the most popular and most visited site in Sagada. Stalagmites and stalactites form inside the caves over millions of years and are truly a sight to behold. These formations in Sumaguing Cave are given different names based on their forms. Examples are pregnant woman, Mickey Mouse, rice terraces, and others. It is an evidence of untouched nature that we should keep and protect.

Lumiang Burial Cave, on the other hand, is known for the piled coffins of the
early people buried inside it. These coffins can be found at the entrance to
Lumiang Cave. After entering, it will lead you to a stiff, narrow, and difficult trail to its end, passing to Sumaguing Cave. The Lumiang to Sumaguing connection is best for more daring cavers.

Bomod-ok Falls/Big Falls
Bomod-ok Falls is also known as “Big Falls” because it is a 200-feet tall
waterfall. Visiting the Big Falls can be a little challenging because of the long
trek which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours before reaching it, but an option of
riding a jeepney or a van is advisable for those who don’t want to do the trek.

Rice Terraces – Banga-an
The Rice Terraces are hailed as the “eighth wonder of the world.” They are
carved out of the mountains by the ancient Igorots to maximize the farming
space. Every step is laboriously piled out of small rocks, creating a strong
foundation of the rice lands. The rice terraces were built using advanced
engineering techniques and skills to prevent soil erosion. It is indeed a
remarkable proof of Filipino intelligence, and also hard work and creativity that leads to a greater value of tourism all over the world.

Kiltepan Rice Terraces View Point Tower
Kiltepan Tower got its name from its three bounding barangays: Kilong,
Tetep-An, and Antadao. It is definitely a must-see if you go to Sagada. The
cool temperature while hiking to the top and the trail walled with pine trees will take away your tiredness especially when you reach its highest point and view the mountain ranges’ crests amidst floating white clouds.

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