Arriving at Old Cemetery of Sagada in Mountain Province

From the St. Mary's The Virgin Church, you will passed through this public cemetery going to Echo Valley & Hanging Coffins. Did you known that they have a gathering called Sagada's Festival of Light every first day of November? The people of Sagada proceed to this area during that time, then use woods of pine trees and burying them at side of the tomb. All of the tomb (nitso) are colored in white, with different sizes and formation.  This is an unusual tradition in Sagada cannot be seen to other parts of the country. Only in Sagada, Mountain Province! Some of the coffins are well over a century old years. Sagada has more adventure awaiting us, so we proceed to the Echo Valley or "ecological valley" because my friends is so much creepy with this old cemetery on a hill in the middle of the forest. 

Walking into St. Mary's The Virgin in Sagada, Mountain Province

This is the only and oldest church in Sagada, Mountain Province and known to be the mother church in Sagada and Angelican Mission of the north, this protestant old church in Sagada is about 5-10 minutes away from the town proper and can be easily seen on the way to Echo Valley & Hanging Coffins. Just a few steps from the municipal hall and Sagada Municpal Hospital. The area is clean, calm, well-maintained and a lot of green pine trees covering the whole part of the church. Don't forget to take photo at this old memorable landmark of Sagada and has a very unique magnificent stone formation or limestone which built during the early 1900's. Like any other towns in the country, Sagada is a small uphill village in the Mountain Province. Tips: take enough cash with you and foods when you visit the place because there is no atm machine and some foods in the restaurant are more expensive than other parts of Mountain Province. Prize ranges is Php 100-200 pesos per serving. Best light for pictures during the afternoon and I will never forget this place because I always reminds me about the rich historical cultures of the people in Sagada. Happy Trip Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines.

Inside the Church of St. Mary's The Virgin in Sagada

Our group is entering at the side of church which located into a wooden wheel. The place is very unique, architecture design is good, wooden chairs and has a low ceiling. We took a group photos in front of the altar and the cross is covered with violet cloth. Our tourist guide tells us that St. Mary's The Virgin or also known as St. Mary's Episcopal Church was built in 1904 by American Missionaries which visited the place to teach people of Sagada about christian religion. There is a huge stone formation at the side of the church and well-preserved by local government. In those pictures will only tell you how wonderful and  a rich-culture. I also agreed with other tourist that Sagada is known for its pleasant climate all year round. Check out my next post about - Old Cemetery & Echo Valley Adventure Experience.

Oldest Bell Church in Sagada, Mountain Province

Before heading to Echo Valley, we dropped to the oldest bell church in Sagada, Mountain Province and take a lot photos. As per our tourist guide, this was build in 1921 with the American - Spanish entering the province and serves as a marker how the Protestant faith in God. When traveling Sagada just take time to see this landmark, beside St. Mary's Church. I think half of our time we were in Sagada was spent walking down up and down hill which I love doing it. I can never explain what Sagada experience and adventure is made me the best place to visit. At the area, we saw a lot of flowers blooming that time and big green pine trees all over the place. We've just had a quick rest and proceed to our next destination. This area is open to public and no entrance fee. 

How to Get to Hanging Coffins of Sagada in Mountain Province

Going to the famous Hanging Coffins of Sagada. How to Get There? 

This site is also one of the favorite spots of foreign tourist, backpacker, adventurer and locals in Sagada, Mountain Province makes me fairly challenging to visit because of stiff road and slippery side of the mountains. From the town proper of Sagada, we take about 20-30 minutes trekking time. We passed through the church of St. Mary the Virgin, Sagada Cemetry and then Echo Valley. I saw a lot of tourist that time, they have their own map provided by their tourist guide. I always believe that it is better knowing and being prepared. I always in my mind that we should first see what our beautiful country offers before going to other countries. I will provide map going to Hanging Coffins of Sagada. Please check out below. Happy Trip - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines.

Famous Sagada Hanging Coffins in Mountain Province

Yes, I finally got a photo souvenir at the famous hanging coffins of Sagada at the middle of pine trees and luxuriant plants. Sagada is a very beautiful and amazing spot for those who love hiking or trekking around big trees, mountains and nature environment. No need to wear hiking or trekking gear actually. Slippers or comfy sandals will do. As per our guide, there is one of coffins here buried last 2 years ago (2011), these painted brown coffin below. The people of Sagada continue burying their dead in this side of the rocky mountain near the Echo Valley. We also made think of it, how it was formed and you'll find it only in the Sagada, Mountain Province because of their old traditions and rich-culture. Make sure you get a guide as some of the area are hard to reach and road can be tricky to navigate. The people prefer to be buried them in the rock cliffs including their personal things than to be buried in the ground and have been doing this for more than 2,000 years. Well, passing through this area is much fulfilling and make me proud of the people of Sagada and the Mountain Province. During our trip, there are a lot of foreign tourist along the way and meeting another group along the way made our Hanging Coffins Sighting more enjoy, fun and memorable.  Thank you and let's travel around the Philippines.